[One Day Ten Thousand Steps] "Walk with Foreign Friends"... Jeju Olle 'Walking Mate'

Operated 33 Times Since April 1 Last Year
Recruiting 5th Batch of Working Mates Until April 4 Next Month

In Jeju Island, there is a ‘Walking Mate’ program where participants walk the Olle Trail alongside foreigners from various language backgrounds and earn volunteer hours. Those who can speak foreign languages such as English, Chinese, and Japanese become walking companions and introduce Jeju’s history, culture, and the Olle Trail to foreign walking travelers.

Walking Mate has been operated a total of 33 times since April 1st last year. The walk starts at the Soesokkak Bridge, the starting point of Olle Trail Course 6, and continues together to the Jeju Olle Traveler Center at the end point. Course 6 is 11 km long and relatively easy, making it a good section for various age groups to walk. It can be completed in about 4 hours and passes by many attractions such as Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market and Lee Jung-seop Street.

Over the course of about a year, foreigners from a total of 25 countries including the United States, Canada, Spain, Taiwan, France, Hungary, and Japan participated. It has been praised as “a time to truly experience Jeju by walking with a local friend.” A participant from Singapore, Ms. Qian Hui Ang, said, “I fell deeply in love with the charm of the Olle Trail through Walking Mate and plan to participate in the Jeju Olle Walking Festival held in fall 2024.” Some foreigners have even planned to complete the entire Jeju Olle Trail after meeting Walking Mate.

Walking Mate was also involved in the product development process for young Chinese travelers wishing to visit Jeju. Last month, 105 employees of the ‘54 Traveler’ travel agency based in Shanghai, China, surveyed parts of Jeju Olle Courses 5 to 7.

The Jeju Olle Foundation is recruiting the 5th generation of Walking Mates until noon on the 4th of next month. Anyone who can communicate in foreign languages and wishes to guide foreigners from various language backgrounds along the Jeju Olle Trail can participate. The program consists of indoor education and field training to learn the theoretical information needed for leading walks, as well as an internship process for hands-on guiding. Upon completion, participants can become official Jeju Olle Walking Mates. Volunteer hours are recognized through the 1365 volunteer system during activities. Additionally, participants are given opportunities to take part in various international events held by Jeju Olle.