437km, 11.7 Million People, 317.5 Billion KRW... Jeju Olle in Numbers [Curiosity Lab]

Scene from the Netflix series 'Poksak Soksassuda'. Netflix

The Netflix series ‘Poksak Soksassuda’ features famous spots in Jeju such as Jeju Mokgwana, Seongsan Ilchulbong, Gimnyeong Beach, and the buckwheat flower fields in Ora-dong. Jeju Island is promoting its charm by broadcasting teaser videos through online channels, as well as on 1,200 locations including digital billboards and bus stops across the island. Another representative attraction of Jeju is Jeju Olle. Jeju Olle is a long-distance walking trail established on September 7, 2007, designed to heal both body and mind while walking around Jeju Island. ‘Olle’ is a Jeju dialect term meaning ‘an alley connecting the village’s main street and houses.’ Jeju Olle consists of a total of 27 courses, each averaging about 15 to 20 km, covering a total length of 437 km across the island. Completing one course typically takes about 5 to 6 hours, during which walkers experience Jeju’s diverse nature, scenery, ecology, and the daily life of Jeju residents by passing through stone walls around fields, tangerine orchards, coastal villages, and mid-mountain villages.

Provided by Jeju Research Institute

◆11.7 million visitors since 2007 opening... 7 out of 10 visited within 3 years

According to a recent study by the Jeju Research Institute titled ‘Economic Value Assessment of Jeju Olle,’ the number of visitors peaked at 3,000 in the first year (2007), 787,708 in 2010, and 1,192,481 in 2013. After a decline due to COVID-19, the number recovered to 956,465 in 2022, approaching previous levels. The cumulative number of visitors reached 11,706,320. A survey conducted from September 25 to 29, 2024, targeting 500 visitors aged 20 to 69 nationwide, found that about 71.60% of respondents had visited within the past year or within 1 to 3 years. The main reasons for visiting were enjoying natural scenery and relaxation, with tourism and walking for health also important motives. Notably, leisure activities with family or friends ranked third, indicating that Jeju Olle is recognized as a leisure activity destination.

Provided by Jeju Olle

◆Some visitors have visited 300 times... Economic value estimated at 317.5 billion KRW

The average number of visits to Jeju Olle is 5.7 times, with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 300 visits recorded. Among visitors, 46.2% had visited 2 to 3 courses, the highest proportion, followed by 15.0% who visited 1 course, 21.8% who visited 4 to 5 courses, 9.0% who visited 6 to 10 courses, and 2.6% who completed all 27 courses. The economic value of Jeju Olle is estimated at 317.5 billion KRW, combining use value of 214.2 billion KRW and non-use value of 103.3 billion KRW. Use value reflects the economic benefits perceived by visitors, with survey respondents indicating a willingness to pay an average of 7,225 KRW per person per day. Non-use value reflects societal recognition of the need to preserve Jeju Olle’s natural environment and scenery regardless of visitation, with respondents willing to pay an average of 16,260 KRW per person per day for its conservation.

Santiago Way marker located on Jeju Olle Trail Course 1. Provided by Jeju Olle

◆More than 27,000 completers... Reported health improvements

Jeju Olle introduced an official certification system for course completion in November 2012. As of the 13th, more than 27,000 people have their names listed on the ‘Hall of Fame’ on the Jeju Olle website. Walking is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Based on a survey conducted from June to December 2023 with 2,000 people who completed the Olle trail (572 respondents), the ‘Jeju Olle Trail Completion Health Effect Survey Report’ was published. Among completers, 97.2% reported improved mental health, 71.1% felt their overall health had improved, and they experienced better endurance and muscle strength. Additionally, 44.7% reported weight loss.

The Jeju Olle Foundation held a recent meeting with finishers who walked over 10,000 kilometers by completing the 27 courses totaling 437 km more than 20 times in 2024. Photo by Jeju Olle

◆Become a leader on the trail

Jeju Olle launched the ‘Leadership on the Trail’ program to offer executives and managers, who often suffer extreme work stress in today’s competitive society, a chance for healing and rejuvenation in nature. Unlike stiff and formal lecture halls, this is the first trekking leadership education conducted on the Jeju Olle trail, using nature as the classroom. Since its inception in 2022, the ‘Leadership on the Trail’ program has been held 11 times with over 160 participants. Companies such as Maeil Dairies Co., Ltd., Tilon Co., Ltd., Octa Solution Co., Ltd., and Korea Prepaid Card Co., Ltd. have executives participating in rotation each session.

Business leaders participating in the Jeju Olle "Leadership on the Road" program. Provided by Jeju Olle

Starting from the 2025 program, the frequency will be reduced from four times per quarter to twice a year (once in the first half and once in the second half), and the schedule extended from 2 nights and 3 days to 3 nights and 4 days to allow ample rest and networking time. The first half of this year’s program will be held from April 2 to 5, featuring in-depth conversations with notable mentors such as Seomyeong-sook, Chairperson of Jeju Olle; Park Yong-man, former Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Lee Byung-nam, former Director of LG Inhwa Institute. An Joon-ju, CEO of Jeju Olle Foundation, stated, “A survey of Jeju Olle completers showed that 9 out of 10 reported significant improvements in physical, mental, and social health after completing the trail. We hope that executives under high psychological pressure and mental fatigue will take this opportunity to freely reflect and connect with nature on the Olle trail, gaining inspiration.”