Han Changsoo Walks 43,000 km on the Jeju Olle Trail After Overcoming Cancer
A 15-Year, 7-Month Journey... Now Aiming for 150 Completions
The first person to complete all 27 Jeju Olle Trail courses 100 times has made history. The record-holder, Han Changsoo, who is 80 years old, walked a total of 43,000 kilometers-more than the circumference of the Earth-earning the distinction of being the first “100-time finisher” in the history of Jeju Olle.
Mr. Chang Sangsoo, who has completed the Jeju Olle Trail 100 times, and Ms. Seo Myeongsook, Chairperson of Jeju Olle. Jeju Olle
On November 27, the Jeju Olle Foundation announced that Han Changsoo (80) has completed all 27 Jeju Olle courses, which span a total of 437 kilometers, 100 times. This is the first time such a record has been achieved since the opening of Jeju Olle.
Han first set foot on the Olle Trail on April 4, 2010. Inspired by his daughter, who had completed the trail, he decided to take on the challenge. Although he was living in Seoul at the time, after repeatedly getting lost on the trail, he found a house in Namwon-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju just four days into his challenge and began walking the Olle Trail in earnest.
However, not long after starting his journey, Han was diagnosed with a series of cancers. He faced a grueling period: thymic cancer in 2012, blood cancer in 2013, and prostate cancer surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy in 2014. Even when standing was difficult, Han walked the Olle Trail on days without treatment. This process became both his rehabilitation and the driving force of his life.
After a long battle with illness, Han finally received his first completion certificate on December 21, 2017. He did not stop his walking routine, and on November 25 of this year, after 15 years, 7 months, and 21 days, he reached a cumulative distance of 43,136 kilometers, successfully completing his 100th round. This distance exceeds the Earth’s circumference of about 40,000 kilometers.
Han still walks more than 20,000 steps every day and actively promotes Olle culture by donating handmade walking sticks to fellow Olle hikers. His next goal is “to complete the trail 150 times within the next 10 years.”
Han shared his thoughts on this achievement, saying, “For me, the Jeju Olle Trail is the path of life and the path that saved me.”
An Eunju, CEO of Jeju Olle, stated, “Completing the trail 100 times is an incredible record, but what is even more moving is the dedication and perseverance Han has shown over the years. I hope many people will not let age or health hold them back, and that they will experience health and a sense of accomplishment by stepping onto the Olle Trail as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, the Jeju Olle Trail began with its first course in 2007 and now operates a total of 27 courses spanning 437 kilometers, including routes on the islands of Chujado and Udo.
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