This year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan. While politically the relationship between the two countries may be anything but close, relationships at a more personal level may be strengthening. As Mike Balfour now reports, Olle walking trails are a great example of this.

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162,000 visit Kyushu Olle trails
Korean 64%, Japanese 36%

The concept of the Jeju Olle was exported to Japan in March, 2012 under the name of Kyushu Olle.

Japan initially introduced the concept and developed the Kyushu Olle walking trails to attract Korean tourists.

More than 162,000 visited the Kyushu Olle trails in the three and a half years up to this September.

Among them, 100,000, or 64 percent, were Koreans.

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Japanese Olle organizers meet goal of attracting Koreans

Japan has achieved its objective in attracting Korean tourists through the Olle. The Kyushu Olle has been widely recognized in the island country.

Tourism is changing from experiencing famous hot springs to walking trails in Kyushu.

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Kyushu Olle Symposium
JR Kyushu Hall, Fukuoka, Japan (Nov. 20)

There was a meaningful symposium held in southwest Japan to confirm the position of the Kyushu Olle to honor of 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan.

Participants of the event agreed that the Kyushu Olle means more than just walking trails to the two countries.

INTERVIEW
Ishihara Susumu / Chairman, Kyushu Tourism Promotion Org.
When Japanese walk Jeju Olle trails and Koreans walk Kyushu Olle trails, they meet each other on the trails, then they have a good feeling about each other’s country.
< 이시하라 스스무 / 규슈관광추진기구 회장 >
일본인은 먼저 제주올레를 걷고 한국인은 규슈올레를 걷다보면 사람들끼리의 만남이 있고 지역도 좋아하게 될 것으로 생각합니다.

INTERVIEW
Park Jin-Ung / Korean consul general in Fukuoka
The Olle trails have opened a new chapter for the tourism industry of the two countries and I believe that they can act as ‘infrastructure’ for personal exchanges.
< 박진웅 / 주후쿠오카 대한민국 총영사관 총영사>
올레는 한일 양국 간 관광의 새로운 장을 여는 한편 서로를 이해하고 좋아할 수 있게 만드는 인적교류의 인프라가 될 수 있다고 생각합니다.

Much of this success was possible because of the cordial interaction of trekkers on the trails.

Warm reception from area residents along the trails and local government’ constant efforts to manage the trails are necessary for more success.

INTERVIEW
An Eun-ju / Jeju Olle Foundation representative
If area residents give walkers a warm welcome, people will love the trails regardless of the region.
< 안은주 / (사)제주올레 사무국장 >
길에 사는 주민들이 여행자를 따뜻하게 맞아주는 환대 등을 열심히 하면 규슈나 제주올레든 사람들이 더 사랑하는 길이 되지 않을까.

[REPORTER]
Mike Balfour

The 16th and 17th Kyushu Olle walking trails have just opened. They are planning to create 30 trails in total.

The Kyushu Olle is facilitating necessary, meaningful bilateral exchange between Korea and Japan.

Mike Balfour KCTV