The concept of the Jeju Olle was exported to Japan in March 2012 as Kyushu Olle. This year, Japanese Olle organizers are visiting Jeju to gain know-how in trail management. Mike Balfour has more.
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Jeju Olle Trail 3-B in Onpyeong-ri, Seongsan-eup

A dozen trekkers gather at (온평) Onpyeong Port in (성산읍) Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, the starting point of Olle trail 3-B.

They walk along the snaking trail enjoying the sea breeze.

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Kyushu tourism agency and Kyushu Olle organizers visit Jeju

The clear sea reflects the blue sky along the black soil trail.
The group is from a Kyushu tourism agency and the Kyushu Olle organization in Japan.

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Jeju Olle Foundation shares management experience

They come to the island to seek advice on managing trails to apply to the Jeju Olle’s sister trails in Kyushu.

They listen carefully as the Jeju Olle organizers’ explain such things as ribbons for guiding trekkers and weeding the paths.

INTERVIEW
Im Dong-hyeon / Jeju Olle Foundation
The Japanese team was amazed by the dramatic changes of scene along the trail. Jeju trails are like a well-organized passage that has an introduction, a development, a turn, and a conclusion. I think the team learned this point.
< 임동현 / 제주올레 탐사기획팀장 >
(일본 관계자들이) 제주올레가 가지고 있는 변화, 코스의 다양한 스토리를 보고 많이 놀라워 했습니다. 글에도 기승전결이 있듯이 코스에도 기승전결이 있는데 그런 것들을 보고 배워가는 것 같고요.

After a long walk, they arrive at (신산리) Sinsan-ri’s community owned cafe.
The cafe designed by the Jeju Olle Foundation utilizes locally grown green tea and sells green tea products like ice cream, chocolate and latte. The proceeds of these products benefit the local community.

[camera]
Ko Moon-su

The Japanese group is very interested in the community-run business.

INTERVIEW
Inoue Yuuji / Takeo municipal administration, Japan
We want to have similar businesses along the Kyushu trails in order to enrich the communities.
< 이노우에 유우지 / 일본 다케오시 영업부장 >
저희도 장래에 지역의 산업과 기업, 주민들이 이런 것들을 배워서 해야겠다는 생각을 했습니다.

[reporter]
Mike Balfour

The exchange of ideas and experiences by the Jeju and Kyushu Olle organizers paves the way to a more harmonious exchange between Korea and Japan.

Mike Balfour KCTV