Oct 20, 2009, 13:53 GMT
Seoul - Is it time to plan a break from the tiring routines of everyday life? Or would you like to have a chance to think about your life or renew your vision? If so, you may be ready to walk one of the 15 routes of the Jeju Olle trail in South Korea.
The trail is a 200-kilometre path along the pristine coastal perimeter of Jeju Island where walkers of all ages can spend time healing, thinking and refreshing a tired mind.
The word olle comes from the old dialect of the Jeju Island, located at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, referring to narrow paths inaccessible to cars. Many of these olles have been recovered by local islanders and have become popular with visitors.
The 15 courses of the Jeju Olle path are not foot-blistering treks. Why hurry past sleepy villages, dazzling ocean views, sandy bays, and horse-racing ranches?
Kim Young Chull, 25, refreshes himself after his failed attempt to get a job. Here is a chance to immerse himself in varying nature scenes, as he walks along olle paths that wind through the narrow trails of lowland and highland.
'I am no longer depressed. I stretch myself out on the sand beach along the way, I chat with other walkers. I pass fruit farmers who toil under the sunlight. I get renewed strength,' Kim said.
The olle can be a path that bonds families and friends. Walkers are often mothers and daughters or fathers and sons who spend four to eight hours on each of the 15 olle paths.
It is a bonding moment to walk together along some of the 215 kilometres of self-guided trails through farmland and forests, grasses and palm trees, fresh water ponds and ocean vistas, waterfalls and cliffs, often all on a single journey.
'It is amazing to realize that my mother is such a great talker with stories to share. Walking together my mother feels like my friend,' said Kim Mi-Yeon, 22, who walks together with his mother on the course.
The path can also be inspirational for someone like a celebrity chef. Lim Ji Ho, 52, a famous chef, was walking along the olle path, finding herbs and flowers and discovering new recipes. He sometimes walks into local houses at their invitation and prepares a table with his own cook to serve the host family.
The Jeju Olle also provides the chance to join like-minded walkers. Walkers usually establish a base camp at a local house for a lazy walk into some olle courses. After a day-long walk, walkers get together at the dinner table, sharing their stories and chatting.
For years travellers have flocked to the Jeju island in search of the breathtaking beauty of the sunrise, the mystery of deep, ancient caves, marine sports like snorkelling or scuba diving, as well as golfing and horse riding or mounteering on Mt Halla with its huge crater. Lack of air access to the island was partially resolved after a couple of low-frills airlines launched an airlink between Seoul and Jeju.
Visitor numbers to Jeju island have increased thanks to the olle path, says the Jeju tourism association, for the olle provides a less expensive and nature-oriented alternative to the conventional travel options.
Jeju Olle has become a new travel business model for local islanders who would otherwise have felt they couldn't afford their own piece of paradise anymore due to the rampant construction of golf courses, hotels and casinos.
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