The ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) today announced the completion of the 10 ASEAN Benches project along the ASEAN-Korea Olle Trail on Jeju Island, marking a new chapter in ASEAN-Korea friendship and cultural exchange.
The commemorative ceremony, held on Jeju Island, South Korea’s the largest island and a popular tourist destination, opened the week-long ASEAN Week 2025 (November 11–16), which will expand cultural, economic and media cooperation across Seoul, Jeju and Ilsan.
Jointly organised by the AKC with the support of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Jeju Olle Foundation, the event celebrated the culmination of a year-long initiative to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of ASEAN-Korea Dialogue Relations, first marked in 2024 with the designation of Jeju Olle Trail Route 8 as the ASEAN-Korea Olle.
The 17.6-kilometre trail now features ten artistically designed benches, each representing an ASEAN member state. It was described as “symbolising peace, friendship and the enduring partnership between ASEAN and South Korea”.
In his welcoming address, Kim Jae-shin, AKC secretary-general, expressed his gratitude to ASEAN representatives and Jeju officials for their partnership in realising the project.
“This commemorative ceremony celebrates the installation of the 10 ASEAN benches here in beautiful Jeju, in an ambience that reflects the deepening of our friendship,” Kim said.
“It was one year in the making, and today we present a symbolic space where the friendship between Korea and ASEAN flourishes against the stunning backdrop of Jeju,” he added.
He added that the benches — designed to harmonise with the island’s natural volcanic landscape — “offer not only a place to rest, but also a meaningful opportunity to experience the deep cultural solidarity and values of mutual understanding between ASEAN and Korea.”
Wong Kai Jiun, Singaporean ambassador and chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul, congratulated the AKC on the completion of the project, describing it as “a full circle moment” for ASEAN-Korea relations.
“This ceremony celebrates not only the completion of the ASEAN benches but also the people-to-people bonds that have always defined our partnership,” Wong said.
“Initiatives like the ASEAN-Korea Olle Trail promote the softer, human dimension of ASEAN-Korea relations and strengthen the foundations of our friendship,” he added.
Kim Ae-sook, vice-governor of Jeju province, highlighted the island’s ongoing efforts to build sustainable exchanges with ASEAN cities, noting that Jeju currently maintains partnerships with seven cities across the region, including Bali, Da Nang, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Cebu.
“Today we leave a new footprint on the path of friendship that Korea and ASEAN have walked together,” Kim said.
“These benches, which embody the culture and art of the 10 ASEAN countries, symbolize friendship and peace between Jeju and ASEAN. We will continue to walk hand in hand with ASEAN nations to strengthen cooperation in culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges,” he added.
Ahn Eun-joo, CEO of the Jeju Olle Foundation, noted that the ASEAN benches reflect the essence of the Jeju Olle Trail — a space for discovery, reflection and connection.
“The benches truly embody the spirit of the Jeju Olle Trail — walking slowly, resting and connecting with nature,” Ahn said.
“The ASEAN-Korea Olle Trail will now welcome even more visitors as a path of friendship and exchange that connects people to people,” he continued.
The commemorative ceremony marks the opening event of ASEAN Week 2025, which aims to expand practical cooperation and cultural understanding between ASEAN and South Korea.
Other programs scheduled during the week include the ASEAN-Korea Media Forum, ASEAN Journalists Invitation Program, and ASEAN Trade Fair 2025.
Through these initiatives, the AKC aims to deepen mutual understanding and foster sustainable partnerships across multiple sectors — reaffirming the shared vision of an enduring ASEAN-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
