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travelwww.biztechreport.comJeju Island:Halla Mountainand Olle Hikingby Jin-Suk YangJeju Island, the largestisland in South Korea,lies to the south of theKorean peninsula. It isa volcanic island but it iscurrently dormant.This volcanic island is dominated by HallaMountain, the tallest mountain in SouthKorea, which rises 1,950 meters above sealevel. Jeju Island’s unique geographical locationwith its subtropical climate, whichis much warmer than rest of the Koreanpeninsula, has made it a favorable touristdestination, appealing to many couples asa popular locale for honeymoon trips andto many tourists as a popular sightseeingdestination. Traditionally the major touristattractions in Jeju Island were its beaches,colorful natural scenery, historical relicsand national parks, but recently hiking hassurfaced as one of the most popular tourismthemes among Jeju Island visitors.Halla Mountain HikingHalla Mountain (1950 m), a dormant volcanocharacterized for its gentle slopes, issituated at the center of Jeju Island. Baeknokdam,its summit crater, is where thelegendary story has it that an ancient mysticwho traveled on a white deer came forrefreshment. Halla Mountain also features asteep cliff and rocks in a variety of shapes,along with the surrounding 40 oreums (parasiticvolcanos, or small volcanoes formedaround a major volcano), and the mountainboasts distinguished and outstanding scenicviews throughout the four seasons. HallaMountain is also called a living ecologicalpark because it acts as a natural habitat forapproximately 2000 of the 4000 species ofplants that are found in Korea. It also hasthe largest ecology of Korean fir trees at thesummit. For its outstanding scenic appeal, aswell as geological and biological value, HallaMoutain was designated as a World NaturalHeritage by UNESCO in the year 2007.There are six major trails for Halla Mountainhiking, namely, Eorimok, Yeonsil,Songpanak, Gwaneumsa, Donnaeko, andEoseungsaengak Trails. The Eorimok, Yeonsil,and Songpanak Trails are the most popularand recommendable.Eorimk Trail is a 6.8 kilometer long traillaid on the northwest side of Halla Mountainand begins at the Eorimok Square onthe 1100 Road. It is the most popular trailbecause the views of Jeju oreums can beseen right away. The Eorimik trail runsacross Witseoreum at 1,700 meters abovesea level. It stops at the junction of themountain’s southern cliff due to the RestyearSabbatical System around the top area.For a return course, trackers could take eitherthe Yeongsil or Donnaeko Trails.The Yeongsil Trail is southwest of HallaMountain which is a 5.8 kilometer course.The path to the trail is on the 1100 Road.Although it is the shortest course, the outstandingscenery along the trail is one ofa kind. It also offers the best autumn foliage.Because of the steep angle of the stonestairways from 1,400 meters above sea level,trackers may have to rest more frequently.The Rest-year Sabbatical System is currentlyapplied around the top of Halla Mountain.For this reason, trackers are only allowedto the junction of the mountain’s southerncliff after passing through Witseoreum atContinued from Page 33including foreign ownership ceilings in keyservices, and liberalizing product marketregulations.” Besides, it added, it’s “importantto foster a foreign investment-friendlyclimate by enhancing the transparency oftax and regulatory policies and reformingthe labor market.”The issue of social spending lay at the1,700 meters above sea level.Seongpanak Trail is a 9.6 kilometer longcourse that is located on the east side of HallaMountain. The trail begins at the 750 meterspoint above sea level on the 516 Roadthat runs across the mountain and the trailcontinues to the summit. It is a good coursefor trackers for all ages and genders due tothe trait’s gentle slope. The SeongpanakTrail boasts the spectacular beauty of springwith the field covered by azalea blossomsand greenery of the Korean fir trees. As areturn course trackers could take GwaneumsaTrail.Olle hiking“Olle” [Ole] is the Jeju dialect for a narrowpathway that is connected from thestreet to the front gate of a house. Hence,Olle is a path that comes out from a secretroom to an open space and a gateway tothe world. In a sense, if the road is connected,it is linked to the whole island and therest of the world as well. In short, Olle is atrail route path along the pristine coastalperimeter of Jeju Island that has been purposefullymarked by volunteers to enablewalkers of all ages to enjoy the unspoiledbeauty of the environment. When pronouncingthe word Olle, it sounds like saying“Would you come” in Korean, so Jeju’sOlle sounds like saying “Would you cometo Jeju?” Since the year 2007, when the firstOlle trail was opened, there have been effortsto develop and open more Olle trails.There are currently a total of twelve trailheart of the problem of overweening inequities.“Social spending – at 7.5 percent ofGDP – remains well below the OECD averageof 20 percent,” said the report, whileKorea’s “tax and transfer systems have thesmallest impact on inequality of any countryin the OECD area” and “well-targeted taxand benefit programs are needed to mitigateincreasing inequality trends.” That wasroutes equaling 200 kilometers of walkingtrails. It is said that trackers who explorethe Jeju Olle could experience peace, happinessand healing on the road.On average, each Olle trail is about tento eighteen kilometers long, and each offersa distinct opportunity to soak in thebeauty of the Jeju coastline that varies fromlowlands to highlands. Among the twelvemajor routes, route 7 which connects OedolgaeRock to Wolpyeong is known to be themost popular among visitors. This route is aseaside hiking trail beginning at OedolgaeRock and passing through Beophwan portand the Poonglim Resort until it reachesWolpyeong port. Some of the most lovedpoints on the route involve coming acrossabundant pampas grass and wildflowers.Moreover, visitors should never miss outon Soobong pathway and Soobong Bridge,which are named after Kim Soobong. Hebuilt the pathway and bridge himself usingshovel and pick to clear the road and movingbig stones to make the bridge.Hiking in Jeju Island is a unique experiencein a way that visitors can directly experiencethe natural environment. It offersvisitors the opportunity to fully enjoy JejuIsland itself, Halla Mountain, beaches, andoreums which have not been artificially manipulatedto fit a tourist’s needs. Hiking canbe done alone, with families, or even withfriends. To fully experience hiking in JejuIsland, participants need just three things:appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes,and some pocket money. A-Pan area in which Kim Dong-soo of the FairTrade Commission did not care to venturewhile calling for “open competition” on a“level playing field.” A-PDonald Kirk is the author of numerous books andarticles on Korean business and economic issues,including “Korean Dynasty: Hyundai and ChungJu Yung” and “Korean Crisis: Unraveling of theMiracle in the IMF Era.”38 | A-P BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY REPORT A-P BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY REPORT | 39