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The government honored Seo Myeong-sook (1957–2026), former chairperson of Jeju Olle, who died in April, by posthumously presenting the National Medal of Honor to the Moran Chapter. Seo was instrumental in establishing the Olle trails on Jeju Island, which led to a widespread “walking trend” across the country.

On the 18th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated that Minister Chae Hwi-young went to the Jeju Olle Traveler Center in Seogwipo, Jeju, to award the medal to the late chairperson.

Born in Seogwipo, Jeju, Seo was a journalist who held the position of editor-in-chief at *Sisa Journal*. As a pioneer in political reporting, she spent 22 years working in the media industry.

In September 2007, she founded the Jeju Olle Corporation and launched the initial Olle trail. By 2022, she had finished 27 routes (437 km) across Jeju, including the 18-2 course, which was the 27th route.

She has been honored with many awards, such as the Presidential Citation (2009, 2017), Jaem Culture Award (2010), Ilga Foundation Ilga Award in the Social Public Benefit Category (2013), National Medal of Honor Camellia Chapter (2017), Korea YWCA Federation Korean Women Leaders Award Grand Prize (2021), and Jeju Green Award Heritage Merit Award (2025).

A representative from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism mentioned, “The late chairperson created an ecological and cultural area where nature, visitors, and residents live together in balance via walking tours, making a major impact on the growth of sustainable tourism. She also promoted the Jeju Olle trails as a global example for walking tourism, promoting the importance of walking within society.”

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