The South Korean government has posthumously awarded the Moran Medal of the Order of Civil Merit to the late Suh Myung-sook, the founding president of the Jeju Olle trail network, in recognition of her contributions to Korean culture and tourism.
Suh Myung-sook, who passed away in 2024, was the visionary behind the Jeju Olle walking trail, which opened in 2007 and has since become a major tourist attraction on Jeju Island, drawing millions of visitors and inspiring similar trails across South Korea.
The Moran Medal is one of the highest civilian honors in South Korea, typically awarded for outstanding cultural achievements. The award was announced on July 19, 2026, according to official government sources.
Her legacy continues through the Jeju Olle Foundation, which maintains the trail network and promotes eco-friendly tourism and community development on the island.
