Journalists from the 10 ASEAN countries join a group photo with Mr Kim Jae-shin, the General Secretary of ASEAN-Korea centre and ambassadors of ASEAN countries, along with other authorities to mark the opening of the event in Jeju on Tuesday.

Korea promotes mutual cooperation with ASEAN through ASEAN media outlets

Journalists from ASEAN countries are attending the ASEAN Week 2025 in Korea during November 11-16 to foster people-to-people contacts and practical cooperation in Korea, and expand cultural, economic and media exchanges across Seoul and Jeju.
The ASEAN Week 2025, organised after the ASEAN-ROK Summit held in late October, will feature a series of programmes, including the “Commemorative Ceremony: Completion of the 10 ASEAN Benches at the ASEAN-Korea Olle”, the ASEAN Journalists Invitation Programme, the ASEAN-Korea Media Forum, and the ASEAN Trade Fair 2025.
Through these events, the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) aims to expand practical cooperation in fields such as culture, economy and media, while promoting cooperation between the people of ASEAN and Korea. 
At the opening of the “Commemorative Ceremony: Completion of the 10 ASEAN Benches at the ASEAN-Korea Olle” on November 11, Mr Kim Jae-shin, the Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, said: “It is a great pleasure to hold this commemorative ceremony to celebrate the installation of the 10 ASEAN benches here in beautiful Jeju, amidst the deepening autumn ambiance.”
He added, “I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who has graced this occasion with your presence despite your busy schedules. Furthermore, I offer my warmest welcome and deepest gratitude to the Ambassadors and representatives from the ASEAN member states in Korea, and to the journalists who have travelled a long way from the ASEAN region.”

Mr Songkane Luangmuninthone, the Lao ambassador to Korea (third from left), his wife and Mr Kim Jae-shin, the General Secretary of ASEAN-Korea centre (second from right), and two Lao journalists pose for a photo at  ASEAN Korea Olle-Laos.

He said the ASEAN-Korea Centre is an inter-governmental organisation mandated to promote economic and socio-cultural cooperation between ASEAN member states and Korea.
Through various exchange programmes, the Centre serves as a bridge, facilitating the deepening of cooperation and mutual understanding between ASEAN and Korea. “It was particularly meaningful that through this programme, we can broaden the scope of understanding of ASEAN here in Jeju, the most beautiful island of Korea,” he said.
Mr Kim pointed to the very special meaning of the event. “One year ago this November, to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of ASEAN-Korea Dialogue Relations, the Jeju Olle Trail Route 8, one of Korea’s most scenic trails, was designated the ‘ASEAN-Korea Olle’. It was a significant occasion to create a symbolic landmark where the friendship between Korea and ASEAN comes alive amid the beautiful backdrop of Jeju,” he said.
“Furthermore, it was one year in the making, and today, we presented a special space on the trail of friendship, which introduced and connects ASEAN and Korea. Ten benches symbolising the 10 ASEAN member states and their stories have been installed along the ASEAN-Korea Olle, offering visitors not only a place to rest but a special opportunity to discover and experience ASEAN,” he added.
The opening ceremony on Tuesday was attended by Mr Songkane Luangmuninthone, the Lao ambassador to Korea, his wife, other ASEAN ambassadors and two Lao Journalists. They also came together for a photo with Mr Kim at the ASEAN Korea Olle-Laos at one of 10 benches along the seaside in Jeju. 
The Vice Governor of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the CEO of the Jeju Olle Foundation also attended the event.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update November 13, 2025)