<Photo description: Scene from the MOU signing ceremony between KOLON FnC, the Korea Forest Service, and the Korea Mountaineering Support Center. Lee Kyu-ho, Vice Chairman of KOLON Group, is fourth from the left, with Kim In-ho, Minister of the Korea Forest Service, standing to his right.>

- Laying the foundation for public–private cooperation to develop the East–West Trail across Korea 

- Aiming to set a new model of collaboration for the expansion of K-Trail

The KOLON Industries FnC Organization (KOLON FnC) announced that its outdoor brand KOLON SPORT signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Forest Service and the Korea Mountaineering Support Center on October 23 in Dosim-ri Village Forest, Chunyang-myeon, Bonghwa-gun, North Gyeongsang Province.

This MOU marks the beginning of public–private cooperation to develop Korea’s first long-distance backpacking route, the East–West Trail, into a world-class trail system. Spanning approximately 849 kilometers across 55 sections from Uljin in North Gyeongsang Province to Taean in South Chungcheong Province, 17 sections (244 km) are currently in pilot operation, with full completion expected by 2026.

The ceremony was attended by Kim In-ho, Minister of the Korea Forest Service; Kim Jeong-hoon, Managing Director  of KOLON FnC; and Seo Kyung-deok, Chairman of the Korea Mountaineering Support Center. Lee Kyu-ho, Vice Chairman of KOLON Group, also joined the 2025 East–West Trail Walking Event, symbolizing mutual cooperation and progress.

Through this agreement, KOLON SPORT plans to promote the East–West Trail by developing and donating a dedicated smartphone application and related systems, while also operating trekking and other outdoor programs. The Korea Forest Service will support policies and administration for fostering a sound mountaineering culture and boosting regional economies, while the Korea Mountaineering Support Center will provide system management and operational support.

Lee Kyu-ho, Vice Chairman of KOLON Group, stated, “KOLON SPORT aims to serve as a bridge connecting people and nature. From a long-term perspective, KOLON Group will continue to contribute to the promotion of the East–West Trail.”

Kim Jeong-hoon, Managing Director of KOLON FnC, commented, “Since 1973, KOLON SPORT has been dedicated to connecting people with nature and enhancing outdoor experiences through technology. Through this partnership, we will continue to build a safer and more structured foundation for everyone to enjoy the East–West Trail.”

Kim In-ho, Minister of the Korea Forest Service, added, “The East–West Trail is a path of coexistence that connects forests and people while revitalizing local communities. We hope this MOU will become a model case of public–private collaboration and lead to the development of the East–West Trail into a world-renowned K-Trail admired around the globe.”

 <KOLON SPORT, the Korea Forest Service, and the Korea Mountaineering Support Center sign an MOU for “Promoting Public Happiness and ESG Practices through Forest Trails.” From left: KOLON FnC Managing Director Kim Jeong-hoon, Korea Forest Service Minister Kim In-ho, and Korea Mountaineering Support Center Chairman Seo Kyung-deok.>