Chungnam 'Geotju' App Nears 300,000 Subscribers... Steps Equivalent to 1,673 Earth Circles

[Asia Economy (Hongseong) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The number of subscribers to the ‘Geotju’ app, developed and operated by Chungnam Province, is about to surpass 300,000.

According to the province on the 24th, as of the 20th, the total number of Geotju subscribers was counted at 286,143. Reflecting the total regional population of 2,119,296 as of the end of last month, this means that one out of every seven residents is subscribed to and using the Geotju app.

The number of subscribers by city and county was highest in the following order: ▲Cheonan 67,751 ▲Asan 39,280 ▲Seosan 25,008 ▲Dangjin 21,653 ▲Nonsan 17,224.

The number of subscribers by age group was distributed as follows: ▲Under 10 years old 62,951 ▲20s 18,638 ▲30s 35,829 ▲40s 59,922 ▲50s 49,052 ▲60s 38,416 ▲70s 18,428 ▲80 and above 2,907.

The oldest subscriber was confirmed to be a 98-year-old living in Taean, and the youngest was a 6-year-old living in Boryeong.

The total number of steps taken by Geotju app subscribers was counted at 95,574,826,897 steps. When converted to distance, it recorded a total of 66,900,379 km, equivalent to circling the Earth 1,673 times, which the province explained corresponds to a carbon reduction effect of 9,366,333 kg.

The individual who walked the most was a person in their 40s living in Geumsan, who, from January 2020 to the present month, averaged 40,892 steps per day and took a total of 35,250,000 steps.

Previously, the province developed the Geotju app as part of a sports welfare policy for local residents. In particular, 2,582 small groups by region, workplace, and school have been created and operated within the app, playing a role in activating the app.

The province regularly and irregularly presents challenges by province, city/county, and group, and supports users’ app usage by awarding points each time a challenge is achieved. The points received can be used like cash at cafes, convenience stores, and other places.

Additionally, for seniors aged 65 and over, a health incentive system is implemented, combined with an event that provides local agricultural products when they walk more than 200,000 steps per month.

A provincial official said, “Regular walking has effects such as alleviating depression, preventing kidney disease, improving memory impairment caused by aging, and relieving stress,” adding, “The province will strive to realize sports welfare for local residents through the Geotju app and to serve as a guardian of residents’ health.”