[One Day Ten Thousand Steps] Walking Competition Resumes After 4 Years... Local Residents Share Big Smiles

Seoul Gangdong Nonghyup Hosts 'Hangang Seonsa Archaeological Site Trail Walking Contest'
Over 5,000 Participants Explore Local Culture Along the Hangang River

"It is moving to be able to gather like this after 4 years. I hope we all have a happy day walking together."

On the 22nd, people began gathering in small groups early in the morning at the soccer field in Gwangnaru District, Hangang Park, Amsa-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul. A young mother holding tightly the hands of her two young daughters, a father pushing a stroller, a middle-aged son holding the hand of his elderly mother with white hair. The reason why about 5,000 Gangdong residents gathered in one place was none other than the 'Walking Contest.' The bustling soccer field, lively after a long time, was filled with an excited atmosphere. The yellow dust that had been a concern until the day before had subsided, allowing everyone to enjoy a bright and warm spring day.

Hosted and organized by Seoul Gangdong Nonghyup, this 'Hangang Prehistoric Site Trail Walking Contest' was more like a local festival than a competition. In the middle of the soccer field, the starting point of the walk, lively musical performances were held, and to the left of the stage, an event selling local agricultural products at affordable prices attracted long lines. At the photo zone for participants, children wearing cute animal headbands and families crowded to take pictures, and a spot handing out cool drinks and slushies in the warm weather was bustling with visitors.

Participants who have reached the turning point are receiving souvenirs.
Photo by Lee Gwanju

After the pre-event activities and stretching, the main walking contest began. Participants set off from the soccer field to the rhythm of cheerful djembe drums, walking a round-trip course of about 5 km that turned around the return point near Guri Amsa Bridge and returned to the soccer field. Although participants walked at their own pace, smiles bloomed on everyone's faces. Kim Hyerin (43), a mother walking with her 8- and 6-year-old daughters, said, "I came to enjoy the pleasure of walking leisurely with my children. The weather is nice and not too hot, so we are walking slowly and happily." She smiled, adding, "The kids are excited because it's fascinating to see the Hangang River up close."

At the return point set up in Hangang Park beneath the junction of Guri Amsa Bridge and Olympic-daero, passing Amsa Ecological Park, small gifts were provided for those who had walked energetically. Participants who received stretching equipment to relieve shoulder stiffness walked back along the Hangang River to the starting point. After walking about 7,000 steps for approximately an hour, participants returned to the soccer field, the starting point, with bright smiles, enjoying cool drinks and a raffle together.

Park Seong-jik, head of Seoul Gangdong Nonghyup Cooperative (left), and Hwang Jun-gu, head of Nonghyup Seoul Regional Headquarters, are cheering for the successful hosting of the walking event.
[Photo by Lee Gwan-ju]

Since its inception in 2017, the Hangang Prehistoric Site Trail Walking Contest has now reached its 7th year. However, this year's event was technically the 4th edition. After the 3rd contest in 2019, it was suspended from 2020 through last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed this year after 4 years. The residents' desire to enjoy walking and local festivals created a crowd at this event. Park Seongjik, chairman of Gangdong Nonghyup, said, "It is meaningful to hold this event after 4 years due to COVID-19, with good weather and the opportunity to communicate with many people." He expressed gratitude to participants, adding, "I hope everyone has a happy time experiencing the natural breeze and the historic site."

The Hangang Prehistoric Site Trail Walking Contest has become a representative walking event and local festival of Gangdong-gu thanks to Chairman Park's relentless efforts. Turning 70 last year, Park is widely recognized as a 'sports enthusiast' and demonstrates vigorous stamina. Enjoying various sports such as tennis, golf, and fitness, he considers walking the fundamental exercise. Chairman Park said, "Proud of Gangdong-gu's local culture, I thought about how to help the health of Gangdong Nonghyup customers and local residents. Since Gangdong-gu has a good environment and the Hangang River, I decided to host the walking contest." He added, "Walking is the basis of all exercise. I also try to walk a lot myself."