[Harumanbo Harucheonja] Why Nordic Walking Has Strict International Regulations

Nordic Walking began in 1930 when Finnish cross-country skiers used ski poles to train by walking during the snow-free seasons. Centered in Finland, the country of origin, it underwent continuous improvements in theory, exercise methods, and equipment development, becoming popular across Europe from the 1980s onward. Because it uses poles to engage both upper and lower body muscles, it activates 90% of the body's muscles. Compared to regular walking, it burns 18-67% more calories. The poles help distribute body weight, significantly reducing the strain on the lower back, knees, and ankles, making it ideal for the elderly who need to revive weakened muscles and improve blood circulation.

On September 24, 2023, the ‘2023 Korea Forest Service Director’s Cup Nordic Walking Competition’ will be held at Goseong Sports Complex and the Goseongsan area in Goseong-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. The competition is divided into an elite division (11 km) and an amateur division (5 km). The elite division is for participants with more than six months of Nordic Walking experience, while the amateur division allows participants to join after on-site training. Registration is open to the first 150 applicants, and there is no participation fee. All participants will receive a lunch box, souvenirs, and a completion medal.

For the elite division, the competition follows international regulations regarding start and finish times, proper Nordic Walking technique, and the use of Nordic Walking poles. The international rules are strict. First, the arms and legs must move alternately and naturally. Both feet and both poles must not be off the ground simultaneously. Running is prohibited. The pole must touch the ground simultaneously with the heel of the opposite foot. Except for steep uphill, downhill, or stairs, the pole should be positioned on the side between the toes of the front foot and the heel of the back foot. The body’s center of gravity must not be abnormally low. The poles must be used to push the body forward. When pushing the poles backward, the arms must extend, and the hands should reach at least the side of the body line, ideally passing behind the body line.

Additionally, when bringing the poles forward, the hand gripping the pole must pass the body. When placing the pole on the ground, the hand must hold the grip, and when pushing the pole backward, the palm should be actively opened. According to specific course rules, participants are allowed not to use poles only at beverage stations. Participants must wear the pole straps correctly and attach the race numbers provided by the organizers on both the chest and back. Participants must not block other participants’ paths.

Participants are learning Nordic walking at the 'Seoul Citizens Healthy Festival' held at Seoul Plaza. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

In this competition as well, violating international regulations results in disqualification after three yellow cards. Participants start in groups of 10 according to their bib numbers at the start line, and their posture on the track course is checked. Judges are stationed every 1 km along the entire course to monitor and check. Participants receive a certification stamp at the turnaround point before descending. The track course and finish point are also checked on the return. Rankings are determined by the order in which participants safely and correctly complete the course using proper Nordic Walking techniques.

The ‘2023 Korea Forest Service Director’s Cup Nordic Walking Competition’ is held during the 2023 Gangwon World Forest Expo. The ‘2023 Gangwon World Forest Expo’ runs for 31 days from September 22 to October 22, taking place in four cities connecting the Seorak to Geumgang areas: Goseong-gun, Sokcho-si, and Yangyang-gun. Approved as an international event, the Gangwon World Forest Expo is the world’s first of its kind, showcasing everything related to the ‘forest,’ which covers 81% of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, including its history, culture, lifestyle, and ecology, combined with peace content. The expo offers a variety of exhibitions, academic events, experiences, and entertainment for visitors to enjoy.