What Is the Correct Way to Walk? Nowon-gu Teaches How to Walk Healthily

Education on walking posture, posture correction, and walking guidance methods
Up to 50 residents aged 20 or older living in Nowon-gu eligible for walking guidance activities
First-come, first-served registration from January 26 to February 8, education starts February 20

Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will start the 'Walking Activist Training Program' to support the healthy lives of residents by promoting a walking culture.

Walking is the easiest aerobic exercise that anyone can safely engage in without special equipment or cost. It is known to provide many health benefits, including improved blood circulation, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, stress relief, muscle strengthening, and reduction of body fat. However, walking correctly is important, as walking with improper posture can negatively affect health.

Since declaring 'Walking City Nowon' on June 1, 2019, the district has been striving to promote walking practices through the operation of walking clubs and training of walking activists.

Walking activists acquire proper walking methods, pedestrian posture correction, teaching techniques, and professional knowledge through education. Since the first group of 28 members in 2019 and the second group of 38 members in 2023, a total of 66 activists are currently active.

Until 2022, they participated as assistants in various walking classes such as Nowon Healing Walking, and from this year, they are expected to actively work as instructors in walking classes.

The current recruitment for the walking activist training course is for 50 people. Applicants must be at least 20 years old and reside in Nowon-gu. The application period is 14 days from January 26 to February 8 this year. Recruitment is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the training will be held over four days from February 20 to 23.

The training consists of a first phase of 16 hours of theory and practical education on walking and health, walking posture analysis, and teaching methods, followed by a second phase of group walking instruction practice. Upon completion of both phases, participants will receive a Level 2 Walking Instructor certificate and be appointed as walking activists. The group walking instruction practice hours are also recognized as volunteer hours.

Last year, Nowon-gu achieved the honor of ranking first among Seoul's autonomous districts and second nationwide with a walking practice rate of 69.6%, according to the '2022 Community Health Statistics' announced by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. This year, the district continues various efforts to support residents' walking and increase the walking practice rate.

Well-maintained walking paths that reflect the local characteristics of Nowon-gu, such as Bulamsan and Suraksan mountain trails and the Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail, are being continuously developed. Various programs, including walking club activities and senior citizen Nowon Healing Walking, are also operated by strengthening resident participation and cooperation. In particular, this year, a walking mileage app will be developed and piloted to accelerate the activation of residents' daily walking.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “We ask for great interest in the walking activist training program that helps residents take healthy steps,” and added, “This year, we will do our best to contribute to improving the health level of Nowon residents by discovering various walking paths and operating walking programs.”