[One Day One Thousand Characters] The 11th of Every Month is 'Walking Day'... Promoting Busan Through Walking

In Busan, the 11th of every month is Walking Day. It started in 2022 for the health and enjoyment of citizens. It is the 'Walking Day on the 11th of every month' campaign. The purpose is to practice walking in daily life once a month, on the 11th of every month. The date '11,' which resembles two legs, was given special meaning.

This campaign is linked with the 'Gwangandaegyo (Diamond Bridge) Walking Festival,' held on Busan's iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge, and focuses on promoting 'Walking Day on the 11th of every month' and the 'Walking Rules 3·3·3' to participating citizens.

The 'Walking Rules 3·3·3' emphasize nine rules in three categories: on walking days, ▲use public transportation ▲use stairs ▲walk separately or together; before walking, ▲wear a mask properly ▲check your temperature ▲sanitize your hands; while walking, ▲in small groups (10 people or fewer) ▲keep distance from each other ▲walk with correct posture. These rules highlight personal hygiene and proper walking.

Additionally, the Walking Day campaign also promotes the 'YOLO Galmaetgil.' The 'YOLO Galmaetgil' is a walking travel route that visitors to Busan must try, designed as tourist-friendly courses that can be completed within half a day each. It consists of a total of 10 courses: 7 coastal routes, 1 riverside route, and 2 mountain hiking routes, allowing people to experience Busan’s unique charm where pristine nature such as mountains and sea beautifully coexist with the urban environment.

Various walking events are held in cooperation with districts and counties. Yeongdo-gu operates a month-long Walking Day program linked with neighborhood walking clubs along the Jeolyeong Coastal Walkway and other locations. Busanjin-gu runs a walking tour program for tourists called ‘Seomyeon Ae Gamyeon.’ Buk-gu, Yeonje-gu, Sasang-gu, and Gijang-gun also plan to carry out Walking Day campaigns tailored to their respective conditions.

Park Hyung-jun, Mayor of Busan, said, "Walking is an exercise that anyone can easily do in daily life, and walking while connecting with beautiful nature helps relieve stress and strengthen immunity, benefiting health." He added, "I hope that even once a month, in the warm and cozy weather, people find peace of mind and take care of their health through walking activities."