Walking Project Fully Launched on Dongjak-gu's Hwangtotgil and Barefoot Dirt Paths

A Total of 61 Sites Established Across Dongjak-gu Including Red Clay Paths, Barefoot Dirt Trails, and Walking Specialized Parks

Dongjak-gu (Mayor Park Il-ha) is officially launching the ‘Barefoot Dongjak’ project to heal the bodies and minds of residents in their daily urban lives.

The district announced that it is promoting this project to create health infrastructure where people can walk or jog barefoot throughout Dongjak-gu, aiming to become a truly ‘walking-specialized district.’

The ‘Barefoot Dongjak’ project plans to establish a total of 61 barefoot paths across all 15 neighborhoods in the area, including ▲20 barefoot loess trails ▲40 barefoot dirt paths ▲1 walking-specialized park, with the goal of developing these into landmarks.

First, the ‘20 Barefoot Loess Trails’ will be built by reflecting residents’ demands amid growing interest in walking on loess paths. Starting with the completion of ‘one loess trail per neighborhood’ this year, a total of 20 locations will be established by June next year.

Currently, Dongjak-gu has opened barefoot loess trails in four parks: Boramae, Sangdo, Hyeonchung, and Daebang. This year, 11 additional locations will be added, including ▲Sam-il Park ▲Gogudongsan ▲Seodalsan (next to Saimdang Cafe) ▲Dorimcheon embankment path ▲Pet dog park ▲Kkachi Children’s Park, with five more planned for next year.

The newly renovated barefoot loess trail courses will each be about 100 meters long and connected to existing park walking paths. Using natural, eco-friendly loess, visitors can feel the moist and soft texture directly with their feet. Convenience facilities such as foot washing stations and shoe racks will also be installed for users’ comfort.

Additionally, the ‘40 Barefoot Dirt Paths’ will be developed by May this year by improving naturally formed dirt paths in forests and other areas, installing benches, signboards, and other convenience facilities to diversify the barefoot walking experience with a different charm.

Furthermore, a distinctive ‘Walking-specialized Park’ that could not be seen in the middle of the city will be created around Kkachisan Park in Sadang-dong by May next year.

The ‘Walking-specialized Park’ will cover an area of 60,553㎡ and will include various courses such as barefoot loess trails, healing paths, and pond trails. It will be transformed into a representative park of Seoul where people can enjoy nature in the city by creating a forest with specialized tree species like bamboo and birch.

Park Il-ha, Mayor of Dongjak-gu, said, “Through the ‘Barefoot Dongjak’ project, we will strive to enable everyone to safely practice a healthy barefoot lifestyle wherever they go.” He added, “Furthermore, we will implement linked programs such as seasonal and regional walking events to create Dongjak-gu as the best healing city where people can enjoy sports and culture.”