[One Day Ten Thousand Steps] The Nation is Now Swept by the 'Lifestyle-Oriented Barefoot Walking' Craze

Chungju City Creates 'Top 10 Barefoot Walking Paths'
Jangsu County Converts Equestrian Trails into Barefoot Walking Paths

Local governments are drawing attention by creating 'barefoot-friendly walking paths' to promote the health of local residents and establish walking as a daily habit. Walking barefoot is said to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in old age, prompting local governments to expand walking courses and focus on creating environments conducive to barefoot walking.

Chungju City, after opening a loess barefoot walking trail at Hoamji Pond earlier this month, is adding a total of 6.6 km of barefoot walking paths at nine locations in the city, embarking on the creation of the 'Top 10 Barefoot Walking Paths.' Following the opening of three barefoot walking trails at Tangeumdae, Daegami Park, and Geumga Hagangseowon in May, by the end of this year, a 3 km barefoot walking path will be established at Gahung Waterfront Ecological Park, along with barefoot walking paths at five other locations including Citizen's Forest, Geumneung Small Park, Yahyeon Park, and Hyanggyo Dongsan Park. Additionally, a barefoot walking trail is planned to be opened by the second half of next year at the local garden (Neungam Wetland).

Cho Gil-hyeong, mayor of Chungju, said, "The public response to the recently created barefoot walking trail at Hoamji Pond has been enthusiastic," and added, "When promoting new projects that include walking paths, please consider paths that can be walked barefoot rather than relying solely on asphalt."

Changwon City in Gyeongnam Province plans to create a total of 53 barefoot walking paths by adding 27 locations this year and 8 next year, including the existing 18 'life-friendly barefoot walking paths,' in response to the nationwide barefoot walking craze. This year, with a budget of 2.8 billion KRW, barefoot walking trails totaling 8,422 meters will be constructed in six locations in Uichang, five in Seongsan, four in Masanhappo, nine in Masanhoewon, and three in Jinhae. In the second half of the year, a barefoot walking path map will be produced and provided to allow residents to view all barefoot paths in Changwon City at a glance.

Some places are converting horse riding trails into barefoot walking paths. Jangsu County in Jeonbuk Province is transforming the 'Horse Riding Road (10 km)' into a walking travel course by planting metasequoia trees. As the use of the horse riding road has recently decreased while interest in trekking has increased, the county decided to change its purpose. By the end of the year, the county plans to spend 1.1 billion KRW to plant about 2,000 metasequoia trees along both sides of the road and create barefoot paths and dog walking trails.