‘Barefoot Dongjak’ 40 Dirt Paths Renovated... Diversifying Walking Trails

Floor maintenance and signboard installation completed at Gogudongsan, with plans to expand convenience facilities and connect pocket rest areas

Dongjak-gu (Mayor Park Il-ha) has completed the “Barefoot Dirt Path 40” project to create various barefoot walking trails that can heal the body and mind of residents within the city.

“Barefoot Dirt Path 40” is part of the “Barefoot Dongjak” project announced by the district in March. The district revitalized existing natural dirt paths in parks, forests, and green spaces by maintaining their advantages and refurbishing them with a low budget to create everyday sports infrastructure for barefoot walking or jogging.

The main target sites include a total of 40 locations throughout the district, such as Gogudongsan, Daebang Park, and Seodalsan Dullegil, which residents already use barefoot or have naturally formed.

First, the surfaces were leveled and some sections mixed with loess soil to ensure safe and comfortable walking, and signboards were installed.

The signboards display the benefits of walking, correct walking posture, and precautions in an easy-to-understand manner using text and illustrations to promote healthy walking habits.

Additionally, convenience facilities such as benches were supplemented and expanded, and plans are underway to create another attractive barefoot path linked with the “Pocket Shelter,” a small and precious resting space scheduled to be built in the second half of the year.

To become a “walking-specialized district,” the district officially launched the “Barefoot Dongjak” project in March, which includes creating 61 barefoot paths such as “One Loess Path per Neighborhood.”

Currently, Dongjak-gu has opened barefoot loess paths in four parks: Boramae, Sangdo, Hyeonchung, and Daebang Parks, and plans to add six more locations by next month, including Gogudongsan, Nodeulnaru, Seodalsan (next to Saimdang Cafe), Kkachisan, Dohwa, and Samil Parks.

For user convenience, foot washing stations and shoe racks will be installed, and natural loess soil will be used to create moist and soft paths that people can feel directly while walking.

In the future, the district plans to sequentially expand barefoot loess paths to five locations such as Dorimcheon embankment and the dog park by the second half of the year, and five more locations including Seodalsan (Dalmasa area) and Sangdo Park by next year.

Park Il-ha, Mayor of Dongjak-gu, said, “We hope that the naturally formed dirt paths specialized as barefoot walking trails will allow all residents to take healthy and safe walks wherever their feet lead them.” He added, “This year, we will continue to expand barefoot loess paths to create Dongjak-gu as the best healing city.”