Every Step Engraves the Meaning of Liberation ... Gimhae City Hosts Forest Trail Walk for Liberation Day

On the morning of the 15th, the city of Gimhae in Gyeongnam held a forest trail walking event to commemorate the 79th anniversary of Liberation Day and to express hopes for peaceful reunification.

The event covered a round-trip distance of 5 kilometers, starting from Gimhae Stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the upcoming National Sports Festival and National Para Games in October. Participants walked past the shooting range, Samgye Baseball Stadium, Welfare Center for the Disabled, and returned via the Engineering Corps Tower.

The 79th Liberation Day Peaceful Unification Forest Trail Walking Event was held at Gimhae Stadium in Gyeongnam.
Photo by Gimhae City Hall

At the venue, various side events were organized, including face painting using skin-safe paints, InBody device experiences to check muscle mass, body fat, and body water levels, hands-on experiences with rowing and hockey?both official events at the National Sports Festival?as well as traditional games and making Taegukgi pinwheels.

Pre-event performances such as Taekwondo demonstrations and dance shows also offered entertainment and attractions for attendees.

The opening ceremony was attended by over 3,700 citizens, including Mayor Hong Taeyong, National Assembly member Min Hongcheol, Provincial Council Chair Choi Hakbeom, Gimhae City Council Chair An Seonhwan, Gimhae Sports Council President Seo Dongshin, and Gimhae Council of the National Unification Advisory Council President Song Yuchang.

Hong Taeyong, mayor of Gimhae City, Gyeongnam, is walking along a forest trail wearing a T-shirt featuring Toddeogi, the representative character of Gimhae City. Photo by Gimhae City Hall

Mayor Hong Taeyong, who joined citizens on the trail walk, said, "Reflecting on the patriotic martyrs who devoted themselves to the liberation of our country, this event became a meaningful occasion to remember the significance of Liberation Day while also caring for our physical and mental health."

He added, "In October, the National Sports Festival and National Para Games will be held in Gimhae. We will do our utmost to prepare for our guests by improving facilities such as the main venue, Gimhae Sports Complex, as well as accommodations, transportation, and the environment, so that both events can become grand festivals."