Wonju International Walking Festival to be Held on October 26-27

Over 10,000 Participants Including 1,000 Foreigners from 15 Countries Expected
"Enjoy the Autumn Atmosphere by Walking the Wonju Area Trails"

Wonju City (Mayor Won Kang-su) announced on the 13th that the "30th Wonju International Walking Festival," the largest walking festival in Korea certified by the International Walking Federation, will be held over two days on October 26 and 27 throughout Wonju City.

The Wonju International Walking Festival has been held in Wonju since the 2nd event in 1996 and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. It has developed into a walking festival that promotes human health and quality of life through exchanges with walking enthusiasts worldwide, while showcasing Wonju's history, culture, and beautiful natural scenery to the world.

Scenes from the Wonju International Walking Festival held last year.

Especially this year, the event is expected to attract the largest number of foreign participants ever. Over 10,000 walking enthusiasts from home and abroad have registered, including about 1,000 foreigners from 15 countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the United States, Japan, and China.

Before the main event, on Friday, October 25 at 5 PM, a "Peace and Health Prayer Bell Ringing Ceremony" will be held at Chiak Jonggak with foreign participants to pray for the safety of the event. Afterwards, participants will move to the Wonju Villard Amour Convention Hall for the "International Friendship Night" event.

The main walking festival will take place over two days, October 26 (Saturday) and 27 (Sunday). Although the course directions differ by day, the start times are the same on both days: 9 AM (30 km), 12 PM (20 km), 11 AM (10 km), and 12 PM (5 km).

Participants of the 29th Wonju International Walking Festival held last October walking along the walking course around Wonju city.

On Saturday the 26th, the course heads southwest toward Musil-dong, Heungup-myeon, and Panbu-myeon. Participants will pass through Central Park Trail, Musil Orchard Trail, and Yonsei University Maeji Forest Road, enjoying beautiful scenery along the way.

On Sunday the 27th, the course heads northeast toward Bangok Gwanseol-dong, Haenggu-dong, and Bongsan-dong. Participants will walk along the Wonju Stream Riverside Trail, Innovation City Trail, Chiaksan Mountain Trail (Courses 1 and 11), Ungok Pine Breeze Forest Trail, and Chiaksan Wind Forest Trail, enjoying the beautiful autumn scenery of Wonju.

Notably, the 20 km and 30 km courses on the 27th include forest paths to ensure participant safety and incorporate the Chiaksan Wind Forest Trail, which utilizes an abandoned railway.

For participants, the main venue at the Dancing Performance Hall (Youth Plaza) will offer health experience programs such as body fat measurement, osteoporosis testing, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, and foot scanners. Additionally, various snacks and street food will be available, providing plenty of attractions and refreshments.

Poster for the 30th Wonju International Walking Festival held over two days on October 26 and 27 this year.

Participants can register through the event’s online website or by visiting the event office located on the first floor of the Wonju National Sports Center. On-site registration will also be available on the day of the event. The participation fee is 10,000 KRW per person, with discounts for groups of 30 or more: 8,000 KRW for general participants and 5,000 KRW for high school students and younger. Participants will receive souvenirs, course maps, check cards, bib numbers, and completion certificates.

Won Kang-su, Mayor of Wonju, encouraged wide participation, saying, "Participants in the Wonju International Walking Festival will be able to create wonderful memories walking with people from around the world under the deepening autumn sky and amidst the beautiful waves of autumn foliage in Wonju."