Yongin Sosilbong Neighborhood Park's Old Walking Path Transformed into a 3-Color Barefoot Trail

Composed of Hwangto, Sanheuk, and Masato... Equipped with Foot Washing Stations, Shoe Racks, and Benches

Yongin City in Gyeonggi-do announced on the 27th that it has renovated the old walking trail at Sosilbong Neighborhood Park in Sanghyeon-dong, Suji-gu, into a barefoot path.

A view of Sosilbong Neighborhood Park in Sanghyeon-dong, Yongin, where the old walking trail has been renovated into a three-color barefoot path.
[Photo provided by Yongin City]

This barefoot path was created by refurbishing the remaining sections and the lawn plaza after partially renovating the existing walking trail in 2022.

The city designed the trail to allow visitors to experience the textures of three types of soil?hwangto (yellow soil), mountain soil, and sandy soil?barefoot. In the worn-out sections of the existing trail where grass mats had been laid, sandy soil and mountain soil were added so visitors could feel the texture of the soil barefoot. A hwangto path was created in the lawn plaza, and convenience facilities such as a foot-washing station equipped with drainage, shoe racks, and benches were also installed.

At the park entrance, a comprehensive guide map and facility information board were installed. The information board was designed like a photo zone using Yongin City's representative character, Joayang, with the park scenery as the background for taking pictures.

The city is also considering expanding drainage facilities to prevent sandy soil erosion on the sloped sections of the barefoot path and installing lighting for nighttime users.

A city official said, "We created the barefoot path so that citizens can heal by experiencing various soil textures in the urban area," adding, "We will continue to carefully manage the park by addressing any shortcomings and making improvements."