Health Promotion, Carbon Neutrality, and Revitalization of the Local Economy
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province will hold a 'Car-Free Street Walking' event on April 26 in the old downtown area (Tapdong~Seomun Rotary~Gwandeokjeong~Tamna Culture Plaza).
This event, now in its second year, is part of an effort to raise public awareness and improve Jeju's poor health indicators. Currently, Jeju has the highest obesity rate in the country and ranks 13th in walking practice, highlighting the importance of daily walking more than ever.
Under the slogan "Jeju Encountered on the Road, New Changes Starting from the Streets," the event aims to encourage residents to walk through the old downtown filled with memories, rediscover the value of forgotten spaces, and experience the potential for healthy change through walking.
This year, the walking event will take place in the old downtown of Jeju City to revitalize the local economy and boost consumption amid the ongoing economic downturn.
The event will start at 9 a.m. at Tapdong Plaza, pass through Seomun Rotary, Gwandeokjeong, Jungang Rotary, and Shinhan Bank, and finish at Tamna Culture Plaza at noon. The roads along the event route will be completely closed from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., except for one lane reserved for emergency vehicles.
The course is easily accessible by public transportation, and advance publicity will be strengthened to encourage participants to use public transit on the day of the event.
Along the route, participants will enjoy not only walking but also various side events such as performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities throughout the city center, allowing them to fully experience the charm of the old downtown.
Noteworthy side events include the "Sketchbook on the Road," where children can freely write and draw on car-free streets to foster creativity, and the "Children's Alley Playground" in front of Gwandeokjeong, where children can experience traditional games. Various programs tailored to children will also be offered.
To help participants share memories of the old downtown, about 100 black-and-white photos from the modern and contemporary era, preserved by the Urban Regeneration Support Center, will be displayed along the walking course. On these streets where past and present intersect, residents are expected to reflect on the changes and memories of the old downtown and feel emotional resonance and nostalgia through the photos.
In addition, a variety of cultural events such as traditional folk performances and busking will be held at major points so all generations can enjoy the event together.
By adding lively sights and sounds to the joy of walking, the event is expected to become more than just a simple walking event, transforming into a walking festival where participants of all ages, from families to seniors, can empathize and enjoy together.
Environmental organizations and clubs selected through a program contest commemorating Earth Day will also participate, running eco-friendly promotion and experience booths and holding public transportation usage certification events.
In particular, the eco-friendly promotion and experience booths are privately organized programs in which interested organizations and clubs participate through open calls, adding further meaning to the event.
Participants who complete the walking course will receive a small souvenir to enhance the fun of walking and naturally encourage the use of nearby businesses, further increasing the effectiveness of the event.
Additionally, in collaboration with the Urban Regeneration Support Center, various programs will be offered to allow participants to deeply experience the charm of the old downtown.
Especially, small-group tours with different themes, such as alley tours and urban regeneration tours, will be organized so participants can directly experience the stories and spaces throughout the city center.
These programs are open to everyone regardless of age, providing an opportunity to newly discover the value and significance of the old downtown, which is often overlooked.
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province hopes this 'Car-Free Street' walking event will help residents rediscover the joy of walking in daily life and uncover new charms of the old downtown.
Jo Sangbeom, Director of Safety and Health, said, "We hope this event, which connects the community through walking, revitalizes local businesses, and moves us toward a sustainable, pedestrian-friendly city, will be the starting point for positive changes in residents' lives. We will continue our efforts to achieve Jeju's goals of carbon neutrality and a sustainable society."
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