Seongnam City to Open Barefoot Dirt Path in Bundang Daejang District on the 12th

Shin Sang-jin: “Enjoy a Time of Healing and Relaxation While Savoring the Scent of the Soil”

Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 8th that it will open a ‘Barefoot Dirt Path’ within Daejang Neighborhood Park at 643 Daejang-dong, Bundang-gu, on the 12th.

‘Barefoot Dirt Path’ in Daejang Neighborhood Park. Provided by Seongnam City

On the day, at 2 p.m., the city will hold the ‘Daejang District Barefoot Dirt Path Opening Ceremony’ at the outdoor stage of Daejang Neighborhood Park, attended by Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin and about 100 local residents. Participants will experience walking on the dirt path barefoot and engage in an on-site talk session.

The Daejang District Barefoot Dirt Path was created with a total project cost of 366 million KRW, spanning 300 meters in length and 1.5 to 2.5 meters in width.

Seongnam City compacted the ground and paved it with loess soil along the section from the park’s outdoor stage to the gateball court to create the dirt path.

Birch trees, liriope, and moss phlox were planted around the dirt path, and shade shelters and benches were installed throughout to create a ‘Garden of Bare Feet.’

Convenience facilities such as foot washing stations and shoe storage boxes were also installed.

Mayor Shin Sang-jin said, “This dirt path was created and promoted for residents of the Daejang District, who are geographically located on the outskirts and had to use loess paths that were relatively far away. We hope everyone enjoys a healing and relaxing time while smelling the scent of the soil on the barefoot walking course.”

As part of the 8th term mayoral campaign pledges, Seongnam City has been promoting the loess path construction project since February 2023, spending a total of 6.8 billion KRW to create 11 loess paths by July last year.

The loess paths are located in Sujin, Huimangdae, Wirye, Hwangsong, Daewon, Sanseong, Jungang, Yuldong, Hwarang Park, the public space at 129-8 Imae-dong, and the public space at 79 Gumi-dong.

These loess paths have been popular, attracting a total of about 580,000 visitors last year.