Shin Sang-jin, Mayor of Seongnam, Attends 'Daejang District Barefoot Dirt Path Opening Ceremony'
"Take Care of Your Health by Walking the Barefoot Dirt Path Frequently"
A New 'Healthy Life' Begins in Daejang District, Seongnam
Life in the city is convenient, but it has also distanced us from nature. In the concrete-covered urban center, people increasingly long for 'nature.' And now, one of the answers has begun in the Daejang District of Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province. It is the 'Barefoot Dirt Path.'
Seong Sang-jin, Mayor of Seongnam City, is delivering a greeting at the opening ceremony of the Barefoot Dirt Road in the Daejang District on the 12th. Provided by Seongnam City
On the 12th, a special path was opened at the badminton court in the neighborhood park of Daejang-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam City.
Shin Sang-jin, the mayor of Seongnam, attended the 'Daejang District Barefoot Dirt Path Opening Ceremony' held that day and shared the meaning of health and communication by walking the dirt path with residents.
Despite the rainy and gloomy weather, about 100 people attended the event, including Mayor Shin Sang-jin, members of the National Assembly, city council members, the president of the Daejang-dong Residents' Representatives Federation, and local residents.
Mayor Shin Sang-jin expressed his hope that "through the dirt path, people can directly feel the energy of nature and take care of both their body and mind," showing his determination to create a connection between the city and nature.
Walking barefoot on a dirt path has effects beyond a simple stroll.
This activity, called 'Earthing,' is known to have benefits such as reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and relieving stress by exchanging electrons between the earth and the human body.
Seong Sang-jin, Mayor of Seongnam City, attended the opening ceremony of the barefoot dirt road in Daejang District on the 12th, walking the dirt path with citizens and taking commemorative photos. Photo by Seongnam City
This natural healing trend is currently gaining worldwide attention, intertwined with the keywords 'well-being' and 'healing.'
In fact, Seongnam City has already shown a leading approach in creating barefoot dirt paths.
By July of last year, they had created 11 loess paths in areas such as Sujin, Wirye, and Huimangdae, and after spring renovations, all loess paths have been open and operational since mid-March.
The Daejang District dirt path is even more meaningful as it was created based on citizens' proposals. It is a good example of citizen-participatory urban planning rather than simple construction.
Seongnam City plans to continue creating additional dirt paths and is promoting the establishment of various nature-based resting spaces such as forest trails and ecological paths.
This is a multifaceted policy that contributes not only to environmental improvement but also to mental health, community strengthening, and local economic revitalization.
It is a precious pathway connecting people and nature, people with people, and the past with the future.
The healthy and warm city that Seongnam’s dirt paths are creating is eagerly anticipated to continue moving forward.
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