Daegu Dalseonggun (Governor Choi Jaehoon) has newly established the first barefoot trails in Guji-myeon at three locations, including Changri Park.
As healing and well-being activities enjoyed in nature are gaining popularity nationwide, this project was promoted to meet the demand for healthy leisure activities and nature-friendly rest spaces among local residents. It is attracting attention as a lifestyle-oriented infrastructure that helps people incorporate walking into their daily routines.
The newly created barefoot trails are located at three sites: Changri Park (400 meters), National Industrial Complex No. 1 Neighborhood Park (500 meters), and Eungam-ri Buffer Green Space (700 meters), with a total length of 1.6 kilometers and a width of 1.5 meters.
The entire length of the trails is paved with functional decomposed granite, which provides excellent drainage, resulting in minimal water accumulation and reduced slipperiness even during rainy weather, thereby ensuring a safe walking environment. In addition, the unique texture of the natural materials gently stimulates the soles of the feet, offering a natural acupressure effect and further enhancing the benefits of barefoot walking.
Convenience facilities such as foot-washing stations have also been installed along each trail, allowing residents to use the trails more comfortably. In particular, the trail created in National Industrial Complex No. 1 Neighborhood Park was implemented through a resident participation budget proposal, making it a meaningful example of policy reflecting the actual needs of the community.
Barefoot walking is known to have various health benefits, including stimulating the senses of the soles, promoting blood circulation, boosting immunity, improving posture, and relieving stress. Daegu Dalseonggun expects that this project will not only improve the health of its residents but also contribute to their psychological well-being and provide restful spaces in daily life. Furthermore, the local government believes it will have a positive impact on the spread of walking culture and the creation of a nature-friendly urban environment.
Choi Jaehoon, Governor of Daegu Dalseonggun, stated, "I hope that the first barefoot trail established in the Guji area will provide real benefits for the health and quality of life of our residents," adding, "We will continue to create an urban environment where nature and people coexist in harmony within the living areas of our community."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
