October 25-26 in Wonju, the Birthplace of Korea's Walking Movement
Over 10,000 Participants Expected, Including 1,000 International Guests
"A Unique Walking Journey Through Wonju's Autumn Foliage"
The 31st Wonju International Walking Festival, the largest walking event in South Korea certified by the International Walking Federation, will be held in grand fashion across Wonju, the birthplace of Korea’s walking movement, for two days on October 25 and 26, 2025.
The 30th Wonju International Walking Festival, the "Birthplace of Walking Exercise." Provided by Wonju City
The Wonju International Walking Festival has established itself as a global walking event that promotes human health and quality of life through exchanges with walking enthusiasts worldwide, while also showcasing Wonju’s history, culture, and beautiful natural scenery to the world.
This year’s festival will bring together 10,000 walking participants from Korea and abroad, including around 1,000 international walkers from 15 countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the United States, Japan, and China, who will all enjoy walking through Wonju’s autumn landscapes.
On the first day, October 25, the course heads southwest toward Musil-dong, Heungeop-myeon, and Panbu-myeon. Participants will take in beautiful views as they pass through Jungang Park Trail, Majang Park, Musil Orchard Road, and Yonsei University Mirae Campus.
On October 26, the route shifts northeast toward Bangokgwansel-dong, Haenggu-dong, and Bongsan-dong, following the Wonjucheon Riverside Trail, Innovation City Perimeter Trail, Chiaksan Perimeter Trail (Courses 1 and 11), Ungok Solbaram Forest Trail, and Chiaksan Baramgil Forest.
Although the courses differ by date, the starting times are the same on both Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 a.m. for the 30 km course, 10:00 a.m. for the 20 km course, and 11:00 a.m. for the 10 km and 5 km courses.
Additionally, at 10:30 a.m. on October 25, the main event venue will host the "Wonju 30th Anniversary Commemorative Sculpture Unveiling Ceremony." From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the first Youth Dance and Cheerleading Competition will be held on the special stage at the Dancing Performance Hall, offering participants a variety of exciting performances to enjoy.
Furthermore, a wide range of activities and attractions will be available, including a physical fitness certification program, body fat measurement and nutrition counseling, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, gait analysis, booths for walking gear, and stalls offering snacks and light meals.
Participants can register through the official website (koreawalk.kr), by visiting the event office (1st floor of Wonju National Sports Center), or on-site on the day of the event. However, online and in-person registration is available only until October 23, and on-site registration will be accepted only while commemorative gifts last.
'The Birthplace of Walking Exercise' 31st Wonju International Walking Festival Course. Provided by Wonju City
The participation fee is 10,000 won per person. For groups of 30 or more, the fee is discounted to 8,000 won per adult and 5,000 won for high school students and younger. All participants will receive commemorative gifts, a course map, a checkpoint card, a bib number, a completion certificate, and a participation button.
Won Kangsoo, Mayor of Wonju, said, "As autumn deepens and the colorful foliage waves across beautiful Wonju, I hope you will create wonderful memories walking together with people from around the world."
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