Kaeho Lee Proposes "National Barefoot Walking Movement Support Act"
Central and Local Governments Required to Expand Facilities and Establish Basic Plans
Kaeho Lee, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.
Kaeho Lee, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Damyang, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, and Jangseong in South Jeolla Province, announced on September 18 that he has sponsored the "National Barefoot Walking Movement Support Act."
The proposed legislation stipulates that the central and local governments must establish and implement policies to promote the rapidly growing trend of barefoot walking as a national movement and make efforts to secure funding. It also requires the Minister of Health and Welfare to formulate and implement a basic plan every five years to invigorate the national barefoot walking movement. This plan must include the expansion of barefoot walking facilities, empirical studies on health benefits, and education and publicity related to barefoot walking.
The bill further specifies that heads of local governments should establish and operate barefoot walking trails and winterized barefoot trails, and that both the central and local governments may provide budgetary support for the installation of barefoot walking facilities in medical institutions, long-term care facilities, and social welfare facilities.
Lee explained the purpose of the bill, stating, "Barefoot walking has significant effects on healing or improving diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, dementia, and diabetes." He added, "It can also help reduce health insurance expenditures, so I have proposed this bill to ensure systematic management and support at the national level."
Meanwhile, on July 16, Lee held a policy forum at the National Assembly conference hall to discuss the enactment of the National Barefoot Walking Movement Support Act.
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