Seongnam City to Make Barefoot Loess Paths "Softer"... Rotary Soil Work at 10 Locations

Improving Breathability to Boost Citizen Satisfaction
Five Paths to Remain Open in Winter with Plastic-Covered Roofs

Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor: Shin Sangjin) will conduct rotary work twice a week on ten barefoot loess paths until November 30.

Rotary work (soil turning) is underway on the loess path in Yuldong Park, Seongnam City. Provided by Seongnam City

Rotary work involves using a management device to turn over the soil on the loess paths to a depth of 10 to 20 centimeters.

This improves the breathability of the loess, providing a softer and more cushioned walking experience for those walking barefoot on the paths.

To achieve this, the city has invested 168 million won to purchase nine management devices (rotary machines) and hired seven additional staff members, in addition to the existing nine specialists.

The ten loess paths targeted for rotary work (by length) are as follows: a 520-meter section in Wirye Park, a 440-meter section in Huimangdae Park, a 525-meter section in Sujin Park, a 340-meter section in Hwangsong Park, a 400-meter section in Daewon Park, a 210-meter section in Sanseong Park, a 740-meter section in Yuldong Park, a 520-meter section in Jungang Park, a 350-meter section in Hwarang Park, and a 420-meter section in the public open space in Imae-dong.

For the remaining location, a 750-meter loess path in the public open space in Gumi-dong, rotary work will be carried out next year after additional rotary machines are purchased.

Additionally, if necessary, coarse sand and fresh loess will be added to the paths, and the foot-washing facilities will be regularly inspected.

Rotary work (soil turning) is being carried out on the red soil path in Hwangsong Park, Seongnam City. Provided by Seongnam City

For the five loess paths with roofed (open-wall) sections-Wirye Park, Huimangdae Park, Hwangsong Park, Yuldong Park, and Jungang Park-plastic covers will be installed so that they remain open to the public throughout the winter (from December 1, 2025 to March 14, 2026).

A city official stated, "In a recent on-site survey, some citizens requested improvements to the hard surface when the loess paths are dry and the slipperiness after rain, which led us to implement this rotary work. We expect this will further increase citizen satisfaction with the loess paths."