As Part of the Naejangsan Tourism Special Zone Revitalization Project
Rich Lineup Including Trail Running Competition and Wellness Experience Programs
Jeongeup City in North Jeolla Province will host the 'Naejangsan Wellness Festa' festival from October 25 to 26 in the Naejangsan Tourism Special Zone.
According to the city on October 22, this festival is significant as it marks the first official event aimed at expanding Naejangsan tourism, which has traditionally focused on autumn foliage, into wellness-centered, stay-type tourism. The festival is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the Naejangsan Tourism Special Zone.
The main programs of this event, held at Naejangsan National Park including the Autumn Foliage Ecological Park and Naejang Lake, include a trail running competition, wellness experience programs, and a local brand experience zone.
The core program, the trail running competition, will be held for 300 pre-registered participants and will feature two courses: 18 km and 11 km. The 18 km intermediate course starts at the Naejangsan Autumn Foliage Ecological Park and passes through Sorae Exploration Support Center, Bulchulbong Peak, Naejangsa Temple, Sinseonbong Peak, and Janggunbong Peak before returning. The 11 km beginner course is a relatively short route centered around Bulchulbong Peak and Naejangsa Temple.
A city official stated, "The event aims to provide a running experience focused on breathing and connecting with nature, rather than on competition for records," adding, "A professional operations team and a medical support system will also be in place to ensure participant safety."
The wellness programs, held five times in total, include forest yoga, healing running, autumn foliage singing bowl sessions, and sound walking, among others, and are generating much anticipation. Although pre-registration has closed, limited on-site participation may be available depending on circumstances. Participants will be able to focus on the sounds of nature in the forest, experiencing physical recovery and psychological stability.
During the festival, seven local brand experience zones will also operate to showcase the charms of Jeongeup. Leading local organizations such as the Jeongeup Jiwhang Convergence Project Group, Rural New Vitality Plus Promotion Group, Premium Oats Farming Association Corporation, Organic Vegan Co., Ssanghwacha Street Council, Village Management Social Cooperative 'Jeongsim', and Soltiaetteok (Songjuk Village) will participate to offer experiences with local agricultural products and sell local content, thereby contributing to increased tourism consumption.
The city plans to operate the event in a dispersed manner around the Naejangsan Autumn Foliage Ecological Park to minimize congestion and avoid overlap with autumn foliage visitors, as well as to alleviate traffic. A picnic zone will also be set up, providing a space where both event participants and tourists can enjoy and linger in the autumn atmosphere.
Mayor Lee Haksoo stated, "This event will serve as an opportunity to expand Naejangsan tourism from simply viewing nature to directly experiencing and staying for wellness tourism." He added, "We will do our utmost to ensure that both autumn foliage tourists and event participants can have a safe and enjoyable time."
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