Gwangju Seo-gu Conducts 'Barefoot Walking Education' for Parents

Published 27 Apr.2023 13:15(KST)

On the 26th, Seo-gu District Office in Gwangju Metropolitan City conducted a barefoot walking education session for parents of children in local daycare centers, kindergartens, and school officials at the Deulbul Hall of Seo-gu Office.

According to Seo-gu on the 27th, Professor Kwon Taek-hwan from Daegu National University of Education (principal of Barefoot School), who was invited as a lecturer that day, introduced barefoot walking to boost children's immunity and enhance learning ability under the theme of "Awakening Natural Intelligence in the Age of Artificial Intelligence."

On the 26th, Seogu conducted barefoot walking education for parents of local daycare centers, kindergartens, and school officials at the Deulbul Hall of Seogu Office.
[Photo by Seogu]

Professor Kwon stated, "Basically, when you step on the ground, brain senses awaken, and interaction with beneficial bacteria in the soil can strengthen immunity. Additionally, the negative ions in the soil help remove active oxygen in our bodies."

This education session introduced various teaching methods such as brain education-based emotional regulation principles through barefoot walking and physical play during early childhood, receiving great responses from parents.

Since August last year, Seo-gu has been leading the promotion of barefoot walking culture, regularly conducting barefoot walking education for residents, while barefoot walking clubs for residents and workplace clubs continue their experiential activities.

Moreover, through various programs such as finding paths suitable for barefoot walking, the Barefoot Walking 100-Day Challenge, and the Barefoot Walking Forest Healing School, Seo-gu is encouraging residents' participation.

Following the creation of barefoot walking trails using loess and sandy soil at Sangmu Citizen Park and Pungam Lake Park, Seo-gu plans to establish distinctive barefoot paths in each village across 18 neighborhoods by 2026, starting this year with Geumho and Ssanghak Children's Parks and the green area in Dongcheon-dong.

Kim Yi-gang, head of Seo-gu District Office, said, "Barefoot walking not only keeps individuals' bodies and minds healthy but also raises the happiness index of Seo-gu. We will do our best to create a joyful and happy barefoot walking culture by walking together rather than alone."