[Launch of Hamanhacheon Movement Headquarters] Health Leaders Say "A Big Step Forward in Spreading the Culture of Walking Well and Using Well"

'Mental Health Specialist' Dr. Lee Si-hyung
"Walking is Best for Serotonin Secretion"

'Barefoot Walking Advocate' Chairman Park Dong-chang
"Synergy Effect When Linked with Hamanha Stream"

'National Doctor' Professor Oh Han-jin
"Handwriting and Walking Help Brain Development"

Civilians Also "Interested in Health Content"

On the 15th, at the 'Hamanhacheon National Movement Headquarters Launch Ceremony' held in Hanok Village, Jung-gu, Seoul, key guests including actor Choi Wan-jung (from the left), Dr. Oh Han-jin, former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, Asia Economy CEO Woo Byung-hyun, and PD Shin Cheol-seung performed a first step ceremony symbolizing the beginning of the event after its conclusion. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

"I enjoy walking about 3 to 4 times a week. We will also do our best to help spread the walking culture."

On the 15th, as about 100 leaders dedicated to promoting health in the Republic of Korea gathered at Namsangol Hanok Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, citizens strolling around Namsan began to gather one by one. That day marked the launch ceremony of the 'Hamanhacheon National Movement Headquarters' aimed at enhancing brain health in Korea. Citizens expressed their support, saying, "We will pay close attention to the health content coming from the Hamanhacheon Movement Headquarters," and "We will start walking with our children on weekends first."

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients visiting hospitals for obesity doubled from 14,966 in 2017 to 30,170 in 2021, a 102% increase over four years. During the same period, the number of dementia patients rose by 32%, from 459,421 to 606,247.

In response, the Hamanhacheon Movement Headquarters was launched with the goal of turning the campaign "Walk 10,000 steps a day, write 1,000 characters a day" into a national movement to restore Korea’s worsening health indicators. Various figures pledged to redouble their efforts to promote brain health among the public through the launch of the Hamanhacheon Movement Headquarters.

Park Sung-jun, a member of the National Assembly representing Jung-gu and Seongdong-gu-eul, said, "'The power of thinking comes from the tips of the toes' is my motto," adding, "I hope this movement headquarters will become one that all citizens can participate in, taking one step at a time together." Yoon In-chon, former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and an all-around sportsman, stated, "The Hamanhacheon National Movement Headquarters must also achieve results in legal and institutional areas," emphasizing, "It is important to pioneer and maintain walking-friendly paths. Also, many cars still do not stop when turning right. We need to create a culture where pedestrians can walk safely."

Dr. Lee Si-hyung, the 'mental health doctor' approaching his nineties and director of Serotonin Culture, said, "The easiest way to secrete serotonin, known as the 'happiness hormone,' is walking," and added, "Since Korea suffers from serotonin deficiency disorder, I am glad to see such a movement being organized." Park Dong-chang, chairman of the Barefoot Walking National Movement Headquarters and a barefoot walking evangelist, said, "If barefoot walking is added to the Hamanhacheon movement, it will create various synergies." Oh Han-jin, professor at Daejeon Eulji University Hospital and chairman of the Korea Walking Association, known as the 'national doctor,' said, "Hands and feet are the 'brain outside the brain,' so walking well is essential," and added, "Writing by hand and walking help brain development."

Writing practice to protect brain health was also emphasized. Koo Bon-jin, Korea’s first graphologist and CEO of The Kim Law Firm, said, "Since depression is related to brain diseases, handwriting can reveal whether someone is depressed," and added, "By practicing daily transcription to cultivate good handwriting, one’s inner self also changes positively."

They also agreed to collaborate to spread the walking culture. For example, barefoot walking could be linked with an application (app) that ranks the number of steps taken by family and acquaintances. To this end, Jung Hae-kwon, CEO of Swallaby, which operates the mobile walking app 'WalkOn,' and Chairman Park Dong-chang promised to meet again soon for further discussions. Son Sung-il, leader of Korea Trail, who is discovering walking-friendly trails nationwide, also discussed with CEO Jung, saying, "It would be great if wonderful courses could be shared through walking apps."

The health leaders also requested government participation, stating that the most effective way to spread a culture of walking well and writing well lies in the establishment of health policies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.