[Harumanbo Harucheonja] "Waking up at 5 AM to do 1100 Hula Hoops and Planks"

Meeting Song Jeyong, CEO of Mapo Cultural Foundation, at Gyeongui Line Forest Trail
Walking the Gyeongui Line Forest with staff after lunch for 'communication'
Exploring the area with the walking club... Gaining inspiration and energy

Song Jeyong, CEO of the Mapo Cultural Foundation, wakes up every day at 5 a.m. to exercise. He consistently does 1,100 hula hoop rotations, rides a stationary bike, and practices planks. "I have many things I want to do, so I thought I should take care of my health first," he said. He used to enjoy exercising to the extent of completing marathons, but after his knee health deteriorated, he switched to walking. He often visits Bukhansan Mountain. When he wants to take a stroll, he goes to the nearby Lake Park near his home, where walking slowly allows him to reach 10,000 steps a day. He explained why he became an advocate of walking: "I also used the treadmill, but when I overdid it, my legs hurt. Walking in parks or on trails doesn’t hurt and even improves my mood."

He walked the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail with Song. The Gyeongui Line Forest Trail is a 6.3 km linear park that transformed an abandoned railway into a cultural promenade for citizens, stretching from Mapo-gu to Yongsan-gu. Starting from the Daehyeong-dong section where the foundation is located, it continues through Yeomni-dong, Saechang Hill, Yeonnam-dong, Wonhyo-ro, Sinsu-dong, and Waugyo sections. The trail crosses the city along the old railway. Song often walks the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail with employees after meals, exchanging light jokes and ideas about major projects.

Within the foundation, there are various clubs such as history exploration and exercise groups. Song frequently participates in the 'Walking Travel Club.' Any employee can join and walk as much as their physical strength allows while exploring the local community. So far, they have visited places like Seonyudo Park by the Han River, Ilsan Lake Park, Deoksugung Stone Wall Road, and Ikseon-dong Hanok Street.

They also operate a communication program called 'Culture Talk.' It is a gathering to promote friendship and communication through cultural and physical activities. They have visited Bukhansan, Gwacheon Seoul Land, as well as the course from Heunginjimun Park to Naksan Park, Jangsu Village, and Hyehwamun. In February this year, they attended the exhibition together with employees. Song said, "Walking is good, but walking with employees is even better. It brings inspiration and energy."

Song Jeyong, CEO of Mapo Cultural Foundation, is walking near his office along the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail. Photo by Younghan Heo younghan@

The 8th M Classic Festival , opening on the 5th of this month, is the most anticipated event of the second half of the year. It features pianists from Korea (Kim Dohyun), Taiwan (Kit Armstrong), and Japan (Takezawa Yuto) in the '3 PEACE CONCERT,' as well as the first duo recital of cellist Yang Sungwon and pianist Yoo Seongho, among many other attractions.

When asked why he exercises consistently, CEO Song answers, "Because I have many things I want to do." He added, "Someday, I want to perform a children's play at a small theater in Daehangno. To do that, I need to stay healthy and not get sick. I want to enjoy performing arts even when I’m 70 years old."

He was appointed CEO of the Mapo Cultural Foundation in March 2020, and his reappointment was confirmed earlier this year, extending his term until February 2025. This is the first time since the foundation’s establishment in 2007 that a CEO has been reappointed. The first year of his tenure was challenging due to COVID-19, making it difficult to hold cultural and artistic performances. While the focus was on replacing stage performances with online events, CEO Song showcased exceptional planning skills and introduced various initiatives. Thanks to his efforts, the Mapo Arts Center reopened with 1,004 seats, the M Festival series was branded, the Seoul Mapo Music Creation Center was acquired, and achievements were made in cultural and artistic community contributions.

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