Im Seonghwa, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, "Need for Substantial Barefoot Park Development"

Published 12 Oct.2023 14:18(KST)

Im Seong-hwa, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council, proposed improving the walking trail environment to promote barefoot walking, which is gaining nationwide popularity.

On the 12th, Councilor Im expressed this opinion during a 5-minute free speech at the 1st extraordinary session of the 315th general meeting.

Currently, in Seo-gu, barefoot walking paths are used daily by about 2,200 residents across six locations, and there are plans to expand barefoot paths to all 18 neighborhoods by next year.

Accordingly, Councilor Im suggested ▲ installing night safety lighting on barefoot paths that are too dark ▲ reflecting regular resident satisfaction surveys ▲ creating themed barefoot paths that consider regional characteristics ▲ and establishing a resident-operated system linked with senior job projects.

Councilor Im emphasized, “I urge active efforts to ensure that the previously proposed ‘barefoot path creation within the 5·18 Memorial Park’ during departmental work reports is carried out without setbacks,” and added, “There is a need to create Seo-gu-style walking trails linked with the village’s story, BI, and other elements.”

Im Seonghwa, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, "Need for Substantial Barefoot Park Development"

Meanwhile, in June, Councilor Im proposed an ordinance to support the activation of walking in Gwangju Metropolitan City, establishing a legal basis for the creation and management of barefoot paths.