[One Day Ten Thousand Steps] Healing the Mind with Barefoot Walking on a Phytoncide-Filled Forest Path

Regional Walking Attractions and Barefoot Walking Festival Simultaneously

'Phytoncide' emitted from trees has antibacterial effects that help alleviate allergic diseases and provide emotional stability, thereby lowering stress levels. Accordingly, various local governments are planning diverse events that allow people to receive forest healing while walking barefoot along lush forest trails, drawing attention.

Wonju City will hold the "2024 Donghwa Village Arboretum Barefoot Walking Festival" on the 29th, where participants walk barefoot along the forest trails of Donghwa Village Arboretum. The Wonju Barefoot Walking Festival, first held last year at Ungok Solbaram Forest Trail in Haenggu-dong, was successfully conducted with high interest and support from local residents, with over 500 applicants within three days of registration opening. This year's festival will be held at Donghwa Village Arboretum in Munmak-eup, allowing participants to enjoy both a local walking attraction and the barefoot walking festival simultaneously. Participants will walk barefoot for about 1 hour and 30 minutes along the forest trail starting from the arboretum's lawn plaza, fully experiencing the charm of barefoot walking amidst the beautiful scenery of the arboretum. Wonju City plans to hold the barefoot walking festival again this fall and strengthen its position as a "Trekking City Wonju."

Chungju City will hold a "Barefoot Walking Event with Park Dongchang, President of the Barefoot Walking National Movement Headquarters" at Tangeumdae on the 15th. Following last year's Manlisan Barefoot Walking Event and Tangeumdae Barefoot Walking Event, this event will be held for the second consecutive year with 300 pre-registered participants. It will take place on the newly created section and the entire forest trail section of the 1.7 km Tangeumdae Barefoot Walking Trail. Participants can also receive education on proper barefoot walking through demonstrations of basic barefoot walking movements and lectures. Chungju City initially planned to create barefoot walking trails at 12 locations including Hoamji, Citizen's Forest, and Tangeumdae, but reflecting citizens' demand, it will add five more locations including Binaeseom, Hoam Housing Complex Neighborhood Park, and Chilgeum 4th Children's Park, promoting the creation of a total of 17 barefoot walking trails.

Jeju Island will hold the "16th Saryeoni Forest Eco Healing Experience Event" on the 14th at the Saryeoni Forest Open Stage (entrance to Bulgeun Oreum). This event is designed to provide forest cultural experiences that allow participants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, breathe fresh air in the forest, heal their tired body and mind, and feel happiness. It features about ten diverse programs including barefoot walking, forest concerts, forest healing programs, and a tour of Mulchat Oreum. Unique forest programs such as barefoot walking accompanied by forest interpreters are also planned.

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