Yeongwol-gun Faces Suicide 'Spring Peak' with 'Suicide Prevention Walking Challenge'

"Together, It's Okay" Walking Event to Run for Three Weeks Starting Tomorrow
"Forming Empathy and Support While Walking Together"... Souvenirs for Completing the Challenge

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Yeongwol-gun (Governor Choi Myeong-seo) announced on the 31st that the Yeongwol-gun Public Health Center Mental Health Welfare Center will hold the 2025 Suicide Prevention Walking Challenge "Together, It's Okay!" for three weeks from April 1 to April 21 to prevent suicide and promote mental health during the high-risk period of increasing suicide rates, known as the Spring Peak.

A view of Yeongwol County Office, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Photo by Yeongwol County Office

Participants measure and verify their steps using the 'Walkon' mobile walking app. This walking challenge was planned to promote the suicide prevention counseling hotline 109 and encourage physical activity together to form empathy and supportive relationships.

Participants are required to walk 109,000 steps over three weeks and upload photos of themselves walking with two or more people such as family, friends, or colleagues on the challenge board. The first 500 people to complete the challenge will receive a small souvenir, which can be picked up at the Yeongwol-gun Mental Health Welfare Center from April 22 to April 25.

A health center official stated, "We hope this challenge will be an opportunity for local residents to support each other and recognize the importance of mental health once again," adding, "We hope many residents will walk together and take care of their mental well-being."

Meanwhile, the Yeongwol-gun Mental Health Welfare Center supports counseling and various programs to prevent suicide and promote mental health for residents.

If you wish to receive counseling, you can call the mental health counseling hotline or the 109 suicide prevention counseling hotline 24 hours a day. Counseling is anonymous, allowing you to receive help in a safe environment.

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