Gwangju Seo District Fully Reopens 'Barefoot-ro' with the Arrival of Spring

by Shin Dongho

Published 04 Mar.2026 13:54(KST)

32 Routes in 18 Neighborhoods Now Fully Operational

Gwangju Seo-gu Office Building Exterior

On March 4, Seo District of Gwangju Metropolitan City announced that it has fully reopened its barefoot walking trails, which had been temporarily closed during the winter season, with the arrival of spring.

Seo District had suspended the operation of the barefoot trails since December last year to prevent safety accidents caused by cold waves and ground freezing during the winter. During this period, the district carried out facility maintenance, soil reinforcement, and drainage inspections. As temperatures have recently risen and ground conditions have stabilized, safety inspections have been completed, and full-scale operations resumed this week.

The Seo District Barefoot-ro is a community-based health space within the city, where residents can experience nature and take care of their well-being. It has received enthusiastic support from the community.

Currently, 32 routes are being operated across 18 neighborhoods, including Geumdangsan and Sangmu Citizen's Park. Recently, the district established a 3.7-kilometer barefoot trail-the longest in the city-in Maruk Neighborhood Park in Kumho 1-dong. Seo District also became the first among Gwangju's autonomous districts to enact a walking activation ordinance and has developed a manual for the creation and management of barefoot trails, thereby establishing a systematic operational foundation and leading the barefoot walking trend.

In addition, the district has enhanced the safety and sustainability of the trails by assigning maintenance personnel through an elderly job program, promoting voluntary management by barefoot walking clubs, and encouraging a "good campaign" in which users directly replenish the soil.

Lee Ikang, Mayor of Seo District, stated, "Small acts like walking barefoot on the ground have the power to restore both body and mind," adding, "Seo District will continue to expand practical health policies that residents can feel in their daily lives."