Gokseong County Launches Unique 12km Wildfire Prevention Running Campaign

Gokseong County officials drew attention by holding a unique campaign to raise awareness about the importance of wildfire prevention as they ran along the Seomjin River.

On April 21, Gokseong County in Jeonnam announced that it had launched this distinctive running campaign along the Seomjin River to deliver wildfire prevention messages in a friendly and effective manner.

The "Wildfire Prevention Running Campaign," held on April 19, originated from the personal hobby of Choi Chulho, head of the Forest Protection Team in Gokseong County’s Forestry Division. While running for his health, he came up with the idea, "Since I’m running anyway, why not promote wildfire prevention at the same time?" Other staff members who saw this voluntarily joined in, and the activity evolved into a full-fledged campaign.

Gokseong County, Jeonnam, is conducting a unique running campaign along the Seomjin River area to promote forest fire prevention as of the 19th. Provided by Gokseong County, Jeonnam

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Staff members who participated in the run completed a course of about 12 kilometers along the Seomjin River, carrying flags printed with wildfire prevention slogans. As they ran along the riverside, where azaleas were in full bloom, they handed out wildfire prevention leaflets and provided safety guidelines to tourists on the steam locomotive and people out for a stroll, conducting on-site promotional activities.

This campaign is significant in that it moves away from one-sided publicity methods like banners or village broadcasts, instead allowing residents and tourists to directly see and engage with the promotional staff in action. At the event, passengers on the steam locomotive responded by waving back, effectively turning the campaign into a "mobile exhibition center."

Choi Chulho, the Forest Protection Team leader who planned the campaign, said, "If I could eradicate wildfires, I would be willing to run a full marathon every day," and urged, "Please strictly follow basic rules such as banning the burning of rice paddies and fields, and refraining from carrying flammable materials when entering the mountains."

Gokseong County plans to continue strengthening wildfire prevention efforts by adopting various outreach activities that are closely connected to residents’ daily lives. In addition, the county will respond strictly to violations such as illegal burning, by imposing fines and pursuing criminal penalties in accordance with relevant laws.

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