Wonju, Ministry of Interior and Safety, Korea Tourism Organization and National Health Insurance Service join as co-hosts; courses range from 5 to 30 km, with pedestrian safety booths on site
The 32nd Wonju International Walking Festival, co-hosted by Wonju city, the National Health Insurance Service and the Korea Tourism Organization and organized by the Korea Walking Federation, will be held across Wonju on Saturday and Sunday.
Certified by the International Federation of Popular Sports as the largest walking festival in South Korea, the event is designed for participants to enjoy Wonju's autumn scenery while promoting health and vitality.
The festival, which will be led by youth cheerleaders, is open for registration through the official website (koreawalk) or in person at the festival secretariat on the first floor of the Wonju National Sports Center. Further inquiries can be directed to the Korea Walking Federation.
Wonju hosts an international dance carnival every year and is home to numerous walking trails around Chiaksan, Sogeumsan and the Seomgang River, earning it the nicknames "City of Dance" and "Sanctuary of Clean-Ecology Walking Travel." The city has also promoted a tourism concept called the "Wonju Pi (3.14) Travel," which encourages visitors to try three local foods, stay one night and explore four attractions.
On the first day of the festival, a second youth dance cheerleading competition will also be held starting at 1 p.m.
Walking courses of 5, 10, 20 and 30 kilometers will be available on both days, letting participants take in the autumn scenery across Wonju at their own pace. Departure times are the same on both days: the 30 km course sets off at 9 a.m., the 20 km course at 10 a.m., and the 10 km and 5 km courses at 11 a.m.
This year, the Ministry of Interior and Safety will operate a pedestrian safety campaign booth where visitors and participants can experience safety-related programs firsthand. Organizers will also distribute hardy kiwi jelly and beverages — local Wonju specialties — to promote the region's produce.
Wonju city is preparing for safe and smooth operations, including deploying safety personnel along each course, establishing an emergency medical system, coordinating traffic controls and inspecting facilities.
Pre-registration is open until Oct. 22, and on-site registration will also be available on the day of the event while commemorative gifts last.
The entry fee is 10,000 won ($7) per person. Groups of 30 or more receive a discount — 8,000 won for adults and 5,000 won for high school students and younger. Participants will receive a commemorative gift, a course map, a check card, a race bib, a completion certificate and a participation-count button.
Wonju Mayor Gu Ja-yeol said the city is paying close attention to safety and convenience "so that walking enthusiasts from home and abroad can create unforgettable memories at this event." He added, "I hope everyone will walk through Wonju's beautiful autumn and enjoy both health and happiness."
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