Mayor Park vows to keep expanding lifestyle-focused infrastructure
Gwangju city has created a barefoot walking path on unused grounds within its city hall complex to promote the health and relaxation of residents and visitors, the city announced Thursday.
Amid growing interest in "earthing" — the practice of walking barefoot on soil for its health benefits — the city developed the path at the easily accessible city hall site so residents can enjoy barefoot walking in their daily lives without traveling far.
The path makes use of existing walkways and rest areas inside the city hall compound that staff and residents already frequented.
The barefoot path stretches about 50 meters and is lined with a variety of trees and flowering plants to create the feel of walking in nature. A foot-washing station and shoe storage rack have been installed at the entrance for visitors' convenience.
The path is open to all free of charge at any time, but pets and wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and kick scooters are prohibited to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
Mayor Park Gwan-yeol said he hopes the city hall will become more than an administrative space for handling civil affairs — a place where residents can drop by freely to rest and look after their health. "We will continue to expand lifestyle-focused infrastructure to improve the quality of life and promote the health of our citizens," he said.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
