The 10-day challenge runs from Nov. 2 to Nov. 11 — participants must walk at least 8,000 steps a day for seven or more days
Submissions accepted via KakaoTalk channel through Nov. 13; no special equipment required
Gwanak-gu is hosting a contactless walking challenge to help residents build healthy lifestyle habits amid their busy daily routines.
The Gwanak-gu Residents' Walking Challenge is a contactless health program held three times this year. It places no restrictions on time or location — participants can join freely during their commute, lunch break or evening stroll, with no set course required.
The challenge is designed so residents can naturally increase their daily step count without committing to an elaborate fitness plan. The format has proven popular: 388 residents took part in the first round in June, and 387 joined the second round held from late September to early October, bringing total participation to 775.
Building on that momentum, the district is now launching the third and final round of the year. Open to all Gwanak-gu residents, the challenge runs from Nov. 2 to Nov. 11, with participants required to walk at least 8,000 steps a day on seven or more of the 10 days.
Participants should use a step-counting app — such as Sonmokdakto 9988 — to record their daily step count, then collect verification screenshots showing at least seven days of 8,000-step walks and submit them along with their name and contact information to the KakaoTalk channel "Gwanak-gu Health Center" by Nov. 13.
"Please make sure your verification photos clearly show the date and step count, and submit all records covering seven or more days before the deadline," a district official said. "We hope many residents will take an interest and join."
A satisfaction survey of previous participants found that more than 99 percent rated the experience positively.
Participants said the challenge motivated them to walk more and helped them develop a regular exercise routine. Many noted that the daily step goal felt manageable, and several said they hoped similar programs would be offered more frequently.
The district plans to continue offering a range of health-promotion programs so residents can manage their wellbeing in everyday life without feeling pressured, including initiatives that encourage families, friends and neighbors to stay active together and build healthy habits.
Residents seeking more information about the Gwanak-gu Residents' Walking Challenge can contact the Healthy Lifestyle Team at the Gwanak-gu Public Health Center's Pharmaceutical and Health Division.
"I hope many residents will join this third round and enjoy both the pleasure of walking and the health benefits it brings," Gwanak-gu District Mayor Park Jun-hee said. "We will continue to support residents in maintaining healthy lifestyle habits so that together we can build a vibrant and healthy Gwanak."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
