ANDONG, Oct. 18 (Korea Bizwire) – A forest known as Cheonnyeonsup, meaning a thousand years old and located in a new city in North Gyeongsang Province, has been recognized as the best urban forest in the ’2023 Green City Best Practices’ competition held by the Korea Forest Service.
One of the highlights of this forest is the Hwangto Barefoot Trail, which has been gaining attention. The trail is covered with a soft, fine, reddish-yellow soil called loess, and referred to as hwangto in Korean.
Cheonnyeonsup is a forest that has been expanded to support ecological restoration through the preservation of existing pine and oak forests. It serves as a place for recreation, relaxation, and various activities related to the forest.
Among these, the Hwangto Barefoot Trail is particularly popular among local residents as an ideal spot to engage in activities that promote mental and physical well-being.
In recent times, hwangto trails have gained popularity across the country, with local authorities striving to develop barefoot trails, also known as “earthings.”
Walking barefoot, which involves connecting with the earth and your body by stepping directly on the ground, has become a nationwide trend due to its reported benefits in reducing stress, improving sleep, enhancing blood circulation, and relieving headaches.
On Jeju Island, the red clay Earthing Square in Seogwipo Innovation City’s Sumgol Park has become a popular attraction. This area isn’t a typical path but rather a spacious open space, allowing it to function as a dirt playground for children.
Many children enjoy engaging in tactile play, getting their hands and bodies covered in ochre. Families often bring toys for kids to play with in the dirt.
Seogwipo has reported a positive response to its red clay Earthing Square, which opened on July 3 of this year, with an average of 300 daily visitors. This is a significant number considering the city’s overall population.
Notably, Seogwipo’s Earthing Square project secured the first place out of 17 projects in the Jeju Island Government Innovation Best Practice Contest held last month.
Image credit: North Gyeongsang Provincial Office and Yonhap News / photonews@koreabizwire.com
