Seoul Walk Festival Continues Despite Rain
A Rainy Day Celebration of Community and Health
On the morning of the 28th, over 1,000 citizens gathered in the rain-soaked streets of Seoul for the ‘12th Seoul Let’s Walk Festival’. Despite the downpour, participants wore raincoats and held umbrellas, but their faces were filled with joy and smiles. This event, organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Chosun Ilbo, has become a beloved annual tradition that brings together people from all walks of life.
The festival offers an opportunity for anyone to walk on car-free roads in downtown Seoul, promoting health and community engagement. Last month, 5,000 spots were available, and they were quickly filled within a week. On this particular day, with 9.8 mm of rain falling per hour and temperatures at 19 degrees Celsius, over 1,000 people still showed up at 8 a.m., making it the first time in 12 years since the festival began in 2013 that it took place in the rain.
Participants started their journey at 8:30 a.m. from the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Jung-gu, walking through Heunginjimun Gate and Yulgok Tunnel, covering a total distance of 4.4 km to Gwanghwamun Square. The route was not only a physical challenge but also a celebration of unity and resilience.
Several high-profile figures attended the event, including Kim Byung-min, Seoul’s Vice Mayor for Political Affairs; Jeong Geun-sik, Seoul Superintendent of Education; and Kang Kyung-hee, Chosun Ilbo’s Editor-in-Chief. They cheered for the participants at the starting line. Vice Mayor Kim emphasized the government's commitment to caring for citizens' health, regardless of the weather. “Although it’s raining, I hope you enjoy the Seoul Let’s Walk Festival by looking around and finding happiness,” he said.
Raincoat-clad participants moved step by step through the streets, creating a vibrant scene. Seven members of the walking club ‘Ttasamo (Gathering of Warm People)’ wore matching colorful raincoats. Club president Choi Hee-sun, 64 years old, shared her perspective: “People who love walking always carry raincoats so they can walk even on rainy days.”
Families with children were also present throughout the route. The Jeong family, consisting of a 64-year-old grandmother, a 7-year-old granddaughter, and other members across three generations, came from Seoul’s Gangdong-gu. Jeong Taek-jin, 42 years old, noted that they usually avoid going out on rainy days, but today they felt happier because they could be together.
Song Chang-hoon, 49 years old, and Choi Yoo-jin, 46 years old, participated with their son Yeon-woo, 6 years old. Yeon-woo shared his experience: “My legs didn’t hurt at all because I walked holding my mom and dad’s hands after a long time.”
Cheer groups energized participants at various points along the course. Yulgok Tunnel, equipped with speakers and lights, became a lively spot where participants could enjoy the walk. Several regular participants, who had not missed the festival for years, were also present. Lee Young-beom, 87 years old, and Hong Yang-soon, 86 years old, from Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, had participated in all 12 editions since the first in 2013. Mr. Lee shared his thoughts: “I hesitated whether to come because of the rain, but I thought it would be a shame to skip after doing it every year.” The couple also took photos wearing the T-shirt they received as a commemorative item during the first edition in 2013.
Foreigners also joined the event. François Viaiscaz, 47 years old, from France, participated with his wife and daughter. Mr. François, who first joined last year, said, “Walking through central Seoul in the rain makes the city look even more beautiful. I plan to participate with my family again in the future.”
This year’s oldest participant was Lee Gyu-deok, 89 years old, marking his second consecutive year. Mr. Lee said, “I plan to participate every year as long as I have the strength.” Noting that “my memory has declined recently,” he captured the rain-soaked scenery of downtown Seoul with his smartphone camera while walking. Lee Won-moon, 84 years old, who has participated for five consecutive years, said, “I’m glad I successfully completed the course again this year. Walking every day is my secret to good health.”
The Seoul Let’s Walk Festival continues to bring people together, regardless of the weather, celebrating health, community, and the joy of walking.
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