Seoul Walk Festival 2024: Rainy Day Stroll

A Rainy Day Celebration of Health and Community

On the morning of the 28th, over 1,000 citizens joined the 12th Seoul Let’s Walk Festival, braving the rain as they walked through the streets of Seoul. Despite the downpour, participants wore raincoats and held umbrellas, their faces glowing with smiles and enthusiasm. The event, which has become a beloved annual tradition, took place on a day that marked a first in its 12-year history—being held under rainy conditions.

The festival is organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in collaboration with Chosun Ilbo, offering an opportunity for residents to experience car-free downtown Seoul. Last month, 5,000 spots were filled within a week, showing the high demand for this community-driven event. On the day of the walk, despite 9.8 mm of rain per hour and temperatures around 19 degrees Celsius at 8 a.m., more than 1,000 people gathered, demonstrating their commitment to health and togetherness.

A Journey Through the Heart of Seoul

Participants began their walk at 8:30 a.m. from the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Jung-gu. The route took them past Heunginjimun Gate and Yulgok Tunnel, eventually leading to Gwanghwamun Square. The total distance covered was 4.4 km, offering a scenic tour of Seoul's historic and modern landmarks.

Several officials and leaders were present at the start line, including Seoul’s Vice Mayor for Political Affairs, Kim Byung-min, Seoul Superintendent of Education, Jeong Geun-sik, and Chosun Ilbo’s editor-in-chief, Kang Kyung-hee. Kim expressed his hope that participants would enjoy the event despite the weather, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting public health regardless of the conditions.

A Diverse Group of Participants

Among the attendees were members of the walking club “Ttasamo” (Warm People’s Gathering), who arrived in vibrant raincoats. Club head Choi Hee-sun, 64, shared that dedicated walkers always carry raincoats, ready to step out on any day. Families with children also made appearances throughout the route, showcasing the event’s appeal across generations.

The Jeong family, consisting of three generations, included a 64-year-old grandmother and a 7-year-old granddaughter. Their 42-year-old father, Jeong Taek-jin, noted that while they usually avoid going out on rainy days, the festival brought joy to the whole family. Similarly, Song Chang-hoon and Choi Yoo-jin, along with their son Yeon-woo, found happiness in walking together, with the young boy expressing how comfortable he felt holding his parents' hands.

Energy and Enthusiasm Along the Route

Cheer groups energized the participants at various points along the course. Yulgok Tunnel, equipped with speakers and lighting, transformed into a lively space where people could enjoy the walk. The atmosphere was upbeat and positive, reflecting the spirit of the event.

Regular participants, who have attended every edition since the first in 2013, were also present. Lee Young-beom, 87, and Hong Yang-soon, 86, from Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, said they had never missed the festival. Despite the rain, they were determined to attend, noting that they even wore the T-shirt they received as a commemorative gift from the first event.

International Participation and Personal Achievements

Foreigners also joined the walk, adding to the diverse mix of participants. François Viaiskaz, 47, from France, participated with his wife and daughter. Having joined the festival last year, he praised the beauty of Seoul during the rain and expressed his intention to return with his family in the future.

This year’s oldest participant was 89-year-old Lee Gyu-deok, who took part for the second consecutive year. He expressed his intention to continue attending as long as he is able, capturing the rainy scenery with his smartphone. Another long-time participant, Lee Won-moon, 84, who has taken part for five years, shared his satisfaction in completing the course again, crediting daily walking as his secret to good health.

The 12th Seoul Let’s Walk Festival proved to be more than just a walk—it was a celebration of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of those who choose to move forward, no matter the weather.