“Walking is the easiest and most effective exercise anyone can do in daily life. I will do my best to promote walking and serve as a steadfast guardian of residents’ health.”
Those are the convictions of Park Hyo-gun, who took the helm of the Gunsan City Walking Federation this year.
Founded in October 2009, the federation has spent the past 16 years promoting walking and leading efforts to build a healthier local community.
Beyond organizing walks and races, the federation has set a community example by cleaning the Gubulgil trail, donating skills to social-welfare facilities and offering a wide range of volunteer services across the area.
Members stayed united through many hardships, and that solidarity made these efforts possible.
Park knows their work firsthand. He has served in several leadership roles within the federation and helped drive its growth and outreach.
Park said he intends to lead by building on the accomplishments of his predecessors, focusing on making steady improvements rather than pursuing sweeping change.
He also pledged to further develop the Gunsan Saemangeum Walk—now a signature regional festival—to raise the area's profile and strengthen its standing.
The Gunsan Saemangeum Walk has become one of four events recognized by the International Walking Federation and the Korea Walking Federation as a qualifying race for the Korea Walking Grand Slam (521 km [324 mi]). Walkers who complete this course receive an official Korea Walking Grand Slam Walker certificate.
Last year, about 1,200 walkers from home and abroad took part across three divisions—6.5 km (4.0 mi), 13 km (8.1 mi) and 66 km (41.0 mi)—and the event drew large crowds.
“The Saemangeum walk is a meaningful event that showcases Saemangeum and the Gogunsan islands nationwide,” Park said. “Our members' pride and sincerity are woven into this race.”
He added that organizers will prepare this year’s event so participants from across the country can make special memories and enjoy unique experiences.
Park also plans to launch a forest-trail walking event during his term that will invite participation from all residents.
The goal, he said, is to foster appreciation for nature while improving public health.
Park explained that the federation is working to boost both physical and mental well-being through walking and to create more opportunities for people to come together and enjoy shared time.
“We will use walking to strengthen community ties,” he said, pledging to marshal all available resources to make a healthy walking culture part of residents’ daily lives.
Park currently runs The Glass i optical store and has served as president of the Dong-Gunsan Rotary Club, among other active roles in local organizations.
