Seoul to open downtown roads to 5,000 walkers this Sunday
Five thousand people will trade cars for walking shoes this Sunday as Seoul closes downtown streets for the 2026 Seoul Walking Festival, turning a 4.4-kilometer route from Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) to Gwanghwamun Square into a pedestrian corridor. Starting at DDP, the route winds past Heunginjimun Gate, Changdeok Palace and Gyeongbok Palace before finishing at Gwanghwamun Square. Participants…
Seoul will open its downtown roads to 5,000 walkers this Sunday during the 2026 Seoul Walking Festival. A 4.4-kilometer route will stretch from Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) to Gwanghwamun Square. The festival aims to transform the route into a pedestrian corridor, with key landmarks including Heunginjimun Gate, Changdeok Palace and Gyeongbok Palace along the path.
Participants must arrive at DDP by 7:30 am with their mobile passes, where they can participate in group stretching, remarks by invited guests, and a group photograph before the 8 am start.
The festival quickly filled all 5,000 registration spots within two days of applications opening on August 10, according to Seoul. Throughout the route, organizers have planned performances and activities, such as a DJ set and LED light show inside Yulgok Tunnel. Cheerleading performances are also scheduled at major intersections. At Gwanghwamun Square, attendees can enjoy live music, pose at a message photo wall, and receive complimentary printouts of their photos on the spot.
This year's festival will also include a mobile fitness station, allowing participants to engage in light exercise throughout the walk.
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- Seoul to open downtown roads to 5,000 walkers this Sunday koreatimes.co.kr
