Health
Korea’s first ‘Namhae Nordic Walking School’ opens to promote healthy living
haps Korea Magazine
November 5, 2024
(Namhae-gun)
The Namhae Nordic Walking School, Korea’s first dedicated Nordic Walking education center, opened on November 2 on the first floor of the Namparang-gil Travel Support Center in Anggangda Forest, Idong-myeon.
This specialized facility was established by Namhae-gun with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization to promote Nordic Walking and provide hands-on learning opportunities.
Every Saturday and Sunday in November, the school offers regular programs led by seasoned instructors from the Namhae-gun Tourism and Culture Foundation.
These instructors, trained in Nordic Walking over the past two years, guide participants through the fundamentals before they embark on the Namparang Trail for an immersive walking experience.
Nordic Walking, originating in Northern Europe in the 1990s, is particularly beneficial for spinal and shoulder health. It is rapidly gaining popularity in Korea, especially among the elderly, for its positive impact on overall wellness.
Namhae County, in collaboration with the Korea Nordic Walking Association and its chairman, Park Sang-shin, has trained 30 certified instructors as part of the Korea Trail Rest Area Competition Project.
In addition to weekend sessions at Anggangda Forest at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Nordic Walking lessons are available at the Namhae-eup Public Stadium every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.