Participants gathered in Daejeon, South Korea, in May 2024 to run a barefoot marathon along a forested yellow-earth trail.
The event marks the return of a local tradition that emphasizes a physical connection with nature and the health benefits of soil. Its revival follows a seven-year hiatus [1], signaling a return to community-focused outdoor festivals in the region.
Located near a local arboretum, the race takes place on a specific type of path known as hwangtogil, or yellow-earth road. Runners and families with children navigated the trail to experience the tactile sensations of the earth during the spring season.
Lee Sik-won, a participant in the event, described the physical experience of the race. "The yellow earth gave a cool touch, and the hard parts felt like receiving a massage," Lee said.
Organizers designed the marathon to allow residents to enjoy the warm spring weather while utilizing the unique properties of the yellow soil. The event served as a holiday outing for families, combining athletic activity, and a sensory experience of the forest environment.
Because the race requires participants to discard their footwear, the event focuses on the immediate interaction between the human body and the natural terrain. This specific type of running is often associated with wellness practices in South Korea, where walking on earth is viewed as a way to reduce stress, and improve circulation.
“The event marks the return of a local tradition that emphasizes a physical connection with nature.”
The revival of the Daejeon barefoot marathon reflects a broader cultural trend in South Korea toward 'earthing' or grounding, where individuals seek health benefits by making direct skin contact with the earth. By integrating this practice into a competitive and communal sporting event, the city promotes public wellness and ecological engagement through the preservation of traditional yellow-earth trails.
