Enjoy Busan
Barefoot in the city
The Ttangmoesan Red Clay Trail features a gentle path where the whole family can enjoy walking barefoot together.
Once a niche activity, earthing - walking barefoot outdoors to achieve direct skin contact with Earth's surface - has become a nationwide phenomenon. Initially met with skepticism, earthing now attracts thousands of enthusiasts to walk sans shoes on red clay trails and sandy beaches.
Advocates swear by earthing's purported health benefits. Practitioners believe that electrons covering the ground can help rebalance the electrical energy in the human body, resulting in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting effects. Supporters attribute earthing to a wide range of benefits, including stronger immunity, improved sleep, improved blood circulation, better mental health and anti-aging.
In an era where most people spend their days in shoes, walking barefoot provides a refreshing sensory experience. Busan embraces this trend with dedicated earthing trails across the city, making it accessible to all. Earthing requires no special equipment - just a shoe bag and a towel to clean your feet. It is a simple yet invigorating way to engage with the natural world.
Where to go barefoot in Busan
Thanks to the city's mild weather, outdoor spaces and well-maintained walking trails, Busan is a great place to practice earthing year-round.
Earthing practitioners believe walking barefoot provides several physical and mental health benefits.
◎Ttangmoesan Red Clay Trail
The 2-kilometer round-trip trail winds between a dense cypress forest and an endless clear lake, providing visitors with a beautiful landscape to enjoy while walking or earthing. No matter the weather, the trail's silky red clay soothes weary soles.
The course also has foot-washing facilities and places to sit and relax. If 2 kilometers isn't enough, the trail is connected to Galmaet-gil Trail section 1 of course no. 8 to Millakgyo Bridge.
＊Address: 355-2 Oryun-dong, Geumjeong-gu
The Hadan Red Clay Trail has become popular with earthers since opening last June.
◎Hadan Red Clay Trail
In June 2024, city officials established a buffer green zone in Hadan-dong, Saha-gu District. The area features a 410-meter earthing walkway with red clay and acupressure blocks. Convenient amenities, including feet-washing stations and shoe lockers, are also available. Visitors should note that pets are not permitted on the red clay trail. For those seeking additional activity, the Nakdonggang River Estuary walkway is just across the road.
＊Address: 1173 Hadan-dong, Saha-gu
◎Busan Citizens Park
Busan Citizens Park in Busanjin-gu District offers three earthing courses: A 300-meter clay road from South Gate 1 to North Gate 1, a 150-meter red clay forest path between North Gate 2 and South Gate, and a sandy path between the music fountain and water playground. All three earthing zones in the park provide feet-washing stations for visitor's convenience.
＊Address: 73 Simingongwon-ro, Busanjin-gu
Busan beaches are popular destinations for earthing enthusiasts.
◎Beaches across the city
Busan's beaches are excellent places to go earthing. Ocean water is the best bet for successful grounding due to its high salt content. The salty water serves as an excellent conductor of electrons and helps the body become replenished with vital minerals. Plus, the serenity of the ocean and its idyllic scenery are sure to ease tension and take relaxation to the next level.
Songjeong, Gwangalli and Dadaepo beaches offer feet-washing stations. If you want to continue walking the Galmaet-gil Trails, take course 1 from Songjeong, course 2 from Haeundae or Gwangalli and section 3 of course 4 from Dadaepo Beach.
The Busan Barefoot Walking City Movement hosts the Seven Beach Earthing Challenge, a series of earthing events held throughout the year. The inaugural festival occurred last year, with 21,000 people baring their feet to walk across Haeundae, Gwangalli, Dadaepo and Songjeong beaches.
The Seven Beach Earthing Challenge will continue this year with the first event at Imrang Beach in March, Ilgwang Beach in May and Songdo Beach in September. Participation is free, and people can register at (earthing.busan.com).
◎Earthing safely
A simple warm-up is recommended before earthing. Gentle stretches and light movements can loosen muscles and joints.
As you walk, maintain an upright posture and keep your gaze 1-2 meters ahead to spot and avoid obstacles. Proper technique is key to maximizing earthing's benefits. Step straight and evenly distribute your weight to protect your knees. A slow, mindful pace enhances your connection with the ground, allowing you to feel subtle muscle movements.
Stay on designated paths and avoid grassy areas or thickets where hidden hazards may be present. Extra caution is needed on rainy days and when going down slopes to prevent slipping.
Since earthing involves direct contact with the ground, your feet are vulnerable to injury. A tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended. Additionally, individuals with open wounds or diabetes should consult a doctor before walking barefoot, as it may pose health risks. By following these tips, people can safely enjoy the revitalizing benefits of earthing.