Busan is good

“A Time to Discover Busan’s Hidden Charms”… 2026 Galmaetgil Companion Walking Event to Be Held

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Park Heong-joon, announced that it will operate the “2026 Galmaetgil Companion Walking Event” for approximately eight months from April 27 to November 30.

This event is designed to expand walking culture centered around Galmaetgil, a representative walking trail of Korea, while also establishing it as a leisure activity for citizens.

Unlike previous years when the YOLO Galmaetgil Companion Walking event was held separately in the first and second halves of the year, this year’s program will run continuously throughout the entire year, including the summer season. Citizens will be able to regain a sense of relaxation for both body and mind through slow travel along beautiful natural and urban paths, while discovering the hidden charms of Busan.

The 2026 event will consist of four themes that received high participation and positive responses in 2025: Regular Galmaetgil Walking, Companion Galmaetgil Walking, Sunset Galmaetgil Walking, and the Office Workers Expedition.

Across Busan, the program will include the 23 regular courses of the Galmaetgil 700-ri trail and 10 themed YOLO Galmaetgil courses, comprising a total of 86 sessions. Approximately 1,400 citizens and tourists are expected to participate.

During the event, the Regular Galmaetgil Walking program—aimed at completing the entire Galmaetgil route—and the Companion Galmaetgil Walking program—designed to provide walking experiences for mobility-vulnerable participants—will be operated continuously throughout the year. In addition, the Sunset Galmaetgil Walking program will be offered during the summer season to showcase attractions such as the city’s nightscape, highlighting Busan’s unique summer appeal.

Furthermore, the Office Workers Expedition program, which allows office workers to experience representative Galmaetgil courses, will be operated during the autumn season.

In particular, professionally trained trekking guides will accompany participants to ensure that everyone, including mobility-vulnerable individuals, can enjoy a safe and comfortable walking experience along the Galmaetgil trails.

The event is open free of charge to anyone interested in walking. Applications are currently being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through the Galmaetgil Companion Walking website (www.galmaetgil.kr). For further inquiries, contact the Galmaetgil Companion Walking Secretariat at 051-898-4573.

An official from Busan Metropolitan City stated, “Galmaetgil, a representative tourism resource of Busan, goes beyond a simple walking trail to serve as a healing space that promotes citizens’ health and provides mental relaxation. Through the Galmaetgil Companion Walking Event, we hope that all citizens—including mobility-vulnerable individuals and office workers—can equally enjoy Busan’s natural environment, embrace a healthy leisure culture in their daily lives, and experience the city’s beautiful charm.”