Recently, a new trend has taken over parks and trails across South Korea. As more people seek ways to reconnect with nature and improve their health, “맨발 걷기” (Maenbal Geotgi), or barefoot walking in Korea, has become a national sensation.
As the name suggests, this trend involves taking off your shoes and walking directly on natural surfaces like dirt paths or sandy beaches. But this isn’t just about ‘getting back to nature’; it’s rooted in a specific health philosophy called “Grounding” or “Earthing.”
This simple activity has gained explosive attention for its numerous health benefits, leading many people to incorporate it into their daily routines. In this post, we’ll explore the various benefits of barefoot walking, the philosophy behind it, and why it has become one of the biggest Korean health trends.
The Philosophy: What is “Grounding” or “Earthing” in Korea?
While walking barefoot is a global concept, the boom in barefoot walking in Korea is tied to the concept of “접지” (jeopji) or “어싱” (eosing)—the Korean terms for “Grounding” or “Earthing.”
The theory behind Grounding or Earthing in Korea is simple:
- Our modern lives, spent indoors and wearing rubber-soled shoes, disconnect us from the earth’s natural energy.
- Our bodies build up an excess of positive electrical charge (free radicals) from things like stress, inflammation, and electronic devices.
- The Earth’s surface holds a constant negative electrical charge (an abundant supply of free electrons).
- By walking barefoot, you make direct skin contact with the earth. This allows your body to “ground” itself, absorbing the earth’s negative electrons.
- This process is believed to neutralize the excess positive charge, reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and lower stress.
This “Earthing” philosophy is the primary driver of the 맨발 걷기 trend. It’s seen as an active, natural, and free healing method.
Key Benefits of Barefoot Walking (Maenbal Geotgi)
Based on this philosophy, proponents of barefoot walking in Korea cite numerous benefits.
1. Improved Blood Circulation
‘맨발 걷기’ stimulates the soles of your feet, which are rich in nerve endings and pressure points (similar to reflexology). This stimulation is believed to enhance blood flow throughout the body. By using the muscles in your feet more naturally, barefoot walking in Korea strengthens your foot movements and helps improve circulation in your legs and ankles as well.
2. Stress Relief
Walking barefoot in nature provides a calming effect. As the nerves in the soles of your feet are stimulated, the “Grounding” effect is said to help reduce the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. This helps to calm the mind and ease stress, allowing you to relax. The act of walking in nature also deepens your connection with the environment, offering a sense of peace and mental clarity.
3. Enhanced Proprioception
Proprioception refers to your body’s ability to sense its position, balance, and movement. ‘맨발 걷기’ on uneven surfaces like dirt, pebbles, and roots improves this awareness. By training your proprioception, you become better at quickly reacting to sudden changes in balance, which can help prevent falls. It also engages more muscles—not just in your feet but in your legs, hips, and core—providing a more complete workout.
4. Strengthening Foot Muscles
One of the most noticeable benefits of barefoot walking is the strengthening of your foot muscles. When you wear shoes (especially modern, cushioned ones), only certain muscles are used, leaving others underutilized. ‘맨발 걷기’ forces the smaller, intrinsic muscles in your toes, arches, and sides of your feet to work harder to grip and maintain balance. This strengthens these often-neglected muscles, leading to healthier and more resilient feet.
Why is This a Uniquely “Korean” Health Trend?
While people walk barefoot everywhere, barefoot walking in Korea has evolved into a structured, community-supported activity.
The biggest difference is the infrastructure. In response to the trend, city governments (like Seoul’s) and local municipalities are actively building dedicated “barefoot paths” in public parks. These aren’t just any paths; they are often “황톳길” (hwangto-gil), or paths made of special red clay.
Hwangto clay is believed to have its own medicinal properties in traditional Korean culture, making these paths doubly beneficial. This government and community support transforms a simple activity into one of the most visible Korean health trends today.
Tips for Safe Barefoot Walking in Korea
While barefoot walking in Korea offers many health benefits, it’s important to practice it correctly to avoid any potential downsides.
- Walk in a Safe Environment: This is easy in Korea. Look for the dedicated ‘맨발 걷기’ parks with well-maintained, soft dirt or red clay paths. These are ideal locations. Avoid areas with glass, sharp rocks, or garbage.
- Start Slowly: Don’t walk barefoot for two hours on your first day. Your feet are sensitive. Start with just 10-20 minutes and gradually increase the time to allow your feet to adjust and build calluses.
- Check the Weather: Avoid walking barefoot in extreme weather conditions, as very hot or cold surfaces can lead to burns or frostbite.
- Use the Foot-Washing Stations: A key feature of Korean parks is the “세족장” (sesokjang), or public foot-washing station. These are provided specifically for barefoot walkers. After your walk, you can easily wash the dirt from your feet and legs before putting your shoes back on.
➤ ‘맨발 걷기’ is an easy, accessible way to improve your health without the need for special equipment or skills. By boosting blood circulation and promoting mental relaxation through “Grounding,” it provides a natural way for busy modern individuals to recharge both physically and mentally. If you walk barefoot for just 10 to 20 minutes a day, you may soon start to notice the positive changes in your body and mind.
