Sunrise walk brings light to mental health awareness in Korea
People walk before dawn during the Solas walk to raise mental health awareness, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
Before dawn on Saturday, nearly 150 people wearing green T-shirts gathered near Yeouinaru Station near the Han River for the second annual 5-kilometer community walk known as Solas, from the Irish Gaelic word for "light." Organized by the Irish Association of Korea, the walk aimed to raise awareness of mental health and well-being, while also raising funds to support mental health counseling services in Korea. The event was timed for the end of Mental Health Awareness Month 2025, emphasizing the importance of compassion, community and openness in breaking stigmas around mental health.
Ambassador of Ireland to Korea Michelle Winthrop said in her welcoming remarks that mental health issues like depression affect countless individuals across all walks of life. Evidence shows that one of the most effective steps a person struggling with such problems can take is to talk about it. Yet for many, opening up feels difficult or even impossible due to stigma and misunderstanding.
About 150 people participate in the Solas morning walk in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
“We’re here not only to encourage people to speak out when they’re struggling but also to foster a culture of active listening and empathy, where we learn to spot the signs when someone isn’t OK and support them with kindness and without judgment," she said. "Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and showing just a little more compassion and openness could have a profound impact on individuals and our society as a whole.”
Irish Ambassador to Korea Michelle Winthrop gives a pep talk during the Solas morning walk in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
She further highlighted that the Solas walk had two key objectives: to raise awareness of mental health issues and collect funds for the work being done by the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God here in Korea.
“In Ireland, when it comes to supporting people through mental health crises, one organization stands out: the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, affectionately known at home as the John o’Gods," she said. "What many may not know is that their legacy of care extends across continents. Since the 1950s, the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God brothers have been pioneering psychiatric care in Korea — offering outpatient services, counseling, addiction support and, most importantly, helping to destigmatize topics like suicide and depression.”
Brother John Conway, left, from the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God talks with Gordon Winthrop, husband of the Irish ambassador, during the Solas morning walk in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
One of the organizers, Warren Neiland, a qualified mental health therapist working as an emotional guidance counselor at Cheongna Dalton School in Incheon, gave an inspiring speech before the walk began, reminding participants that no one has to go through tough times alone and there is strength in unity.
“At my school, I have a reminder on every door: 'It’s OK to be not OK.' There’s no shame in struggling. There is no weakness in saying, 'I can’t do it right now.' Asking for help is not a sign of failure — it’s a step forward. Just because you don’t have it all together doesn’t mean you can’t keep going. So today, as you walk, be fully present. Feel the ground beneath your feet. Notice the people beside you. Breathe deeply. Walk not just as individuals but together," he said.
"Let’s walk in solidarity. Let each step we take spread kindness, hope and strength—not just for ourselves, but for the many who are silently struggling right now. In this moment, we can be a beacon for someone else.”
When asked about the connection between the event and mental health, he said, "It’s for awareness, shining light on things from the darkness."
Having worked in mental health in Korea for the past decade and a half, he reflected on the challenges faced:
“There’s such a stigma here. We don’t talk about it. It’s hidden. Unlike a broken hand, which everyone can see and sympathize with, mental health struggles are internal, out of sight, often misunderstood and rarely discussed," he said. "There’s this idea that if you have mental health issues, something’s wrong with you — but that’s not true. People have other strengths, and we need to talk about that. Encouraging openness is key. Everyone should be able to say, ‘I’m not doing well right now,’ and know they’re not alone. Many are silently struggling, and this walk isn’t just for awareness — it’s a demonstration of support.”
Warren Neiland, emotional guidance counselor at Cheongna Dalton School in Incheon, participates in the Solas morning walk in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
He also acknowledged the mental health challenges facing foreign residents in Korea. “Being away from home, adapting to new cultures and climates, it’s tough," he said. "I left Ireland young, lived in the U.S. and have now been in Korea for over 17 years. Despite the challenges, there is support available. We’re here to support people.”
Jorg Weberndorfer and his family participate in the Solas morning walk in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
For Jorg Weberndorfer, a German national working for the European Union delegation to Korea, the event was a good opportunity for family time with his wife and children.
“It was the first time for me, and it was fantastic,” he said of his experience. “I liked the walk itself, and also the scenery here in Seoul along the Han River, without traffic, without people — it’s very different. A different town. I think next year will be even better.”
About 150 people participate in the Solas morning walk in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
About halfway through the 5K walk, the sun began to rise over the horizon to the east, the natural beauty of the morning reminding us that we don’t have to walk alone. The event concluded with light refreshments and coffee at the garden of the Conrad Seoul hotel on Yeouido. Also the same morning, 48 people gathered for a Solas walk on Jeju Island and 18 gathered in Busan. Visit irishassociationofkorea.kr/solas for more information.
Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also the co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency.