Irish community-led sunrise walk for mental health expands across 4 cities in Korea

People take part in last year's Solas walk along the Han River in Seoul, May 31, 2025. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu

The Irish Association of Korea (IAK) will host the annual Solas sunrise walk on Saturday, May 30, bringing local and international communities together for the third time in a nationwide show of solidarity for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. This year, the early morning event takes place simultaneously in Seoul, Busan, Jeju and, for the first time, Jeonju, North Jeolla Province.

Now in its third year, Solas has evolved from a relatively small community gathering into a nationwide awareness campaign focused on compassion, resilience and mental health support. Organizers believe the event’s continued expansion demonstrates a growing recognition that mental well-being is a shared social responsibility.

Alan Leavy, chairman of the IAK, said the event's growing scale reflects the strong support for mental health awareness initiatives within Korea’s Irish and international communities.

“It is encouraging to see more people willing to come together in support of one another and engage in conversations that can often be difficult but are deeply important,” he said.

He mentioned that all proceeds from the event will support the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, which has been operating in Korea since 1958, when it established a clinic in Gwangju. With three facilities in Seoul and operations across 55 countries, the organization provides health care, mental health support, addiction treatment, hospice care and residential services for people with learning difficulties.

Warren Neiland, well-being officer for the Irish Association of Korea and emotional guidance counselor at Cheongna Dalton School in Incheon, takes part in last year's Solas walk along the Han River in Seoul, May 31, 2025. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu

Warren Neiland, wellbeing officer for the IAK and a school counselor at Cheongna Dalton School in Incheon, emphasized that this year’s event carries particular importance at a time when many people in Korea continue to experience intense personal, academic and professional pressures.

“This year’s Solas walk feels especially meaningful because it brings together both the local and international community around something deeply human: connection, support and hope. It reflects the growing awareness that mental health and well-being are shared responsibilities, not individual burdens,” he told the Korea Times. “Events like this help reduce stigma, encourage open conversations and remind people that communities become stronger when we support one another.”

He highlighted that open conversations are especially important in Korea today because many people carry significant pressure quietly — academically, professionally, socially and personally. “Stress is part of life, but when pressure becomes constant, and people feel unable to speak openly, it can deeply affect well-being. We need to continue creating environments where people feel safe to ask for help and where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health.”

When asked about the barriers preventing people from seeking mental health support, he says that one of the biggest is still the stigma. “Many people fear judgment or feel pressure to appear strong and capable at all times,” he said. “Others may not know where to seek support or may worry about burdening those around them. That’s why open conversations, supportive communities and strength-based approaches are so important; they help people understand that seeking support is a positive step, not a weakness.”

Neiland stressed that events like Solas are important because they create connection and belonging. In a world where many people feel isolated or overwhelmed, coming together as a community sends a powerful message that nobody has to face difficult times alone. It brings together people from different cultures and backgrounds through a shared purpose centered on wellbeing. He hopes participants leave with a sense of hope, connection and encouragement. “It creates opportunities for the Korean and international communities to support one another, share experiences and build greater awareness around mental health positively and inclusively,” he said.

He said he is excited and looking forward to the overall atmosphere of the event, seeing people come together, hearing stories and experiencing a shared sense of support and connection. “We’re also very grateful to have Irish Ambassador Michelle Winthrop joining us as a keynote speaker, which reflects the importance of community wellbeing and mental health awareness within both the Irish and wider international community in Korea. Often, the most meaningful part of events like this is simply seeing people walking side by side, having conversations and reminding one another that they are not alone.”

Before starting the 5-kilometer sunrise walk, participants will gather at 4:30 a.m. Saturday in each city. In Seoul, participants will walk along the Han River, beginning at Yeouinaru, passing landmarks such as the 63 Building, before finishing near the IFC Mall. Busan participants will follow a coastal route from Igidae Geopark to Gwangalli Beach, while walkers on Jeju Island will begin near the Pathway of Learning and conclude at the GEC Sports Field. In Jeonju, they will walk through the Hanok Village area before finishing at Flat Mate.

Registration is open until May 17, and fees are set at 20,000 won for adults and 10,000 won for youths aged 10 to 18, while children under 10 can participate free of charge. Participants will receive commemorative T-shirts and refreshments. Follow @irishassockorea on Instagram for more information and to register.

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 a freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency.