An international walking festival will be held in Wonju, mountainous Gangwon Province, from Oct. 26-28.
The Korea Walking Federation said Wednesday that about 40,000 participants will join the festival, including 500 foreigners from 20 countries, such as Japan, the U.S., Britain, China, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia and Belgium.
The 13th annual event will open with a symposium and an international friendship meeting on the night of Oct. 26. During the following two days, the participants will walk five varying courses _ 5, 10, 20, 30 or 50 kilometers.
Besides the main festival, a variety of sideline events such as health checks and face painting will be staged at the Square of Youth, the main venue in Myeongnyun-dong.
Citizens and participants will also be able to enjoy local specialty goods and food at a fair and products of smaller local manufacturers at another fair.
Organizers will be on hand Thursday to give details about the festival at a briefing session and introduce the 230 km-long track for the walking competition, as well as confirm financial and other administrative support.