Siheung City Wins Korea Healthy Cities Award for Eighth Consecutive Year

"Learn Run Siheung" Wins Innovation Award in General Category
Creating an Exercise Environment Where Runners and Pedestrians Coexist

Siheung City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Im Byeong-taek), announced that it won the Innovation Award in the general category of the Korea Healthy Cities Awards for its “A New Way to Run in Siheung - Learn Run Siheung” project at the 2026 Korea Healthy Cities Partnership Fall General Assembly, held at Lotte Hotel & Resort in Gimhae on October 22. The award extended the city’s streak to eight consecutive years, dating back to 2019.

Officials pose for a commemorative photo after Siheung City won the Innovation Award in the general category of the Korea Healthy Cities Awards, held at Lotte Hotel & Resort in Gimhae on the 22nd. Provided by Siheung City.

The Korea Healthy Cities Awards were established to identify and share outstanding health policies among the 105 member cities of the Korea Healthy Cities Partnership nationwide.

In response to growing public interest in running, Siheung City pursued initiatives focused on creating a running-friendly environment, providing smart information, and promoting a healthy running culture.

The city created 3-km and 5-km running courses at Baegot Hanul Park and installed starting lines and distance markers at nine locations. It also coordinated a participatory budgeting proposal, collaboration among relevant departments, and expert consultation to convert unused military sentry posts into running rest areas.

QR codes on park facilities provide information about running courses, proper form, and the benefits of exercise. The city also launched a new “Slow Running Class” that beginners can easily join, and promoted a culture in which runners and pedestrians can share the space through online and offline promotional materials and etiquette guides in the park.

Lee Hyeong-jeong, director of the Siheung City Public Health Center, said, “This award recognizes the results of policies shaped by on-the-ground needs and developed together with multiple departments, residents, and experts. We will continue to expand our healthy city policies so that everyone can enjoy taking steps toward better health.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.