Five thousand people will trade cars for walking shoes this Sunday as Seoul closes downtown streets for the 2026 Seoul Walking Festival, turning a 4.4-kilometer route from Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) to Gwanghwamun Square into a pedestrian corridor. Starting at DDP, the route winds past Heunginjimun Gate, Changdeok Palace and Gyeongbok Palace before finishing at Gwanghwamun Square. Participants must arrive with their mobile passes by 7:30 am at the DDP, with group stretching, remarks by invited guests and a group photograph will take place before the 8 am start. The festival filled all 5,000 registration spots within two days of applications opening on Aug. 10, according to Seoul. Organizers will stage performances and activities along the route, including a DJ set and LED light show inside Yulgok Tunnel and cheerleading performances at major intersections. At Gwanghwamun Square, participants can enjoy live music, capture memories at a message photo wall and print complimentary photos on the spot. This year’s festival will also feature a mobile fitness station where participants can me