The "Daengdaengi Healing Festa" opens on October 17 at Namji Sports Park, offering professional walking classes, behavioral training, and healing programs.

Changnyeong’s representative natural scenic treasure, the Namji Gaebirigil Trail, is transforming into an innovative pet-friendly tourism destination. By ingeniously connecting local geographic names and stunning natural landscapes with companion dog travel, the region is carving out a distinct niche in domestic tourism.

Organized by Gyeongsangnam-do and the Gyeongnam Tourism Organization, the "Changnyeong Daengbirigil Sanctuary - Daengdaengi Healing Festa" will take place on October 17 at the Namji Sports Park area. The festival venue is thoughtfully divided into five distinct experiential zones: Healing, Walking, Training, Booth Experience, and Stage Performance.

Designed to cater to both pets and their owners, the event features a wide array of programs. Professional trainers will lead specialized walking and behavioral training sessions, while visitors can also enjoy pet aroma therapies, professional massages, custom ID tag making, and portrait caricatures. Additionally, unique programs reflecting the legend of Gaebirigil—whose name historically translates to "a cliff trail where dogs walked"—such as the "Save the 11 Gaebirigil Puppies!" event and nose-work scent activities, add an engaging storytelling element to the experience.

To ensure that everyone can join in the festive atmosphere, including local residents and visitors without pets, the venue will also host entertaining magic and bubble shows. While walking classes require advance registration, most booths and stage programs are open for general participation.

As local governments increasingly integrate companion animal programs into natural tourist attractions, industry observers are closely watching whether pet tourism will successfully establish itself as a driving force for regional stay-over tourism. This initiative not only meets the rising demand for pet travel but also breathes new life into Changnyeong's local economy by showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Nakdong River and the Gaebirigil Trail.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]