Senegalese expats in South Korea participated in a 2.1-kilometer hike with a civic group on Sunday along a historical trail surrounding central Seoul. 

The event titled “Let’s Walk Together,” or “Marchons Ensemble” in French, was jointly organized by the Korea-Senegal Commerce, Industry and Culture Association and a community of Senegalese expats.

Over 70 people including expats, Senegalese Embassy staff and local university professors joined the hike, which took place at the Naksan Mountain Trail.

The participants learned about Korean history and culture as they hiked the trail, which is the eastern portion of Hanyangdoseong or the Seoul City Wall.

The wall was built in 1396 to surround Hanyang, modern-day Seoul, providing four entry points into the capital.

English translations were provided by tour guides, while South Korean professors of French literature and volunteers helped provide translations in French. 

Upon reaching the top of the mountain, Senegalese Ambassador to South Korea Mamadou Gueye Faye gave a speech, expressing his hope that such civilian exchange would eventually expand into stronger cultural and economic cooperation.

The group then took a commemorative picture after looking around the Seoul City Wall Museum. The event wrapped up with a meal of galbitang or Korean traditional short rib soup.

By Jung Min-kyung (mkjung@heraldcorp.com)