An international festival promoting healthy eating and an environment-friendly lifestyle is ready for its kick-off slated for next month, its organizer said Thursday.

Under the theme "Good Food, Good Life," the Namyangju Slow Life International Festival will be held for 10 days starting Oct. 8 in the city located about 30 kilometers east of Seoul, bring together participants from around 40 countries.

The organizer said the slow lifestyle aims at improving the quality of life by adopting traditional methods of eating and living, which will eventually lead to the three spirits of the event -- health, environment and empathy.

Organizers said the three core spirits are based on a philosophy proposed by Jeong Yak-yong, a scholar from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

His philosophy aimed at improving the environment, economic value, and the social status of agricultural regions.

In cooperation with local firms, the organizer will also hold various charity events throughout the festival.

An example is "the path of angels," which will be made with KB Kookmin Card Co. The credit card firm will donate 1,004 won

($0.84) for every visitor who walks 1.4 kilometers from a nearby subway station to the venue.

The cash raised from the event will be spent on people in the low-income bracket, the organizer said, adding that this will be an opportunity to be healthy and share at the same time.

Other events include a food exhibition where visitors can sample various dishes and drinks from around the globe.

Artifacts, made with various materials from earth to glass, are also available for display and sale during the festival. (Yonhap)