Busan Marathon

BusanBusanSouth Korea

Next race

Sunday, 10 January 2027

8:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Scenic coastal road

Elevation

Rolling · 150 m gain

150 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Busan Marathon draws approximately 15k finishers each January through South Korea's second-largest city and premier port. The course passes Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Bridge, and the Busan Cinema Centre on a coastal loop along the East Sea. January's crisp Korean winter and sea-breeze scenery make it the country's largest winter marathon.

Busan Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 15k finishers

Weather: Cool winter
1–5°C · humidity 45–65%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Busan Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Busan Marathon is a scenic coastal road that starts near Busan City Hall or Haeundae and finishes at the Gwangalli Beach festival area. The loop follows the coastal road past Haeundae Beach, crosses Gwangalli Bridge, and passes the Busan Cinema Centre. Flatter corridors and river valleys offer the easiest miles, while the moderate climbs through hills, bridges, or bluffs are the tougher sections once fatigue builds. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.

Busan Marathon route map

Registration

Busan Marathon entry requirements

The Busan Marathon is held in January, typically on the second Sunday. Registration is through https://www.busanmarathon.co.kr/.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Busan Marathon elevation profile?: The Busan Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
Where can I find the Busan Marathon route map?: This page includes a Busan Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows the coastal road past Haeundae Beach, crosses Gwangalli Bridge, and passes the Busan Cinema Centre.
How long is the Busan Marathon?: The Busan Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starts near Busan City Hall or Haeundae and finishes at the Gwangalli Beach festival area.
What time does the Busan Marathon start?: The 2027 Busan Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 10 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Does the Busan Marathon pass Haeundae Beach?: Yes. The coastal course passes Haeundae Beach, Korea's most famous beach, and continues along the East Sea shoreline to Gwangalli Bridge.
When is the Busan Marathon?: The Busan Marathon is held in January, typically on the second Sunday.
Is the Busan Marathon hilly?: The coastal route has rolling terrain with moderate climbs on headland roads between beaches. It is hillier than flat inland Korean marathons like Daegu.
What landmarks are on the Busan course?: Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Bridge with its nightly light show, and the Busan Cinema Centre (host of the Busan International Film Festival) are highlights.
What is Busan weather like in January?: January in Busan is cold winter weather, often 0–8 °C (32–46 °F) with sea breezes. Dress warmly for the start and expect wind along the coast.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Busan.

GyeongjuNorth GyeongsangSouth Korea· 84 km away

Gyeongju Marathon

The Gyeongju Marathon attracts approximately 3,156 finishers each October through Korea's ancient Silla dynasty capital — an open-air museum of temples and royal tombs. The course passes Bulguksa Temple approach, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Anapji Pond on flat Gyeongju basin roads. October's mild Korean autumn and UNESCO heritage scenery make it one of the country's most culturally distinctive marathons.

Next race: Saturday, 17 October 2026

DaeguDaeguSouth Korea· 94 km away

Daegu Marathon

The Daegu Marathon attracts approximately 28k finishers each April through South Korea's third-largest city in the humid southeast. The course passes the Suseongmot Lake, Daegu Stadium, and the Geumho River parklands on a flat loop through the textile capital of Korea. April cherry-blossom season and mild temperatures make it one of the country's largest spring marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

PohangNorth GyeongsangSouth Korea· 107 km away

Pohang Marathon

The Pohang Marathon attracts approximately 5,000 finishers each October through South Korea's steel-city port on the East Sea. The course passes Hwanho Park, the POSCO steelworks waterfront, and the Homigot sunrise square area with coastal views. October's mild Korean autumn makes it a popular regional race on the southeast coast.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

FukuokaFukuokaJapan· 210 km away

Fukuoka Marathon

The Fukuoka Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each November on an urban to coastal road in Fukuoka, Japan. It is Fukuoka's large citizen marathon and should not be confused with the separate elite international race. The course passes Tenjin, seaside roads, and long views across Hakata Bay before the coastal finish. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026

ShimonosekiYamaguchiJapan· 216 km away

Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon

The Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon draws approximately 9,000 finishers each November on a harbor road in Shimonoseki, Japan. The narrow strait setting gives the race a dramatic maritime character from start to finish. The course passes Kanmon Strait waterfronts, fishing-port districts, and repeated sea views toward Kitakyushu. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

HwaseongGyeonggiSouth Korea· 222 km away

Hwaseong Filial Piety Marathon

The Hwaseong Filial Piety Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each May on an urban road in Hwaseong, South Korea. It is one of Gyeonggi Province's biggest spring full marathons and is designed for family festival participation as well as racing. The route passes broad city roads, parkland, and the growing urban landscape of Hwaseong south of Seoul. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Find a Marathon →

Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Marathon Course Profiles Explained

Marathon Course Profiles Explained

What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.

Marathon Weather: What to Expect

Marathon Weather: What to Expect

How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.

How to Choose a Marathon

How to Choose a Marathon

Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.

View all marathon guides →