Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, South Korea
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.
Gyeongju Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Gyeongju Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026 with a 8:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
The Gyeongju Marathon is a historic urban road that starts and finishes at the Gyeongju Sports Complex or Bomun Lake resort area. The loop passes Cheomseongdae Observatory, Anapji Pond, and the Bulguksa Temple approach roads. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Crowd support is strongest around the historic start-finish hub and along the landmark districts that define the city's character.
The Gyeongju Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
The Gyeongju Marathon is held in October, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://www.gyeongjumarathon.co.kr/.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Gyeongju.
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
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
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.
Next race: Sunday, 10 January 2027
The Gongju Baekje Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers each October on a historic city road in Gongju, South Korea. The ancient-kingdom history gives the race a distinct cultural frame within Korean road running. The route passes Baekje-era heritage areas, river sections, and roads through the old capital. Baekje-era heritage areas and river sections climb through the old capital, where ancient-kingdom history frames every rolling stretch of road.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
The Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers each April on an urban and coastal plain road in Gunsan, South Korea. Its pancake-flat terrain makes it a popular speed course in Korea. The route passes harbor districts, flat reclaimed-land roads, and open western-coast scenery. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
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