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Seoul International Marathon

SeoulSeoulSouth Korea

Next race

Sunday, 7 March 2027

8:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Seoul International Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 20k finishers on an urban road in Seoul, South Korea. The course starts and finishes at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. The route passes City Hall, the Han River, Gangnam, and Jamsil. Mostly flat with gentle rises on Han River bridge crossings.

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

Typical participants

Approximately 20k finishers

Weather

Cool spring

2–6°C · humidity 55–75%

Marathon weather guide →

Course records
Men: 2:04:43 — Mosinet Geremew (2022)Women: 2:18:04 — Joan Chelimo (2022)

Course & terrain

Seoul International Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Seoul Marathon is a loop starting and finishing at Gwanghwamun Square in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, heading south through central Seoul, crossing the Han River via Mapo Bridge, looping through the southern riverside parks, and returning north. The Han River sections are the easiest because they are flat and fast, while the longer bridge and city connectors are the tougher stretches on an otherwise quick course. Spectators gather at Gwanghwamun Square, along the Han River embankment, and at cheer stations through the city centre.

Registration

Seoul International Marathon entry requirements

Seoul International Marathon is held in March, typically the third Sunday. Registration opens online in autumn through en.seoul-marathon.com. The process is primarily in Korean but an English section exists, and many international runners use dedicated running travel agencies that offer English-language entry assistance. The field is approximately 15,000–20,000 for the full marathon. As South Korea's oldest and most prestigious marathon — first run in 1931 — demand from domestic runners is high.

Getting there

Seoul International Marathon travel

Airports closest to Seoul for flight planning and race-week travel.
Closest airport

Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP)

17 km / 10 mi

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Seoul International Marathon?
The Seoul International Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul.
What time does the Seoul International Marathon start?
The 2027 Seoul International Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What is the Seoul Marathon course route?
The Seoul International Marathon starts at Gwanghwamun Plaza, in the heart of the city in front of Gwanghwamun Gate — the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The course heads south through central Seoul, crosses the Han River via the Mapo Bridge, and loops along the southern riverside park paths before recrossing and returning north through Yeouido (Seoul's financial and political island). The Han River sections are flat, fast, and offer striking city views, particularly from the bridges.
When is the Seoul Marathon and how do I enter?
Seoul International Marathon is held in March, typically the third Sunday. The process is primarily in Korean but an English section exists, and many international runners use dedicated running travel agencies that offer English-language entry assistance. The field is approximately 15,000–20,000 for the full marathon. As South Korea's oldest and most prestigious marathon — first run in 1931 — demand from domestic runners is high.
What is the elevation profile of the Seoul Marathon?
The Seoul International Marathon course is largely flat, particularly along the Han River and through the southern riverside loop. Total elevation gain is around 78 metres — modest for a course that traverses a major Asian capital. The Han River running paths (Hangang Park) are among the flattest and most well-maintained urban running surfaces in Asia, and the wide bridge crossings add no significant grade. Seoul's flat profile makes it a realistic personal-best target for runners familiar with Asian marathon culture.
What are the weather and air quality conditions at Seoul Marathon?
March in Seoul is early spring in northeast Asia, with temperatures typically 3–12 °C (37–54 °F) on race day — excellent for running. However, the infamous 'yellow dust' (hwangsa) — fine particulate matter blown from the Gobi Desert across northern China and into Korea — is a real risk in March. Air quality can range from excellent to significantly degraded. Runners with respiratory sensitivities should monitor AQI forecasts in race week and have a contingency plan, including a mask if conditions are poor.
What makes Seoul Marathon South Korea's premier running event?
Seoul International Marathon has been running since 1931, making it one of the oldest marathons in Asia. It holds World Athletics Platinum Label status — the highest designation for road races — and attracts elite East African and South Korean runners. The start at Gwanghwamun Gate, with the ancient palace beyond it, provides a historically and visually iconic backdrop. The city closes major arterial roads and Han River bridges for the race, creating sweeping wide avenues with exceptional crowd access.

Official resources

Seoul International Marathon links

Websites

Social Media

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

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Seoul.

Seoul Marathon
SeoulSeoulSouth Korea· 0 km away

Seoul Marathon

The Seoul Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each November on an urban road in Seoul, South Korea. It is a separate mass-participation autumn race from the spring Seoul International Marathon (https://www.marathonfocus.com/marathons/seoul-international-marathon). The route passes Han River sections, central boulevards, and skyline-heavy roads through the capital. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

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