Next race
Sunday, 1 November 2026
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
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.
Seoul Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 12k finishers
Course & terrain
Starts and finishes on major Seoul city roads. The route passes Han River sections, central boulevards, and skyline-heavy roads through the capital. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
The Seoul Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 38 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
The Seoul Marathon uses qualifying standards, elite invitations, and a ballot for the mass field through marathon.jtbc.com, with applications typically accepted in late summer for the November race. Sub-elite and club runners with verified times receive priority, while general applicants enter a competitive lottery when demand exceeds capacity. International runners apply through the official English portal and should expect a rigorous entry process given the race's status as South Korea's premier marathon with roughly 12,000 finishers.
Getting there
Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
17 km / 10 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Seoul.
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.
Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027
The Incheon Marathon attracts approximately 12k finishers each March through the port city west of Seoul. The course passes Songdo International Business District, Incheon Bridge, and the Wolmido waterfront with views across the Yellow Sea. March's mild Korean spring and flat reclaimed-land terrain make it a fast early-season race in the Seoul metropolitan area.
Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027
The Chuncheon Marathon in South Korea's Gangwon province draws about 12,000 finishers each October around the scenic Soyang Lake and city waterfront. Chuncheon is known for dakgalbi and as a filming location for Korean dramas, and the marathon course highlights the lake, Uiamho suspension bridge, and mountain-framed reservoir views. Autumn foliage and cool October weather add to the appeal.
Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
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. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 19 September 2027
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
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
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
