Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
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/south-korea/seoul-international-marathon). The route passes Han River sections, central boulevards, and skyline-heavy roads through the capital. Han River sections, central boulevards, and skyline-heavy capital roads carry this separate autumn mass race through Seoul on a largely runnable profile.
Seoul Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Seoul Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2026 with a 8:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
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 mostly flat with gentle undulations 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.
The Seoul Marathon uses qualifying standards, elite invitations, and a ballot for the mass field through marathon.joins.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.
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 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. 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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