Marathons in South Korea 2026: Routes, Dates & Elevation

South Korea is home to 12 marathons in our database, spread across cities including Busan, Chuncheon, Daegu, and Gongju, and more.

Daegu Marathon is the largest race in the lineup, typically drawing around 28,000 finishers, while the full spread offers everything from fast urban courses to scenic regional events.

Browse the races below for course maps, elevation profiles, typical weather, and practical race-day detail to help you choose your next start line.

DaeguDaeguSouth Korea

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

SeoulSeoulSouth Korea

Seoul International Marathon

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

BusanBusanSouth Korea

Busan Marathon

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

ChuncheonGangwonSouth Korea

Chuncheon Marathon

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

GongjuSouth ChungcheongSouth Korea

Gongju Baekje Marathon

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

IncheonIncheonSouth Korea

Incheon Marathon

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

SeoulSeoulSouth Korea

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

GunsanNorth JeollaSouth Korea

Gunsan Saemangeum International Marathon

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

PohangNorth GyeongsangSouth Korea

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

HwaseongGyeonggiSouth Korea

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

GyeongjuNorth GyeongsangSouth Korea

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

JejuJejuSouth Korea

Jeju Marathon Festival

The Jeju Marathon Festival draws approximately 3,000 finishers each May on an island road in Jeju, South Korea. The island setting gives it a travel-destination feel unlike mainland Korean marathons. The route passes volcanic-island scenery, coastal stretches, and open roads shaped by Jeju's lava landscape. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027