Seoul International Marathon

Seoul International Marathon Countdown

338

Days

18

Hrs

52

Min

31

Sec

Next Race

March 14, 2027

339

days to go

The Seoul International Marathon is one of Asia's most storied road races, with origins dating back to 1931 — making it the third-oldest marathon in Asia. The point-to-point course starts at the majestic Gwanghwamun Square against the backdrop of Gyeongbokgung Palace and threads through the vibrant heart of the city before finishing inside the historic Jamsil Sports Complex, home of the 1988 Summer Olympics. The flat, fast layout and passionate Korean crowds make it one of the best marathon experiences in the world.

WA Platinum Label

Est.

1931

Distance

42.195km / 26.2mi

Course

Point-to-point

Surface

Road

Elev. Gain

60m

Elev. Loss

60m

Field Size

~40,000

When

March

Time Limit

5h

THE COURSE

Gain

+60m

Loss

-60m

MI 0

KM 0

Gwanghwamun Square Start

The race begins at Gwanghwamun Square with the imposing Gwanghwamun Gate and Gyeongbokgung Palace as a backdrop. The wide plaza fills with tens of thousands of runners as the morning sun rises over the ancient palace.

ELEV: 60ft

MI 0

KM 0

Gwanghwamun Square Start

The race begins at Gwanghwamun Square with the imposing Gwanghwamun Gate and Gyeongbokgung Palace as a backdrop. The wide plaza fills with tens of thousands of runners as the morning sun rises over the ancient palace.

ELEV: 60ft

MI 3

KM 5

Namdaemun Gate & Euljiro

The course passes Namdaemun, Korea's National Treasure No. 1, and heads along Euljiro through the commercial heart of Seoul. The energy from office workers cheering from the sidewalks is incredible.

ELEV: 55ft

MI 3

KM 5

Namdaemun Gate & Euljiro

The course passes Namdaemun, Korea's National Treasure No. 1, and heads along Euljiro through the commercial heart of Seoul. The energy from office workers cheering from the sidewalks is incredible.

ELEV: 55ft

MI 5

KM 8

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Runners pass alongside the beautifully restored Cheonggyecheon Stream, a serene urban waterway that was once a buried highway. The stream provides a calming mid-race landmark amid the bustling city.

ELEV: 50ft

MI 5

KM 8

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Runners pass alongside the beautifully restored Cheonggyecheon Stream, a serene urban waterway that was once a buried highway. The stream provides a calming mid-race landmark amid the bustling city.

ELEV: 50ft

MI 12

KM 20

Dongdaemun & Children's Grand Park

The course winds past the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and through Seoul's vibrant east side, passing near Children's Grand Park. The crowds here are among the loudest and most enthusiastic on the entire route.

ELEV: 45ft

MI 12

KM 20

Dongdaemun & Children's Grand Park

The course winds past the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and through Seoul's vibrant east side, passing near Children's Grand Park. The crowds here are among the loudest and most enthusiastic on the entire route.

ELEV: 45ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Jamsil Olympic Stadium Finish

The finish at the Jamsil Sports Complex, built for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Runners enter the stadium for a lap on the track with the roar of spectators in the stands — an unforgettable finish worthy of the Olympic legacy.

ELEV: 35ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Jamsil Olympic Stadium Finish

The finish at the Jamsil Sports Complex, built for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Runners enter the stadium for a lap on the track with the roar of spectators in the stands — an unforgettable finish worthy of the Olympic legacy.

ELEV: 35ft