Events

Seoul Running Races: How Registration Works, Autumn Races and the Seoul Half Marathon

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AI-generated worn running shoes on a riverside bench, with an anonymous seated figure and the handwritten words one small step.

AT A GLANCE

Autumn peak
JTBC Seoul Marathon, Sun Nov 1 (Sangam start, Olympic Park finish; full and 10K)
Mid-October
Oct 10–11: 5K and 10K events in Seoul such as Heart Run and Pink Run; most are closed for entries
Seoul Half
Entries usually open in mid-December, with a members' pre-registration first
Find races
Marathon Go domestic schedule (marathongo.co.kr)

Most Seoul-area races fill or close for entries months ahead, so the best plan is to check dates early and start with a 5K or 10K. This guide explains how to find races, what is on the calendar this autumn and when the Seoul Half Marathon usually opens. Checked on 2026-10-12.

The hero image is AI-generated and is not a photo of a real person or race.

Where to find races

The Marathon Go domestic race schedule lists races by date, place, distance and registration status. Registration windows vary widely. An April-opening race can be full by May, and some 10K events take entries for only a few days.

Races this autumn

  • October 10–11 (Seoul area): Events listed for the weekend include Heart Run (Olympic Park, 10K and 5K), the Gangseo Heojun Run (Seoul Botanic Park, 10K, 5K and a 3K family run), the Seoul Trail Run (37K, 20K and 11K) and Pink Run (Sangam World Cup Park, 10K and 5K). Most were already closed for entries (Marathon Go).
  • November 1 (Sunday): The JTBC Seoul Marathon runs from Sangam to Olympic Park, with full and 10K distances. Its registration has passed.
  • Early October races such as the Hankyung Seoul Marathon and Gangnam International Peace Marathon have already been held.

The Seoul Half Marathon

The Seoul Half Marathon is organized by the Chosun Ilbo, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Sports Council. Entries usually start in mid-December. A pre-registration for Chosun membership holders comes first and tends to fill quickly, and general registration follows from mid-December to early January (Running guide, in Korean). Confirm the dates on the official page.

How does registration differ between autumn races?

According to Running Wiki’s 2026 major marathon calendar (in Korean), autumn races use different entry systems.

  • JTBC Seoul Marathon (November 1): about 32,000 runners, with full and 10K distances. Places are drawn by lottery rather than first come, first served. The full marathon fee is 150,000 won and there is no qualifying time.
  • Chuncheon Marathon: about 20,000 runners, with full and 10K distances. Entry is first come, first served, for ages 18 and over, with no qualifying time. The full marathon fee was 100,000 won in 2025.
  • Gyeongju International Marathon (October 17): held at Gyeongju Citizens’ Stadium, with about 12,000 runners.
  • Son Kee-chung Peace Marathon (November 15): about 10,000 runners.

For a lottery race, what matters is applying within the entry window rather than rushing on day one. For a first-come race, the opening time matters. Check which system a race uses before you apply.

A beginner’s order

  1. Start with a 5K. Many races offer 5K and 10K alongside the half.
  2. Note registration dates early. Find the race on Marathon Go and put the opening day in your calendar.
  3. Build up gradually. Do not add distance suddenly, and rest if something hurts.

If your usual route feels dull, GPS drawing runs, where your route draws a picture on the map, are another option.

Good for / not for

Good for

  • Beginners who want to enter their first 5K or 10K
  • Anyone who wants to plan a race months ahead

Not for

  • Anyone who wants to enter next week. Most autumn races are closed.

FAQ

When should I register? Often months ahead. Check the race’s opening day on Marathon Go.

Can I still join the JTBC Seoul Marathon? Its registration has passed, though spectating is possible.

Which race suits a beginner? A 5K or 10K event.

Sources

Checked on 2026-10-12. Registration status changes often. Confirm on each race’s official page before applying.