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More Than A Marathon: 2025 Korea’s Unique Running Events

Table of content

Table of content

Run, play, taste, and capture unforgettable experiences across Korea!

Hello, runners and experience seekers!
If you’ve ever thought,

“Running feels boring…”
then it’s time to RECONSIDER.

In South Korea, marathons have evolved into festivals of fun, themed entertainment, and unforgettable memories — from running with Pokémon to sprinting up a ski jump ramp. Whether you’re a beginner, fitness enthusiast, or just want to try something new, these themed marathons in 2025 are a must.

Let’s take a look at six of Korea’s most unique running events!

한국관광공사 포켓몬 제주 프로젝트 키비주얼

1. 『Pokémon Run in Jeju』

Run with Pikachu through the tropical beauty of Jeju Island!

📅 Dates: October 2–26, 2025
📍 Location: Jungmun Tourist Complex, Seogwipo, Jeju Island

✨ What’s it about?
A magical fusion of nature and nostalgia! This is not just a run — it’s a Pokémon-themed adventure featuring AR photo zones, a mission-based stamp rally, official merchandise booths, and unforgettable encounters with your favorite Pokémon like Pikachu, Eevee, and Snorlax.

Perfect for: families, couples, travelers, and Pokémon fans of all ages!

🔗 Official Info (KTO site)

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2. 『Seolleim Run – “The Heart-Fluttering Run”』

Korea’s trendiest ‘Hot-Run’ event — fun, laughter, and turbo-charged smiles.

📅 Date: August 31, 2025
📍 Location: Peace Park, Mapo-gu, Seoul

🎉 What to expect?
5km of pure fun with mini-missions, quirky goodies, and live interactions. The theme is all about “getting your heart racing”, literally and figuratively. Comedian Kim Won-Hoon will cheer you on as a special guest, and photo zones, giveaways, and more await.

Not a pro runner? No worries — this event is for fun, not speed!

🔗 Register on SweetMall

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3. 『BBangBBang Run – Daejeon’s Bread Festival Marathon』

“BBANG” (빵) = bread. So yes… this is a run with bread.

📅 Date: October 12, 2025
📍 Location: Expo Citizens Plaza, Daejeon
🏃 Distances: 5km / 10km course

🥐 What’s unique?
Run, then eat! This is Korea’s first bread-themed running event — featuring free tasting from 20+ local bakeries, creative “bread-themed” zones, custom bread merchandise, art spaces, and a charity donation of leftover breads to support communities.

A delicious run that’s fun, friendly, and fulfilling in more ways than one.

🔗 Official Site

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4. 『Infinite Challenge Run – Night Edition in Busan』

A real-life variety show marathon? Only in Korea.

📅 Date: August 30, 2025
📍 Location: Gwangalli Beach & Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Busan
🏃 Distance: 10km Night Race

🌉 What makes it cool?
Inspired by Korea’s iconic show Infinite Challenge, this athletic-comedy hybrid lets runners tackle challenges, themed missions, music zones, and comedy checkpoints — ending with a festival under the stars.

Best part? You get to run across the Gwangandaegyo Bridge over the ocean at night — a once-a-year experience!

🔗 Official Event Page
📲 Signup available only via Coupang Play App (Korean-only)

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5. 『Disney Run Seoul – Feel the Magic!』

Run with Mickey, Elsa, Woody, and your childhood heroes!

📅 Date: October 11, 2025
📍 Location: Yeouido Park, Seoul
🏃 Distances: 3km / 10km

👪 What’s special?
This is Korea’s official Disney-themed Running Festival, where parents, kids, and fans can dress up, jog through character zones, and grab limited-edition Disney medals & Uniqlo t-shirts.

Whether you’re a Frozen fan or a Toy Story loyalist — this race is about joy, not timing.

🔗 Official Site (Registration opens July 29)

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6. 『Red Bull 400 – The Legendary 400m Vertical Race』

Think 400m is easy? Think. Again.

📅 Date: September 21, 2024 (Annual Event)
📍 Location: Alpensia Ski Jump Center, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do

🔥 Format:
Climb up a 400m ski jump ramp with a 38-degree incline — no easy feat. Whether solo or in a relay, this race challenges your limits, your mind, and your lungs!

Ideal for extreme challengers, outdoor athletes, or anyone who enjoys the Red Bull spirit of pushing boundaries.

🔗 Official Site

📊 Quick Recap Table

🏁 Event Name📅 Date📍 Location🎯 Theme🔗 Link
Pokémon Run in JejuOct 2–26, 2025Jeju IslandThemed adventure with PokémonLink
Seolleim RunAug 31, 2025Mapo, SeoulFun missions & heart-racing laughsLink
BBangBBang Run DaejeonOct 12, 2025DaejeonBread-tasting & city runningLink
Infinite Challenge RunAug 30, 2025Busan (Beach/Bridge)Variety show meets runningLink
Disney Run SeoulOct 11, 2025Yeouido Park, SeoulFamily-friendly Disney experienceLink
Red Bull 400Sept 21, 2024Pyeongchang, Gangwon-doVertical challenge (38° incline)Link

✅ Why Join a “Fun Run” in Korea?

-For the experience — not just the finish line
-For the photos, stories, and memories
-For the themed goods, medals, and local food
-For connecting with locals and global runners in new, unexpected ways

Whether you’re planning a visit to Korea or already here, these events offer the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and cardio.

See you at the starting line! 🏁✨
If you need help registering from abroad or have language-related questions, let us know!

— Your Korea Running Buddy 🏃‍♀️💨

Image source: Provided by the official website

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