The Seoul Marathon is South Korea’s flagship road race and one of the oldest marathons in Asia. The fast, flat course starts and finishes at Gwanghwamun Square, looping past the Cheonggyecheon Stream, Olympic Park, and the banks of the Han River. Seoul’s combination of cutting-edge modernity, rich history, and incredible street food culture makes it a top-tier marathon destination.
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Race day gear matters. A major marathon deserves the right shoes — see our best marathon running shoes for data-backed recommendations.
The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Seoul Marathon 2027 |
| Date | Sunday, March 21, 2027 |
| Venue | Gwanghwamun Square (Start/Finish) |
| Address | Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
| Airport | Incheon International Airport (ICN) |
March in Seoul is cool with temperatures around 3–11°C (37–52°F) and generally dry conditions — excellent for fast racing. Our weather and marathon performance analysis explains how these conditions affect pacing.
Where to Stay
Jongno-gu and Gwanghwamun put you right at the start/finish. Myeongdong is a popular tourist district with great shopping and transport links. Hongdae offers a vibrant nightlife scene and budget-friendly accommodation. All areas have excellent subway access.
Getting There
From Incheon International Airport (ICN)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX Express | 43 min | ₩9,500 (~) | Direct to Seoul Station, no stops |
| Airport Limousine Bus | 70–90 min | ₩16,000 (~2) | Routes to major hotel areas |
The AREX Express is fast and comfortable. From Seoul Station, transfer to the subway for your hotel.
Where to Eat
Seoul is a food lover’s dream. From sizzling Korean BBQ joints to bustling pojangmacha (street food tents), the city offers incredible depth of flavour. Gwangjang Market and Myeongdong street food stalls are must-visits for runners loading up before race day.
Local Food to Try
- Korean BBQ (samgyeopsal) — Thick slices of pork belly grilled at your table, wrapped in lettuce with ssamjang
- Bibimbap — Rice topped with seasoned vegetables, gochujang, and a fried egg, mixed together before eating
- Tteokbokki — Chewy rice cakes in a sweet-spicy gochujang sauce, Seoul’s favourite street snack
Essential Tips
Currency. South Korean Won (KRW). Cash vs card. South Korea is very card-friendly; contactless payments are common. Cash useful at markets. Tipping. Not customary in South Korea. Language. Korean. English signage on public transport; limited conversational English outside tourist areas. Weather. Cool and dry, 3–11°C (37–52°F) on race morning. Safety. Seoul is very safe with low crime rates.
What to See
- Gyeongbokgung Palace — The grand palace of the Joseon Dynasty with changing of the guard ceremony
- Bukchon Hanok Village — A picturesque neighbourhood of traditional Korean houses between two palaces
- Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) — Iconic observation tower with panoramic views of the city and mountains
- Gwangjang Market — Seoul’s oldest traditional market, famous for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | ICN, ~43 min by AREX Express |
| Venue | Gwanghwamun Square (Start/Finish) |
| Currency | South Korean Won (KRW) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely |
| Language | Korean |
| Weather | 3–11°C (37–52°F) |
| Emergency | 112 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance) |
Race Preparation:
- What Is a Good Marathon Time? — Percentiles from 1.2M finishes to set your goal
- How Weather Affects Marathon Performance — What race-day conditions mean for your time
Gear:
- Best Marathon Running Shoes — Data-backed picks for race day
Training Plans:
- Marathon Training Plan — Structured programme for every goal time
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: June 2027.