Also called Dong-A Ilbo, the Seoul Marathon is an elite event that has spawned a number of star marathoners since its humble beginning in 1931. Over 20,000 people flock to race day every year to join in the merriment and possibly witness history being made like the previous 10 South Korean national athletic records already set here.
Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of nationality, as long as he or she is over 18 years of age and can finish the 42-kilometer race within 5 hours. The race begins at Gwanghwamun Plaza in the city center and ends at the Olympic Stadium with a few historical sites along the route.
The course follows a south-easterly path through the city. First it flows into Sejongno and passes the statue of Yi Sun-sin. The participants also run through the Namdaemun gateway and Cheonggyecheon park. The route then goes through Dongdaemun-gu district and crosses the Han River to head towards the finish line.
