2025 Seoul LOVE Marathon: The Official Runner’s Guide

Update: The edition described in this guide took place on December 7, 2025, and registration for that edition has closed. This guide stays online as a reference for runners planning ahead. Please check the official website for the latest schedule.

The 2025 Seoul LOVE Marathon (Seoul Sarang Marathon) is a premier running event held along the scenic Jungnang Stream, offering runners an excellent opportunity to achieve their personal bests (PB). Scheduled for early December, this guide provides all the essential information, from official policies and race logistics to local recommendations, ensuring a successful and rewarding race experience.

📅 Event Overview and Official Registration Details (Competition Information)

The Seoul Sarang Marathon, co-hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is a highly anticipated event known for its flat course and cozy atmosphere, with registration typically capped at a comfortable limit.

The assembly area for all participants is the Jungnangcheon Sports Park. It is crucial to note that using aliases or transferring your entry to another person (proxy running) is strictly prohibited. Any violation will result in future participation restrictions and could void insurance coverage. Early registration is highly recommended as the event often closes early due to high demand.

🏃‍♀️ Race Categories and Entry Fees (Categories & Registration Fee)

The event is categorized to accommodate runners of various levels, all utilizing the same flat, fast course along the stream.

🥇 Race Categories

1. Half Marathon (Half): 21.0975km

   • Focus: An excellent course for achieving PB goals, serving as a perfect target for winter training cycles.

2. 10km Race: 10km

   • Focus: The most popular distance, highly suited for intermediate runners aiming for speed and a comfortable finish.

3. 5km Fun Run: 5km

   • Focus: An accessible and enjoyable distance for beginners, families, or those seeking a relaxed run along the scenic Jungnang Stream.

💰 Registration Fees

The registration fee covers essential items such as the commemorative T-shirt, official bib number, timing chip (for Half/10km), post-race snacks, and the finisher’s medal. Once registered and paid, participants must use the entry lookup menu to confirm that the application and payment have been fully processed.

Official Registration web site => Link

📝 Do you need help with registration?

Sports Event Korea can help overseas runners register for Korean races. Send a registration request

⭐Prize

⭐Free gift and medal

🗺️ Course Analysis & Strategy: The Jungnangcheon PB Course

Although the detailed map is yet to be announced, the course leverages the nature of the Jungnang Stream Sports Park, known for its ideal running conditions.

🏁 Expected Course Features

• Terrain: The course is highly anticipated to be an out-and-back route along the Jungnang Stream’s established running paths. Crucially, the terrain is extremely flat with minimal elevation changes, making it one of the best courses in Seoul for attempting a Personal Best (PB).

• Environment: The run offers a pleasant, continuous view of the stream and the surrounding greenery (though sparse in December). Being close to the water, runners must prepare for potentially strong head/tail winds.

• December Conditions: The early December start provides cool, crisp running weather, which is often ideal for endurance running. However, runners must prioritize proper layering and warm-up routines to prevent injury in the cold.

🔑 Course Strategy Tips

• Wind Management: Use the flat terrain to your advantage, but be mindful of the wind, especially in the exposed riverside sections. Drafting behind other runners can significantly conserve energy.

• Consistent Pacing: Since there are no major hills to break your rhythm, focus on maintaining a consistent pace from start to finish. This is the key to maximizing the PB potential of this course.

• Hydration: Despite the cold, dehydration is still a risk. Utilize every water and aid station provided along the course to maintain fluid levels.

🚨 Official Cancellation, Refund, and Insurance Policy (Critical Information)

It is mandatory for all participants to carefully read and understand the following official regulations before registration.

1. ⚠️ Cancellation and Refund Policy

• Refund/Change Deadline: November 24, 2025 (Mon) 06:00 PM KST.

  • Before the Deadline: Full refund is possible (based on the date of submission to the refund board).

  • After the Deadline: NO REFUND is possible under any circumstances, as the participant’s commemorative items and race materials will be processed for shipping.

• Force Majeure: In the event of the cancellation due to a natural disaster or government administrative order, the entry fee will not be refunded.

2. 🏥 Insurance and Health Advisory

• Health Status: Participants are obligated to be healthy enough to complete the race without undue strain. It is strongly advised to undergo a medical check-up prior to the event.

• Organizer Liability Limit: The organizer’s liability for injuries or accidents occurring during the event is limited to emergency treatment and the coverage provided by the insurance policy. No further compensation will be provided by the organizer beyond the insurance limits.

• Seoul Sarang Marathon Insurance Coverage (Per Person Limit):

  • Bodily Injury (Third Party): 20,000,000 KRW (per person)

  • Property Damage: 2,000,000 KRW (per accident)

  • Participant Medical Expenses (Injury Treatment): 3,000,000 KRW (per person)

🛠️ Logistics: Gear, Chip, and Storage Rules

To ensure smooth operation on race day, the following rules regarding race gear and logistics must be followed.

1. Bib Number (번호표)

• The official bib number provided by the organizing committee must be worn on the chest at all times during the race.

• Any unauthorized modification, alteration, or failure to wear the bib will result in the disqualification of your official time and record.

2. Timing Chip (기록 측정용 칩)

• Delivery: The timing chip will be enclosed in your race package delivered via courier. Participants must check for its presence upon receiving the package.

• Replacement: The chip is single-use and does not need to be returned. However, reissuing the chip at the venue is NOT possible if it is lost or forgotten.

• Damage: Do not disassemble or damage the chip, as this will prevent proper time recording.

3. Changing Rooms and Baggage Storage (탈의실 및 보관소)

• Location: Changing rooms and baggage storage facilities will be set up at the assembly point (Jungnangcheon Sports Park) near the start/finish line.

• Storage Rule: Only items packed in the official plastic bag provided by the event will be accepted for storage. Do not attempt to check in any other type of baggage.

🚌 Directions to the Venue (오시는길)

The venue is easily accessible via Seoul’s excellent subway system.

🚇 Subway (Recommended)

• Key Station: Seokgye Station (석계역) on Subway Line 1 and Line 6.

• Directions: Alight at Seokgye Station and walk towards the Jungnangcheon Sports Park area (estimated 5-10 minute walk). Follow the event signs.

• Benefit: Taking the subway is strongly recommended as it avoids any road closures or parking issues on race day.

🅿️ Parking and Driving

• Not Recommended: The official address is 375-4 Seokgwan-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Due to the limited size of the sports park and the necessary road closures for the event, driving to the venue and parking is highly discouraged, if not impossible. Please rely on public transportation.

🍜 Recommended Local Eateries (대회장 주변 맛집)

After burning thousands of calories on the flat course, these local spots near Seokgye Station offer the perfect recovery meals.

1. Seokgye Station Gamjatang & Gukbap Alley (Korean Soup)

• Recommended: Gamjatang (Pork Bone Stew) or Sundae-guk (Korean Sausage Soup).

• Vibe: Perfect for a cold December race day. These hearty, protein-and-carb-rich soups are the quintessential Korean recovery meal, helping to restore body temperature and energy levels. Local eateries near the Seokgye Station rotary are numerous and offer great value.

2. Quick Protein Reload (Local BBQ)

• Recommended: Samgyeopsal (Pork Belly) or Moksal (Pork Shoulder).

• Vibe: Protein is vital for muscle repair. Celebrating your PB with a local Korean BBQ meal is a great post-race tradition. Look for local spots slightly off the main road for a more authentic experience.

3. Local Bakeries and Cafés

• Focus: Quick sugar and caffeine refill.

• Vibe: The local area features various bakeries and cafes ideal for a light breakfast before the race (if open early) or for a post-race coffee and pastry while sharing race stories with fellow runners.

🛏️ Accommodation Information (숙소 정보)

For runners traveling to Seoul, booking accommodation close to the start line ensures minimal stress on race morning. Focus on the areas immediately surrounding Seokgye Station or the next adjacent stations.

1. Near the Venue (Seokgye/Taeneung Area)

• LeBlanc Hotel (Taeneung Station Area): Located one subway stop from Seokgye, this is a clean, modern option offering excellent proximity to the race start.

• Local Guesthouses/Business Hotels: Look for highly-rated accommodations in the Seongbuk-gu or Nowon-gu districts for convenience and reasonable pricing compared to central Seoul.

2. Convenient Transport Hubs (Sangbong Area)

• Sangbong Station Hotels: Sangbong is a major transport hub one or two stops away from Seokgye and offers a greater selection of hotels and amenities, including quick access to the KTX/Gyeongchun Line.

💡 Booking Tip

Due to the comfortable 9:00 AM start time, you can also consider booking a hotel further away (e.g., Dongdaemun or Cheongnyangni) that is directly on Subway Line 1, allowing for a straight and easy commute to Seokgye Station without transfers.

We wish you the very best in your training and a successful, record-breaking run at the 2025 Seoul Sarang Marathon!

📝 Do you need help with registration?

Sports Event Korea can help overseas runners register for Korean races. Send a registration request

🏁 More Races to Explore

Planning a running trip to Korea? These guides may also help:

• 2nd Seoul-Gyeonggi Athletics Federation Half Marathon
• 13th An Jung-geun Peace Marathon
• 2026 Youth Relay Marathon