Saehan Media Marathon Seoul 2026

The 2026 Saehan Media Marathon (새한미디어 마라톤) brings runners together in Seoul's Sangam district on Sunday 29 November. Organised by Korean newspaper Saehan Ilbo with co-organiser Eco Green Union, the event is expected to welcome up to 4,000 participants. Its theme, roughly translated as 'Save the Earth, Run the Road of Peace', connects community running with environmental and peace-minded messages.

Running in World Cup Park

The race assembles at Peace Plaza (평화광장) in Pyeonghwa Park, part of the World Cup Park precinct near Seoul World Cup Stadium. This green public space, developed around the time of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, offers a distinctive city-park starting area with straightforward access by public transport. The event includes a 21.0975 km half marathon for distance runners, a 10 km road race and an accessible 5 km run. Detailed 2026 route maps and turn-by-turn course descriptions should be checked on the organiser's current route-information page before race day; runners should not assume all three distances follow the same course.

Race-morning programme

The official timetable calls for operations to begin at 6:00 am, the opening ceremony between 7:30 am and 7:50 am, and a group warm-up from 7:50 am to 7:55 am. The official start is 8:00 am Korean Standard Time, with the racing period listed until noon. Awards are scheduled between 11:00 am and noon and the event winds down by 1:00 pm. The organiser has not specified separate flag-off times for each race category, so 8:00 am is the published general start rather than a confirmed individual wave for every distance.

Registration and runner services

The organiser's published field limit is 4,000 runners and entries may close sooner if places sell out. The current registration fees are KRW 50,000 for both half marathon and 10K, and KRW 45,000 for 5K. The official site also advertises a 10% group-entry discount. Participants in all three distances are offered water stations, a finisher medal and insurance cover, with online completion photos and certificates advertised. Timing chips and bibs are provided for the half marathon and 10K; the 5K explicitly excludes the timing chip.

For visitor planning, allow time to locate the correct Peace Plaza assembly area; it is not the same as the stadium entrances. The map marker is approximate within the wider park. Confirm the organiser's latest arrival, race-pack, access, health and course instructions before travelling.