Seoul Marathon

Why this race belongs on a competitive runner's shortlist

Platinum Label competition confirmed by Seoul city for 2026. Point-to-point route links Gwanghwamun, central Seoul and the Han River. Strict five-hour road time limit;2027 course map remains unpublished. It suits experienced runners prepared for qualifying entry and a strict five-hour limit. The 2027 date and aid rules are confirmed. Course details use the 2026 reference, while elevation is a named prior-edition model; the 2027 map is not yet published. The course includes Sungnyemun and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.

Course overview

Point-to-point urban road course, with central-city and stream out-and-back sections The start is Admiral Yi Sun-sin statue in Gwanghwamun Square and the finish is Jamsil Sports Complex. The route takes in Sungnyemun, Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, City Hall, Cheonggyecheon/Gosanja Bridge, Jongno, Children's Grand Park, Seoul Forest, Jamsil Bridge. Low-relief road course with small undulations and late Jamsil Bridge rise; no major sustained mountain climb

0 to 10 km: Gwanghwamun through the city loop

The 0 to 10 km interval includes Gwanghwamun Square, Sungnyemun near 1.5 km, Dongdaemun History and Culture Park near 5 km, City Hall near 9 km. Model shows small opening undulations and a gentle rise around 8 km, followed by descent Water/sports drink 5 km; sponge 7.5 km; water/sports drink 10 km. Settle patiently through turns and avoid chasing seconds on the shallow descents.

10 to 21 km: Cheonggyecheon out and back

The 10 to 21 km interval includes Cheonggyecheon-ro, Gosanja Bridge turn near 14.5 km, Mugyo near 20 km. Low-relief stream corridor; modeled small rise around 19 km, not a large hill Water/sports drink 15 and 20 km; nutrition 20 km; sponges 12.5 and 17.5 km. Use the predictable aid rhythm and take fuel without surging after the turn.

21 to 32 km: Jongno, Gunja and Children's Grand Park

The 21 to 32 km interval includes Jongno/Dongdaemun, Sinseol-dong near 24 km, Jungnangcheon crossing near 28 km, Children's Grand Park near 30 km. Overall gentle descent in the model, with short local rises near 29 to 30 km Water/sports drink 25 and 30 km, nutrition 30 km; sponges 22.5 and 27.5 km. Stay near marathon effort and save the final bottle/fuel decisions for the river approach.

32 to 42.195 km: Seoul Forest and Jamsil Bridge

The 32 to 42.195 km interval includes Seongdong Bridge junction near 33 km, Seoul Forest, Jamsil Bridge about 38 to 39.5 km, Olympic-ro, Jamsil Sports Complex. Model's broad final rise aligns with the late Han River crossing, then settles downhill/flat toward finish Water/sports drink 35 and 40 km; sponges 32.5 and 37.5 km; finish drinks. Let pace soften on the bridge rise, then use the remaining flat road without an abrupt surge.

Elevation checkpoints and how to read them

Total ascent is 78 m. FindMyMarathon published modeled totals, course updated 17 Feb 2026. Its profile image filename remains SeoulMarathon2025_e.jpg; preserve the prior-edition model label. The 2026 city road-closure route and independent 2025/2026 reconstruction match the same major sequence, but 2027 map is stillTBD. Net -19 m calculated from published gain/loss. DEM resolution and smoothing are not disclosed by the provider. First 10 km gently undulates, with a rise around 8 km in the model Long stream section low-relief Small mid-course rises, followed by gradual overall descent Jamsil Bridge around 38 to 39.5 km is the conspicuous late rise

Aid stations and race-day logistics

Drink-station spacing is approximate. 2027 rules: water and sports drink each 5 km and finish; sponges each 5 km beginning 7.5 km; nutrition at 20 and 30 km, items/locations subject tochange.: 2026 organizer hydration guide identifies Pocari Sweat followed by water at eight full-course stations. Do not promise 2027 brand until reconfirmed. The start is Gwanghwamun Square. 2027 rules require public transportation: no parking at Gwanghwamun or Jamsil.2026 official venue layout places Gwanghwamun subway station exits around assembly; use current access layout. Tentative 2027 assembly 06:30. 2026 roads closed and buses rerouted progressively; city recommends subway. Do not carry 2026 reopening timetable into 2027. Overseas participants must personally collect at 2027 expo before race day; official registration notice states this explicitly. 2027 division-specific baggage areas; retain issued sticker to reclaim after finish; valuables not accepted.2026 full-course drop Gwanghwamun 06:00 to 07:00, claim Jamsil 10:00 to 13:30 is prior-edition detail only.

Practical pacing plan

Hold sustainable effort from Gwanghwamun Square through the city loop. Avoid banking time on the opening descents. Keep the Cheonggyecheon out-and-back controlled and use the predictable aid rhythm. Conserve strength through Children's Grand Park for the late river crossing. Allow pace to soften on Jamsil Bridge while effort stays stable; push gradually toward Jamsil Sports Complex only when form permits. Push only while effort and form remain controlled. March wind can raise effort on the Han River crossing and exposed roads. Rain changes grip at turns; use the event-week forecast for clothing and pace adjustments.

Historical weather pattern

March history for Seoul, South Korea gives a typical daily temperature range of 27.5 to 65.2 degrees Fahrenheit, daily maximum sustained winds of 6.5 to 15.7 mph, and at least 1 mm of rain on 16.8 percent of days. Historical conditions can change, so check the race-week forecast before travel and again on race morning.

Edition history