Seoul's running craze has hit a wall—literally. What was once a healthy trend is now a logistical nightmare for residents and visitors alike. The city's marathon fever has reached a boiling point, with major roads blocked nearly every weekend, leaving many to wonder: has fitness gone too far?
Imagine this: It’s Sunday morning, and you’re trying to get to work, run errands, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll. But instead of smooth sailing, you’re met with barricades, detours, and a sea of runners. This is the new reality for Seoulites, as the city’s marathon calendar has exploded in recent years. From Gwanghwamun to the Han River bridges, central districts are transformed into race tracks, funneling tens of thousands of runners through the heart of the city. But here’s where it gets controversial: while these events promote health and community, they’re increasingly seen as a burden on everyday life.
Take last Sunday’s race, for example, organized by a local media group. With an estimated 30,000 participants, the event required meticulous traffic control, rerouting buses and vehicles for hours. For Kim Keon-ho, a 72-year-old resident, it was the last straw. ‘Running is great for health, but not at the expense of ordinary citizens,’ he said. ‘The roads are closed, but there’s no clear guidance. Elderly people like me struggle with subway stairs, yet that’s our only option. It’s incredibly frustrating.’
Tourists aren’t spared either. A 24-year-old visitor from Vietnam shared her ordeal: ‘I’ve been waiting for the bus for 20 minutes. The sign says it’s coming soon, but the time never changes. There’s no information about road closures, especially for foreigners. It’s confusing and stressful.’
The numbers don’t lie. National data reveals a staggering increase in marathons, from just 19 events in 2020 to a whopping 254 in 2024, with over 1 million participants. And this is the part most people miss: as the number of races soared, so did public complaints. Seoul city records show a sharp rise in grievances related to marathon disruptions—from 15 in 2021 to 461 in 2024. By September this year, 350 complaints had already been filed.
‘Marathons used to be rare, special events,’ said Lee, a cafe owner in Jongno. ‘Now, it’s every weekend. Customers call to ask if they can even reach the store. It’s affecting businesses more than people realize.’
Online communities are now mapping out race schedules to help residents avoid blocked areas, while some are calling for stricter limits on road closures. But here’s the real question: should privately organized events monopolize public resources? Many marathons are profit-driven, with participation fees ranging from 70,000 to 100,000 won ($48-$69) and hefty corporate sponsorships. Yet, it’s the police who bear the brunt of traffic control—36,212 officers were deployed for 807 events nationwide in the past three years, with no cost reimbursement from organizers.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has acknowledged the issue, proposing measures like earlier start times and designated detour routes. But will it be enough? Is it fair for private interests to disrupt public life on such a massive scale? We want to hear from you. Do you think Seoul’s marathon boom has gone too far, or is it a small price to pay for a healthier city? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s spark a conversation!
