Marathon mania leaves Seoul residents fuming on the sidelines

Runners participate in the 2023 Seoul Marathon at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, central Seoul, March 19, 2023. Yonhap

As spring marathons take place across Seoul, residents in the capital are growing increasingly frustrated with the constant road closures and traffic disruptions that have become a frequent inconvenience.

One of those affected was Kim Ji-hoon, a 34-year-old office worker living near southeastern Seoul's Jamsil.

He was invited to a close friend's wedding last month, but faced difficulties reaching the venue due to marathon-related road closures. The 2025 Seoul Marathon caused significant traffic disruptions, with major roads in Jamsil being closed for nearly six hours from 7:45 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.

"I don’t understand why they have to designate major roads as marathon courses. Even if it’s a hobby or an event, constantly inconveniencing others is inconsiderate," Kim said. "I left home early, but I was still late for the wedding because of the heavy traffic."

Marathon-related road closures in Seoul frequently affect areas like Jamsil, Yeouido, Jongno and Gwanghwamun — some of the city’s busiest districts. As a result, people who need to travel through these areas on weekends often encounter repeated and unavoidable inconveniences.

Another office worker in his 40s, whose workplace is near City Hall, expressed frustration over marathon events disrupting his weekend commute.

"I often have to work on Sundays, and during marathon season, I frequently get caught in the crowds during my commute," he said. "I end up wasting a lot of time taking long detours instead of using the nearby roads, even when I am aware of the marathon schedule."

Routes near central Seoul's Gwanghwamun and City Hall, which are used frequently as starting points for marathons, remain busy even on Sundays. This has raised questions among residents about why such congested areas are selected for the events.

"If marathons are truly intended to promote health, they should be held in less crowded areas, such as along the Han River or farther from downtown, like Paju or near Jayu Motorway," he said.

Unlike political rallies, which are common weekend events in downtown Seoul, marathons are classified as cultural activities and, as such, do not require prior police approval.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, 273 complaints related to marathon events were filed in 2023, and 101 complaints were submitted last year. This marks a sharp increase from just 17 complaints reported in 2019 and 43 in 2022.

While the city and police currently announce marathon schedules and traffic restrictions through website postings, press releases and banners, many citizens remain unaware unless they actively seek out the information.

Furthermore, when citizens file complaints, the police often refer them to the city government, which then directs them to the marathon organizers, creating confusion over who is ultimately responsible.

Amid the frustration, it has become common for bloggers to share information about how and where to submit complaints.

The popularity of marathons has surged in Korea in recent years, fueled by health trends and shifting social dynamics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to running as a safe and accessible form of exercise when other social athletic activities were restricted. This has persisted even after the pandemic.

Running has also evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with social media showcasing events and personal achievements. This has given rise to social communities like running crews — informal groups that regularly organize runs and foster a sense of camaraderie among participants.

Amid the growing popularity of running, marathon events across Seoul are also growing rapidly in number. Approximately 40 marathons were held in the city in 2020 and 2021, but the number surged to 70 in 2022, 96 in 2023 and 118 in 2024 — averaging nearly two every week.

This year, 19 marathons were scheduled for April alone, five more than during the same month last year.