Thailand's 'Festival of Lights' in Seoul

Seoul will host the 2026 Seoul Runners Festival at Yeouido Park during October, transforming the park's Culture Plaza into a sprawling track for fitness enthusiasts. The city government announced this initiative on Monday, stating that the festival will showcase Seoul's vibrant outdoor culture with open races, community events, and family activities at the Culture Plaza.

At the heart of the festival lies the Seoul Plus 10K, a 10-kilometer run starting from Culture Plaza, crossing the Seogang Bridge, and returning. The organizers emphasize that this race prioritizes personal pace and the satisfaction of completing the distance, rather than competitive times. However, the course details might still undergo changes before the event.

Proceeds from the run, sponsored by Hanwha Financial PLUS, will be directed towards funding promising young track and field athletes. Additionally, the festival will feature a crew battle, a unique event where four-member mixed teams run the same 10-kilometer course and are ranked by their combined times. This format aims to engage running clubs that often train together.

Another notable addition to the schedule is the Kids Run, designed specifically for children and families. This event will prioritize a safe and enjoyable finish over competitive outcomes, ensuring an inclusive and fun experience for all participants.