Korea launches 'NEXT RUN' festival to turn races into multiday getaways
Runners in Korea will soon have a reason to lace up their shoes and stay awhile, as a new government initiative transforms regional road races into multiday cultural and wellness retreats. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) will launch the first “NEXT RUN Travel Festa” in October, built around running events designed to encourage participants to…
Korea is set to launch an innovative festival combining road races with cultural and wellness experiences. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization, will introduce the "NEXT RUN Travel Festa" starting October. This new initiative aims to turn road races into multi-day adventures, encouraging participants to explore the host regions before and after the races.
The inaugural events under the program are "R1 2026 Jeonju" on October 17-18 and "Bomun Night Run with Wally" on October 31-November 1. "R1 2026 Jeonju," held in collaboration with YouTube channel "Sean with You," will offer packages that include race entry and lodging at reduced prices. Additionally, organizers have planned a range of recovery-focused activities, such as a warm-up run led by a national team coach, a cooking show featuring a runner-chef, and a recovery tour through central Jeonju.
"Bomun Night Run with Wally," on the other hand, will provide similar packages, combining the excitement of running with entertainment. The inclusion of themed activities, such as those featuring the Universal's Wally character, adds an element of fun to the marathon experience. The organizers' goal is to create a holistic experience for runners, blending the thrill of competition with cultural immersion and wellness, making running a more all-encompassing and enjoyable activity.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
