Running along the Han River (Han-Gang) is one of the most popular places to run in Seoul. It’s a wonderful greenbelt, with more than 100 km of flat, paved cycling & pedestrian paths running along both sides of the river and located below the bridges. There are great views of the river, and it is possible to cross over many of the bridges spanning this route. The Banpo Bridge is beautifully lit at night.
Overall, the map shows paths that run for ~50 km between the Haengju Bridge and the Paldang Bridge. Not all of it is scenic. In central Seoul, there are numerous bridges within relatively close proximity that can be used to access the path. It’s 10 km between Yanghwa Hangang Riverside Park (west) and Jamwong Hangang Riverside Park. A couple of loop suggestions:
Banpo Bridge at night
To stay mainly on the south side, in Riverside Park (Banpo Hangang), it’s 5 km between the Dongiak Bridge to the west and the Dongho Bridge to the East. It’s a 10k if you’d like to do the full out and back! Take a quick detour over to Seoraeseom, an artificially created island, with some nice paths (and refresher spots).
Alternatively, a good loop is starting on the north side, near the Ichon Station, at Hangang Bridge. Run 3.2 km east to the Banpo Bridge, cross over to the south side, and turn left, heading west about 1.6 km (1 mile) to the Dongiak Bridge, to the end.
Add-Ons: Yongsan Park is just north of the Dongjak Bridge, so one could do a nice combination run. Other paths in some of the parks off the main cycle path. Near the west end of the Han River Path, connect to the Ara Canal Path, which heads west for 16 km toward Bucheon & Incheon. The western end is near Incheon Airport, the main airport for Seoul.
Running along the Han River (Han-Gang) is one of the most popular places to run in Seoul. It’s a wonderful greenbelt, with more than 100 km of flat, paved cycling & pedestrian paths running along both sides of the river and located below the bridges. There are great views of the river, and it is possible to cross over many of the bridges spanning this route. The Banpo Bridge is beautifully lit at night.
Overall, the map shows paths that run for ~50 km between the Haengju Bridge and the Paldang Bridge. Not all of it is scenic. In central Seoul, there are numerous bridges within relatively close proximity that can be used to access the path. It’s 10 km between Yanghwa Hangang Riverside Park (west) and Jamwong Hangang Riverside Park. A couple of loop suggestions:
Banpo Bridge at night
To stay mainly on the south side, in Riverside Park (Banpo Hangang), it’s 5 km between the Dongiak Bridge to the west and the Dongho Bridge to the East. It’s a 10k if you’d like to do the full out and back! Take a quick detour over to Seoraeseom, an artificially created island, with some nice paths (and refresher spots).
Alternatively, a good loop is starting on the north side, near the Ichon Station, at Hangang Bridge. Run 3.2 km east to the Banpo Bridge, cross over to the south side, and turn left, heading west about 1.6 km (1 mile) to the Dongiak Bridge, to the end.
Add-Ons: Yongsan Park is just north of the Dongjak Bridge, so one could do a nice combination run. Other paths in some of the parks off the main cycle path. Near the west end of the Han River Path, connect to the Ara Canal Path, which heads west for 16 km toward Bucheon & Incheon. The western end is near Incheon Airport, the main airport for Seoul.
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Essentials
Various options: Bridges loop is 9 km (5.6 miles); South side Banpo Hangang greenbelt is 5 km one way. It's 10 km between Yanghwa Hangang Riverside Park (west) and Jamwong Hangang Riverside Park (east)
Flat
Depends on option chosen
On north side, Ichon station is 500m to the river, with good signage. Take exit 4. Numerous other access points, also with public transport
Large park on the river, with several km of paths for walking and running. The park has several sections, including an area near the National Assembly. Gorgeous cherry blossom trees along Yunjunro Street in spring.
A route following a popular urban walk around the Old City Wall encircling a part of Seoul, incorporating the slopes of four mountains. Hilly and challenging, with lots of stairs. Up to 19 km, but can be done in sections, with good transport options.
900-foot high South Mountain is an oasis of green, right in the center of Seoul. About 10 km of paved paths, including 2k climb to the summit, quite steep. Great views from the top. More of a challenging trail run.
This urban island park opened in 2005 is a nice spot for running, with 3-4 km of scenic, tree-lined paths through the park's four 'sections'. 'Bike Road' along western perimeter is good longer option.
Pleasant, centrally located park with several km of paved paths, a large field, and a pond. It's 4.5k runner's loop around the perimeter. Great to combine with Han River path, just to the south. National Museum of Korea is in the park.
Five interconnected parks, with miles of trails - in forests, along the river, fields, and more. A highlight is Haneul/Sunset Park, with 291 stairs, and great views.
Site of 1988 Summer Games and now a major sports and recreation complex. There are five different walking/jogging trails, of varied terrain, ranging from 1.3k to 4.3k, featuring gates, gardens, a lake, & sports facilities.
Lovely park for running on the southern banks of the Han River, with 5.7 km of pedestrian paths passing through a scenic landscape of naturally sandy plains and silver grass. The park has numerous other sports facilities & an observation deck.
The second largest palace in Seoul, located east of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the famous Bukchon Hanok Village. The "Secret Garden" has nearly 80 acres of trails and is open to the public. The place is heavily visited, so best to go early.
A nice run in the Jongno District in northern Seoul, combining the small, hilly Naksan Park with a path along the city walls, and a road passing by several murals. This can be run standalone or combined with our Changdeokgung route.
A hilly run with rewarding views of the city from the summit. It’s one of the better options near the city to get some trail running in. The route to the summit, "Beacon Mound", is about 3 km from the Great West Gate.
Very pretty university campus with older buildings and pleasant running paths, at base of Ansan Mountain. There are also wooded trails and a forest park on campus. Can combine with Ansan trails.
Good running on waterside bike path from Gwacheon to Gangnam. It's about 7 km one way. Much of the trail is below or away from the road, making for a pleasant canopy. Follows Budong line.
Nearly 11 km path, part of a major urban renewal project opened in 2005. Great spot to walk or run through the heart of the city. Much of the path is below the roadway, passing under 22 bridges, starting at the large Cheonggye Plaza.
A large national park that is unusually close to a major city. Great for hiking, with wooded trails. Some are excellent for trail running. A run/hike to the top of Bukhansan Mountain is a great challenge.
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Essentials
Various options: Bridges loop is 9 km (5.6 miles); South side Banpo Hangang greenbelt is 5 km one way. It's 10 km between Yanghwa Hangang Riverside Park (west) and Jamwong Hangang Riverside Park (east)
Flat
Depends on option chosen
On north side, Ichon station is 500m to the river, with good signage. Take exit 4. Numerous other access points, also with public transport
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