Seoul to host moonlit night run along Yangjae Stream, open to 300 runners

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is launching a new "night running project" to boost nighttime tourism, with the inaugural program — the Yangjae Stream Moonlit Night Run — set for Aug. 28 along Yangjae Stream.

The event was designed around the concept of a "sauna," drawing on a familiar Korean leisure tradition to let residents exercise while enjoying the cool night air in the heart of the city during the sweltering summer months. The program blends running with relaxation elements to offer a distinctive experience, and is structured so participants can explore the charms of the Yangjae Stream area before and after the run.

Participants will run a 5.8-kilometer course along Yangjae Stream and Yeoui Stream, taking in Seoul's nighttime waterfront scenery while getting a workout. The city plans to hand out sauna-themed items — including sauna locker-key goods and mini sheep-ear headbands — to set the mood.

The program also connects participants with nearby attractions such as the Yangjae Stream Waterfront Culture Rest Area and a café strip, encouraging runners to visit local businesses after the event. Finishers will receive Yangjaecheon-gil merchant-love coupons tied to Seocho-gu's local commerce revitalization project.

Safety is the top priority: the city will use a staggered group-start format and assign a pacer to each group to ensure a smooth run. Medical pacers will also be on hand to respond quickly to any emergencies, as part of a comprehensive safety management system for the event.

Registration opens Tuesday at 2 p.m. through the Seoul Public Service Reservation website or the Dongma Club app. A total of 300 spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The city said it plans to build on the Yangjae Stream Moonlit Night Run by expanding nighttime programming that links waterfront spaces, recreational sports and local commercial districts, and by consistently developing new programs that let residents enjoy Seoul's diverse nightlife as part of their daily routines.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is pursuing "nighttime economy revitalization" as a flagship initiative of its ninth elected-term administration. In a related move, the city on Monday approved a second supplementary budget of 2.81 trillion won ($1.98 billion), announcing that 10 billion won of that amount will go toward a newly introduced "moonlight gift voucher" program to stimulate the nighttime economy.

"We will continue to expand a wide range of programs so that more residents can enjoy healthy recreational sports in the evening hours," said Jo Seong-ho, director of Seoul's Tourism and Sports Bureau.