Eighty Eight Seoul: A Running Crew Born from the Spirit of the '88 Olympics
In 2015, three friends in Seoul envisioned a running crew to share their enthusiasm for running. All born in 1988, they aimed to commemorate their birth year, which marked a pivotal time in Korean history: the 1988 Summer Olympics. Drawing on this significant connection, they established Eighty Eight Seoul. Originally a small group, the crew has since grown into a vibrant and inclusive cultural movement.
A Philosophy Born from an Olympic Legacy
Eighty Eight Seoul’s philosophy draws deeply from the pride and energy of their Olympic birth year. Led by figures like Dirextor and Jihoon, who dedicate themselves to developing the platform, the crew has transformed from a mere running club into a defining culture. Inspired by global running crews, they have curated a distinct approach that fuses performance with a bold social and visual identity.
The community of Eighty Eight Seoul is a vibrant and welcoming group that has its own unique home base. 88HQ is more than just a place to gather before a run; it is the physical heart of their community. The headquarters serves as a hub for runners to socialize, as a party place for the crew to unwind after a run, and as a space to admire their collection of "88 awesome wears," their signature line of apparel.
Late Night Runs: SUNSET and RUNSET
The culture of Eighty Eight Seoul comes to life after dark. The crew hosts two regular runs every week, both starting at the relatively late hour of 9 p.m., which allows participants to unwind after a long day and enjoy the electric beauty of the Seoul city lights. The "SUNSET" run takes place on Thursdays, and the "RUNSET" happens on Sundays. These events are the anchor of their community, a place to connect, run, and create new friendships.
Eighty Eight Seoul extends a warm invitation to any runner, whether a local or a visitor, to experience their unforgettable energy. To join their runs, guest applications are accepted via Instagram DM or email until noon on the day of the run. Official run announcements are posted 2-3 days in advance on their Instagram account, @eightyeightseoul.
The Seoul Running Scene
Eighty Eight Seoul is a major force in the city's world-class running scene. The South Korean capital is home to a vast and diverse ecosystem of crews, including the massive, app-driven community of CREWGHOST, the long-standing Wausan30 in the Hongdae district, and other "DDI" (birth year) crews like 1991RUNNERS. This rich and collaborative environment makes Seoul a global hub for the run crew movement.
The city of Seoul is an ideal place to explore on foot. Its running routes offer a unique opportunity to discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks. The crew's runs can take you through the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, past the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, or through the bustling Myeong-dong shopping district. Of course, the Olympic Park, a direct link to their heritage, is another excellent running destination. The premier racing event in the city is the Seoul International Marathon, which takes place every March.