Seogwipo RC: Running Like a Traveler on the Beautiful Island of Jeju
In May 2017, the first running crew on the beautiful island of Jeju, South Korea, was born. Seogwipo RC was founded by two friends, Hanseong Ko and Seungju Kim, in the southern city of Seogwipo on the island. Recognizing that they lived in a place with a magnificent landscape and countless attractive places perfect for running, they created a community dedicated to exploring it all on foot, together.
A Philosophy of Travel and Togetherness
The philosophy of Seogwipo RC is perfectly captured in their motto: "WE RUN LIKE WE TRAVEL!" This guiding principle shapes their entire approach to the sport. They do not pursue new personal bests, but instead place a high value on the experience of "running together." For them, every run is an opportunity to conquer a new part of their beautiful surroundings, to see their home through the fresh eyes of a traveler, and to share that discovery with a community of friends.
The culture of Seogwipo RC is built around their consistent and scenic weekly run. The crew meets every Wednesday at the iconic Saeyeon Bridge in Seogwipo's harbor. From there, they embark on a new adventure, exploring a different part of their surroundings each week. Adding a unique, holistic element to their meetups, the group also frequently holds a post-run yoga session, making for a perfect way to cool down and connect after the run.
Seogwipo RC extends a warm invitation to all runners on the beautiful island of Jeju, whether local residents or visitors. For those who believe in the joy of running together and exploring new places, they are encouraged to connect with the crew via their official social media channels to stay up-to-date on their Wednesday run.
The Jeju Running Scene
As the first running crew on the island, Seogwipo RC helped to pioneer a new kind of running culture in Jeju. The island is also home to other running clubs and communities, particularly in the larger city of Jeju to the north. Together, these groups have fostered a vibrant and supportive scene for the island's many resident and visiting athletes.
Jeju Island is South Korea's largest island and a designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It is a world-famous tourist destination, renowned for its unique volcanic landscape, including Hallasan, the country's highest mountain, as well as its stunning waterfalls and beautiful beaches. This incredible natural beauty makes it a true paradise for runners and outdoor enthusiasts.
Routes, Landmarks, and Races
The running playground for Seogwipo RC is the breathtaking southern half of Jeju Island. Their weekly runs begin at the magnificent Saeyeon Bridge, a beautiful pedestrian bridge connecting Seogwipo's port to a small, uninhabited island. From there, their "travels" can take them along the island's famous and stunning coastal roads, through charming villages, or onto the challenging trails that crisscross the island's volcanic landscape. The premier racing event on the island is the Jeju International Tourism Marathon, which features a spectacular coastal course and attracts runners from around the world.