The photo shows the Trans Jeju International Trail Running Race hosted by Seogwipo City in 2021 on Jeju Island. (Photo provided by Seogwipo City and Yonhap)
JEJU, Dec. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — A growing number of visitors to Jeju Island are incorporating running into their travel itineraries, turning outdoor exercise into a popular part of the island’s tourism culture, according to new data released Wednesday.
The Korea Tourism Organization’s Jeju office said its latest report, “Jeju Travel Through Data – Running Edition,” analyzed online communities and social media posts from 2021 through September 2025 that mentioned both “running” and “Jeju travel.”
References to running increased from roughly 5,700 posts in 2021 to about 8,800 posts this September, indicating that running has become a meaningful component of the island’s travel experience.
Since 2023, Black Yak has hosted an annual trail running race in Jeju. On April 26, the company held the event in Yak Village, Seogwipo City, featuring 50K and 20K courses. The race has gained strong popularity, drawing around 1,000 participants from across the country. (Image courtesy of Black Yak)
The motivations and forms of running on Jeju have diversified. Posts mentioning the activity as a “bucket list” experience rose from 36 in 2021 to 110 in September, suggesting that visitors increasingly view running in Jeju as a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Community-based running has also grown in popularity. Until 2022, the word “alone” appeared more frequently than “crew,” but since 2023, posts referencing “crews” have surged, reflecting a trend in which travelers gather to run and socialize together.
Natural running routes have gained particular traction. Mentions of “trail running” grew more than fivefold, from 43 posts in 2021 to 218 in September, alongside frequent references to iconic locations such as Hallasan, Ttarabi Oreum and other nature-centric trails.
Participants in the Jeju International Trail Running event are seen running this April near the Jeju Pony Experience Park by Darabi Oreum in Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo City, taking in spring scenery where yellow canola fields and cherry blossoms come together on Jeju Island.
Coastal running is also becoming a signature draw, with sites like coastal highways, Yongduam and Tapdong Plaza emerging as favored spots where runners can follow the shoreline with expansive ocean views.
“The rise of ‘run-trip’ travel in Jeju is creating new opportunities to experience the island’s nature, culture and local commerce,” a spokesperson for the Jeju Tourism Organization said. “We hope travelers will explore Jeju with fresh eyes by pairing running with sightseeing.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
