A scene from the 2024 Seorak Granfondo race (Photo courtesy of Inje County)
INJE, South Korea, May 16 (Korea Bizwire) — The 2025 Seorak Granfondo, widely considered the most challenging cycling race in the country, will take place on May 17 in the mountainous region of Sangnam-myeon, Inje County.
Part of the Gran Fondo World Tour (GFWT), the Seorak Granfondo is rated as an F-level course—signifying one of the most grueling routes globally. Despite its difficulty, demand remains sky-high: the 5,000 available spots typically sell out within two minutes of registration opening, earning the event a reputation as a race one must “conquer even before the starting line.”
Participants will choose between two race formats: the full Granfondo, a grueling 208-kilometer ride that can take over 10 hours to complete, and the Mediofondo, a shorter 105-kilometer route.
In the 2024 edition, 3,643 cyclists took on the Granfondo, but only 2,436 crossed the finish line. A strict cut-off system ensures safety and pacing: riders who fail to pass the Jindong 2-gyo intersection by noon are diverted to the shorter course. This design helped maintain an overall completion rate of 89%.
A scene from the 2024 Seorak Granfondo race (Photo courtesy of Inje County)
To ensure safety and smooth operations, Inje County will deploy 518 personnel for traffic control, parking, and aid stations. The effort is supported by local police units from Inje, Hongcheon, and Sokcho, as well as various civic groups and volunteer organizations.
“We are doing everything we can to make sure the event proceeds safely and efficiently,” said a county official on Thursday.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
