Jeju International Tourism Marathon

The Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival is one of South Korea’s most scenic destination races, combining world-class coastal running with the natural beauty that has made Jeju Island one of Asia’s premier tourism destinations. Held annually on the volcanic island of Jeju, the event attracts both domestic and international runners who come not only to race but also to experience the island’s dramatic coastline, UNESCO-recognized landscapes, lava formations, beaches, and unique island culture. The event has become a flagship sports tourism festival, promoting Jeju as both a running destination and a travel destination.

The race is particularly famous for its oceanfront scenery. Marathon and half marathon runners follow stretches of Jeju’s coastal roads, including the picturesque Gujwa Sumbi Coastal Road, while enjoying views of the island’s volcanic shoreline and the East China Sea. Unlike large urban marathons that focus on city landmarks, the Jeju International Tourism Marathon offers a distinctly island atmosphere, with fishing villages, coastal cliffs, sea breezes, and panoramic ocean views forming the backdrop for much of the course.

The event is also one of the most internationally oriented races in Korea. Over its nearly three decades of history, the festival has welcomed runners from numerous countries and has become an important part of Jeju’s tourism calendar.