Green Breaths Riding the Spring Breeze: Travel Journal of the 24th Sungwoo Hitech Cup KNN Environmental Marathon
Introduction
In March, as winter’s chill slowly fades, the spring breeze brushing past the Haeundae sea brings a breath of green into the city. On the road stretching from BEXCO through Gwangalli and Suyeong Bay, the sound of waves and the runners’ footsteps will fall into rhythm, heralding the start of a new season.
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Info
- Impressions (Planned Visit)
- Where to Stay
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : 24th Sungwoo Hitech Cup KNN Environmental Marathon
- Date : Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Hours : Assemble 07:30, Start 08:30
- Venue : BEXCO Exhibition Center I, Hall 3 (55 APEC-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan / U-dong)
- Main Course : Around Gwangalli Beach · Suyeong Bay Yacht Stadium · Namcheon-dong seaside road · Return to BEXCO
- Participants : General public and students
- Capacity : First 8,000 applicants
- Categories : 10 km race, 5 km fun run
- Entry Fee : 10 km 45,000 won, 5 km 35,000 won (Early bird: 10 km 40,000 won, 5 km 30,000 won)
- Hosted / Organized by : KNN, Sungwoo Hitech
- Inquiries : 1522-4897
- Official Website : https://marathon.knn.co.kr
- 07:30 Gather at BEXCO Exhibition Center I, Hall 3, check in, organize belongings, and do some light stretching.
- 08:00 Move to the starting point, warm up briefly, and review the course map once more.
- 08:30 Start the 10 km race or 5 km fun run and run along Gwangalli Beach and the Suyeong Bay area.
- During the race Adjust your pace considering the seaside wind, and follow staff instructions to check water stations and course splits.
- After finishing Return to BEXCO, collect your souvenirs, enjoy photo zones, and join the side events.
- Before the event ends Visit the experience booths, check your photo record certificate, and then leisurely explore nearby restaurants and attractions.
Capacity is limited to 8,000 participants, so register early.
Bring a light outer layer to prepare for the seaside wind.
The Sungwoo Hitech Cup KNN Environmental Marathon is an urban marathon where citizens and students run together through Busan’s sea and cityscapes. Around 8,000 participants join every year, and with 10 km and 5 km fun run categories, anyone can choose a course that matches their fitness level.
The route that passes Gwangalli Beach, Suyeong Bay Yacht Stadium, and the Namcheon-dong seaside road before returning to BEXCO lets you take in Busan’s signature scenery at a glance, feeling the rhythm of both sea and city as you run. With environment-themed experience booths, family-friendly side events, and photo record certificate services, this spring marathon festival offers not only records but lasting memories.
Program Info
The 10 km category is ideal for runners who want to seriously chase a time record. You’ll run a course that goes past Gwangalli Beach and Suyeong Bay Yacht Stadium and then back to BEXCO. Feel the sea breeze with your whole body and aim to finish while maintaining your own pace.
The 5 km fun run is perfect for enjoying a light run with family, friends, or coworkers, and is easy on first-time marathoners. It’s designed so you can walk and jog with the spring breeze and take in the coastal views of Busan at a relaxed pace.
Participants receive souvenirs to commemorate their finish and a photo record certificate. You can capture the day not only with your race time but also in photos, making it a great fit for solo runners as well as for creating memories with family and friends.
With environmental-themed experience booths, photo galleries, and various on-site events, there’s no time to be bored before or after the run. It’s also a great opportunity to join with kids and share the meaning of environmental protection starting from small everyday habits.
Stage programs such as dance performances and stretching shows help lift the mood and loosen your body before the start. Surrounded by music and cheering, your nerves naturally ease and your anticipation for the race grows.
After finishing, you can wrap up your day by taking commemorative photos at the photo zones and browsing the photo gallery. Pictures taken with your bib number will later bring back the air and cheers of that day as precious memories.
Early bird registration opens at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026 and is limited to the first 1,500 people, so set an alarm and apply in advance.
On the event day, the start time is 08:30 and assembly is at 07:30. Plan your schedule so you can arrive with plenty of time, taking public transport and travel time into account.
Since participation is capped at 8,000 people, registration may close early. Once you’ve decided to join, it’s safest to complete your application without delay.
Make sure you note the assembly time of 07:30, one hour before the start.
With a capacity of 8,000, registration may close early.
Impressions (Planned Visit)
Today is December 31, 2025. The 24th Sungwoo Hitech Cup KNN Environmental Marathon, however, is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2026, so I haven’t been there yet and am planning to participate soon. My heart is already pounding, and I almost feel the spring air and the sea breeze of Busan. The image of the starting line that I’ve only drawn in my mind overlaps with the calm air of year’s end, making it feel even more vivid.
According to the latest information I’ve found while preparing for the upcoming race, the 24th event will assemble at BEXCO Exhibition Center I, Hall 3 on Sunday, March 22, 2026, with assembly at 7:30 a.m. and start at 8:30 a.m. The categories are a 10 km race and a 5 km fun run, and the participation limit is set at the first 8,000 applicants. The entry fee is 45,000 won for the 10 km and 35,000 won for the 5 km fun run, but with early bird rates it seems I’ll be able to sign up with a slightly lighter heart. As I look at the photos and read the information on the screen, it feels as if the air of that not-yet-arrived day is already brushing the tip of my nose.
Personally, the atmosphere of this event has always felt warmly comforting. At previous races, the scent of the sea blowing in from the Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches of Busan before the start, the clear morning air, and the blend of laughter and footsteps from participants all came together to heighten the pre-race excitement. And on the way back to BEXCO Exhibition Center I, the breathing of people taking step after step toward the finish, sparkling under the spring sunshine, has stayed with me for a long time. For those preparing for the big day ahead, I’d like to offer a small reminder: keep an eye on the early bird registration period, dress with the wind in mind and bring an outer layer to keep your body warm, and be sure to note the registration deadline in your schedule. Just thinking about running in the spring breeze is thrilling, and I quietly hope that on that day I’ll be able to share the same stride with you along the sea of Busan.
Where to Stay
To move easily between the BEXCO assembly point and the Haeundae and Gwangalli areas, it’s best to book a nearby place to stay. The options below are chosen so you can arrive comfortably the day before to adjust your condition and enjoy a slow rest with a sea view after the race.
31 Gunam-ro 12beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
Excellent access to Haeundae Beach · Convenient for walking
Close to central Haeundae, making it great for enjoying meals and walks together.
Distance: 2.2 km
11 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 237beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
Near Haeundae Beach · Ideal for walks and relaxation
A good base for an early morning beach walk before heading to the venue.
Distance: 2.2 km
12 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 237beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
Potential sea views of Haeundae · Great for trips with family or couples
A place where you can充分 rest while looking out at the sea from your room before and after the race.
Distance: 2.2 km
287 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Jung-dong)
Walking distance to the beach · Surrounded by vibrant commercial areas
A great base for visiting popular restaurants and cafés around Haeundae after finishing.
Distance: 2.5 km
30 Songjeong Gwang-eogol-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Songjeong-dong)
Near Songjeong Beach · Quiet seaside atmosphere
Good for adjusting your condition in a quieter setting than the city center.
Distance: 5.6 km
133 Jeonpo-daero, Nam-gu, Busan (Munhyeon-dong)
Urban hotel · Good transport access
A good choice if you want to tour both Haeundae and downtown using public transport.
Distance: 6.6 km
20-11 Hwangnyeong-daero 7beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Beomcheon-dong)
Easy access to Seomyeon’s commercial area · Great for city trips
Well-suited if you’d like to combine race participation with an evening city walk around Seomyeon.
Distance: 7.0 km
17 Dongbusan-gwangwang 7-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Located within the East Busan Tourism Complex · Easy to link with a driving route
Great for planning a relaxed 2-day, 1-night trip including visits to East Busan attractions.
Distance: 7.4 km
On weekends and in peak seasons, sea-view rooms may sell out early.
Restaurants & Cafés
After the race, you’ll likely want to refuel with a hearty meal while looking out over the sea, or warm yourself with a hot drink. Around BEXCO and the Haeundae–Gwangalli area, there are plenty of places where you can move around easily while enjoying the taste and atmosphere of Busan.
9-5 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 344beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan (Millak-dong)
Dining spot near Gwangalli Beach · Suitable for gatherings
A good location to enjoy a meal with the night view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge after the race.
Distance: 1.5 km
154 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
Walking distance from Haeundae Beach · Dining with the sea at your side
Great for a leisurely lunch or brunch combined with a beach walk.
Distance: 1.7 km
187 Gwangnam-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan (Gwang-an-dong)
Between Suyeong and Gwangalli · Good for both café and meals
A convenient stop on the way to Gwangalli after the race.
Distance: 1.8 km
52 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Jung-dong)
Located on Dalmaji-gil · Eel specialty restaurant
Perfect for a hearty, restorative meal after a race that took a lot of energy.
Distance: 3.2 km
52 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Jung-dong)
Haeundae Dalmaji-gil · Grilled fish specialty
A nice place to enjoy a light grilled fish meal while looking out at the sea.
Distance: 3.2 km
66-17 Bunpo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan (Yongho-dong)
Shabu-shabu specialty · Warm hot pot dishes
Ideal when you want to warm yourself to the core after running in the cold wind.
Distance: 4.5 km
32 Seomyeonmunhwa-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Bujeon-dong)
In the heart of Seomyeon · Space for both meals and drinks
Great for heading to Seomyeon after the race and soaking in the city atmosphere over dinner.
Distance: 7.1 km
134 Eomgwang-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Gaya-dong)
Korean beef specialty restaurant · Hearty meat dishes
A good choice when you want to truly replenish your strength with a proper meal at the end of the day.
Distance: 9.7 km
On weekend evenings, waits around Gwangalli and Haeundae can be long.
Nearby Attractions
The BEXCO area is a gateway connecting Haeundae, Gwangalli, East Busan, and downtown, so there are many spots you can easily visit before or after the race. Choose places that fit your schedule starting from those closest by, and you can enjoy a day filled with both running and sightseeing.
120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
Cultural space with film-related materials and exhibitions
Close to BEXCO, making it a nice short stop before or after the race.
Distance: 0.8 km
Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Viewpoint overlooking both Haeundae’s sea and city
Visit at sunset to enjoy a beautiful twilight while savoring the afterglow of the race.
Distance: 4.4 km
40 Seojeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Jeonpo-dong)
Multi-purpose cultural & lifestyle space near Jeonpo Café Street
Perfect when you want to quietly rest while enjoying both the city café culture and exhibitions.
Distance: 6.5 km
Beomjeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Urban walking trail with beautiful night lighting
A nice walking route for gently strolling and enjoying the night air after the race.
Distance: 7.2 km
125 Beomil-ro, Dong-gu, Busan (Beomil-dong)
Multi-purpose cultural complex · Enjoy exhibitions and shopping together
A good spot for a light visit while experiencing another side of downtown Busan.
Distance: 7.5 km
13 Sincheon-daero 162beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Bujeon-dong)
Educational & cultural space with hands-on math exhibits
If you visit with children, it becomes a unique course that sparks curiosity.
Distance: 7.6 km
Buam-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Green space in the city · Great park for walks and relaxation
Ideal for slowly easing your fatigue by walking along the quiet forest paths.
Distance: 8.8 km
164 Yi Sun-sin-daero, Dong-gu, Busan (Choryang-dong)
Waterside park where you can enjoy the port and sea up close
Visit at dusk to take in the scenery of port lights blending with the sea.
Distance: 9.9 km
Observatories and waterside parks at sunset are great for enjoying both twilight and night views.
Getting There
Public Transportation — The address of BEXCO Exhibition Center I is 55 APEC-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong). You can walk from Centum City Station (Exit 1) or BEXCO Station on Subway Line 2, and various local and express bus routes stop at the BEXCO bus stop, making access convenient.
Car — If you are driving, you can use the outdoor and underground parking lots at BEXCO Exhibition Centers I and II. For passenger cars and small vans (under 25 seats), general parking fees are about 400 won per 10 minutes, with a daily maximum of around 15,000 won; large vehicles are charged higher rates.
Right after the event ends, demand for taxis and public transport may surge, so it’s best to allow extra time for your return trip.
Closing
Running with the spring wind off the Busan sea, the 24th Sungwoo Hitech Cup KNN Environmental Marathon takes you from BEXCO through Gwangalli, Suyeong Bay, and the Namcheon-dong seaside road, letting you fully feel the changing of the seasons. On the road where Haeundae’s sea and city views unfold together, participants set their own pace, steady their breathing, and write the beginning of a new year with their bodies.
With two categories—10 km and 5 km—plus a variety of environment-themed experiences and family-friendly programs, this marathon has established itself as a springtime festival that offers memories beyond just race times. As March’s green breath settles in, take your time preparing to set off step by step with the sea breeze of Busan.
