Keeping the New Year’s Winter Air Intact: Want to Run the 2026 Sunyang Bare-Body Marathon Together?
Introduction
On a midwinter morning when your breath turns especially white, the Waterlight Plaza at Expo Science Park slowly fills with the tingling excitement of New Year’s Day. As shouts and footsteps slice through the cold air and people pat each other on the shoulder to share courage for the year ahead, the first page of 2026 quietly begins to open.
Keeping the New Year’s Winter Air Intact: Want to Run the 2026 Sunyang Bare
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Impressions (Planned)
- Where to Stay
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : 2026 Sunyang Bare-Body Marathon
- Date : 2026-01-01 (One day)
- Hours : 10:00–15:00 (Scheduled start time 11:11:11)
- Venue : Waterlight Plaza, Expo Science Park (plaza in front of Hanbit Tower), 480 Daedeok-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Doryong-dong)
- Main Course : 7 km bare-body marathon run without a top
- Participants : 1,026 individuals · 1,000 in groups (2,026 in total, selected by random draw)
- Admission : Adults 30,000 won / Minors 20,000 won
- Hosted / Organized by : Sunyang Soju Co., Ltd.
- Inquiries : 042-580-1827 (Sunyang Soju Co., Ltd.)
- Address : 480 Daedeok-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Doryong-dong)
- 09:30 Arrive at Waterlight Plaza in Expo Science Park, change and store your warm outerwear, then do some warm-up stretching.
- 10:00 Watch the opening ceremony and stage programs such as the Sunyang Opera Company performance while getting used to the atmosphere.
- 11:11 Start the 7 km bare-body marathon from the starting line in front of Hanbit Tower, running while finding your rhythm and pace.
- 12:00 After finishing, enjoy shared tteokguk (rice cake soup), a gourd-smashing event, and take photos at the Wish Wall, Photo Wall, and Sunyang Photo Studio.
- 13:00 Take part in body-painting and relax while enjoying the music zone at the finish area.
- 14:30 Take commemorative photos, cool down with light stretching, then head to nearby cafés or restaurants for a late lunch.
To maintain body temperature, prepare warm outerwear and a change of clothes, and check the storage location in advance.
The Sunyang Bare-Body Marathon began on January 1, 2015 along the Gapcheon Stream in Daejeon as a New Year’s event designed to welcome the year in good health by feeling nature fully with your bare body in the cold winter air. Since 2016, it has been established as an official “Bare-Body Marathon” and has become a nationwide, unique New Year’s festival held every January 1.
Participants test the limits of both body and mind by running on New Year’s Day, cheering on each other’s spirit of challenge and sharing a strong sense of community energy. The 2026 event will feature a 7 km course along with a performance by the Sunyang Opera Company, tteokguk sharing, various events and experience booths, and is expected to have even stronger safety management measures in place.
Program Information
The main program, where you run 7 km on New Year’s Day without wearing a top, firming up your resolve for the year ahead. As you run feeling each other’s breathing in the cold air, you are left with a sense of accomplishment from having won the battle against yourself.
Before and after the start, enjoy familiar classical melodies in a fresh way on stage with the Sunyang Opera Company. It offers a musical moment to ease your tense body and mind.
After finishing, everyone shares a warm bowl of tteokguk to wish for good fortune in the New Year. It’s a good time to warm up after your run and chat casually with other participants.
A simple participatory event where you smash prepared gourds to blow off stress and share laughter. It’s a light-hearted program that anyone can try.
Write down your wishes for 2026 and post them on the Wish Wall, and take commemorative photos with friends, family, or colleagues at the Photo Wall. It’s a great way to turn your New Year resolutions into visible records.
A space where you can have your photo taken just as you are after finishing, drenched in sweat, or striking a pose with your friends. You can keep the special moments of New Year’s Day in clear photographs.
An experience where you can paint cheering messages or symbolic images on your body to immerse yourself even more in the event’s atmosphere. If you join in before the start, it becomes a special highlight in your photos as well.
Near the finish line, music and drum cheering continue, helping you draw out your last remaining strength. As you step forward in time with the rhythm, you’ll soon find yourself crossing the finish line.
Be sure to check the dress code in advance and prepare permitted outfits for men and women accordingly. In particular, make sure the style and length of your top and bottom match the regulations to avoid any surprises on site.
The registration period is from October 24 to November 13, 2025, and winners will be announced by random draw. It’s a good idea to check your text messages and email frequently around the scheduled announcement date (November 14 or 17).
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so you need to watch for temperature changes before and after the run. Wear warm outerwear while waiting, and change into dry clothes immediately after finishing.
If you check the dress code and prepare the type and length of your outfit in advance, it will be easier to get used to things on site.
Because your body temperature can fluctuate greatly before and after the start, make sure to bring warm outerwear and a change of clothes.
Impressions (Planned)
Today is November 29, 2025. With the “2026 Sunyang Bare-Body Marathon” scheduled for January 1, 2026, it hasn’t begun yet. So I haven’t been there, and I’m getting ready for the upcoming festival with a flutter of excitement. As I trace the schedule and course with my eyes, just picturing myself cutting through the cold air on New Year’s morning makes my heart beat a little faster.
For a bare-body marathon, I imagine the sensations will feel even more intense—the feel of the road through the soles of my feet, the scents carried on the wind, the cold, clear air of early morning, and the quiet tension and solidarity flowing between participants. From the lights shining on the starting line and the thud of my heartbeat in my ears to the color of the first New Year sky I’ll look up at at the finish line, I want to prepare slowly while picturing each of the scenes that will be etched into my body.
Where to Stay
There are many accommodations near Expo Science Park that are convenient on foot or by car, making it easy to prepare in the early morning and rest after the event. Consider distance, budget, and nearby amenities to choose a place that fits your schedule.
55 Expo-ro 123beon-gil, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Doryong-dong)
Business hotel near Expo Science Park, convenient access to the venue
Check in the day before and walk to the venue for an easier early-morning start.
Distance: 1.2 km
29 Dunsanjung-ro 32beon-gil, Seo-gu, Daejeon (Dunsan-dong)
Close to the Dunsan commercial district, with many restaurant and café options
If you drive, it’s nice to relax with a meal in Dunsan-dong after the event.
Distance: 3.0 km
10-1 Oncheon-ro 101beon-gil, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Bongmyeong-dong)
Located near Yuseong Hot Spring, ideal for combining your run with a hot-spring visit
Perfect for enjoying a warm hot-spring course after a physically demanding event.
Distance: 3.6 km
14 Oncheonbuk-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Bongmyeong-dong)
Next to central Yuseong’s commercial district, great for dining and strolling
Even if you arrive at night, it’s relatively easy to use nearby amenities.
Distance: 3.8 km
157 Gyeryong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Bongmyeong-dong)
Convenient access along Gyeryong-ro, easy travel around the Yuseong area
A well-balanced option if you plan to use both public transit and a car.
Distance: 3.9 km
127 Gyeryong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Bongmyeong-dong)
Mid-size hotel suitable for both business and tourism, excellent access to downtown
Offers flexible options for routes and room types when traveling with several people.
Distance: 4.0 km
161 Technojungang-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Yongsan-dong)
Near Techno Valley, business hotel favorable for parking and car travel
A good place to stay if you want to link your visit with nearby outlets and shopping malls after the event.
Distance: 5.6 km
69 Technojungang-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Gwanpyeong-dong)
Near the Gwanpyeong-dong Techno commercial district, relatively quiet lodging environment
Worth considering if you plan to travel by car and stay with plenty of downtime.
Distance: 5.7 km
Room demand rises around year-end and New Year, so it’s best to book at least two weeks in advance.
Restaurants & Cafés
The Dunsan-dong and Yuseong areas, about 10–20 minutes away by car from Expo Science Park, are packed with eateries and cafés, making them perfect for a meal and a café visit before or after the event. Choose a light brunch, hearty meal, or dessert café along your route.
21 Dunsan-ro 123beon-gil, Seo-gu, Daejeon (Dunsan-dong)
Korean restaurant near a residential area in Dunsan-dong, good for an everyday meal
A nice choice after the event if you’re craving a hearty, home-style meal.
Distance: 2.7 km
21 Dunsan-ro 123beon-gil, Seo-gu, Daejeon (Dunsan-dong)
Small café near a residential area, nice stop on a stroll
Perfect for slowly cooling down with a warm cup of coffee after your run.
Distance: 2.7 km
68 Dunsan-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon (Dunsan-dong)
Atmospheric café along Dunsan-ro, ideal for drinks and desserts
The interior is great for photos, making it a good spot for commemorative shots after your run.
Distance: 2.8 km
641 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Guam-dong)
Café-style space serving both brunch and coffee
Great as a relaxed breakfast spot the morning after the event.
Distance: 5.3 km
4 Dongseodae-ro 1695beon-gil, Dong-gu, Daejeon (Yongjeon-dong)
Restaurant near downtown, with an atmosphere suited to meals with family and friends
Offers good access if you link it with travel routes around Daejeon Station.
Distance: 5.9 km
41-7 Jungang-ro 156beon-gil, Jung-gu, Daejeon (Eunhaeng-dong)
Retro-style café & bar, pairs well with a stroll through downtown
Visiting in the evening is a nice way to soak up the atmosphere of central Daejeon.
Distance: 6.9 km
25 Daedongcheonjoan 5-gil, Dong-gu, Daejeon (Soje-dong)
Café in the atmospheric alleys of Soje-dong, popular for walks and photos
Good for a leisurely afternoon stroll after the event.
Distance: 6.9 km
13 Wondoan-ro 26beon-gil, Seo-gu, Daejeon (Doan-dong)
Café in the new downtown of Doan-dong, known for its spacious seating and bright atmosphere
Even for group visits, it’s relatively easy to find enough seating.
Distance: 8.2 km
After running, it’s easier on your body to cool down gradually and choose warm food and drinks.
Nearby Attractions
By making Expo Science Park your base and lightly touring Yuseong, Dunsan, and downtown, you can discover another side of Daejeon. Within manageable distances, enjoy park walks, exhibitions, and shopping all together.
1 Expo-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Doryong-dong)
Promotional exhibition space showcasing Daejeon’s tourism and culture at a glance
Stop by briefly before or after the event to pick up information on other attractions and experiences.
Distance: 0.2 km
664 Hanbat-daero, Seo-gu, Daejeon (Galma-dong)
Green space in the city, ideal for walks and light relaxation
A good course for a gentle walk to loosen up the day after your run.
Distance: 2.2 km
Jungchon-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon
Urban riverside park created along the stream for citizens’ relaxation
If you stay an extra day, it’s ideal for easing your muscles with a leisurely riverside walk.
Distance: 4.3 km
Doan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon
Small neighborhood park near residential areas in Doan-dong
Nice to combine with a café visit in Doan-dong for a light stroll.
Distance: 4.3 km
Noeun-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
Small neighborhood park and playground near a residential area
For families visiting Daejeon with children, it can serve as a short walking course.
Distance: 5.3 km
123 Technojungang-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Yongsan-dong)
Specialty store where you can find Disney character goods
A good place to visit if you want to enjoy shopping and pick up souvenirs at the same time.
Distance: 5.5 km
46 Seonhwaseo-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon (Seonhwa-dong)
Memorial exhibition space highlighting the history of Daejeon’s democracy movement
When visiting downtown, it’s worth stopping by to reflect on the city’s history.
Distance: 6.4 km
251 Hyeonchungwon-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Gap-dong)
A memorial space honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the nation
If your schedule allows, it’s good to visit with a quiet heart.
Distance: 7.3 km
The day after your run, it’s best to follow a light walking schedule centered on parks to gradually ease muscle fatigue.
Getting There
Public Transportation — Take Subway Line 1 to Expo Science Park Station and walk about 5 minutes to reach Waterlight Plaza in Expo Science Park, the event venue. If you take the bus, several routes such as 101, 102, 105, and 706 stop at “Expo Science Park” station, making access relatively convenient.
By Car — From the Gyeongbu Expressway or Honam Expressway, exit at Yuseong IC or Daejeon IC and follow the signs toward Expo Science Park. If you set your navigation to “Expo Science Park” or “Hanbit Tower,” you’ll be guided to the area near the venue.
If you plan to get off at Expo Science Park Station on Subway Line 1 and walk, you can reduce the burden of parking.
Closing
The 2026 Sunyang Bare-Body Marathon is an event that offers a special Daejeon morning on New Year’s Day, where cold air and warm cheers intersect. Through the 7 km course run without a top, together with music, tteokguk sharing, and various experience programs, you can awaken both body and mind and open the first page of the year with vigor.
Against the backdrop of the city’s winter scenery, you naturally share a sense of solidarity even with strangers, and the gentle afterglow that follows completion will combine to make this a New Year’s beginning you remember for a long time.
