Gaehwasan Mountain Trail Run

The 2026 Gaehwasan Trail Running event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, taking place at the Banghwa Green Park in the Gangseo-gu district of Seoul, South Korea. Organized by the Korea Mountain Marathon Federation, this event offers a focused 7km course designed to highlight the scenic beauty of Gaehwasan Mountain. The trail is noted for its "forest path" atmosphere, providing participants with panoramic views of Gimpo International Airport and the Ara Waterway. The event is positioned as an accessible entry into trail running, emphasizing the natural landscape within the metropolitan area of Seoul.

Gangseo-gu is one of the 25 districts of Seoul, located on the far western side of the city. The population of the district is approximately 570,000 residents. The demographic profile of Gangseo-gu is largely reflective of Seoul's broader urban population, with a significant concentration of professionals due to its proximity to the Magok industrial cluster and Gimpo Airport. The median annual household income in Seoul is approximately 67 million KRW. Geographically, Gaehwasan stands at a modest elevation of roughly 131 meters, making it a popular destination for local hikers and runners who prefer rolling terrain over high-altitude climbs. The climate in mid-April in Seoul features average lows of 7°C (45°F) and highs of 18°C (64°F). This period coincides with the vibrant spring season in Korea, meaning runners can expect blooming greenery and comfortable temperatures, though morning humidity can be high near the Han River and Ara Waterway.

Registration for the event concluded on April 10, 2026, with the federation managing a streamlined check-in process at Banghwa Green Park. The venue is highly accessible via public transportation, specifically through the Banghwa Station on Seoul Subway Line 5. For participants traveling from outside the district, the surrounding area of Hwagok and Kkachisan offers a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly boutique motels starting around 60,000 KRW to 5-star luxury stays like the Mayfield Hotel. The race is supported by local trail running enthusiasts and aims to promote the Korea Mountain Marathon Federation's goals of mountain sports advocacy and health education within the community.