Event runs June 5–7 at Ttukseom and Jamsil Han River parks

Beginner, intermediate and advanced courses open to all

Giant inflatable 'Hachi Island' to float on the Han River

Smart unmanned scanners to monitor crowds and safety

A scene from last year's "Swieomswieom Han River Triathlon Festival." [Seoul Metropolitan Government]
A scene from last year's "Swieomswieom Han River Triathlon Festival." [Seoul Metropolitan Government]

The third annual "Swieomswieom Han River Triathlon Festival," which drew 650,000 participants last year, opens Friday and runs through Sunday at Ttukseom and Jamsil Han River parks.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government says the festival — launched in 2024 — is a citizen-participation sports event that emphasizes the joy of finishing and taking part over chasing personal records. This year, the city has expanded the event space and program lineup to make the festival accessible to everyone. The main event features a triathlon — swimming, cycling and running — set against the Han River, alongside a wide range of citizen-participation side programs.

The triathlon courses have been subdivided according to participants' fitness levels and experience. To give sports enthusiasts and returning participants more options, an intermediate course of 22 kilometers has been newly introduced this year.

Participants receive an individual medal upon completing each discipline; all three medals combine to form a single circular medal. The beginner and intermediate courses feature Seoul's signature color "Green Aurora," evoking the leisurely pace of the Han River, while the advanced course uses "Morning Yellow," a Seoul color symbolizing challenge and passion — reflecting the festival's identity of completion and challenge over record-setting.

On race day, participants must bring a photo ID and check in at the general information booth at Ttukseom Han River Park, or at Jamsil Han River Park for the advanced course. A limited number of on-site registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for those who missed advance sign-ups, though participation may be restricted if capacity limits are reached for safety reasons.

The festival has also significantly expanded its hands-on programs so that families, couples, friends and anyone else can soak up the festive atmosphere around Ttukseom and Jamsil Han River parks, even without competing.

A highlight will be "Hachi Island," a giant inflatable playground set on the Han River itself. The unique water-based attraction offers five experiences: a Hachi bounce, a slippery pole crossing, a water challenge bounce, a water trampoline and Han River log rolling.

A leaflet for the "Swieomswieom Han River Triathlon Festival." [Seoul Metropolitan Government]
A leaflet for the "Swieomswieom Han River Triathlon Festival." [Seoul Metropolitan Government]

Events featuring Seoul's official mascot Hachi, along with various cultural and sports programs, will fill the parks. Families with children can enjoy "Iron Rookie," a tailored sports program designed to create special memories. "Where's Hachi?" — a Han River-themed take on the classic cops-and-robbers chase game — and "Hachi Puzzle Run," in which participants visit designated checkpoints to complete missions, will add to the fun.

The opening ceremony will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m. on the waterfront stage at Ttukseom Han River Park. A lighting performance featuring the "Swieomswieom Signature Medal," a nighttime drone light show over the Han River and a musical gala show by fusion gugak group Granada and performance team Assorted will open the festival.

Safety is the Seoul Metropolitan Government's top priority. More than 1,000 safety personnel will be deployed across land and water every day of the event to ensure a comprehensive response system.

"Safety guards" trained in first aid will be stationed at close intervals along key courses and congested sections, with fire department and police cooperation ensuring a rapid medical response. Thirteen smart unmanned scanners installed at key points throughout the venue will tally visitor numbers in real time and support a data-driven crowd management system.

"The Swieomswieom Han River Triathlon Festival is Seoul's signature summer festival, designed so that any citizen can enjoy sports and relaxation on the Han River at their own pace — beyond the competition for records," said Kim Myeong-ju, director of Seoul's Tourism and Sports Bureau. "We have prepared an even richer program, and we hope everyone will experience the full charm of the Han River."


ikson@heraldcorp.com