'Monthly Night Run Project' returns Sept. 23 with 5-kilometer course, traditional food and treasure hunt

[Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government]
[Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will host the "Monthly Night Run Project No. 2 — Chuseok Seoul Moon Night Run" at Yeouido Park on Sept. 23.

The event is the second installment of the city's Monthly Night Run Project, a recurring program that takes runners through different parts of Seoul each month under a new theme. Following the inaugural "Yangjae Stream Moonlit Night Run" held along Yangjae Stream on Aug. 28, this edition centers on Chuseok, combining running with traditional games and food.

The Chuseok Seoul Moon Night Run blends Seoul's nighttime scenery with the spirit of the harvest holiday into an evening recreational running program. Families, friends and anyone else are welcome to join at their own pace.

Participants will set off from the Culture Yard inside Yeouido Park and run a 5-kilometer course through the park. Along the way, they can take part in a "Light Run" — running with illuminated lights under the full moon — as well as a running treasure hunt and traditional food stalls.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m., with the main run starting at 7:45 p.m. after warm-up stretches. There are no rankings or timed results — runners are encouraged to go at their own speed and enjoy Seoul's autumn night together.

A highlight of the course is a running treasure hunt in which 150 "lucky pouches" are hidden at various points along the route. Participants who find one will receive prizes such as traditional Korean confections, vitamins and sikhye, a sweet rice drink. Songpyeon rice cakes will also be handed out to all finishers in keeping with the Chuseok spirit.

A Chuseok-themed photo zone will also be set up, where participants can take pictures with friends and family against a full-moon backdrop and soak in the atmosphere of a Seoul autumn night.

The first installment, the "Yangjae Stream Moonlit Night Run," was held along Yangjae Stream on Aug. 28 under a sauna concept that linked running with the local commercial district. After completing a 5.8-kilometer course, participants explored nearby attractions including the Yangjae Stream Waterfront Culture Rest Area and a café strip.

Finishers received "Yangjaecheon-gil Commercial District Love Coupons" tied to a Seocho-gu commercial revitalization project, encouraging runners to visit nearby shops and restaurants after the race.

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced its "Seoul: A 24-Hour Vibrant Economy City" initiative on Aug. 20. The plan centers on a Seoul-style nighttime economy designed to expand leisure options for residents in the evening and boost tourist spending after dark. Key measures include extending operating hours at 269 sports facilities run by the city, autonomous districts, schools and parks — some until midnight — and upgrading lighting and amenities at 259 Han River and tributary sports facilities to make them more accessible late at night.


cook@heraldcorp.com