Major road closures draw complaints from residents across the city
Police plan to halt race lines when ambulances need to pass
Guests stranded, hospital appointments rescheduled as Seoul reviews safety plans
Weekend marathons held repeatedly in central Seoul are fueling growing public frustration over road closures, with concerns mounting that blocked routes could delay ambulances carrying emergency patients to hospitals — while others have already missed weddings or had to reschedule medical appointments.
The Gwangjin Police Precinct is reviewing its on-site response plan ahead of the MBN Marathon, set to begin at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 15, to ensure emergency patients can still reach Konkuk University Medical Center without disruption, according to Yonhap.
The precaution is aimed at preventing ambulances and vehicles carrying emergency patients from being blocked from reaching the hospital while marathon participants occupy the roads.
"We have coordinated with the organizers so that when an emergency vehicle needs to pass, officers near the Konkuk University Alumni Hall will break the race line and allow direct entry to the hospital," a precinct official said.
The MBN Marathon half-course runs from Gwanghwamun through Euljiro, Janghanpyeong and the Konkuk University Station intersection before finishing at the east gate of Jamsil Sports Complex. The road from Cheongdam Bridge toward Konkuk University Medical Center is also scheduled to be closed.
The Konkuk University Station intersection, where the hospital is located, is a key artery connecting to Jamsil in Songpa-gu via Jamsil Bridge. The area has seen frequent race-related road closures — the JTBC Marathon held Nov. 1 also routed runners past the hospital's entrance.
Police said no cases have been confirmed in which emergency patients were unable to reach Konkuk University Medical Center because of a marathon. Still, given the sweeping road closures on race days, authorities said they are preparing for any contingency.
Ordinary patients and their families are also voicing frustration. A 33-year-old identified only by the surname Lee, who receives monthly checkups at a large hospital in Yeouido, said weekday appointments are difficult because of work. "I usually book weekend morning slots," Lee said. "When there's a marathon or a rally, I either change the appointment entirely or leave at least an hour earlier than usual."
The disruption was on display Saturday, when the Save Race Marathon closed roads around Yeouido starting at 8 a.m., rerouting buses and causing traffic backups on surrounding streets.
Wedding guests have also been stranded. A 32-year-old identified only by the surname Seo, who held a wedding at a venue in Jamsil on the day of the JTBC Marathon in November 2023, said the sight of the annual race still brings on fury. "The navigation app gave wrong directions because it did not account for the marathon closures, and most of the guests who were unfamiliar with the area never made it to the ceremony," Seo said.
"It was particularly heartbreaking that my grandmother, who has difficulty getting around, missed her first grandchild's wedding," Seo added. "I now tell everyone I know: never schedule a wedding on a marathon day."
Noise and litter from marathon events have also drawn complaints. A social media post describing how the Disney Run held in Incheon on Oct. 24 disrupted a traditional wedding ceremony at Wolmi Park went viral recently.
As complaints pile up, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said it will work with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and other relevant authorities to review safety management plans for next year's downtown marathons, including race schedules, course routes and traffic detour options.
sjy@heraldcorp.com
