DMZ International Peace Marathon RUN-Cation, 5 days

Take part in the 17th Cheorwon DMZ International Peace Marathon. This marathon aims to promote peace and reconciliation for both North and South Korea. Leave your footprints behind as you run along the scenic, historic and cultural route. Run categories available: 42 KM, 21 KM, 10 KM & 5 KM.

Run through South Korea’s northernmost route that includes peaceful paddy fields stretching over Cheorwon which is home to premium rice plantation, the 1,000-year old temple of Dopiansa established by the great monk Doseon, the Jiktang Fall, rolling hills and acres of farmland. This DMZ Marathon give runners a rare peak inside the heavily fortified military zone which is off limit to civilians during the rest of the year, except on Marathon Day.

Duration: 5 days

This trip can be customised to suit the requirements of your group, please <MAKE AN ENQUIRY> and tell us your requests.

Itinerary

Highlights
~ Visit Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge, one of South Korea’s longest hanging bridge;

~ Visit Alpaca World, largest forest experience farm in Korea;

~ Tour the demilitarized zone 2nd infiltration tunnel and Cheorwon Peace Observatory;

~ Participate in Cheorwon DMZ International Peace Marathon (5 KM, 10 KM, 21 KM or 42 KM);

~ Local hot spring experience after event;

~ Recovery easy walk in Nari Park filled with beautiful flowers;

~ Visit Samhae Brewery, Seoul’s only dedicated traditional brewery;

~ Easy walk along Hanyang Castle Wall built over 600 years ago;

~ Photo taking stop at Ihwa Mural Village.

Day 1 Arrive Incheon

Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be transferred as a group into Hongcheon.

Enroute, visit Sogeumsan Mountain Suspension Bridge, one of South Korea’s longest hanging bridge surrounded by white sand, uniquely shaped rocks and lush forests with a 40 to 50 M high wall of rock formations along Seomgang River and Samsancheon River.

Enjoy a welcome dinner to get to know your fellow running mates.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Hongcheon

Day 2 Hongcheon

Enjoy a visit to Alpaca World, loved by visitors of all ages. This farm is the largest forest experience farm in South Korea surrounded in absolute beauty of forest and mountain valley. Here, you can touch, feed and walk the Alpacas plus learn more about other animals such as eagles, deer, rabbits and more.

Take a comprehensive tour into the 2nd tunnel of the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. At the end of the tunnel, you are only about 300 metres away from the North! But not to worry, the area is secured and blocked.

Learn more about the history between South and North Korea during this tour and appreciate the untouched natural surroundings from the Cheorwon Peace Observatory which offers a panoramic view of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone separating South and North Korea) in the central forward area of Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do. From this observatory, see the Cheorwon plain, areas of the DMZ, and even North Korea.

Have an early dinner and prepare for the race tomorrow.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Cheorwon

Day 3 Cheorwon – Seoul (Marathon Day)

The day you are waiting for. This is one of the far few chances where civilians can enter this almost pristine region.

The land within the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is unspoiled. Farmers who live within receive special permission to grow and harvest rice. Running along the DMZ*, you can catch a glimpse of the reality of divided Korean Peninsula. The Iron Triangle Zone near Goseokjeong Pavilion exhibits historical records of the Battle of Triangle Hill, a protracted military engagement during the Korean War, and showcases the grim security reality of a divided Korea.

Look out for interesting features along the way such as the famous ruins of the Cheorwon office of the former Worker’s party of Korea, which was destroyed in the Korean War and stands a harsh reminder of the painful past. There are also checkpoints which you will pass through during the run as you head out of the civilian control zone and head back in again.

Military boys (think Descendants of the Sons) will run alongside you. This is probably one of the most interesting marathons you ever ran.

Relax your muscles with a local Korean hot spring experience before we make our way into Seoul. Enroute, we will stretch our muscles with a scenic walk in Nari Park where you will get to see rows upon rows of beautifully manicured flowers.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seoul

*NOTE: only 21 KM and 42 KM race route will enter the DMZ controlled zone. 5 KM and 10 KM race route will be outside the controlled zone.

Day 4 Seoul

It’s time to nourish your soul in Seoul today.

It is said that Samcheong-dong was named from the story about the three ‘cheong’, namely mountain; water and people. The street features a mixture of old scenes, hanok building with traditional beauty and modern scenes of galleries and cafes, creating a unique atmosphere. You can feel the vibes of cultural mood at every corner of the street.

The city’s only dedicated traditional brewery, thousand-year old Samhae Brewery is operated by Master Kim Taeksang. His brewery is designated as Seoul city’s Intangible Asset No. 8 for his expertise and skills in traditional Korean liquor. Appreciate Master Kim’s traditional liquor and get into action to make some too.

Take a walk along a part of the Hanyang Castle Wall that was built by King Taejo who founded the Joseon Dynasty. Then follow us and get lost in the mural village of Ihwa. The village is known as a moon village as it is being set on a hill side. Be prepared for a bit of urban hike to see beautiful murals in varying sites on the walls, fences and rooftops created by 70 artists. This is an instagrammable hot spot!

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Day 5 Depart Seoul

Simply rest and relax until official check out time, 12 PM. Or depart at your own timing for your onward arrangement/ flight back home.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ arrival transfer from Incheon International Airport;

~ 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners;

~ 4 nights hotel stay as per itinerary;

~ service of an English-Speaking Driver-Guide;

~ marathon registration fee;

~ necessary attraction admission fee where required.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Incheon, South Korea;

~ departure airport transfer;

~ visa/K-ETA arrangement, if required;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tipping for the Driver-Guide;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary and inclusion.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total tour price is required at the time of booking or up to 120 days before departure.

~ Full or balance payment is 90 days prior to departure.

~ Price may subject to change at the time of booking confirmation. You will be informed if there is any price increase, and you may withdraw within 3 days of notification. As such, your deposit will be fully refunded.

~ Only book your air ticket to South Korea when you have been informed to do so.

~ Minimum group size: recommended 4 persons.

~ Should you require a visa/K-ETA to enter South Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights/experiences are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings and/or experience.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ If circumstances (such as bad weather for example) beyond our control make changes necessary, Travel Wander and the race event organiser reserve the right to make change to the inclusion of the itinerary / race route. There will not be refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Because running requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it may not be suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Runners must ensure they are medically and physically able to run.

~ Runners who do not wish to take part in included activities/experiences, there is no refund.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	More Interest
Country	Korea
Season	09 – September

DMZ International Peace Marathon RUN-Cation, 5 days