DMZ Peace Marathon Run-cation, 5 days

Run along the demilitarised zone between South and North Korea during the DMZ Peace Marathon. This is one of the athletic components of the DMZ Open Festival, a global festival held in Gyeonggi Province to spread the immeasurable value of peace between both nations.

The DMZ Peace Marathon is an event that expands the concept of peace to a broader scope, from reducing political and military tensions to finding solutions to ecological and climate crises, and coexistence between nature and humans.

During the marathon event, various side events will be held including face painting, North Korean food tasting, and military ID tag making.

The race was divided into two courses, 10 KM & 21 KM, both officially certified by the Korea Athletics Federation. Participants had the unique experience of running across the Unification Bridge over the Imjin River to Gunae Samgyo, an area in the Civilian Control Zone.

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 a rice flower farm with Gochujang DIY session;

~ Visit the largest coffee shop in Korea, Positive Space 566;

~ Visit Sanmeoru Winery with a DIY experience;

~ Participation in the DMZ Peace Marathon (10 KM or 21 KM);

~ Local Korean bathhouse experience (jimjilbang) after the running event;

~ Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty;

~ Visit to Ikseongdong Hanok Village and Bukchon Hanok Village;

~ Explore the various stalls in Gwangjang Market.

Day 1 Arrive Incheon – Gimpo

Welcome to Korea! Meet up with your local guide and transfer to a local rice flower farm for a hands-on experience in making gochujang, a red chilli paste frequently used in Korean cuisine.

Visit the Aegeibong Peace Ecological Park situated in the only free zone on the Korean Peninsula, a place that signifies peace and harmony, and a space that links the will of peace in the estuary of the Han River, like the Jogang River flowing to reconnect history and culture. Designed by world-renowned architect Seung Hyo-sang, the surrounding natural scenery beautifully blends together, creating a space where you can reflect on the various meanings of peace.

Enjoy a coffee session in Positive Space 566 café. Boasting 2,190 seats, it made its way into the Guinness World Record as Korea’s largest café.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Gimpo

Day 2 Gimpo – Gyeonggi

Enjoy a leisurely morning run along the marina before visiting Sanmeoru Winery. Nestled at the foot of Gamaksan Mountain (alt. 675 m), Sanmeoru Farm produces Korean wild grapes and drinks made with Korean wild grapes from its wonderful natural environment. Visit a processing facility, fermentation room, underground ripening room, a basement tunnel full of wine barrels, and sample some of its products. We will try a DIY session which includes making wine, jam, pudding, or natural soap.

Take a walk across the Majang Lake Suspension Bridge, a romantic place where you can admire the neatly created park and fountain, benches for resting here and there, sky stairs filled with wildflowers, and a path around the lake. It is located next to a mountain and a lake, so the water colour and sunset are beautiful in harmony with the surrounding community trees and green mountains. Bulletproof glass is partially installed in the middle of the bridge, giving you a thrilling experience.

Pocheon Herb Island is an arboretum themed after the Mediterranean. From the Venice Village, inspired by Venice, to the Herb Plant Museum, one of the largest of its kind in Korea, outdoor garden, Herb Healing Center, and cafés and restaurants, it has a variety of amenities and facilities for visitors. It also hosts diverse events like the Lavender Festival and the Light Festival.

Spend some time at the Hyundai Premium Outlet for some retail therapy.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Gimpo

Day 3 Event Day – DMZ Peace Marathon

Today’s the day of the DMZ Peace Marathon event! Run along the demilitarised zone between South and North Korea and enjoy the unique landmarks along the way.

After your run, soak your tired muscles in a much-welcome hot bath at a traditional Korean bathhouse.

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village is a hot trending place with narrow streets of hip cafes, restaurants and pubs in Jongno-gu, Seoul. It is the oldest hanok village in Seoul with over 100 years of history and there is a total of 119 hanoks in Ikseondong, the highest hanok-density area in Seoul.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Day 4 Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. It is arguably the most beautiful and is the largest of all five palaces from that era. Many Joseon kings were crowned here, including the 2nd King Jeongjong, 4th King Sejong, 6th King Danjong, 7th King Sejo, 9th King Seongjong, 11th King Jungjong, and the 13th King Myeongjong. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong, however, resulted in Gyeongbokgung Palace losing its function as a royal palace, eventually witnessing the downfall of the Joseon dynasty.

Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is a popular cultural village with plenty of shops and restaurants set against the urban background.

Gwangjang Market is the nation’s first permanent market made famous by the popular Korean show, ‘Running Man’. The name Gwangjang means “to gather from afar and keep altogether.” Housing more than 5000 shops, this large wholesale market sells a variety of goods, including upholstery, imported goods, groceries, dried fish, traditional goods, and more.

Enjoy some free time for retail therapy at Myeongdong, Seoul’s famous shopping street.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: hotel, Seoul

Day 5 Depart Seoul

Rest and relax until it’s time for the group transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ return group airport transfers based on scheduled flight timing;

~ 4 nights accommodation;

~ 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners;

~ English-speaking local guide;

~ Korean-speaking driver;

~ race registration fee for DMZ Peace Marathon 10 KM or 21 KM category;

~ neccessary attraction admission fee.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Incheon, South Korea;

~ visa/K-ETA arrangement, if required;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ tipping for local guide and driver;

~ any other expenses of personal nature;

~ anything not specified within 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 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	10 – October

DMZ Peace Marathon Run-cation, 5 days