Marathon Details - Dong-A Seoul International Marathon

International Marathons > Korea (South) > Seoul > Dong-A Seoul International Marathon

Dong-A Seoul International Marathon

Seoul, Korea (South)

March 17, 2024

http://www.seoul-marathon.com

More Info:	News
Results:	Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:
Address:	The Dong-A Ilbo 139 Sejongno chongno-gu Seoul Korea 110-715
Phone Number:	82-2-2020-0708
Fax Number:	82-2-2020-1639
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.8

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Number of comments: 37 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

Matthew Crawford from Seoul, South Korea (3/10/2023) "Organizational Nightmare" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Dong-A Seoul International Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 The Dong-a Seoul Marathon is attempting to resurrect itself post-pandemic, following several years of virtual installments. Bizarrely, they capped the number of full-course runners at 3,000 and instituted a diabolically confusing lottery system. The website is Kafka-esque (see https://en.seoul-marathon.com/register/?idx=2). After making it onto the waiting list, I received an email intstructing me to pick up my race pack at the marathon expo, the day before the event. After several months of steady training, I called to ask about the location of the expo, and they told me that the email they'd sent was a 'mistake'. I wasn't able to participate after all! Very frustrating, to say the least. I ran this marathon in 2019 and 2017. Those years, the big problem was a huge lack of bathroom facilities. Before the start, there were literally hundreds of men urinating in odd corners of the starting plaza. The baggage storage trucks stopped accepting bags about 30 to 45 minutes before the start time and drove off, leaving some people inconvenienced. As for the course, it's alright if you like concrete and bland architecture. Also, be prepared for very toxic levels of fine dust in the air (unless you get a lucky break with the weather systems). The course is very flat, though, which can be a boon.
I. R. from Seoul South Korea (3/25/2018) "My first and last" (about: 2018) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I was very excited for this marathon because I wanted to complete a bucketlist. I got my orange Adidas shirt and my number and a plastic bag for my belongings like a week before the marathon. As an amateur runner I knew I wasn't going to make it before the 5 hour mark but I also didn't expect everyone cleaning up the water tables while there was still many people running, also as part of the last group of runners it was difficult to get to the finish because there was no signs on the road or anyone to guide us, we were kinda forgotten and on our own, when I managed to get my tired sore body across the finish line I was just ignored and left there, I was in a lot of pain and nobody rushed to help me, I know I was an hour late but I expected somebody give me a hand at least but as a foreigner maybe I felt that Korean people are too shy to approach me. also I want to include that since there was a 5 hour limit the road had to be open for cars and that meant I had to stop at every red light hence making me more late,so it was very inconvenient for those of us who wanted to finish but stopping at every red light made everything more complicated, there was also pedestrians who must've been bothered by runners yelling to make them move out of the way. The medal came in a food bag, which I thought was a bit strange...I also wish there would've been more water tables towards the end of the race, there was also not many cups and at one point I was just given the 2L bottle because there were no more cups so there was a lot of wasted water. Finishing this race was difficult because of the obstacles at the end, if you want to run this race I suggest you don't do like me, train hard and get fast and endurance, or quit once the road has opened for cars because after that it doesn't feel like marathon running anymore. There is a marathon bus picking up the runners who are tired and cant continue, which I thought was convenient for those who needed to stop running, there was also men peeing everywhere at the beginning, I would suggest going to the bathroom before running, there was first aid people but I wish they would've been some towards the end because that's when us slow runners had more pain to finish, I completed this marathon in 6 hours and 1 minute. I'm 25 years old female, I hope my comment is helpful!
J. M. from Hong Kong (3/19/2017) "Fast" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Just ran the 2017 edition of this race this morning. My review may be a little biased because I ran a PB and came away feeling pretty good about the whole experience. The biggest issue with this marathon is the registration. It's terrible if you don't read Korean. Google translate helped me figure it out but I was still confused. I wasn't even sure if I was registered or not. But if you email them, they will reply. If you want to get a starting place, then you need to email the organizers a past race result. This information is available in Korean but not in English. I was given an A start on the basis of a 2:53 time. The organization at the start of the race is pretty good. You just need to make sure to get your bag in the right truck before the designated time. They started people in waves with about five minutes between each group. There were no issues to do with congestion once the gun went off. As others have mentioned, the water stations are at every 5K. I think near the end of the race I may have been a bit dehydrated. At least more than normal for a marathon. Just make sure to drink plenty at each station. There are a few little rollers on the course but as others have said, this is a fast one. There was not any wind to speak of either. The sun was strong which I didn't really expect but the temperatures remained cool. It's definitely the fastest course I've ever run. If you don't care about the frills (expo, fan support, photos etc), then this is a good race to get a PB. I think even if you are not concerned with time it would be worth doing it and travelling for it.
I. M. from Greece (3/25/2016) "Fast flat course but not much fun" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The Good - Flat, fast course with a -usually- cold weather, perfect for a PR - Very well stocked with water and isotonic drinks, endless tables that never run out. - Good handling of drop bags. The Bad - Water stations every 5km instead of 2.5km. - Very little information in English on the website and on the brochure. For such an old marathon event (one of the three oldest in Asia) foreigners have to dig out much info from expat runners or searches in Google/Facebook etc. - Unenthusiastic crowds. Although the weather this year was quite good (too warm even) there were cheering crowds only just before the entrance to the stadium (last 1-2 km). Small groups of mostly foreigners coming to cheer their friends were scattered in a few spots around the city but it felt like we were racing on the motorway.
A. C. from HK (3/23/2016) "It's worth traveling to" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Just did the race and achieved my PB, superb weather for marathon (2-13C), and the course is super flat super flat. The start was a bit confusing, with the MC keep shouting words in Korean and the runners responding loudly, as a foreigner I understood nothing of it. At 8am start time the crowd moved just a little bit forward but then stopped for 15 minutes. I thought the start was delayed but then I watched the TV screen in nearby office block the lead runners are already running, then I realize the rest of the pack has a 15 minutes delayed start, I actually crossed the start at 8:17. The MC has probably announced the delayed start but as this is proclaimed to be an 'International' marathon, some important announcement should also be made in English as well. Zero spectator and sometimes they were allowed to cross the streets and I bumped into a few along the way. But by and large this is a great race, water every 5km was fine, and the stadium finish was wonderful.
J. M. from Hong Kong (3/22/2016) "A serious marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a serious marathon with the vast majority of entrants being there for the race - not the bands, goodie bag, not to raise funds, wear fancy dress etc. There are pacemakers for 2hrs 50mins, and other times up to around 4hrs. Water/Pocari every 5km. Generally cool weather though a bit sunny in 2016. Flat and quick course, not well-supported but plenty of runners around even for the quicker guys. Expo is almost non-existent, but entry is cheap and you get to join a proper running race. If you want a fun run there are probably better options; if you want a shot at a PB this ranks with Tokyo and Berlin.
R. B. from Shanghai China (3/16/2015) "Below expectations for Seoul" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Perfect day, flat course and great personal run, BUT: - Not enough water (every 5 km). Toward the race end, the only liquids were offered by spectators. I was dehydrated at the finish. - Hardly any spectators. Streets absolutely dead for much of the race. - Hardly any toilets along the way. - Too many people stopping mid-race to spray Ben-Gay on their legs. The stopped people & Ben-Gay gas clouds were both hazards. - The race was inexpensive . . . that was a big plus, but on the other hand, the goodie bag was lame. - No apparent place to buy pictures online, or that's another part of the website which is only available in Korean. Seoul is awesome, and this is supposed to be an international race. I expected a little better.
G. R. from California (but currently in Seoul) (4/1/2014) "Katchi Kapshida We Go Together" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Running the 2014 Seoul International Marathon was my 13th full marathon. I really enjoyed running it with a few American friends (Alex, Daniel, Russ and Paul) and one Korean buddy (Sinbak). It was two of my good friend's first full marathon event and they enjoyed it as well. The signup process was easy and very inexpensive compared to other events that I have participated in. The t-shirt would be better if it was a commemorative type shirt with print on it for the event but the medal was very nice. There were adequate water stops, Pocari sweat and some of the usual snacks to get along the way. All of the International runners were all very friendly and supportive of one another as we ran the course. Finishing at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium was really cool and a great photo opportunity finish. The route wasn't overly exciting but does expose one to the inner city of Seoul and a few historical sites can be viewed. If you want to see Seoul or other parts of Korea, you need to visit early and/or stay after the race so that you can see some of the awesome sites/history or do some miscellaneous activities. To name a few: countless Buddhist temples across the peninsula (like the Beomeosa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple, Donghwasa Temple, or the Naksan Temple); the DMZ; Haeundae Beach; running along the Han River; the Inchon Landing; Korea War Museum; hiking in the Seoraksan Mountains; the Seoul Tower; snow skiing; shopping in Myeongdong or eating various international foods in Itaewon. The one big dislike would be that the majority of local runners would simply stop in the middle of the running path to walk, stretch, eat a banana and throw it on the pathway, or simply stand there to hydrate vice getting out of everyones way like most runners do in other marathons (I.e. go to the left or right in order to not impede others runners stride and pace). Overall, this was a great running event and if you are in Korea, run this marathon. Thanks to Dong-A Seoul International Marathon committee and all of their volunteers. Reconnaissance Rangers lead the way!!!
R. H. from Houston, TX, USA (3/21/2013) "not worth travelling to" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 If you're from abroad and are looking for a marathon to run in Asia I would not recommend Seoul. If you happen to be in the area in mid-March then it's worth doing, but definitely don't plan a trip just for this race. -There is no expo. To pick-up your packet you go to the Dong-A office building (the sponsor), take the elevator to the third floor, and one of the employees gets your packet for you from the closet. How am I supposed to get pumped-up and excited about the race with no expo?!?! -The course seemed lazy to me. By that I mean there are 2 out and backs on the same road (which means they don't have to close down as many streets.) It might be OK if the roads were scenic, but they weren't. -The course overall was a disappointment. The start (at Gwanghamun) and finish (at the Olympic Stadium) were great, but everything in between was really boring. There are so many great sights to see and run past in Seoul...the course doesn't do justice to the city and its sights. -Water stops every 5K were tough. I'm used to drinking every 1.5 miles, so by the time we reached 30K and 35K I was dying and the water every 5K was a killer. Also, water tables should be set-up on both sides of the street. With 20K runners it was a cluster at every water station with everyone clogging to one side of the street. -the vast majority of race materials are in Korean. I realize that I'm the minority when I run this race, but my comment here is mainly to point out that if the Seoul Marathon wants to become a world-renowned, destination marthon, they must have materials printed in English. -the website is terrible. There is very little information available in English. It's so bad that I couldn't even find my results after the race. Fortunately I have a co-worker who reads Korean and he was able to find my results for me using the Korean portal of the marathon website. In summary, Seoul is a great city to visit and this race has a ton of potential. It really is a shame that the marathon is not as good as it easily could be. For now, I'd recommend skipping out on this one unless the race organizers get serious about making this a world-class race.
W. A. from Korea (3/25/2011) "Nice/Big/Cold" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Races in Korea are brilliant because of the camaraderie with other runners and the overall spectacle of the the event. Because this one was so big, it didn't feel like a unique Korean marathon. The course wasn't interesting and the finish in the Olympic Stadium was not very good for spectators. Also, March and April in Korea can feel like the middle of winter on certain days and this year was no exception. Race officials seemed highly unprepared for the weather. After coming across the finish, one had to walk 5-10 minutes through the stadium and crowds before you could get to your warm, dry clothes. There were no emergency blankets at the finish, sending already cold runners closer to hypothermia. From what I could tell there was none of the usual free food for runners nor much fraternizing among clubs and runners after the race. Small-town marathons in Korea have this one easily beat. It is good for a big marathon experience. There were enough water/energy drink stops, good fan support and traditional Korean music played on the side of the road. It was fine for people living in Korea, but I wouldn't recommend traveling from overseas to do it. Try a smaller-town marathon in Korea

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

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Matthew Crawford from Seoul, South Korea (3/10/2023) "Organizational Nightmare" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Dong-A Seoul International Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 The Dong-a Seoul Marathon is attempting to resurrect itself post-pandemic, following several years of virtual installments. Bizarrely, they capped the number of full-course runners at 3,000 and instituted a diabolically confusing lottery system. The website is Kafka-esque (see https://en.seoul-marathon.com/register/?idx=2). After making it onto the waiting list, I received an email intstructing me to pick up my race pack at the marathon expo, the day before the event. After several months of steady training, I called to ask about the location of the expo, and they told me that the email they'd sent was a 'mistake'. I wasn't able to participate after all! Very frustrating, to say the least. I ran this marathon in 2019 and 2017. Those years, the big problem was a huge lack of bathroom facilities. Before the start, there were literally hundreds of men urinating in odd corners of the starting plaza. The baggage storage trucks stopped accepting bags about 30 to 45 minutes before the start time and drove off, leaving some people inconvenienced. As for the course, it's alright if you like concrete and bland architecture. Also, be prepared for very toxic levels of fine dust in the air (unless you get a lucky break with the weather systems). The course is very flat, though, which can be a boon.
I. R. from Seoul South Korea (3/25/2018) "My first and last" (about: 2018) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I was very excited for this marathon because I wanted to complete a bucketlist. I got my orange Adidas shirt and my number and a plastic bag for my belongings like a week before the marathon. As an amateur runner I knew I wasn't going to make it before the 5 hour mark but I also didn't expect everyone cleaning up the water tables while there was still many people running, also as part of the last group of runners it was difficult to get to the finish because there was no signs on the road or anyone to guide us, we were kinda forgotten and on our own, when I managed to get my tired sore body across the finish line I was just ignored and left there, I was in a lot of pain and nobody rushed to help me, I know I was an hour late but I expected somebody give me a hand at least but as a foreigner maybe I felt that Korean people are too shy to approach me. also I want to include that since there was a 5 hour limit the road had to be open for cars and that meant I had to stop at every red light hence making me more late,so it was very inconvenient for those of us who wanted to finish but stopping at every red light made everything more complicated, there was also pedestrians who must've been bothered by runners yelling to make them move out of the way. The medal came in a food bag, which I thought was a bit strange...I also wish there would've been more water tables towards the end of the race, there was also not many cups and at one point I was just given the 2L bottle because there were no more cups so there was a lot of wasted water. Finishing this race was difficult because of the obstacles at the end, if you want to run this race I suggest you don't do like me, train hard and get fast and endurance, or quit once the road has opened for cars because after that it doesn't feel like marathon running anymore. There is a marathon bus picking up the runners who are tired and cant continue, which I thought was convenient for those who needed to stop running, there was also men peeing everywhere at the beginning, I would suggest going to the bathroom before running, there was first aid people but I wish they would've been some towards the end because that's when us slow runners had more pain to finish, I completed this marathon in 6 hours and 1 minute. I'm 25 years old female, I hope my comment is helpful!
J. M. from Hong Kong (3/19/2017) "Fast" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Just ran the 2017 edition of this race this morning. My review may be a little biased because I ran a PB and came away feeling pretty good about the whole experience. The biggest issue with this marathon is the registration. It's terrible if you don't read Korean. Google translate helped me figure it out but I was still confused. I wasn't even sure if I was registered or not. But if you email them, they will reply. If you want to get a starting place, then you need to email the organizers a past race result. This information is available in Korean but not in English. I was given an A start on the basis of a 2:53 time. The organization at the start of the race is pretty good. You just need to make sure to get your bag in the right truck before the designated time. They started people in waves with about five minutes between each group. There were no issues to do with congestion once the gun went off. As others have mentioned, the water stations are at every 5K. I think near the end of the race I may have been a bit dehydrated. At least more than normal for a marathon. Just make sure to drink plenty at each station. There are a few little rollers on the course but as others have said, this is a fast one. There was not any wind to speak of either. The sun was strong which I didn't really expect but the temperatures remained cool. It's definitely the fastest course I've ever run. If you don't care about the frills (expo, fan support, photos etc), then this is a good race to get a PB. I think even if you are not concerned with time it would be worth doing it and travelling for it.
I. M. from Greece (3/25/2016) "Fast flat course but not much fun" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The Good - Flat, fast course with a -usually- cold weather, perfect for a PR - Very well stocked with water and isotonic drinks, endless tables that never run out. - Good handling of drop bags. The Bad - Water stations every 5km instead of 2.5km. - Very little information in English on the website and on the brochure. For such an old marathon event (one of the three oldest in Asia) foreigners have to dig out much info from expat runners or searches in Google/Facebook etc. - Unenthusiastic crowds. Although the weather this year was quite good (too warm even) there were cheering crowds only just before the entrance to the stadium (last 1-2 km). Small groups of mostly foreigners coming to cheer their friends were scattered in a few spots around the city but it felt like we were racing on the motorway.
A. C. from HK (3/23/2016) "It's worth traveling to" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Just did the race and achieved my PB, superb weather for marathon (2-13C), and the course is super flat super flat. The start was a bit confusing, with the MC keep shouting words in Korean and the runners responding loudly, as a foreigner I understood nothing of it. At 8am start time the crowd moved just a little bit forward but then stopped for 15 minutes. I thought the start was delayed but then I watched the TV screen in nearby office block the lead runners are already running, then I realize the rest of the pack has a 15 minutes delayed start, I actually crossed the start at 8:17. The MC has probably announced the delayed start but as this is proclaimed to be an 'International' marathon, some important announcement should also be made in English as well. Zero spectator and sometimes they were allowed to cross the streets and I bumped into a few along the way. But by and large this is a great race, water every 5km was fine, and the stadium finish was wonderful.
J. M. from Hong Kong (3/22/2016) "A serious marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a serious marathon with the vast majority of entrants being there for the race - not the bands, goodie bag, not to raise funds, wear fancy dress etc. There are pacemakers for 2hrs 50mins, and other times up to around 4hrs. Water/Pocari every 5km. Generally cool weather though a bit sunny in 2016. Flat and quick course, not well-supported but plenty of runners around even for the quicker guys. Expo is almost non-existent, but entry is cheap and you get to join a proper running race. If you want a fun run there are probably better options; if you want a shot at a PB this ranks with Tokyo and Berlin.
R. B. from Shanghai China (3/16/2015) "Below expectations for Seoul" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Perfect day, flat course and great personal run, BUT: - Not enough water (every 5 km). Toward the race end, the only liquids were offered by spectators. I was dehydrated at the finish. - Hardly any spectators. Streets absolutely dead for much of the race. - Hardly any toilets along the way. - Too many people stopping mid-race to spray Ben-Gay on their legs. The stopped people & Ben-Gay gas clouds were both hazards. - The race was inexpensive . . . that was a big plus, but on the other hand, the goodie bag was lame. - No apparent place to buy pictures online, or that's another part of the website which is only available in Korean. Seoul is awesome, and this is supposed to be an international race. I expected a little better.
G. R. from California (but currently in Seoul) (4/1/2014) "Katchi Kapshida We Go Together" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Running the 2014 Seoul International Marathon was my 13th full marathon. I really enjoyed running it with a few American friends (Alex, Daniel, Russ and Paul) and one Korean buddy (Sinbak). It was two of my good friend's first full marathon event and they enjoyed it as well. The signup process was easy and very inexpensive compared to other events that I have participated in. The t-shirt would be better if it was a commemorative type shirt with print on it for the event but the medal was very nice. There were adequate water stops, Pocari sweat and some of the usual snacks to get along the way. All of the International runners were all very friendly and supportive of one another as we ran the course. Finishing at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium was really cool and a great photo opportunity finish. The route wasn't overly exciting but does expose one to the inner city of Seoul and a few historical sites can be viewed. If you want to see Seoul or other parts of Korea, you need to visit early and/or stay after the race so that you can see some of the awesome sites/history or do some miscellaneous activities. To name a few: countless Buddhist temples across the peninsula (like the Beomeosa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple, Donghwasa Temple, or the Naksan Temple); the DMZ; Haeundae Beach; running along the Han River; the Inchon Landing; Korea War Museum; hiking in the Seoraksan Mountains; the Seoul Tower; snow skiing; shopping in Myeongdong or eating various international foods in Itaewon. The one big dislike would be that the majority of local runners would simply stop in the middle of the running path to walk, stretch, eat a banana and throw it on the pathway, or simply stand there to hydrate vice getting out of everyones way like most runners do in other marathons (I.e. go to the left or right in order to not impede others runners stride and pace). Overall, this was a great running event and if you are in Korea, run this marathon. Thanks to Dong-A Seoul International Marathon committee and all of their volunteers. Reconnaissance Rangers lead the way!!!
R. H. from Houston, TX, USA (3/21/2013) "not worth travelling to" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 If you're from abroad and are looking for a marathon to run in Asia I would not recommend Seoul. If you happen to be in the area in mid-March then it's worth doing, but definitely don't plan a trip just for this race. -There is no expo. To pick-up your packet you go to the Dong-A office building (the sponsor), take the elevator to the third floor, and one of the employees gets your packet for you from the closet. How am I supposed to get pumped-up and excited about the race with no expo?!?! -The course seemed lazy to me. By that I mean there are 2 out and backs on the same road (which means they don't have to close down as many streets.) It might be OK if the roads were scenic, but they weren't. -The course overall was a disappointment. The start (at Gwanghamun) and finish (at the Olympic Stadium) were great, but everything in between was really boring. There are so many great sights to see and run past in Seoul...the course doesn't do justice to the city and its sights. -Water stops every 5K were tough. I'm used to drinking every 1.5 miles, so by the time we reached 30K and 35K I was dying and the water every 5K was a killer. Also, water tables should be set-up on both sides of the street. With 20K runners it was a cluster at every water station with everyone clogging to one side of the street. -the vast majority of race materials are in Korean. I realize that I'm the minority when I run this race, but my comment here is mainly to point out that if the Seoul Marathon wants to become a world-renowned, destination marthon, they must have materials printed in English. -the website is terrible. There is very little information available in English. It's so bad that I couldn't even find my results after the race. Fortunately I have a co-worker who reads Korean and he was able to find my results for me using the Korean portal of the marathon website. In summary, Seoul is a great city to visit and this race has a ton of potential. It really is a shame that the marathon is not as good as it easily could be. For now, I'd recommend skipping out on this one unless the race organizers get serious about making this a world-class race.
W. A. from Korea (3/25/2011) "Nice/Big/Cold" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Dong-A Seoul International Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Races in Korea are brilliant because of the camaraderie with other runners and the overall spectacle of the the event. Because this one was so big, it didn't feel like a unique Korean marathon. The course wasn't interesting and the finish in the Olympic Stadium was not very good for spectators. Also, March and April in Korea can feel like the middle of winter on certain days and this year was no exception. Race officials seemed highly unprepared for the weather. After coming across the finish, one had to walk 5-10 minutes through the stadium and crowds before you could get to your warm, dry clothes. There were no emergency blankets at the finish, sending already cold runners closer to hypothermia. From what I could tell there was none of the usual free food for runners nor much fraternizing among clubs and runners after the race. Small-town marathons in Korea have this one easily beat. It is good for a big marathon experience. There were enough water/energy drink stops, good fan support and traditional Korean music played on the side of the road. It was fine for people living in Korea, but I wouldn't recommend traveling from overseas to do it. Try a smaller-town marathon in Korea

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Marathon Details - Dong-A Seoul International Marathon