Japan, Australia, United States, Taiwan, Greece, South Korea: Top Marathon Destinations for South Korean Travelers Revealed by Agoda in 2025 Rankings

Published on November 21, 2025

As the global passion for running continues to grow, South Korea is emerging as a leading destination for marathon tourism, with an increasing number of South Korean travelers combining their love for running with travel. Agoda, the digital travel platform, recently unveiled its ranking of the most popular marathon destinations for South Korean runners, both domestically and internationally, showing how sports events are playing a pivotal role in driving tourism.

Marathon running has become a popular hobby and a social event, and South Korea’s marathon enthusiasts are increasingly taking their passion abroad to famous race destinations. This surge in travel is particularly evident in global cities like Tokyo, Sydney, and New York City, where Agoda has seen a marked increase in accommodation bookings surrounding major marathon events. These cities are all known for hosting major Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) events, attracting thousands of South Korean participants.

At the same time, South Korea’s domestic marathon destinations are also gaining significant traction, with Seoul leading the charge as the country’s marathon hub. The city hosts over 100 marathon events annually, including the prestigious Seoul International Marathon and the JTBC Seoul Marathon. The rise of these races has fueled a wave of South Korean runners seeking accommodation and travel options on platforms like Agoda, highlighting the growth of marathon tourism as a major driver of the South Korean travel industry.

The Top International Marathon Destinations for South Korean Runners

According to Agoda’s research, South Korean runners are traveling farther than ever to compete in international marathons. Here’s a closer look at the top international marathon destinations that have become a favorite among South Korean marathoners:

1. Tokyo, Japan

• Tokyo Marathon is a top-tier race that draws participants from around the world, including a growing number of South Korean runners.
• Year-on-year growth in accommodation searches has surged by 72%, reflecting the city’s rising popularity as a marathon destination.
• Tokyo’s AbbottWMM status and its well-known global appeal make it an attractive race for South Koreans seeking international marathon experiences.

2. Sydney, Australia

• Sydney Marathon continues to climb in popularity, thanks to its scenic routes and vibrant race atmosphere.
• In 2025, Sydney recorded a 74% increase in searches for accommodation related to the marathon, with K-pop idols such as Danielle from New Jeans further boosting the event’s allure.
• Sydney’s AbbotWMM status makes it a prime destination for competitive marathoners.

3. New York City, United States

• As one of the most iconic marathons globally, the New York City Marathon is a dream race for many South Korean runners.
• The marathon’s international appeal, combined with its AbbottWMM affiliation, contributed to an impressive 115% increase in accommodation searches for the event.
• The race attracts thousands of spectators, making it not only a sports event but also a unique cultural experience.

4. Taipei, Taiwan

• While not part of the AbbottWMM series, the Taipei Marathon has steadily gained popularity in recent years, with increasing participation from South Korean runners.
• A city known for its hospitality and modern infrastructure, Taipei offers a blend of tourism and marathon excitement, attracting South Korean athletes seeking a more relaxed yet engaging race experience.

5. Athens, Greece

• Known as the birthplace of the marathon, Athens is a historical and cultural destination that appeals to runners interested in both the sport and the history of the race.
• The Athens Classic Marathon is a sought-after event that brings athletes from around the globe, including a notable number of South Korean participants.

Domestic Marathon Destinations in South Korea: Seoul Leads the Way

South Korean marathoners are not just traveling abroad—they are also increasingly participating in local races. Seoul, the vibrant capital, stands out as the primary domestic marathon destination. Here’s a deeper look at South Korea’s top domestic marathon destinations:

1. Seoul

• As the marathon capital of South Korea, Seoul hosts over 100 marathons every year.
• The Seoul International Marathon and JTBC Seoul Marathon are the major attractions that draw both professional and amateur runners from across the country and the world.
• The city’s marathon culture has attracted many tourists, as 118 races were held in 2024 alone, offering a wide variety of distances and events.

2. Gyeongju

• Known for its historical significance, Gyeongju offers a unique marathon experience that combines running with a tour through the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty.
• Gyeongju’s marathon is increasingly popular among tourists looking to experience a cultural marathon while also participating in a well-organized race.

3. Daegu

• The Daegu International Marathon has become a prominent race on the domestic circuit, attracting thousands of participants every year.
• With over 40,000 registrations for the upcoming event, Daegu’s marathon continues to grow in popularity, making it one of the fastest-growing destinations for marathon tourism in South Korea.
• Searches on Agoda related to the Daegu marathon have seen a 190% increase year-on-year, reflecting the city’s increasing appeal as a marathon destination.

The Role of Sports Events in Driving Tourism

Agoda’s research highlights how sports events, particularly marathons, play a major role in motivating travelers to explore new destinations. For South Korean travelers, participating in a marathon abroad or locally is more than just a sporting event—it’s a chance to discover new places, cultures, and communities.

Agoda’s Regional Director, North Asia, Jay Lee, noted, “Millennials and Gen Z in South Korea are particularly active in marathon running, and many now view marathons not only as sporting events but also as opportunities for travel and adventure. Sports events like these serve as an effective tool for promoting travel and tourism, and Agoda is proud to offer great deals on flights, accommodations, and activities to support runners on their journeys.”

Agoda’s Marathon Travel Solutions

For those looking to book their next marathon trip, Agoda provides convenient travel solutions, offering:

• Over 6 million holiday properties to choose from.
• More than 130,000 flight routes to get you to your destination.
• Over 300,000 activities to enjoy before or after the race.

Runners can also take advantage of Agoda’s mobile app, which makes it easy to book accommodation and flights that fit their marathon schedules and travel preferences.