Jeju Island, South Korea Sees Explosive Growth in Running Tourism, Offering Unique Trails and Community Runs for Active Travellers

Published on December 11, 2025

Jeju Island, famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, has recently seen an increase in a unique travel trend: running. As more visitors incorporate running into their travel plans, this outdoor activity has become an integral part of Jeju’s tourism culture. The trend has steadily increased in recent years, according to data from the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO), which analysed online communities and social media posts from 2021 to September 2025. According to the report, titled “Jeju Travel Through Data – Running Edition”, mentions of running in conjunction with Jeju travel have been increasing, indicating that running has evolved beyond just an exercise and is now a celebrated aspect of the island’s travel experience.

Increasing Popularity of Running in Jeju

The data collected by KTO revealed that mentions of running related to Jeju travel grew significantly between 2021 and September 2025. In 2021, roughly 5,700 posts mentioned both running and Jeju travel. By September 2025, this number had increased to approximately 8,800 posts, signalling the growing interest in this activity. Running is no longer just a personal fitness routine for visitors to Jeju; it is increasingly viewed as an integral and memorable part of the island’s tourism experience. The number of visitors who mention running as part of their Jeju trip shows a noticeable upward trend, reflecting a shift in how travelers view the destination.

Running as a ‘Bucket List’ Experience

The concept of running as a “bucket list” experience has gained particular traction. The number of posts specifically mentioning running in Jeju as a “bucket list” experience has seen a dramatic rise, from just 36 posts in 2021 to 110 posts in September 2025. This suggests that an increasing number of visitors now view running on the island as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with many eager to complete a memorable run amidst Jeju’s remarkable landscapes. The island, with its unique combination of volcanic landscapes, coastlines, and lush greenery, provides an ideal backdrop for such an experience, enhancing the allure of running for travelers seeking both fitness and adventure.

The Rise of Community-Based Running

In addition to individual runners, there has been a notable rise in community-based running on Jeju Island. Until 2022, most running posts referred to running alone. However, since 2023, the term “crew” has started to appear more frequently than “alone” in relation to running on Jeju, marking the growth of group runs. These “run crews” are groups of travelers who come together not just to run but to socialize, share experiences, and connect with others who share their passion for running. The communal aspect of running on Jeju has allowed visitors to bond over their shared experiences while exploring the island’s natural beauty, making it more than just a fitness activity.

Iconic Running Routes on Jeju Island

One of the key factors driving the popularity of running on Jeju Island is the island’s diverse range of running routes. The island offers numerous scenic trails, from coastal highways to mountainous paths, providing runners with breathtaking views of the ocean, volcanic craters, and lush forests. Coastal running, in particular, has become a signature draw for visitors. Routes such as the ones along Yongduam and Tapdong Plaza offer runners the chance to enjoy panoramic ocean views while staying active. These coastal paths have become favourite spots for travelers seeking to combine sightseeing with exercise, as they provide stunning vistas of Jeju’s pristine coastline.

Trail Running: A Growing Trend

Alongside coastal running, trail running has also seen a significant rise in popularity. The number of mentions of “trail running” on Jeju Island grew more than fivefold from 43 posts in 2021 to 218 posts in September 2025. This dramatic increase highlights the growing appeal of Jeju’s natural running routes. Visitors are flocking to locations like Hallasan, Jeju’s iconic dormant volcano, and Ttarabi Oreum, one of the island’s many volcanic hills. These trails offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Jeju’s unique volcanic landscape, creating an unforgettable running experience.

Hallasan, in particular, has become a central focus for trail runners, with its challenging yet rewarding paths leading to the summit where hikers and runners are treated to panoramic views of the island. This has made it a must-run destination for those seeking both a physical challenge and an opportunity to connect with the island’s natural environment.

Running and Tourism: A Perfect Pairing

The surge in “run-trip” tourism on Jeju Island has not only brought more runners to the island but has also created new opportunities for local businesses. As more visitors engage in running activities, local commerce, including cafes, restaurants, and accommodation providers, is benefiting from this active tourism trend. Travelers are increasingly choosing accommodations that cater to runners, such as hotels with fitness facilities or those located near popular running routes. Additionally, cafes and restaurants are capitalizing on this trend by offering menus designed to fuel runners, such as healthy snacks and drinks.

Local tourism organizations are also encouraging the trend, promoting Jeju as a destination that caters to both fitness enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy the island’s natural beauty. The integration of running into Jeju’s tourism sector is not just about exercise; it is a way for visitors to experience the island in a deeper, more immersive way, combining physical activity with sightseeing, nature exploration, and cultural engagement.

The Future of Running Tourism in Jeju

The growing trend of running tourism on Jeju Island hints at the future of active travel, in which outdoor activities are integrated into the overall travel experience. As more visitors look for meaningful ways to interact with their destinations, running has become a popular activity that allows them to explore Jeju’s natural beauty while staying active. The island’s diverse running routes, combined with the rise of community-based runs, are laying the groundwork for a thriving and sustainable tourism model that will benefit both visitors and local businesses.

Looking ahead, Jeju Island is likely to see an increase in the number of visitors participating in “run-trips”, particularly as the island develops its infrastructure and promotes running as an essential component of the local tourism experience. With its breathtaking natural landscapes, coastal paths, and mountain trails, Jeju is poised to become one of the world’s top destinations for runners looking for a mix of fitness, adventure, and cultural exploration.