Runner Support Spaces Open at Gwanghwamun and Hoehyeon Stations... Includes Changing Rooms and Lockers

Personalized Running Programs Offered Free of Charge
Vending Machines Stocked with Essential Items

As the number of people participating in running is expected to reach 10 million, runner support spaces have been established at Gwanghwamun Station, Hoehyeon Station, and World Cup Stadium Station in Seoul. A variety of running programs led by professional coaches are also offered free of charge at each location.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Metro announced on October 22 that they have set up "runner support spaces" at Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line 5, Hoehyeon Station on Line 4, and World Cup Stadium Station on Line 6. The facilities are open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., in line with subway operating hours.

Outside the runner support space established at Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line 5. Provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government

The runner support spaces are part of the subway station innovation project "Fun Station." Other facilities currently in operation include "Runner Station" at Yeouinaru Station on Line 5, "Fit Station" at Ttukseom Station on Line 2, and "Smart Move Station" at Meokgol Station on Line 7.

To maximize accessibility for runners, these support spaces have been created inside subway stations. Separate areas for men and women are provided, including changing rooms, lockers, and powder rooms. Vending machines, installed based on feedback from actual runners, make it easy to purchase items needed before and after exercise, such as headbands, socks, knee supports, shower wipes, and pain relief patches.

There is no usage fee, and entry is available via Naver QR or KakaoTalk authentication. Personal lockers can be used through the Seoul Metro "Ttare Locker" system, accessible via a mobile app.

The runner support spaces offer personalized running programs tailored to individual levels and daily routines, held one or two times per week. All programs are free of charge, and 15 to 20 participants per session are recruited on a first-come, first-served basis through an online platform. Every session is conducted safely under the guidance of a professional coach and pacer, covering everything from warm-up to cool-down.

Gwanghwamun Station focuses on a "morning running program" for office workers, allowing participants to enjoy a short run and learn proper posture and strengthening exercises before work. On weekends and other occasions, trail running programs on Inwangsan and Bugaksan are also planned.

At Hoehyeon Station, programs are designed for beginners. With Namsan as the backdrop, the step-by-step programs will start with walking and light jogging to build basic fitness, gradually increasing the distance over time.

World Cup Stadium Station will offer a basic running school for injury-free running centered around Sangam World Cup Park, as well as long-distance running programs of 15 kilometers or more for experienced runners. Family-oriented programs such as slow running and family running are also planned.

Interior of the runner support space created at Hoehyeon Station on Subway Line 4. Provided by Seoul City

In addition to the regular programs, special seasonal and themed programs will be held each quarter. During winter, the focus will be on indoor programs aimed at injury prevention and recovery. In collaboration with the Dongguk University Sports Science Convergence Research Institute, fitness and health indicator assessments will also be provided to interested participants in the customized programs at each station.

Kim Bongcheol, Acting Head of the Strategic Business Division at Seoul Metro, stated, "We will continue to identify and utilize idle spaces within subway stations for the benefit of citizens, so that subway stations can be reborn as new lifestyle and cultural platforms."

Lim Changsu, Director of Future Space Planning at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "We established these runner support spaces by incorporating citizen feedback so that people can take care of their health at one of the most accessible places in daily life-the subway station. Going forward, we will continue to expand spaces for sports and leisure activities not only at subway stations but also in places close to citizens' daily lives."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.