Youth Fitness Boom: District Offices Join the Run

Recruitment for the Second "Gangbuk Running Crew" Filled in Just Two Days

"Eunpyeong Youth Training" Features Bodyweight and Corrective Exercises

Young people in running shoes gather after work. It has long become a common sight for groups of peers to run together along the Han River or local streams as part of so-called "running crews."

This trend is reflected in the fact that Gangbuk District in Seoul filled its quota for the first generation of its "Youth Running Crew" program within just two days when recruitment began in April. In response, Gangbuk District immediately started recruiting for the second group on May 20. Eunpyeong District has also launched a youth sports program. Local governments are keeping pace with emerging youth exercise trends.

Youth members of the Ui Stream Running Crew 1st generation are stretching. Provided by Gangbuk District Office.

Gangbuk District is accepting applications for the second generation of its Youth Running Crew until May 29. The program targets beginners born in 1987 or later who are new to running. Selected participants will run every Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. for one hour in the Uicheon area, from June 9 to June 30. A professional instructor will provide guidance on posture correction, breathing, and pace adjustment tailored for beginners. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through the integrated reservation system on the Gangbuk District Office website.

Eunpyeong District's "Eunpyeong Youth Training," which began recruiting on the same day, takes a slightly different approach. Eunpyeong District offers a program that incorporates bodyweight training, corrective exercises, new sports, and team-based games into a single package. The program runs for five months from June to October. Sessions are held every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Gupabal Checkpoint futsal field, but during the hottest months of July and August, the venue shifts to Eunpyeong Hall at the Eunpyeong District Office. The program is open to young people aged 19 to 39, with 20 new participants selected on a first-come, first-served basis each month, giving priority to newcomers.

Both programs emphasize the value of "doing it together" through exercise. Gangbuk District supports the operation of an online community exclusively for running crew members to encourage continued gatherings even after the official program ends.

Eunpyeong District stated that it is focusing on building connections among young people and revitalizing the local community. Scheduling sessions for 7:30 p.m. on weekdays is also intended to make it easier for peers to gather after work.

Follow-up measures are also planned at the district level. Riding on the popularity of the first group, Gangbuk District has launched the second group and will expand the program to include middle-aged and older adults later in the year. Eunpyeong District, by prioritizing new participants each month, aims to give more young people the chance to try the program for the first time.

Applications for both programs are accepted online. For Gangbuk District, applications are submitted via the district office website, while for Eunpyeong District, applicants can use the QR code provided on promotional materials. The new season for both districts will begin next month.

Poster for recruiting participants for the 'Eunpyeong Youth Training.' Provided by Eunpyeong-gu.

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