Spotify's 'Run Seoul' Event Connects Music, Running and Community

Culture|
|
By Yeon Seung
||
A view of Spotify's 'Run Seoul' event. Photo courtesy of Spotify - Seoul Economic Daily Culture News from South Korea
A view of Spotify's 'Run Seoul' event. Photo courtesy of Spotify

Spotify, the global audio and music streaming platform, said Thursday that it successfully held "Run Seoul," a community event themed around Seoul's running culture.

The event was organized to celebrate the launch of "Run Seoul," Spotify's first editorial playlist created to capture Seoul's running culture. It focused on bringing together runners, creators and partners to share an experience that blends music, running and community.

Spotify also highlighted the important role music plays throughout daily life, including during commutes, rest and exercise. More than 73% of Spotify Premium users worldwide use the platform while exercising each month, according to the company. Spotify explained that this is a meaningful figure showing that music has established itself as an element that boosts motivation and immersion during exercise.

"'Run Seoul' is a playlist designed to capture Seoul's unique running culture and energy through music," said Hong Il-taek, lead editor at Spotify Korea. "We collaborated with the Seoul-based running crew NRR (No Rules Running) and rapper and runner Reddy to reflect the character and atmosphere of the local community."

Spotify's 'Run Seoul' playlist screen. Photo courtesy of Spotify - Seoul Economic Daily Culture News from South Korea
Spotify's 'Run Seoul' playlist screen. Photo courtesy of Spotify

The event began with a 5-kilometer community run around the Hannam-dong area of Seoul. Participants ran through the city center while listening to the "Run Seoul" playlist, and afterward spent time interacting through music and running via a DJ performance and networking programs.

Adidas and Shokz also participated as partners in the event. Participants tried Adidas running wear and its new product "Adizero EVO SL EXO," as well as Shokz open-ear earphones including "OpenDot 2," "OpenRun Pro 2" and "OpenFit 2+," enjoying an immersive experience combining music and running.

Through this project, Spotify plans to expand the role of music in connecting people and communities across various lifestyles, including running. The company intends to continue offering playlists and community programs that link culture and daily life.

Original reporting by Yeon Seung for Seoul Economic Daily.

AI-translated from Korean. Quotes from foreign sources are based on Korean-language reports and may not reflect exact original wording.

Watch · Seoul Economic Daily

More →
2:44

AI KEY

Preview
Korean Corporate Intelligence HubKOSPI · KOSDAQ · 12 sectors

A live, cap-weighted view of every KOSPI and KOSDAQ sector, with same-day Korean reporting distilled by company — built for foreign investors, correspondents and analysts who need to scan Korea before the next session.

Korea Chaebol Tree

Preview
Families Behind the GroupsKFTC May 2026 · DART filings

An English-first interactive map of Samsung, SK, Hyundai, LG and Lotte — built for foreign investors, correspondents and analysts. Korea translates companies into English. We translate the families behind them.

SIGNAL

Pre-register
English Edition · Capital MarketsM&A · IPO · PE · Fund Flows

Pre-register for SIGNAL English Edition — a premium subscription bringing Korean capital markets coverage (M&A, IPOs, private equity, fund flows) to global institutional investors. First access to the 50% introductory rate.