"Easygoing Morning," a program that lets citizens walk and run in the heart of downtown Seoul without the pressure of records or competition, is being held again. Following high satisfaction ratings in its trial run during the first half of the year, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to expand it into a regular program to spread a culture of exercise in daily life.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday that it will run the "Easygoing Morning" program for the second half of the year on the 12th, 19th, and 26th. Rather than a marathon focused on records or competition, "Easygoing Morning" is a Seoul-style community sports program in which participants can take part freely at their own fitness level and pace, not only by walking and running but also by bicycle, stroller, or with pets.
During the trial run in the first half of the year, citizen satisfaction stood at 90.4%, and the intention to participate again reached 96.1%. Participants gave positive responses such as, "It was great to be able to run comfortably without the pressure of records," and "I could run leisurely on car-free roads while also checking my health condition." Reviews also continued with comments like, "I felt a sense of achievement finishing the course with my child," and "The atmosphere blending strollers and pets was impressive."
On the 12th, the program will run from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. along an approximately 5-kilometer course starting at the Culture Plaza in Yeouido Park and making a round trip along Yeoui-daero and Mapo Bridge. On the 19th and 26th, an approximately 2-kilometer downtown course starting at Seoul Plaza will be run for the first time. This marks the first case of expanding the range from the existing Han River-centered courses to the downtown area, and is expected to offer citizens a new morning exercise experience.
At the event site, various supplementary programs will also be set up, including a "Visiting Seoul Fitness Test," a stretching zone, and a photo zone. Participants can experience fitness measurements and health programs together.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to continue developing diverse courses linking Han River bridges and parks, reflecting future operational results and seasonal characteristics. The city aims to create a community sports environment where any citizen can participate without pressure at a nearby location, and to spread a Seoul-style morning exercise culture.
Kim Myung-ju, director general of Seoul's Tourism and Sports Bureau, said, "Thanks to the strong response from citizens confirmed during the trial run in the first half of the year, we have come to run 'Easygoing Morning' on a regular basis." He added, "We will continue to create an environment where citizens can enjoy morning exercise in their daily lives by utilizing spaces throughout Seoul."
