The 2nd Relaxed Han River Triathlon Festival is set to take place from May 30 to June 1 at Ttukseom Hangang Park, and official participant registration opens on February 26 at 2 p.m.

With the first and second rounds of early registration selling out immediately, those hoping to secure a spot, especially in the popular weekend morning slots (9-11 AM), are encouraged to sign up quickly.

The event, organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, offers participants the chance to complete a triathlon at their own pace while enjoying various cultural and fitness activities along the Han River. Registration is available through Naver Reservations, with a participation fee of 30,000 won. Participants can select their preferred time slot: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

As a special incentive, participants who register with a foreign friend will receive exclusive benefits, including Relaxed Han River Festival merchandise (a picnic mat and sports bottle) and a voucher for a Han River water sports experience.

The first 200 participants who register with a foreign friend via Naver Reservations will be eligible for these rewards. Foreign nationals can also register individually through Triple Korea.

The Relaxed Han River Triathlon Festival has quickly become one of Seoul’s most popular health-focused events, attracting 630,000 visitors last year. Unlike traditional triathlons, this event focuses on a leisurely and enjoyable experience, allowing participants to challenge themselves without the pressure of competition.

This year’s triathlon offers two course options tailored to different fitness levels. The beginner course (15 km) is open to anyone, including newcomers to endurance sports, while the advanced course (31 km) is designed for seasoned triathlon enthusiasts and experienced swimmers. Participants who complete the triathlon will receive medals for each discipline, and all participants will receive event t-shirts (sponsored by Black Yak) and UV protection patches (sponsored by Franz).

The swimming section includes a 200m outdoor pool swim, a 300m Han River swim for beginners, and a 1 km course across the Jamsil Submerged Weir for advanced participants. Swimmers can participate using fins, tubes, life jackets, or simply swim unassisted. The beginner courses will be available throughout the festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the advanced 1 km swim will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children under 13 years old are restricted to the 200m outdoor pool.

The cycling section features a 10 km beginner route and a 20 km advanced route. To enhance convenience, those participating in the 1 km swim will be able to transition directly to cycling without relocation. Additionally, 2,000 Seoul Bike ‘Ddareungi’ bicycles will be available for participants who do not own a bike.

The running segment offers a 5 km beginner route and a 10 km advanced route. Runners will start directly from the swim exit point and can walk, jog, or take breaks as they prefer. The course follows Ttukseom Hangang Park, Olympic Bridge, Gwangjin Information Library, and Guri Citizens’ Sports Complex, with an estimated completion time of 40 to 80 minutes.

In addition to the triathlon, the festival will feature a variety of fitness, sports, and cultural programs for all visitors. Those not participating in the triathlon can still enjoy the Han River Sports Day, Seoul Citizens’ Fitness Challenge, and other interactive events. Some programs require pre-registration and have associated fees.

New this year are expanded water sports experiences, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing, as well as special fitness and wellness zones. The Seoul Citizen Fitness Challenge will allow attendees to test their physical abilities through agility, strength, and endurance assessments. Popular activities such as the Hangang Treasure Hunt and citizen fitness challenges will also return due to high demand.

The event will also feature performances and exhibitions in collaboration with the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, and the Seoul Sports Association, offering a well-rounded festival experience.

Given the large scale of the event, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is prioritizing safety measures, with on-site lifeguards, medical teams, and close coordination with fire and emergency services. Adequate security personnel and volunteers will be stationed throughout the venue to ensure smooth operations.

USAG Yongsan