Travel
Seoul opens downtown roads for ‘Slow & Easy Morning’ — Walk, run, or stroll car-free along the Han River
haps Magazine Korea
March 3, 2026
(Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
Seoul will transform a stretch of downtown roadway into a weekend fitness and leisure zone this March, inviting residents to walk, jog, cycle, or simply stroll at their own pace during the early morning hours.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a pilot run of “Slow & Easy Morning,” a new open urban sports program that temporarily opens car-oriented roads to the public.
The event will take place from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on March 14, 22, and 29 along a 5km round-trip course from Yeouido Park to Mapo Bridge via Yeouidaero.
Unlike competitive marathons focused on speed and rankings, “Slow & Easy Morning” is designed as an inclusive, non-competitive event.
Participants can choose how they want to take part by either walking, running, cycling, pushing strollers, or even bringing along their dogs. The emphasis is on relaxed participation and accessible everyday fitness.
Partial Road Closures to Minimize Traffic Disruption
To reduce inconvenience to drivers, the city will implement partial lane closures rather than a full road shutdown. Only select lanes will be used for the event, while traffic in the opposite direction will continue to flow normally.
On March 14 — the first day of the pilot — advance registration will be required for a limited number of participants, with on-site registration also available.
The March 22 and 29 sessions will be open to all without prior registration. Advance sign-up is available through the Seoul Sports Council website.
Fitness Checks and Bonus Points at the Finish Line
At the start and finish area inside Yeouido Park’s Cultural Plaza, participants can also visit the traveling “Seoul Fitness Center” booth to measure and assess their physical condition. No prior registration is required for the fitness test, and those who complete it will receive 1,000 points through the city’s Sonmok Doctor health rewards program.
Additional on-site activities will include a stretching zone and photo areas for participants.
Zero-Waste Concept
The city plans to operate the event under a zero-waste concept, asking participants to refrain from using disposable products and to bring their own reusable water bottles. Water stations will be set up at the starting point and at the turnaround point along the course.
Seoul officials said the program was developed based on consultations with experts in transportation, sports, and safety, as well as traffic data analysis. The city will closely monitor on-site conditions throughout the pilot period to minimize inconvenience while promoting healthier lifestyles.
If successful, “Slow & Easy Morning” could mark a shift in how Seoul reimagines its streets — not just as corridors for cars, but as shared public spaces for people.