Learn Korean: Overseas Marathon Tourism Trend

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Korean Reading Practice

Overseas Marathon Tourism Trend

Date: January 23, 2026

Introduction

In recent years, marathon running has become increasingly popular in Korea, and many Korean runners are now looking beyond domestic events to participate in marathons held overseas. This reading explores how international marathon tourism has emerged as a new trend, reflecting both the popularity of running culture and Koreans' interest in combining sports with travel experiences. Understanding this trend provides insight into contemporary Korean lifestyle preferences and the globalization of Korean tourism.

Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
마라톤 maraton marathon 내년에 마라톤에 참가하고 싶어요.I want to participate in a marathon next year.
해외 haeoe overseas; abroad 해외 여행을 자주 가요.I often travel abroad.
참가하다 chamgahada to participate; to take part in 많은 사람들이 이 행사에 참가했어요.Many people participated in this event.
트렌드 teurendeu trend 요즘 새로운 트렌드가 생기고 있어요.A new trend is emerging these days.
인기 ingi popularity; popularity 이 스포츠는 젊은이들 사이에서 인기가 많아요.This sport is very popular among young people.
신청하다 sincheonghada to apply for; to register 온라인으로 마라톤에 신청할 수 있어요.You can register for the marathon online.
기온 gion temperature 아침 기온이 낮아서 따뜻한 옷을 입었어요.The morning temperature was low, so I wore warm clothes.
자리잡다 jarijapda to establish; to take root 건강한 생활 방식이 사회에 자리잡고 있어요.A healthy lifestyle is becoming established in society.
늘어나다 neuleonada to increase; to grow 해외 마라톤 참가자가 계속 늘어나고 있어요.The number of overseas marathon participants continues to grow.
관광 gwangwang tourism; sightseeing 마라톤과 관광을 함께 즐길 수 있어요.You can enjoy both marathon running and sightseeing together.
경험 gyeongheom experience 새로운 경험을 하고 싶어요.I want to have a new experience.
이유 iyu reason; cause 해외 마라톤에 참가하는 이유가 무엇인가요?What is the reason for participating in overseas marathons?

Reading Text

최근 몇 년 동안 한국에서 마라톤의 인기가 매우 높아지고 있습니다.

In recent years, the popularity of marathons in Korea has increased significantly.

많은 사람들이 건강을 위해 달리기를 시작했고, 마라톤 대회에 참가하는 것이 일반적인 취미가 되었습니다.

Many people have started running for their health, and participating in marathon events has become a common hobby.

그런데 국내 마라톤 대회에 신청하기가 점점 어려워지고 있습니다.

However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to register for domestic marathon events.

인기 있는 대회는 신청 인원이 많아서 참가 기회를 얻기가 쉽지 않기 때문입니다.

This is because popular events receive so many applications that it is not easy to secure a participation spot.

이러한 상황 때문에 많은 한국인 러너들이 해외 마라톤 대회에 눈을 돌리고 있습니다.

As a result of this situation, many Korean runners are turning their attention to overseas marathon events.

해외 마라톤에 참가하면 스포츠 경험과 관광을 동시에 즐길 수 있다는 장점이 있습니다.

Participating in overseas marathons has the advantage of allowing people to enjoy both sports and sightseeing at the same time.

유명한 도시의 아름다운 경치를 보면서 달릴 수 있고, 그 나라의 문화를 경험할 수 있기 때문입니다.

This is because runners can enjoy beautiful scenery while running through famous cities and experience the culture of that country.

따라서 해외 마라톤 관광은 이제 새로운 여행 트렌드로 자리잡고 있으며, 앞으로 더 많은 사람들이 이 활동에 참가할 것으로 예상됩니다.

Therefore, overseas marathon tourism is now establishing itself as a new travel trend, and it is expected that more people will participate in this activity in the future.

Grammar Points

-아/어지다 become (change of state)

Attached to an adjective stem to express a change of state ('become'). Here 어렵다 → 어려워지다 = 'become difficult'.

📖 그런데 국내 마라톤 대회에 신청하기가 점점 어려워지고 있습니다. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to register for domestic marathon competitions.

✏️ 날씨가 점점 따뜻해지고 있어요. The weather is gradually becoming warmer.

-기 때문에 because of

Attached to a verb/adjective stem to express reason or cause ('because of / due to'). The noun form 때문이다 is used at the end of the sentence here.

📖 인기 있는 대회는 신청 인원이 많아서 참가 기회를 얻기가 쉽지 않기 때문입니다. This is because popular competitions have many applicants, making it not easy to get a chance to participate.

✏️ 비가 오기 때문에 우산을 가져가세요. Please take an umbrella because it is raining.

Cultural Notes

Marathon running and fitness culture have become deeply embedded in Korean society over the past two decades, with organized running clubs (called "러닝 클럽") being found in virtually every neighborhood. Koreans have a cultural tendency to embrace new trends enthusiastically and pursue activities with dedication, which explains why marathons evolved from a niche sport to a mainstream hobby relatively quickly. Additionally, Koreans' strong interest in combining leisure activities with travel—known as "wellness tourism"—reflects broader values of self-improvement and work-life balance that have gained prominence in contemporary Korean culture.

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📝 Comprehension Questions

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Q1

Why are Korean runners increasingly interested in participating in overseas marathons instead of domestic ones?

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Q2

What are the two main benefits of participating in overseas marathons mentioned in the text?

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Q3

What has changed regarding the popularity of marathons in Korea in recent years?

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Q4

According to the text, what makes it difficult to register for popular domestic marathon events?

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Q5

What does the text predict will happen with overseas marathon tourism in the future?

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