5D DMZ International Peace Marathon Run-cation

HIGHLIGHTS

~ Visit Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge, one of South Korea’s longest hanging bridge; 

~ Visit Alpaca World, largest forest experience farm in Korea;  

~ Tour the demilitarized zone 2nd infiltration tunnel and Cheorwon Peace Observatory; 

~ Participate in Cheorwon DMZ International Peace Marathon (5 KM, 10 KM, 21 KM or 42 KM); 

~ Local hot spring experience after event; 

~ Recovery easy walk in Nari Park filled with beautiful flowers; 

~ Visit Samhae Brewery, Seoul’s only dedicated traditional brewery; 

~ Easy walk along Hanyang Castle Wall built over 600 years ago; 

~ Photo taking stop at Ihwa Mural Village.

Included:

~ arrival transfer from Incheon International Airport; 

~ 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners; 

~ 4 nights hotel stay as per itinerary; 

~ marathon registration fees; 

~ all attractions admissions.

Excluded:

~ air travel to Incheon, South Korea; 

~ departure airport transfer; 

~ tourist visa arrangement; 

~ personal travel insurance; 

~ expenditure of personal effects; 

~ tipping for the trip guide & driver; 

~ anything not specified in the itinerary. 

ITINERARY

Day 1    Arrive Incheon  

Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be transferred as a group into Hongcheon. Group transfer will leave the airport at 10.00 AM.  

Enroute, visit Sogeumsan Mountain Suspension Bridge, one of South Korea’s longest hanging bridge surrounded by white sand, uniquely shaped rocks and lush forests with a 40 to 50 M high wall of rock formations along Seomgang River and Samsancheon River.   

Enjoy a welcome dinner to get to know your fellow running mates.   

Meals: Lunch, Dinner 
Stay:  Vivaldi Resort or similar 

Day 2    Hongcheon  

Enjoy a visit to Alpaca World, loved by visitors of all ages. This farm is the largest forest experience farm in South Korea surrounded in absolute beauty of forest and mountain valley. Here, you can touch, feed and walk the Alpacas plus learn more about other animals such as eagles, deer, rabbits and more.  

Take a comprehensive tour into the 2nd tunnel of the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. At the end of the tunnel, you are only about 300 metres away from the North! But not to worry, the area is secured and blocked.   

Learn more about the history between South and North Korea during this tour and appreciate the untouched natural surroundings from the Cheorwon Peace Observatory which offers a panoramic view of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone separating South and North Korea) in the central forward area of Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do. From this observatory, see the Cheorwon plain, areas of the DMZ, and even North Korea.  

Have an early dinner and prepare for the race tomorrow. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Stay:   Hanwha Resort or similar 

Day 3    Cheorwon – Seoul (Marathon Day) 

The day you are waiting for. This is one of the far few chances where civilians can enter this almost pristine region. 

The land within the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) is unspoiled. Farmers who live within receive special permission to grow and harvest rice. Running along the DMZ*, you can catch a glimpse of the reality of divided Korean Peninsula. The Iron Triangle Zone near Goseokjeong Pavilion exhibits historical records of the Battle of Triangle Hill, a protracted military engagement during the Korean War, and showcases the grim security reality of a divided Korea. 

Look out for interesting features along the way such as the famous ruins of the Cheorwon office of the former Worker’s party of Korea, which was destroyed in the Korean War and stands a harsh reminder of the painful past. There are also checkpoints which you will pass through during the run as you head out of the civilian control zone and head back in again. 

Military boys (think Descendants of the Sons) will run alongside you. This is probably one of the most interesting marathons you ever ran. 

Relax your muscles with a local Korean hot spring experience before we make our way into Seoul. Enroute, we will stretch our muscles with a scenic walk in Nari Park where you will get to see rows upon rows of beautifully manicured flowers. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Stay:  Travelodge Hotel Dongdaemun or similar 

*NOTE: only 21 KM and 42 KM race route will enter the DMZ controlled zone. 5 KM and 10 KM race route will be outside the controlled zone. 

Day 4    Seoul 

It’s time to nourish your soul in Seoul today.   

It is said that Samcheong-dong was named from the story about the three ‘cheong’, namely mountain; water and people. The street features a mixture of old scenes, hanok building with traditional beauty and modern scenes of galleries and cafes, creating a unique atmosphere. You can feel the vibes of cultural mood at every corner of the street.   

The city’s only dedicated traditional brewery, thousand-year old Samhae Brewery is operated by Master Kim Taeksang. His brewery is designated as Seoul city’s Intangible Asset No. 8 for his expertise and skills in traditional Korean liquor. Appreciate Master Kim’s traditional liquor and get into action to make some too.   

Take a walk along a part of the Hanyang Castle Wall that was built by King Taejo who founded the Joseon Dynasty. Then follow us and get lost in the mural village of Ihwa. The village is known as a moon village as it is being set on a hill side. Be prepared for a bit of urban hike to see beautiful murals in varying sites on the walls, fences and rooftops created by 70 artists. This is an instagrammable hot spot!  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Stay:  Travelodge Hotel Dongdaemun or similar 

Day 5    Depart Seoul 

Simply rest and relax until check out time, 12 pm. Or depart at your own timing for your onward arrangement/flight back home. 

Meals:  Breakfast 

REMARKS

~ A 10% deposit is required within 7 days of booking. Balance payment will be collected 2 months prior to departure.  

~ Deposit is non-refundable. In the event the confirmed trip date is not suitable for you, you can take back your deposit if you inform us within 7 days upon receiving email notification from us. After 7 days, deposit is non-refundable.  

~ This trip requires minimum 12 runners to depart. 

~ Should you require a visa to enter South Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. 

~ Only book your air ticket to Incheon, South Korea when you have been informed to do so. 

~ Arrival group transfer will depart Incheon Airport at 1000 hours.  

~ For the marathon, only 21 KM and 42 KM race route will enter the DMZ controlled zone. 5 KM and 10 KM race route will be outside the controlled zone. 

~ Cut off time for the full marathon is 5 hours and half marathon is 2.5 hours. 

~ Because running requires certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for members with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Runners must ensure they are medically and physically able to run and walk. 

~ There are no trips that are not suitable for anybody if you prepare for it. As is always the case, engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. Often it is a journey of self-discovery. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the runners. Therefore, the event may be altered by the Event Organiser due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, the skill levels of the runners and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. The Event Organiser reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip. 

~ If circumstances (such as bad weather, accommodation book out for example) beyond our control make changes to the rest of the itinerary necessary, we reserve the right to make change to the inclusion of the itinerary. There will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip. 

~ There is no refund should you wish not to take part in any of the included experiences as per illustrated in the itinerary. 

~ It is customary to tip your trip guide and driver as a token of appreciation. Travel Wander recommends KRW 45,000 per person for the entire duration of the run-cation.