City marathons in Seoul are approved and controlled by regional police authorities on roads, while city governments approve public venues such as start and end points. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it is trying to reduce complaints by sending text messages about upcoming marathons and road closures. It said it cannot approve or reject the events themselves, while police can reject races that seriously disrupt the city.
Participants of the 20th International Peace Marathon start near Bongeun Temple in Gangnam District, Seoul, in this Oct. 9, 2023, photo. Newsis
City marathons are approved and controlled on roads by regional police authorities, while city governments have the authority to approve the use of specific public venues as start and end points.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it is aware of the inconvenience caused by the increasing number of running events and is trying to minimize complaints by sending text message notices to residents about upcoming marathons and road closure plans.
However, it added that there is only so much it can control, as it does not have the authority to approve or reject the events themselves.
