Runner’s Guide to Seoul: Where Local Runners Go
Whether you're visiting Seoul for the first time or rediscovering the city stride by stride, this guide is your insider look at where local runners go—not just to run, but to eat, drink, rest, and recharge. From riverside cafés where you can cool down with a crisp iced coffee to cozy community spots where runners gather after weekend long runs, this is a curated map of Seoul’s most runner-friendly spaces. Every place on this list is part of a real runner’s routine, built to support your miles both on and off the road.
Explore the locations on the map created for you to discover and enjoy!
EAT
Hey Runners
HeyRunners is a unique Seoul-based spot that blends a passion for running with nutritious culinary offerings. They specialize in creative, health-focused Gimbap crafted by a chef with over 20 years of experience in top-tier hotels. Committed to supporting individuals in pursuit of their goals, HeyRunners also fosters a strong running community through weekly group runs, primarily joined by professionals in the Gwanghwamun area, promoting both wellness and camaraderie among participants.
#104, 7 Jong-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu
Weekdays 11:00–20:00
(closed on Weekends)
Location
Hours
@heyrunners__
Salmon Avocado Gimbap (12,000 KRW)
Tuna-mayo and Egg GImbap (5,000 KRW)
Yubu Chobap (Korean Inari sushi) (10,000 KRW)
Website
Menu
Delivery Available (Free delivery within Seoul for orders over 20 rolls, and Nationwide delivery for orders over 100 rolls)
For Runners
DRINK
MTL Shop and cafe
MTL Shop & Café is a lifestyle destination that seamlessly blends specialty coffee with curated retail offerings, creating a vibrant community hub. With locations in Hannam, Hyochang, and Dongtan, MTL serves as a gathering place for individuals passionate about culture, community, and quality coffee. Beyond its culinary offerings, MTL functions as a cultural platform hosting community runs, DJ sets, pop-up events, and brand collaborations, fostering a dynamic and inclusive community atmosphere.
For Runners
Lockers available free of charge
HANNAM
24 Itaewon-ro 49-gil, Yongsan-gu
Daily 9:00–22:00
HYOCHANG
25 Hyochangwon-ro 69-gil, Yongsan-gu
Daily 8:00–21:00
Location
& Hours
@mtl_shopncafe
Americano (5,800 KRW)
Filter Coffee (8,000 KRW)
Granola Yogurt Bowl (9,500 KRW)
– Decaf, Oat Milk option available
Website
Menu
10% Off after your run
Occasional community events – by Reservation
For Runners
Just Run Eat
Just Run Eat is a runner-focused café located near Ttukseom Hangang Park, with direct access to a popular running route that connects to Seoul Forest. Opened by a running enthusiast, the café offers thoughtful services for runners such as water refills and bag storage, and also stocks energy gels and sports drinks. Beyond coffee, it regularly hosts running events and community gatherings like book talks and taping sessions. As a space created by and for runners, it fosters a unique atmosphere where visitors often connect simply through their shared love of running. Stay tuned to their Instagram for class reservations and upcoming events!
#125, 18 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu
Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00
(Closed on Sunday)
Location
Hours
@just_runeat_official
Filter Coffee (4,000 KRW)
Scones (4,000 KRW)
– Decaf option available
Menu
Wherever
Though you can enjoy an espresso or americano here, Wherever is not exactly a café—it’s a thoughtfully curated road running specialty shop and “run base” nestled on the slopes of Bugak Mountain. Stocking brands like Satisfy, POTAL, and Vibram, it’s far more than a retail space. With bag storage and even a shower room, it’s an ideal waypoint before or after trail runs in the nearby Bugak or Inwang Mountains. Designed with hanok-inspired details, vintage British speakers, and a warm atmosphere that invites both rest and conversation, Wherever is steadily becoming a cherished offline gathering spot for Seoul’s running community.
223 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu
Wed–Fri 12:00–20:00
Sat–Sun 10:00–19:00
Location
Hours
@wherever.run
Lockers (free), Small shower (3,000 KRW)
Water and Ice, Yoga (by reservation) /
Special 15% discount on one item per category when runners present their race bib or proof of a race within 30 days
For Runners
Perpetual
Perpetual Coffee is a runner-friendly café that warmly welcomes those running along Seoul’s western riverside routes—such as Nanji Hangang Park, Haneul Park, World Cup Park, and Hongjecheon. It's also a perfect post-trail stop after runs in nearby Baekryeonsan, and its proximity to Yeonhui-dong’s charming food scene makes it an ideal post-run date spot. The owner is a runner too, adding to the café’s warm, runner-conscious atmosphere.
Perpetual draws inspiration from Australian café culture, where over 80% of coffee drinkers prefer milk-based drinks. Their beans are roasted with this in mind, and signature pairings like the cappuccino and cinnamon roll are must-tries. For something lighter, their clean, tea-like pour-over coffee is a favorite among runners looking for a gentle post-run sip.
46-3 Moraenae-ro 15-gil, Seodaemun-gu
Daily 7:00–15:00 (Closed on Thursday)
@perpetual_keopi
Long Black (4,500 KRW)
Cappuccino (5,000 KRW)
Pour Over (6,000 KRW)
Cinnamon Rolls (4,000 KRW)
Location
Hours
Menu
Souvenir Haus
Souvenir Haus is a runner-owned café in Seongsu that values warmth, connection, and quiet consistency. Built on the idea of creating a space that feels like home, it welcomes people of all backgrounds—runners, neighbors, dog-walkers, four-legged friends and passersby—to pause, reset, and share a moment. Their philosophy centers on offering equal, sincere service to everyone, with a gentle touch of kindness, creating a sense of home for all. On any given day, the café reflects a vibrant mix of lives intersecting—a place where small conversations spark, ideas are shared, and community grows quietly, one encounter at a time.
8-1 Seongsui-ro 3-gil, Seongdong-gu
Tue–Sat 10:00–19:00
(closed on Sunday & Monday)
Location
Hours
Menu
@souvenir.haus
Long Black (4,500 KRW)
Cappuccino Freddo (6,500 KRW)
Runner’s High (6,000 KRW)
Melbourne Grandma Toast (7,000 KRW)
Bag Storage (free) / Mini Shower (free)
₩1,000 Off with your post-run visit
Community runs held occasionally
+ Welcomes both runners and dogs!
For Runners
10 Square
10 Square Café is a tiny but beloved stop tucked along the Hanyang City Wall trail route, measuring just about 10 m². Despite its small size, it’s always buzzing, especially at lunchtime. Located near Namsan, it’s a favorite rest spot for runners exploring trails around Namsan Park, Gwanghwamun, Gyeonghui Palace, and Deoksu Palace.
Inside, the cozy space is filled with vintage decor and heartfelt mementos left by past visitors, creating an atmosphere rich with character and shared memories. With its relaxed vibe and street-side seating along the hillside path, it’s the perfect place to pause and recharge. The café’s signature Chardonnay Iced Americano, known for its crisp and refreshing flavor, is especially popular among runners.
1F, 33 Sowol-ro, Jung-gu
Daily 8:30–18:00
@10square_namsan
Signature Iced Americano (7,000 KRW)
Vanilla Bean Latte (7,000 KRW)
Espresso (5,000 KRW)
– Decaf, Oat milk option available
Location
Hours
Menu
AMENITIES
Runner Station
The Runner Station at Yeouinaru Station is a dedicated facility designed to support Seoul's running community. Located within Yeouinaru Station, this space offers amenities such as locker rooms, changing areas, and powder rooms, allowing runners to store belongings and freshen up before or after their runs. The facility also features a media board that provides digital coaching on stretching, running posture, and local running routes, enhancing the overall running experience. Its proximity to popular running spots like Yeouido Hangang Park makes it an ideal starting or finishing point for runners.
Located inside Yeouinaru Station
Daily 6:00–24:00
Lockers, Changing rooms, Powder room,
Shoe sterilizer, Stretching zone, Nursing room
Reservation-based running, yoga, and training sessions.
Non-motorized treadmills
(Weekdays 16:00–20:30)
Location
Hours
Website
Service
Run Hub by New Balance
New Balance Run Hub Bukchon is a dedicated trial store for runners, newly opened in the heart of Seoul’s historic Bukchon neighborhood. The space allows runners to rent a full range of New Balance running gear—from shoes to apparel—for a true head-to-toe trial experience. Located near iconic running spots like Gyeongbok Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Anguk, and Cheonggyecheon, it offers the perfect starting point to test gear on real city routes.
8-3, Bukchon-ro 5 ga-gil, Jongno-gu
Daily 11:00–20:00
@nbrc_seoul
Lockers (Free), Recovery Shoes (Free)
Clothing Rental (3,000 KRW/2hrs)
Running Shoes Rental (2,000~3,000 KRW/2hrs)
Location
Hours
Service
CLINICS
Nam Orthopedic Clinic
Established in 2005 by Dr. Hyuk Woo Nam, Nam Orthopedic Clinic is led by a seasoned orthopedic specialist and medical doctor with deep personal experience in endurance sports—including 63 full marathons, 25 Ironman triathlons, and numerous trail running events. This background gives Dr. Nam a uniquely empathetic and insightful approach to treating sports-related injuries.
The clinic offers a comprehensive range of medical services, spanning internal medicine, orthopedics, general surgery, neurosurgery, rehabilitation medicine, and more. But what truly sets it apart is its focus on runners and athletes: it’s not just a medical clinic, but a sports science-centered space equipped with machines for running gait analysis, foot structure diagnostics, and functional strength training guidance led directly by Dr. Nam.
He emphasizes not only treatment, but scientific analysis and injury prevention through education and personalized care—making the clinic a trusted destination among runners, triathletes, and fitness enthusiasts alike.
2F & 3F, 494 Yongmasan-ro, Jungnang-gu
Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00 (Break 12:30–14:00)
Thurs 14:00–18:00
Sat 9:00–13:00 (closed on Sunday)
Location
Hours
Running gait analysis requires a Naver reservation (no phone bookings).
Reservations open at 9:00 AM on the 1st of each month (up to 2 months in advance).
General treatment available without a reservation.
Note
@running_dr.nam