How to join the Pokémon Run Seoul 2026: The ultimate fun run for Pokémon fans

This May, Pokémon turns 30, and Pokémon Korea is celebrating with one of its most original initiatives yet. The Pokémon Run 2026 in Seoul (포켓몬 런 2026 in 서울) is a one-of-a-kind themed fun run along the Han River that's already turning heads among fans worldwide. Forget about pace. This one's all about fun, Magikarp costumes, and collectible Pokémon items.

Whether you're a runner looking for the most original fun runs or a Pokémon fan who would do anything for the world's most popular franchise, here's everything you need to know.

Key information

• Date: May 5, 2026 (Tuesday — Children's Day in Korea).
• Location: Ttukseom Hangang Park, Riverside Stage, Seoul.
• Format: Non-competitive, non-timed fun run — no chip timing, no rankings.
• Capacity: 5,000 participants total, first-come first-served.
• Entry fee: 75,000 KRW (~50€) per person, same for both distances.
• Part of: Seoul Spring Festa 2026, the city's official spring festival program.

Two distances, one vibe

There are two routes to choose from, each capped at 2,500 spots:

8 km → "Magikarp Jump Run" (잉어킹 튀어오르기 런) Recommended for ages 8+. The longer loop along the Han River is for those who want a bit more time in Magikarp mode.

5 km → "Magikarp Splash Run" (잉어킹 바둥바둥 런) Open to all ages. The more family-friendly option (perfect if you're running with kids).

Important safety notes: baby strollers, kids' bikes, and similar wheeled devices are not allowed on the course. Remember, this is still mainly a running (or walking) event, not a parade.

This fun run is being promoted as "5,000 people becoming Magikarp along the Han River."

Beyond the run

The on-site program also includes a Magikarp-themed group warm-up, Pokémon stage performances with character shows, and experience booths from sponsors like SK Telecom and Samsung Galaxy. With the event taking place during Seoul Spring Festa 2026 and landing on Children's Day, expect the park to be packed well beyond the 5,000 registered runners. It's part fun run, part cosplay gathering, part fan festival.

This isn't Pokémon Korea's first splash in the city. Just this past winter, the "I LOVE Magikarp" installation took over Cheonggyecheon Stream as part of the Seoul Lantern Festival, filling a stretch of the waterway with over 100 handcrafted hanji paper Magikarp lanterns, a 7.3-meter Gyarados, and a hidden Golden Magikarp for visitors to hunt down. The installation drew massive crowds and helped cement Magikarp as something of an unofficial Seoul mascot for the season. The Pokémon Run feels like a natural next chapter: same city, same character, but this time you're the one splashing along the river.

The Pokémon Run 2026 kit

At 75,000 KRW (about 50€), the entry fee is steep for a 5–8K, but the participant kit is arguably the real product here. Every registered runner receives:

• Magikarp hat.
• Magikarp T-shirt.
• String bag.
• Sports towel.
• Pokémon 30th anniversary random keyring.
• Special event box/packaging.
• Themed race bib (design varies by distance).

This is one of the most merch-heavy fun run kits we've seen. For Pokémon fans, the entry fee starts to look a lot more like "licensed merchandise bundle that happens to include a run."

The finisher medal (and why it matters)

Cross the finish line to receive a limited-edition Pikachu plush medal.

• 8 km finishers → Gold medal + Pikachu plush.
• 5 km finishers → Silver medal + Pikachu plush.

This prize has a detachable design, meaning you can display the medal and the plush separately, something most Korean running communities are already hyping as a rare collector's item. If past Pokémon event merchandise is anything to go by as a reference, expect these to hold (or grow) their resale value.

How to register

This is where it gets ironically competitive, for a non-competitive race.

Registration window: March 3, 2026 (Tue) at 09:00 KST to March 13, 2026 (Fri) at 18:00 KST.

Where: The SKT T Direct Shop special event page, linked from Pokémon Korea's official channels.

What to expect: With only 5,000 spots and massive hype in the Korean running and Pokémon communities, this will almost certainly sell out within minutes of opening. Korean blogs are already advising participants to have their payment method ready before 09:00 on March 3rd.

Tips for international participants

Registering from outside Korea isn't straightforward. Here's the reality:

1. Payment methods are Korea-centric. The checkout supports T-Pay, Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, and Korean credit cards. International cards may not work.
2. You'll likely need a local contact. If you have a friend, colleague or family member in Korea, ask them to register on your behalf. This is common practice for Korean event registrations.
3. Be online early. Log in and load the page at least 10 minutes before 09:00 KST on March 3rd. Pre-fill everything you can.
4. Have a backup plan. If you miss the registration window (or if spots are gone before you manage to checkout), a bib transfer might be your best option.

Quick reference

Pokémon Run 2026 in Seoul is one of those events that blurs the line between running and fan experience. Whether you're chasing Magikarp or just chasing a good time along the Han River, it's worth the trip.