Seoul Turns Subway Stations Into Running and Leisure Hubs
 

 In a bid to merge urban mobility with wellness culture, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has transformed parts of three subway stations into fitness and leisure spaces for runners, offering free access to facilities that blend convenience with community.

The new “Runner’s Base” zones — located at Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Hoehyeon Station (Line 4), and World Cup Stadium Station (Line 6) — occupy previously unused areas inside the stations, the city said Wednesday.

Each base is equipped with lockers, changing rooms, and powder rooms, and even vending machines stocked with running essentials like socks, headbands, massage oil, and cooling patches.

Users can enter with Naver QR or KakaoTalk verification at no cost, while locker access is managed through Seoul Metro’s “Ddota Locker” mobile system.

Each location will host tailored running programs: Gwanghwamun Station will focus on “morning runs” for office workers, including posture correction and warm-up sessions before work. Hoehyeon Station, near Namsan, will offer beginner courses such as walking and light jogging programs that gradually extend distance.

At World Cup Stadium Station, runners can join basic running schools or 15-kilometer long-distance sessions around Sangam World Cup Park, alongside family-friendly options like “slow running.”

All programs are free and led by professional coaches and pacers, with 15 to 20 participants per session recruited via the online platform runbase.co.kr. Seasonal programs will also rotate quarterly, including indoor recovery workshops during the winter months.

In collaboration with Dongguk University’s Institute of Sports Science and Convergence, the city will offer health and fitness diagnostics for interested participants.

“This initiative is about reclaiming urban spaces for health and leisure,” said Lim Chang-su, Seoul’s Director of Future Space Planning. “We plan to expand Runner’s Base beyond subway stations so that citizens can enjoy exercise and relaxation right where they live.”

Source : http://koreabizwire.com/seoul-turns-subway-stations-into-running-and-leisure-hubs/335774

Comprehension

What is the main purpose of the “Runner’s Base” project in Seoul?
How many subway stations currently have “Runner’s Base” zones?
What kinds of facilities are available in each Runner’s Base?
How can users access these facilities?
What is special about the programs offered at Gwanghwamun Station?
What kinds of running activities are available at Hoehyeon Station?
What additional programs are offered at World Cup Stadium Station?
Who is Seoul working with to provide health and fitness diagnostics?

Discussion

Do you think turning subway spaces into fitness areas is a good idea? Why or why not?
What are some other creative ways cities could use unused public spaces?
Would you join a free running or fitness program like this if it were available in your city?
How can exercise programs like this help promote community wellness?
Why do you think Seoul chose subway stations as the location for Runner’s Base?
What challenges might the city face in maintaining these facilities?
How can technology (like QR access and mobile apps) make public programs more convenient?
What are some ways to encourage more people to exercise regularly in urban areas?
How does this program reflect modern urban lifestyles?
Do you prefer outdoor exercise, gym workouts, or home fitness? Why?

Vocabulary

Wellness – a state of being healthy in body and mind.
Leisure – free time used for relaxation or enjoyment.
Locker – a small, lockable storage space for personal items.
Verification – the process of confirming someone’s identity.
Pacer – a person who sets and maintains a steady speed during a run.
Recovery – the period of rest and care after physical activity.
Diagnostics – tests or evaluations to check health or performance.
Reclaim – to take back and reuse something for a new or better purpose.