Seoul vs Taipei Marathon — Side-by-Side Guide
Compare the Seoul and Taipei Marathons side by side — course profile, weather, field size, qualification, and atmosphere to help you choose your next race.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 2026 Seoul Marathon - Mar 15 | 2026 Taipei Marathon - Dec 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Country/Region | South Korea | Taiwan |
| Month | March | December |
| Avg Temperature | 5-12°C | 14-20°C |
| Course Type | Flat | Flat |
| Elevation | ~30m | ~30m |
| Field Size | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| Entry | Open | Open |
| World Major | No | No |
| BQ Course | Yes | Yes |
| Crowd Support | Good | Good |
Detailed Comparison
Seoul and Taipei are East Asia's most accessible international marathons, both offering open registration pathways that bypass the lottery frustration of larger races. Seoul runs in March (4-12°C) with 35,000 runners on a mostly flat course (~50m elevation) along the Han River. Taipei races in December (14-20°C) with 28,000 participants on a flat riverside course (~20m elevation) — one of the simplest marathon profiles in Asia.
The temperature contrast is dramatic. Seoul's March start can be genuinely cold — as low as 4°C at the gun — which is excellent for experienced runners but can be challenging for those unaccustomed to cold-weather racing. Plan your layers with the what-to-wear tool. Taipei's December weather is warmer (14-20°C), sitting at the upper edge of the ideal racing window but still manageable for most runners.
For a fast time in cold conditions with a large, competitive field, Seoul delivers — the Han River path is smooth and scenic. For a warm-weather December marathon with a flatter profile, easier registration, and a more relaxed atmosphere, Taipei is ideal. Both cities offer outstanding food scenes and easy navigation for international visitors, making either an excellent choice for an Asian marathon debut.
Explore Each Marathon
2026 Seoul Marathon - Mar 15
Live countdown, race info, and training tools.
View Countdown →2026 Taipei Marathon - Dec 20
Live countdown, race info, and training tools.
View Countdown →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, Seoul or Taipei Marathon?
Seoul features a flat course while Taipei has a flat profile. The Taipei course is generally well-suited for fast times.
How do I enter the Seoul Marathon vs Taipei Marathon?
Seoul Marathon uses a Open entry system with a field of 25,000 runners. Taipei Marathon uses Open with 25,000 spots. Plan your entry strategy using our Marathon Lottery Calculator.
What is the best weather for running, Seoul or Taipei?
Seoul in March averages 5-12°C. Taipei in December averages 14-20°C. Use our Dew Point Calculator and Heat Adjustment Calculator to plan for race-day conditions.
Can I qualify for Boston at Seoul or Taipei?
Both the Seoul and Taipei Marathons are BQ-eligible courses. Use our Pace Calculator to determine your BQ target pace.
Which marathon has better crowd support?
Seoul is known for good crowd support, while Taipei offers good spectator atmosphere. Both races create memorable experiences. Plan your spectator strategy with our Spectator Planner.
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