Korean Reading Practice

션·이세영도 짐 쌌다…’광클’ 실패한 러닝족 꽂힌 ‘이곳’ [트렌드+]

📅 January 24, 2026

1Introduction

The running boom in South Korea has reached unprecedented levels, with over 10 million domestic participants driving interest beyond national borders. As local marathon registration becomes increasingly competitive, Korean runners are exploring international racing opportunities, particularly in destinations like Hong Kong and Saipan.

2Vocabulary

Korean Romanization Meaning Example
러닝 reo-ning running 요즘 러닝이 인기가 많아요.Running is very popular these days.
열풍 yeol-pung boom, craze 마라톤 열풍이 전국에 퍼지고 있어요.The marathon craze is spreading nationwide.
확산 hwak-san expansion, spread 코로나가 확산되지 않도록 조심해야 해요.We must be careful so COVID doesn’t spread.
참가 cham-ga participation 대회 참가 신청을 했어요.I applied for participation in the competition.
신청 sin-cheong application 온라인으로 신청할 수 있어요.You can apply online.
경쟁 gyeong-jaeng competition 취업 경쟁이 치열해요.Job competition is fierce.
치열하다 chi-yeol-ha-da to be fierce, intense 시험 경쟁이 치열해요.The exam competition is fierce.
비교적 bi-gyo-jeok relatively, comparatively 이 문제는 비교적 쉬워요.This problem is relatively easy.
수월하다 su-wol-ha-da to be easy, smooth 온라인 수업이 더 수월해요.Online classes are easier.
추산하다 chu-san-ha-da to estimate 비용을 추산해 보겠습니다.I’ll estimate the cost.
비중 bi-jung proportion, weight 한국 음식의 비중이 높아요.The proportion of Korean food is high.
기온 gi-on temperature 오늘 기온이 많이 올랐어요.Today’s temperature rose a lot.

3Reading Text

최근 몇 년간 한국에서 러닝 인기가 급격히 증가하고 있습니다.

In recent years, the popularity of running in Korea has increased rapidly.

전문가들은 국내 러닝 인구가 천만 명을 넘어섰다고 추산하고 있어요.

Experts estimate that the domestic running population has exceeded ten million people.

하지만 국내 마라톤 대회 참가 신청이 점점 어려워지고 있습니다.

However, applying for domestic marathon events is becoming increasingly difficult.

많은 러너들이 경쟁이 치열한 국내 대회 대신 해외 마라톤에 관심을 보이고 있어요.

Many runners are showing interest in overseas marathons instead of highly competitive domestic events.

특히 홍콩 마라톤이 한국 러너들 사이에서 인기를 끌고 있습니다.

Hong Kong Marathon in particular is gaining popularity among Korean runners.

홍콩 마라톤은 매년 1월에 열리며, 평균 기온이 15도 정도로 달리기에 적합해요.

The Hong Kong Marathon is held every January, with an average temperature of around 15 degrees, suitable for running.

작년 사이판 마라톤에서는 전체 참가자 중 한국인이 35%를 차지했다고 합니다.

It’s said that Koreans made up 35% of all participants in last year’s Saipan Marathon.

이처럼 해외 마라톤 참가가 새로운 트렌드로 자리잡고 있어요.

Participation in overseas marathons is establishing itself as a new trend like this.

4Comprehension Questions

Q1
How many people are estimated to be part of Korea’s running population?
Q2
Why are Korean runners looking at overseas marathon events?
Q3
What percentage of participants were Korean at the Saipan Marathon mentioned in the text?
Q4
When does the Hong Kong Marathon take place and what is the average temperature?
Q5
What trend is emerging among Korean marathon enthusiasts according to the passage?

5Cultural Notes

The running boom in Korea reflects broader lifestyle changes as people seek healthier activities and stress relief in modern urban life. Marathon tourism has become a popular way for Koreans to combine travel with fitness goals, especially to destinations with favorable weather conditions. This trend demonstrates how Korean enthusiasm for fitness activities often extends beyond domestic boundaries, creating new cultural exchanges through sports participation.

Source: Naver News |
Original Article

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