Park Eun-kyung, a former running club leader, recently joined a group session around Gyeongbok Palace organized by On Your Mark, a specialized running brand. "The Gyeongbok Palace loop is 2.5 kilometers, making it perfect for a 5 km run with two laps, and the flat, beginner-friendly terrain is a huge plus. Being a popular landmark, it's especially beautiful at sunset. It's also great for discovering hidden gem-like neighborhood cafes myself," she shared. Fueled by social media workout check-ins, the "puppy run" has become a viral hit among younger runners. Using GPS tracking apps, runners map out the shape of a dog on a digital map. This creative "art run" sweeps through Seochon, Samcheong-dong and Gwanghwamun, with runners navigating the alleyways to outline detailed features like ears, a tail and legs. Park noted, "The running culture itself is evolving, with more diverse and frequent events. Programs like 'My Pace Morning,' where city streets are closed to traffic from 7 to 9 a.m. so people can freely walk, run or cycle, seem to be gaining traction." She added that non-competitive, l