2026. 05. 16.  /  LIFE  ·  4 min read

Swim, Bike, Run on the Han River — 3rd Sium-Sium Han River Triathlon Festival

June 5–7, swim, bike, and run at Ttukseom and Jamsil Han River Parks at your own pace

Swim, Bike, Run on the Han River — 3rd Sium-Sium Han River Triathlon Festival

Swim in the Han River, ride a bike, and then run.

The 3rd Sium-Sium Han River Triathlon Festival runs from Friday June 5 to Sunday June 7 across the Ttukseom and Jamsil Han River Park area. Just like the subtitle "MY PACE" suggests, this isn't a race to finish fast — it's a festival to enjoy over three days at your own pace.


Triathlon Course Options

Three courses split by skill level.

CourseSwimBikeRunTotal
Beginner200m/300m10km5km15K
Intermediate (new)500m15km7km22K
Advanced1km20km10km31K

An intermediate course was added this year. A perfect option for people who were stuck between beginner and advanced.

After choosing your preferred time slot and course, you complete it spread across 3 days, which makes it far less daunting. A solo swim 1km course for international participants was also added.

Participants swimming in the Han River Source: sium-sium.com


FUN Experience Zone

You don't need to be a race participant to enjoy this.

Water sports are the centerpiece.

  • Water air trampoline (new)
  • Slippery pole crossing
  • Giant waterslide

Family programs have been expanded.

Participants preparing to start cycling Source: sium-sium.com

There's also a non-alcoholic chimaek party, Han River ramen experience, Dano festival, community sports programs, and K-culture experience events for international visitors.


Performance Program

  • Drone light show
  • Taekwondo performance
  • Musical gala / corner live performances
  • Youth hip-hop dance
  • Seniors' national gymnastics

Performances in collaboration with Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and the Culture Department — high quality.


Basic Info

  • Dates: Friday June 5 ~ Sunday June 7, 2026
  • Venue: Ttukseom Han River Park, Jamsil Han River Park area
  • Host: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Seoul Sports Council
  • Organizer: hey.way

Can You Actually Swim in the Han River?

Normally, no.

Swimming in the Han River is prohibited year-round for safety and water quality reasons. Entering the water outside of designated zones is subject to fines enforced by the Han River Management Authority.

That's what makes this festival special.

The organizers work with Seoul City and water safety authorities to temporarily open a designated swimming zone. Water safety personnel are deployed in large numbers, and entry is only permitted in areas that pass pre-event water quality checks. Draft boats and rescue equipment stand by at all times.

How many people have ever swum in the Han River?

For most Seoul residents, swimming in the Han River is just something that isn't allowed. This festival is one of the rare chances to do it legally and safely — and that alone is reason enough to sign up.


How to Register

Register at the official site: sium-sium.com

Registration typically opens 1–2 months before the event. Spots are limited by course and time slot, so it's worth signing up early before your preferred slot fills up.

Participation fees vary by course — check the registration page for exact amounts. Based on previous years, the beginner course was roughly 30,000–40,000 KRW.

What to bring on the day:

  • Photo ID (required for identity verification)
  • Swimsuit and goggles (wetsuit optional, recommended depending on water temperature)
  • Bicycle (bring your own or rent on-site)
  • Running shoes (for the run leg)

On-site bike rental costs extra, so check the announcements in advance. Wetsuits may be strongly recommended for the swim leg depending on conditions — read the official notices carefully.


Competition isn't the goal. It's a way to start summer on the Han River.

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