The Final Stretch into Seoul

Daily miles: 30.44 | Total miles: 10,432.39

I woke at 6:40am, filled my cup with hot water for a coffee, packed up, and stepped back into the frozen morning just before 8am. Yesterday, I received a severe weather alert on my phone warning of icy road conditions — below freezing, slippery, potentially hazardous. So I braced myself for a bright, sunny, ice-cold winter’s run. And that’s exactly what I got.

My navigation first sent me toward a staircase to access the bicycle path — a no-go with the buggy — so I searched and found another entry. Once up on the path, the sun rose behind me, and the day began to glow. Wooden board sections of the trail were the trickiest: pure ice, smooth and glossy, demanding careful steps. But after an hour, the sun softened the frost and began to warm both the air and my moving body.

Running along these rivers for about 11 days now — it never gets old. The rivers are alive. A lifeline stretching through the country — an artery of movement, nourishment, and sheer beauty.

At some point, the trail transformed into a romance-themed stretch: hearts, lips, flowers, wedding decorations — clearly a popular dating or photography spot during warmer seasons. We all carry our own ideas about romance. Today, I simply enjoyed the colorful whimsy of it.

I saw many cats today — each one with its own personality and comedic timing. They truly made me laugh during the cold segments.

Then I met a man who couldn’t believe I ran from Busan to Seoul. The views along the way were stunning — fabulous — gorgeous. I “picked” tulips for you — yes, you. They are my favorite flower, so take as many as you like, whether that’s one… or the whole imaginary bouquet.

Around the middle of the run, Seoul began to reveal itself: immense clusters of high-rises, countless structures stretching the skyline, bridges upon bridges — an urban frontier rising in the distance. Many people were cycling and running, and I received countless thumbs ups, fist bumps, and “fighting!” encouragements. The sun on my face felt amazing, despite the freezing air.

I was inward today — reflecting on reaching Seoul and concluding another incredible segment of this world run. The emotion is quiet but deep.

Later, another runner joined me briefly — same disbelief, same joy. A short but meaningful human moment.

About 5 miles before reaching my hotel, I crossed the river via a massive bridge — with lanes separated for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. At one point, I saw a large group of people flying kites — bright shapes dancing against the winter-blue sky. It was beautiful.

Then came the dive into the city — technically out of central Seoul into the Gwanak District — but still breathtakingly urban. I had to climb an extreme hill. And I mean extreme. On the descent, I needed real caution with the buggy — steep angles, constant traffic, dense waves of pedestrians, towering high-rise blocks. At some crossings, I waited five minutes for the light to change. The honking and noise echoed all around.

When I finally reached the hotel, I checked in — and by now, I understand Korean hotels and their systems.

Tomorrow will be my last run in South Korea.

This is something extraordinary.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea