Runners in Korea will soon have a reason to lace up their shoes and stay awhile, as a new government initiative transforms regional road races into multiday cultural and wellness retreats. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) will launch the first “NEXT RUN Travel Festa” in October, built around running events designed to encourage participants to explore host regions before and after their races. The program will feature “R1 2026 Jeonju,” held Oct. 17-18 in collaboration with YouTube channel “Sean with You,” and “Bomun Night Run with Wally,” scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 1 and featuring Universal’s Wally character. For participants, the organizers will offer packages combining race entry and lodging at discounted prices, along with programs focused on recovery and other activities tailored to runners. At “R1 2026 Jeonju,” activities will include a warm-up run with a national team coach, a carb-loading cooking show led by a runner-chef and a recovery tour through central Jeonju. “Bomun Night Run with Wally” will offer