Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Korea’s Greatest Race

Each year, for one day in April, pedestrians and cyclists invade Busan’s most iconic landmark for a n

.Gwangan Bridge Race Signs d Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest Race
The Busan miRun is easily one of my favorite events of the year. And it has quickly become the city’s most popular outdoor event besides the fireworks festival.

As you can see in this promo video, there’s also a concert on Gwangan Beach after the race. KPop group 2NE1 sang at the 2013 run.Gwangan Bridge Race Runner Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest Race
This is one of the chillest 10K “races” you can attend. Just like Busan itself, the atmosphere is unpretentious – everyone just wants to have a good time.

 Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest Race
In addition to the road race, the local broadcaster MBC holds what they call the Bike Festival. It starts in the morning around 9 AM, before the runners go on the bridge.

Gwangan Bridge Race Runners Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest Race
The race starts near BEXCO and then up the onramp near Busan Museum of Modern Art subway station (exit 5).

Gwangan Bridge Race Runner Shoes Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest Race
Blinding neon colors are seen as highly fashionable and will surely win you cool points with the locals

.Gwangan Bridge Race unicycle Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest Race
By unicycle, bicycle, walking or running, it’s a great excuse to get out and burn off that extra weight you gained over the winter.

Gwangan Bridge Race Marry Me Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest RaceOne runner decided to propose at the top of the bridge. How’s that for romantic?Gwangan Bridge Race bikers 150 Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest Race
I’ve photographed this event three years in a row. Next time I’m going to hang up my camera and bike across the bridge.
Gwangan Bridge Race MiRun happy girls Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest Race
As the race winds down, people sit around and even lay down on the bridge and take photos.Gwangan Bridge Race father son bike Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest RaceParents also take their kids out on the bridge as well. It’s a very family-friendly event. But don’t forget the sunscreen.Gwangan Bridge Race Runners 2 Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest RaceAt the time of writing this, there was no information in English about the MiRun. If you don’t register, you can always just walk up on the bridge with the rest of the crowd.Empty Gwangan Bridge Photographer Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest RaceIf you want to photograph the race, it’s helpful to get a press pass from one of the event organizers so you can get on the bridge before everyone heads up there. Walking on an empty bridge is a thrill in and of itself.Centum City in the Mist Storming the Bridge: Busan Hosts Koreas Greatest RaceOnce on the bridge, you’ll be able to see Busan from angles you’ve never seen it before. I know it’s cliche to say, but it really is one day you don’t want to miss.

For more information about the miRun, try Adidas Korea’s Facebook page or the city’s official website Dynamic Busan.

Looking for more stuff to do in Korea’s second largest city by the sea? Check out 48 Hours in Busan