Jeju Island: The Perfect Winter Running Retreat 济州岛:完美的冬季跑步胜地

While I love China and its vibrant culture, I couldn’t afford to lose a full week of training during Chinese New Year. I needed the perfect running location—somewhere reasonably priced, ideal for logging at least 100 kilometers, and free from the challenges of CNY holiday travel.
为了利用好春节一周的时间保持训练,我需要找一个完美的跑步地点——价格合理,适合跑至少 100 公里,并且不受春运的影响。
My neighborhood with it’s loud nighty firecrackers wasn’t the best environment for focused training. So, I set out to find a destination that met my key criteria:
我家附近晚上爆竹声很大,不适合专心训练。因此,我需要寻找一个符合以下关键标准的目的地:
1. Clean air
1. 空气清新
2. Pleasant weather and comfortable running temperatures
2. 天气宜人,跑步温度适宜
3. Safe and well-maintained running routes
3. 安全且维护良好的跑步路线
4. Good food to fuel training
4. 提供训练所需的优质食物
5. A location close to Shanghai to minimize travel time and carbon footprint
5. 靠近上海,最大限度地减少出行时间和碳足迹
I initially prioritized staying within China, as I prefer taking the train for its lower environmental impact. However, I couldn’t find a destination that balanced affordability and the ability to avoid the peak travel crowds of Chinese New Year.
我最初优先考虑留在中国境内,因为我更喜欢坐火车,它对环境的影响较小。然而,我找不到一个既经济实惠又能避开春运高峰的目的地。

That’s when I turned my attention to Jeju Island—a short hop from Shanghai. I was pleasantly surprised to find round-trip tickets for less than 1,500 RMB, with a flight time of just 75 minutes. The combination of affordability, convenience, and excellent running conditions made Jeju the perfect choice.
所以我把目光转向了离上海很近的济州岛。令我惊喜的是,往返机票不到1500元,飞行时间只有75分钟。经济实惠、便利、跑步条件优越,这让济州岛成为完美的选择。
Top 10 Reasons Jeju Island is an Ideal Running Destination
济州岛是理想跑步目的地的十大理由

①No Visa Required for Chinese Citizens
中国公民无需签证
Jeju offers a special visa-free entry program for Chinese travelers, making it one of the easiest international destinations to visit.
济州岛为中国游客提供特殊的免签入境计划,使其成为最易前往的国际目的地之一。
② Fast and Convenient Travel
出行快捷方便
The direct flight from Shanghai takes only 75 minutes, and Jeju Airport is centrally located, ensuring a quick and easy arrival. The island is not big so you never spend more than a couple 100s RMBs to taxi to your location.
从上海直飞济州岛仅需75分钟,济州机场位于市中心,可以快速便捷抵达。济州岛不大,打车到你的目的地花费不会超过几百元。

③ Affordable and High-Quality Accommodations
价格实惠且高品质的住宿
I stayed at a resort in the middle of the island, close to the mountains. Prices were comparable to Shanghai, with no Chinese New Year price surge. My stay at the Marriott cost around 1,200 RMB per night, and the resort had over 30 dining options, from casual burgers to high-end Japanese cuisine and, of course, incredible Korean BBQ.
我住在岛中部靠近山脉的度假区。价格与上海相当,但没有春节涨价。我在万豪酒店住宿一晚花费约 1,200 元,这里有 30 多种餐饮选择,从休闲汉堡到高端日本料理应有尽有,当然还有令人惊叹的韩国烤肉。

④ Crystal-Clear Air
空气清新
As an island exposed to constant ocean breezes, Jeju enjoys excellent air quality. While it can be a bit windy, the fresh air is a welcome change from the pollution often experienced during CNY.
济州岛不断受到海风吹拂,空气质量极佳。虽然风有点大,但好在空气新鲜,不会有春节期间经常出现的空气污染。
⑤ Ideal Running Temperatures
理想的跑步温度
During my stay, the weather ranged from 8 to 10 degrees Celsius—perfect for running. While I did experience a snowstorm in the mountains that forced me onto the treadmill for a couple of days, once it cleared, conditions were fantastic. The winter sun was bright but comfortable, and I recommend a windbreaker, especially for female runners.
在我入住期间,气温在 8 到 10 摄氏度之间,非常适合跑步。虽然我在山上遇到了一场暴风雪,迫使我在跑步机上跑了几天,但一旦天气放晴,情况就变得非常好。冬日的阳光明媚而舒适,我建议穿一件风衣,尤其是对于女性跑步者。

⑥ Safe and Well-Maintained Running Roads
安全且维护良好的跑步道路
Jeju’s roads are incredibly runner-friendly. Most routes I took featured wide sidewalks or designated running paths, completely separate from traffic. Drivers were respectful, maintaining a safe distance, making the experience stress-free.
济州岛的道路非常适合跑步者。我所经过的大多数路线都有宽阔的人行道或专门的跑步道,与车辆完全隔离。司机很尊重人,保持安全距离,让跑步体验毫无压力。
⑦ Peaceful Environment and Friendly Locals
宁静的环境和友好的当地人
The island, particularly its rural areas, exudes a calm and welcoming atmosphere. With fewer crowds, it was a relaxing and rejuvenating place to train. The locals were warm and always greeted me with a smile.
这个岛屿,尤其是其农村地区,散发着平静而热情的氛围。人不多,是一个放松和恢复活力的训练地。当地人很热情,总是面带微笑地迎接我。
⑧ Plenty of Activities Beyond Running
跑步之外的丰富活动
Jeju offers numerous attractions for post-run exploration. From the Aerospace Museum to historical sites, there’s always something to see and do after your training sessions.
济州岛提供众多景点供跑步后探索。从航空博物馆到历史遗迹,训练之余总有一些东西可以看和做。

⑨ Trail Running Opportunities
越野跑机会
Jeju is home to Hallasan, South Korea’s highest mountain, and hosts the UTMB TransJeju race. If you visit during the drier months, you can take advantage of the extensive trail network to add elevation training to your schedule.
济州岛是韩国最高峰汉拿山的所在地,也是UTMB飞跃济州岛的举办地。如果您在干燥的月份过来,就可以利用广泛的越野路线将爬升训练添加到日程安排中。

⑩ Great Running Community and Resources
出色的跑步社区和资源
Jeju has a well-established running community, and apps like Strava provide detailed heat maps to help plan routes. Whether you prefer short 5K runs, marathons, road running, or trails, the island offers a variety of terrains and distances to keep your training diverse and engaging.
济州岛拥有成熟的跑步社区,Strava等应用程序提供详细的热图来帮助规划路线。无论您喜欢短距离5K跑步、马拉松、公路跑还是越野跑,济州岛都能提供合适的地形和距离,让你的训练丰富有趣。
Jeju Island is an outstanding winter training destination—convenient, affordable, and ideal for serious runners. If you’re looking to log high mileage in preparation for your 2025 races, Jeju offers the perfect balance of nature, infrastructure, and relaxation. It’s a running retreat that combines quality training with an enjoyable travel experience.
济州岛是一个出色的冬季训练目的地——方便、实惠,是认真对待跑步的人的理想选择。如果你想为 2025 年的比赛做准备,济州岛提供了自然、基础设施和休闲的完美平衡。这是一个将优质训练与愉快旅行体验相结合的跑步休闲胜地。
- About RunForce -
RunForce is a running community based in Shanghai. We offer science-based coaching to help individuals work towards their running and triathlon goals. Over the years, we have assisted hundreds individuals in achieving their athletic objectives.Our community values inclusivity, welcoming runners and triathletes of all proficiency levels. Whether you're looking to try out a new sport or improve your performance in a race, our experienced coaches and customized training methodologies are available to support your journey.
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