UCON : Namsan Park
Short for “U Can Change Our Next,” UCON began as a university running club in April 2014. The meaning behind the name is: “We can change for our next generation and give them hope,” and to do so, UCON engages in various volunteer and donation activities. For every kilometer run, 400 won is donated each month to SOS Children’s Village Korea (with locations in Seoul and Daegu). Last December, the members of UCON also went to Guryong Village and Sillim-dong to donate and deliver briquettes. They plan to begin donations to young track and field athletes soon. If you love to run and do volunteer work, look out for their membership application period (open twice a year) on their Instagram account (@uconhq). About 300 members, mostly in their 20s to 40s, are currently active. Some believe that only the wealthy do volunteer work, but UCON is proof that when ordinary individuals join forces, the result is
larger than all of us.
UCON’s first run took place at Namsan Park. For them it’s a special spot where they’ve met various inspirational runners, ranging from senior citizens to the blind. Compared to other running spots, Namsan is not an easy course and it may seem daunting to beginners. But if you swallow your fears and give it two or three gos, you’ll learn to appreciate Namsan’s curves and hills. For experienced runners, Namsan is the perfect place to train. Another plus is that you’ll meet plenty of other runners and get a great view of Seoul.
Bukcheuk Sunhwan-ro entrance, 231, Samildaero, Jung-gu (parks.seoul.go.kr/namsan, 02-3783-5900).
