# Urban Runner Hubs Seoul's Runner's Bases Add Value to Unused Subway Spaces By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2025-11-14 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/runners-bases References: [koreaherald](https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10598934)  It's estimated that there are now about 10 million runners in South Korea and to better accommodate them, the [Seoul Metropolitan Government](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/design-seoul-20) is transforming unused subway station spaces into Runner's Bases. At three subway stations—Gwanghwamun Station on Line No. 5, Hoehyeon Station on Line No. 4 and World Cup Stadium Station on Line No. 6—runners will encounter fitness-friendly spaces equipped with [changing rooms and personal lockers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puma-nitro-lab). With runners in mind, there are also vending machines stocked with supportive items like pain relief patches, socks, wet wipes, and knee support bands. As stated in a press release issued by the city, "The project’s goal is to promote [urban running culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exhibition-place-resolution-run) and provide commuters and citizens with accessible wellness spaces." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 56% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Urban Wellness Integration:** The integration of wellness spaces within urban infrastructure redefines city living by turning overlooked areas into health-focused havens. - **Fitness-friendly Infrastructure:** Transforming existing public spaces into fitness-oriented hubs presents a versatile approach to support active lifestyles for city dwellers. - **Micro-service Convenience:** Runner-specific vending machines in public areas introduce a new era of convenience retailing tailored to niche customer needs. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Urban Development:** Revamping underutilized urban areas into specialized activity zones can stimulate better use of public spaces and enhance community engagement. - **Fitness Equipment Retail:** The demand for fitness-supportive items in communal spaces creates potential for growth in targeted fitness merchandise. - **Public Transportation Services:** Integrating lifestyle services within public transit networks may lead to increased ridership and improved traveler experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cheeky Adult Wipe Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goodwipes-launched.md) - [Rural Running Vacations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbnb-and-strava.md) - [Robotic Brace Walking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-project-amplify.md) - [Crossover Training Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brooks-ghost-trail.md) - [Running Lifestyle Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/run-city.md) - [Performance-Driven Energy Gels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energy-gel1.md) - [Fitness Instructor-Inspired Sports Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/effortlessly-cool.md) - [Performance Trail Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xbionic-terraskin-x01.md) - [Exclusive Alien Character Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brooks-running-x-rundisney.md)