Korean man builds 500-member running community in Vietnam

A Korean expatriate who began racing marathons in Vietnam three years ago has built a 500-member running community, with 200 members set to join VnExpress's Hanoi marathon in late November.

Ka Nung Hyun, 58, from Incheon, South Korea, has lived and worked in Vietnam for more than two decades. He ran his first marathon event in 2023, at age 55.

He now leads two running clubs with around 500 Korean members in Vietnam. About 200 will join the VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight 2026 on Nov. 29, mostly competing in the 21-kilometer and 42-kilometer distances.

"Our most important goal is for everyone on the team to finish safely, stay healthy, enjoy the race, and avoid injuries," he said.

A passion since childhood

Ka developed an interest in running in primary school and took up cross-country running in secondary school, finishing second in a national orienteering competition.

At university, he joined a mountaineering club, climbed twice a week and completed three half marathons by age 23.

After moving to Vietnam for work, he gradually set running aside. He returned to racing in 2023 and has since participated in more than 30 events across Vietnam, averaging about one a month.

500-member running community

Ka came up with the idea for Team Korea during a 2023 marathon, where he saw international runners gathering to support one another. He wanted to create a similar community for Koreans living in Vietnam.

Team Korea has since grown to around 500 members, and Ka now leads both Team Korea and ERC (ERKE Run Club Vietnam).

Most members live in Hanoi, while others are based elsewhere in Vietnam or travel from South Korea for races. They range from their 20s to their 60s and include both beginners and experienced marathoners from various professional backgrounds.

The clubs organize weekend long runs, pacing sessions for beginners and structured race training. Popular routes include West Lake, central Hanoi streets and lakeside parks.

Ahead of Hanoi Midnight, members train five or six times a week, covering 40-60 kilometers depending on fitness levels. Weekend long runs typically exceed 20 kilometers.

Personal records

October through December is peak marathon season in Vietnam, and Ka sometimes races in events scheduled just a week apart. Rather than pursuing a personal best every time, he prioritizes selected races for performance and uses others to pace teammates or enjoy the experience.

"I want more opportunities to meet and connect with my teammates and the Vietnamese running community. Not every race needs to be about achieving a personal record," he said.

He maintains a routine of sleeping at 11 p.m. and waking at 6 a.m. He stretches, takes easy recovery runs and replenishes his energy after races. When he detects fatigue or overtraining, he adjusts his goals instead of forcing himself to maintain a planned pace.

Different running habits in Vietnam and South Korea

After three years of running with Vietnamese athletes, Ka has noticed differences in their training habits.

"Because of the hot and humid weather, Vietnamese runners often train very early in the morning, creating a lively atmosphere. Korean runners tend to prefer evening runs and pay more attention to pacing and performance management," he said.

He believes Hanoi Midnight format lets runners avoid daytime heat while experiencing the city under its lights.

He advises participants to prepare for lingering humidity, start at a manageable pace, stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes. They should also watch for uneven road surfaces and reduced visibility.

For Ka, the most memorable moments of racing in Vietnam are not necessarily about results. He recalls wearing his Team Korea shirt and hearing strangers cheer from the sidelines.

Each shout of "Go Korea!" reminds him of the bond between the two running communities.

"Running can bring people together despite language differences, crossing national borders and allowing us to share genuine connections," he said.

Ka hopes the two clubs will continue to grow and collaborate with Vietnamese running groups on joint training sessions.