2026 Seven Bridges Tour, Slated for September 20, Leads Global Sports Tourism
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□ The 2026 Seven Bridges Tour: Riding in Busan, a cycling festival celebrating the city’s marine bridges, will be held throughout Busan on September 20, 2026.
○ The Seven Bridges Tour is the country’s only large-scale, non-competitive cycling event that forms a circuit that incorporates four marine bridges, two underground roadways, and a tunnel. It aims to build the city’s brand as a sports and tourism destination.
○ Approximately 4,000 registrants from Korea and abroad will make their way along Busan’s coastline and through its streets.
□ This year’s edition comprises the cycling tour and a range of engaging programs to enjoy together. The cycling tour features a single 77-kilometer ‘Chilchil Course,’ designed to showcase the panoramic views of Busan’s marine bridges.
○ After gathering at BEXCO, participants head to Gwangandaegyo Bridge and pass through Sinseondae Underground Roadway, Busanhangdaegyo Bridge, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, Cheonma Tunnel, and Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge. They then turn around in Gonghang-ro before returning to BEXCO. In particular, the route encompasses the Busanhangdaegyo Bridge spiral ramp, known for its breathtaking height, which promises a thrilling experience.
○ A timed segment and refreshment stations add excitement and ample chances for rest. Finishers can look forward to a finish line music performance, medal engraving, a photo zone for checking their record, and a selection of local foods.
○ Inaugurated last year, the Seven Bridges Tour received considerable attention worldwide for its distinctive course traversing Busan’s marine bridges by bicycle, including CNN coverage in the United States, and has successfully established itself as one of Busan’s signature cycling attractions.
□ The 2026 Seven Bridges Tour seeks to increase its international reach by recruiting entrants from overseas, while inviting residents to take part in family-friendly activities.
○ After the cyclists set off, up to 1,000 people who sign up in advance for ‘Good Morning Bridge Walking’ can stroll across the upper deck of Gwangandaegyo Bridge above the sea.
○ At Yongho Starlight Park, the Seven Bridges Festival delivers an immersive wellness session that balances exercise, recovery, and relaxation.
□ The city is making thorough safety preparations as it strives to develop the Seven Bridges Tour into a globally recognized sports tourism offering.
□ On-site emergency response has been strengthened, with an emphasis on critical risk areas.
○ The upper deck of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, the refreshment station at Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge, the Busanhangdaegyo Bridge spiral ramp, and narrow roads in Yeongdo have been designated as key points. CCTVs also facilitate real-time monitoring.
○ Over 1,000 security staff and 40 healthcare personnel are deployed across the route in cooperation with police and fire services. Additional resources consist of 15 ambulances, two medical booths, and a partner hospital. Notably, ambulances and 40 professionals are on standby at the Busanhangdaegyo Bridge spiral ramp, a signature section of the tour.
□ The city has also arranged measures to minimize traffic-related disruption.
○ On the day of the event, the entire route is subject to full or partial road closures. Restrictions are lifted gradually following meticulous inspections as the cycling groups proceed. Publicity and on-site guidance are implemented to reduce inconvenience to freight and commercial vehicle operators, as well as public transit passengers.
○ For further details, please see the website (busan7bridges.com) or Instagram (@busan7bridges).
□ Mayor Chun Jae-soo said, “The Seven Bridges Tour is more than a sporting event; it is a source of pride for Busan’s sports tourism. We will do our utmost to grow the Seven Bridges Tour into a world-renowned festival that boasts the charm of Busan as a maritime city.”
