The IRONMAN Gurye triathlon, set in South Korea’s picturesque Seomjin River Valley, offers a challenging yet visually stunning course. Surrounded by the gentle slopes of the valley, participants traverse through idyllic rice paddies and enjoy the majestic sights of Jirisan Mountain, South Korea’s tallest peak.
The triathlon kicks off with a swim in the serene Jirisan Lake Gurye, cradled in the mountain’s foothills. Athletes swim alongside the calm waters of the Seomjingang River and past tranquil rice fields, enjoying the warm and placid conditions.
Cyclists embark on a three-loop journey around the Seomjin River Valley and its adjacent rural landscapes. Peaking at a modest altitude of 2,332 feet (710 meters), the bike course blends stretches of open roads with quaint country lanes, all under the watchful gaze of Jirisan Mountain and the meandering Seomjin River.
The running segment is a four-loop course, threading through Gurye’s urban settings and the scenic Jayeon-dream Park resort. This part of the race is notably flat, save for a minor ascent near the finish line. Athletes are buoyed by the enthusiastic support of onlookers lining the route, cheering them on to the end of this remarkable athletic journey.
In September, Gurye, Korea, typically experiences warm and rainy weather conditions. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 27°C (approximately 76°F), while night time temperatures can cool down to about 16°C (60°F). This month marks the beginning of fall in South Korea, characterized by cooler temperatures and a gradual end to the rainy season. On average, Gurye in September receives heavy rainfall, with an average of around 167 mm over the month, and about 10 days of rainfall expected.
The average water temperature in Jirisan Lake in Gurye in September is 19.7°C (67°F).
