A runner jogs along the harborfront in Hong Kong. Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has rolled out a fresh campaign aimed at reintroducing Hong Kong as an outdoor destination where urban energy meets nature, collaborating with Korean YouTube channel “Together With Sean” to highlight running routes that connect the city’s skyscrapers, mountains and coastline.
In a new video posted on his channel on Feb. 2, singer and marathoner Sean — who leads the running group “Unknown Crew,” which is widely known in Korea for its roster of athletes and entertainers — takes viewers on routes that showcase Hong Kong’s natural and urban charms. The project comes as part of HKTB’s effort to capture the attention of Korea’s growing community of runners and revive travel demand that has dropped off since the pandemic.
In the past, Hong Kong was a favorite short-haul getaway for Korean tourists seeking luxury shopping, art districts and urban discovery. Before the pandemic, Korea consistently ranked among the top five sources of non-mainland visitors, helping push the city to a record 65.1 million visitors in 2018.
That momentum has yet to return. While overall arrivals recovered to roughly 45 million in 2024, visitors from Korea reached only 854,873 that year — more than double the previous year but still lagging behind 2019 levels and trailing the speed of recovery seen in other Asian routes popular with Koreans, such as Thailand and Japan.
In response, the latest campaign seeks to reposition Hong Kong not just as a shopping hub, but as a dynamic destination for outdoor experiences.
The featured video begins on the Dragon’s Back trail, a scenic hike on Hong Kong Island named for its serpentine shape. Easily reachable by public transport, the trail offers a gentle slope suitable for novice and experienced trail runners alike.
Visitors walk along Dragon’s Back, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic trails, in this provided photo. Courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board
The route overlooks Big Wave Bay, a coastal area just 15 minutes from the city center, where runners can shift from shaded forest paths to breezy seaside views — a contrast that highlights the city’s compact but diverse landscape.
For runners who prefer an urban backdrop, the campaign also spotlights flat harborfront routes through Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai. The Victoria Harbour promenade allows visitors to jog alongside Hong Kong’s illuminated skyline by night or watch the ferries slip across the bay by day.
Another key highlight of the campaign is the 2026 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, one of Asia’s most high-profile road races. Marking its 45th edition this year, the race on Jan. 18 drew roughly 74,000 runners from around the world to courses that wove through elevated highways, coastal roads and even underwater tunnels.
HKTB said it is providing curated outdoor itineraries on its official website, covering hiking, beach activities and island-hopping options for travelers with different activity levels.
