Hyundai's 'Forest Run 2026' aims to plant trees for a greener planet

Hyundai Motor is inviting the public to join its "Forest Run 2026," an eco-friendly running event scheduled for September 12. The race, which starts and finishes at Yeouido Park in Seoul and includes a 10km loop over the Seogang Bridge, aims to promote environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

This initiative, previously known as "Longest Run," was rebranded as "Forest Run" last year to more clearly convey its mission of planting trees. Since its inception in 2016, the event has seen participation from approximately 250,000 citizens, collectively covering 7.47 million kilometers and resulting in the planting of over 30,850 trees.

Marking its 11th year, the 2026 Forest Run is partnering with the UN World Food Programme (WFP). The collaboration focuses on the "Half-Moon Project," which aims to aid soil regeneration in the Sahel region of West Africa. Hyundai Motor plans to significantly increase the number of trees planted this year, with a goal of planting 100,000 saplings in Niger, an area experiencing rapid desertification.

Registration for the event opens on July 23 through Hyundai's official shopping platform, Hyundai Shop. The participation fee is 50,000 won, and registration is limited to the first 6,500 participants. Hyundai Motor expressed its hope that the event will encourage citizens to actively engage in environmental stewardship and climate change action.

In addition to the Forest Run, Hyundai Motor is also advancing its "IONIQ Forest" project under its global social contribution brand, Hyundai Continue. This initiative focuses on carbon reduction and biodiversity protection, with planting projects already completed in various locations across the Americas and Asia. Last year, funds raised were used to plant 5,000 lily trees in Uljin, South Korea, an area affected by wildfires.

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We hope that citizens will feel the reward of nurturing nature with their own two feet and that it will serve as an opportunity to actively respond to climate change.