UCON Daegu: The Crew That Believes 'U Can Change Our Next'
In 2016, a new chapter of a powerful running movement was born in the city of Daegu. UCON Daegu was started by its founder, Jonghoon, who was so impressed by the activities and identity of the original UCON Headquarters that he was inspired to build another crew with the same values in his home city. Since then, UCON Daegu has become more than just a running group; they are a civil society movement focused on doing good things in their community and beyond.
A Philosophy to Change Our Next
The philosophy of UCON Daegu is a powerful call to action. Their name, UCON, stands for "U Can Change Our Next," and their motto is to do "good things beyond Seoul and all over Korea." They are a movement that believes the connections forged between runners can create significant positive change. Their mission is to create a culture of "running together, volunteering, and donating" (함께 달리고 봉사하고 기부하는 문화를 만들고 있습니다), turning every run into an opportunity to build a better future.
The community of UCON Daegu is a testament to their philosophy of giving back. At the heart of their community is an incredible commitment to charity: every member donates money monthly, which is collected to support children. This structured and consistent act of giving makes them not just a running group that donates, but a true "donation activity-club" where social responsibility is woven into the very fabric of their identity.
Nomadic Runs Through Daegu
The culture of UCON Daegu is nomadic and exploratory. They believe that any location in their city could be their headquarters, and they often run in iconic local spots like the paths along the Sincheon stream and within the vast Duryu Park. Their weekly runs are the anchor of their community, bringing their members together to share miles, strengthen their bonds, and work towards their collective mission.
An Invitation to Make a Difference
UCON Daegu extends a warm invitation to any runner in the city who is inspired by their mission to run, volunteer, and donate. They operate with a formal sign-up link available on their social media channels, making it easy for new members to join their movement and be part of a dynamic community, one run at a time.
The South Korean Running Scene
UCON Daegu is a key chapter in the national UCON movement, one of South Korea's most influential running organizations. The country has a world-class running scene, particularly in its major cities. In the capital city of Seoul, a massive and diverse ecosystem of crews thrives, including the app-driven CREWGHOST and the pioneering Wausan30. The presence of a strong UCON chapter in Daegu shows the depth and passion of the running culture all across the country.
The city of Daegu is the fourth-largest city in South Korea and a vibrant hub of culture and history. It is known for its hot, humid summers, which have earned it the nickname "Daefrika" and forged a community of resilient runners. The city offers a fantastic running environment, from the beautiful paths along the Sincheon stream that winds through the city to the large Duryu Park, which features a tower with panoramic views. The premier racing event is the Daegu International Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label race that attracts an elite international field every spring.
