The Mayor’s ‘Plea’, the City’s ‘Whip’... What’s Happening in Ulsan Ahead of the Sports Festival?

May Nationwide Youth and Disabled Students Sports Festival Approaching

Accommodation Shortage and Rising Prices, Ulsan Mayor Sends 'Letter'

Facing nationwide events, Ulsan City has encountered an unexpected challenge. The lively atmosphere is overshadowed by unforeseen 'concerns' regarding reservations and accommodation fees. Ulsan City and the Mayor of Ulsan have launched a 'two-track' approach to address the issue.

First, Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom of Ulsan wrote a letter to local lodging businesses. The content of the letter is close to a plea, asking for help with the nationwide events to be held in Ulsan this May.

Ulsan City announced on the 28th that it sent a 'Cooperation Letter for Welcoming Guests to Lodging Businesses' under the name of Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom in preparation for the 52nd National Youth Sports Festival and the 17th National Sports Festival for Students with Disabilities, both scheduled to be held in May.

Letter from Kim Doo-kyum, Mayor of Ulsan.

This letter requests the cooperation of business owners in anticipation of lodging complaints such as high accommodation fees and refusal of advance reservations related to the two sports events.

In the letter, Mayor Kim expressed concern, saying, "More than 20,000 athletes, including elementary, middle, and high school student players, will visit Ulsan in May," and "I have heard that it is difficult to make reservations at lodging facilities recently and that prices have risen too much, which worries me."

Mayor Kim appealed, "Since these young athletes carry the future of Korean sports, I kindly ask for warm cooperation so that they can stay in a safer and more comfortable environment."

He also hoped, "Let us use this opportunity to promote Ulsan as a tourist city so that these young athletes will have good memories of Ulsan and return as adults."

On the other hand, Ulsan City has taken a 'firm' stance to solve the problem. Regarding the two major sports events, Ulsan City is operating reporting centers by district and county to respond to lodging complaints. In April, administrative guidance and inspections will be conducted targeting lodging businesses to curb price increases and prevent refusal of advance reservations.