In March Next Year, World Curling Stars Gather in Uijeongbu, the 'Mecca of Ice'

Mayor Kim Dong-geun "We Will Present the Best Stage to Curling Fans Worldwide"
Uijeongbu City Fully Prepares for the 2025 LGT World Women's Curling Championship
From March 15 to 23 Next Year... Establishing Itself as a Mecca of Ice Sports

In March 2025, the stars of world curling will gather in Uijeongbu, South Korea. Uijeongbu City (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) announced on the 11th that it will host the '2025 LGT World Women's Curling Championship' at the Uijeongbu Indoor Ice Rink located in Nokyang-dong next March. We take a look at the city's efforts to accelerate preparations so that Uijeongbu can establish itself as the 'Mecca of Ice Sports.'

Kim Dong-geun, Mayor of Uijeongbu. Provided by Uijeongbu City

The 2025 LGT World Women's Curling Championship will be held over nine days from March 15 to 23 next year, with three matches played each day. It is the most prestigious tournament featuring 13 countries ranked from 1st to 13th in the world, and seven of the participating countries will be awarded qualification spots for the '2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics.'

Uijeongbu City's continuous investment and efforts in winter sports played a decisive role in securing this tournament. The city operates a speed skating corporate sports team composed of national team athletes and has established a curling arena, continuously upgrading its facilities. The city plans to successfully host this event to enhance the region's brand value and leap forward as an international ice sports city.

First, the city is creating an environment where world-class athletes can compete in the best condition in a comfortable setting. The Uijeongbu Indoor Ice Rink, which meets the standards of the World Curling Federation (WCF), is being regularly inspected and maintained, and two outdated dehumidifiers will be replaced. In September, the World Curling Federation (WCF) completed an on-site inspection of the arena.

2025 LGT World Women's Curling Championship Uijeongbu Hosting and Successful Event Agreement Ceremony. Provided by Uijeongbu City

In addition, in July, the city formed an organizing committee with the Korea Curling Federation, co-chaired by Mayor Kim Dong-geun and Korea Curling Federation President Han Sang-ho, and is holding bi-monthly working meetings. In November, three members from the organizing committee and the curling federation participated in an overseas observation program for an international tournament similar to this event?the European Curling Championships involving 10 European countries?to observe all preparation processes on-site.

Furthermore, to provide a comfortable and safe environment for domestic and international athletes, officials, and spectators visiting Uijeongbu, an administrative (event) support team including related organizations has been formed. The support team is thoroughly preparing in various areas such as promotion, city maintenance, security and traffic measures, fire prevention, and emergency rescue.

To create a tournament that more citizens can participate in and enjoy, cooperation with local residents is also being strengthened. Volunteers are assigned across various fields to provide the best service and convenience to athletes and spectators. Along with this, cultural tourism programs such as forest tours, city tours, and day trips will be linked and offered to provide domestic and international visitors with a special experience in Uijeongbu. The city expects that by involving local residents in the event and cooperation, community spirit will be strengthened, and as athletes and tourists from around the world gather, various cultural exchange effects will also occur.

2024 KB Financial Korean Curling Championship. Provided by Uijeongbu City

In particular, for the convenience of domestic and international teams and fans, the city has actively collaborated with local accommodations and secured all rooms at the Island Castle Hotel, located 15 minutes from the arena. Shuttle buses will be provided between the hotel and the arena to allow athletes to fully demonstrate their skills, and shuttle buses will also operate from Nokyang Station to the arena for spectators.

Prior to the tournament, a practical test of the arena’s pre-event facility maintenance was completed. In November, a test event?the President’s Cup National Curling Championship?was successfully held at the Uijeongbu Indoor Ice Rink under climate conditions similar to the tournament period, and a comprehensive inspection of ice quality and facilities was completed.

Uijeongbu City expects that this tournament, involving 13 countries worldwide, will contribute not only as a sports event but also to the local economy and cultural dissemination and exchange.

Indoor curling rink. Provided by Uijeongbu City

First, interest in curling is expected to increase centered on Uijeongbu, leading the city to grow as a specialized local government for the curling sport. With six elementary, middle, and high school curling teams in the city, it is anticipated that youth and the general public will be attracted, activating participation in curling sports and expanding its base, making curling a part of everyday sports life.

Also, during the approximately 10-day period including the competition, the visits of domestic and international spectators, athletes, officials, and fans are expected to increase economic benefits for various local businesses such as accommodations, restaurants, transportation, and tourism. Moreover, direct and indirect jobs (facility management, event operation, volunteering, etc.) will be created during the preparation and operation of the tournament, and revenue is expected from corporate sponsorships related to the event.

Panoramic view of Uijeongbu Indoor Ice Rink. Provided by Uijeongbu City

Furthermore, by successfully hosting an international tournament, Uijeongbu is expected to significantly raise its status by promoting itself as a 'global sports city.'

Mayor Kim Dong-geun said, "The passionate competition between South Korea and the world’s curling powerhouses will soon begin in Uijeongbu," and added, "We will prepare thoroughly during the remaining period to present the best stage to curling fans worldwide. We hope to share the excitement of curling with people from around the world here in Uijeongbu."