Yeosu City to Boost Local Economy Through Enhanced Sports Marketing

Last Year, About 78,000 Athletes Visited for Training Camps
Generated 7.5 Billion KRW Economic Impact Through Accommodation and Tourism

Yeosu City, South Jeolla Province (Mayor Jung Kimyung) announced on the 24th that it is working to revitalize the local economy by strengthening sports marketing, such as attracting various international competitions and training camps.

According to the city, Yeosu enjoys a mild oceanic climate with little snowfall in winter, and boasts abundant sports infrastructure and tourism resources. As a result, the number of sports teams visiting annually for training camps, stove leagues, and national competitions continues to increase.

Yeosu City is working to revitalize the local economy by strengthening sports marketing through attracting various international competitions and training camps. Photo by Yeosu City

In fact, last year, approximately 78,000 athletes visited Yeosu, generating an estimated economic impact of 7.5 billion KRW through accommodation, tourism, and specialty product sales. In particular, after the visit of the Hyundai Glovis rugby team, considered the strongest in Korea, word spread and inquiries from other sports teams surged, focusing attention on Yeosu as a premier training destination. The city's efforts to attract teams have played a significant role, including full support for public sports facility rental fees, provision of Yeosu’s signature local specialties and snacks, support for tourism and experience costs, and offering welcome and farewell banquets?various incentives tailored to the number of visitors and length of stay.

This year, the city aims to attract over 85,000 athletes through even more differentiated sports marketing initiatives, such as the "Rugby Team Training Camp Mecca Project."

This confidence is based on a series of scheduled sports events this year and next. Among these, the most notable is the "2025 KOVO Cup Pro Volleyball Tournament." Hosted by the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO), the KOVO Cup Pro Volleyball Tournament will feature 16 teams (14 V-League men’s and women’s teams, and 2 invited teams) competing in 30 matches over 16 days at Jinnam Gymnasium and other venues. As top-level professional volleyball players compete, the event is expected to be a special sports festival for both volleyball fans and local citizens.

For the city, which is preparing for the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, hosting this tournament is a major opportunity and achievement to strengthen its position as a sports city and to promote the Island Expo. The city plans to ensure a successful event by thoroughly preparing facilities, reviewing game operation systems, and arranging transportation and accommodation.

In 2026, when the Island Expo takes place, a world-class sports event is also scheduled. That is the "2026 Korea Open International Badminton Tournament," organized by Yeosu City and the Jeonnam Badminton Association. Next July, more than 450 badminton players from 30 countries are expected to compete fiercely at Jinnam Gymnasium and surrounding venues.

Mayor Jung Kimyung stated, "Through consecutive domestic and international sports events, we expect a triple benefit: revitalizing the local economy, promoting the Island Expo, and enhancing the city's image," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure Yeosu establishes itself as an international sports hub."

Meanwhile, the city plans to prove its hosting capabilities through the successful organization of various competitions and to challenge for even larger international sports events in the future.