Muan County Drives Local Economy by Advancing as a 'Sports City'

Economic Ripple Effect from Hosting Sports Competitions and Off-Season Training
Expanding Sports Infrastructure for Enjoyment Anytime, Anywhere

Muan County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Kim San) is accelerating its efforts to become a 'sports-centered city' by strategically fostering the sports industry to inject new vitality into the local economy.

This year, the county is investing 15.3 billion KRW in sports, a 14% increase from last year, to host national and provincial-level competitions, attract off-season training teams, build sports infrastructure, and promote community sports. The aim is to improve the quality of life for residents through sports while simultaneously revitalizing the local economy by increasing the number of outside visitors.

Muan boasts a relatively mild climate even in winter, and with its well-developed transportation network?including Muan International Airport, expressways, and the soon-to-be-completed KTX?it offers optimal conditions for the growth of the sports industry.

Based on these geographical and environmental advantages, the county plans to establish and modernize sports facilities, strengthen its competitiveness in the sports industry, and take a full-fledged leap toward becoming a sports city.

Governor Kim San stated, "The sports industry is not just about athletics; it is a key driver that leads both the economy and culture of the region. We will continue to expand sports infrastructure and attract various competitions to firmly establish Muan as a true sports-centered city."

The youth Taekwondo team visited Muan County last year for winter training. Photo by Muan County

◆ Attracting Large-Scale National Competitions

Last year, Muan County successfully hosted 17 national and provincial-level sports competitions, including the 2nd Muan Hwangtogol Cup National Youth Baseball Tournament, attracting a total of about 12,000 visitors.

Additionally, through off-season training involving 262 teams and over 31,000 participants, the county generated more than 3 billion KRW in direct consumption, providing an economic boost to the local economy during the off-season.

In recognition of these efforts and achievements, Muan was selected as an 'Excellent City/County' in the Jeollanam-do Off-Season Training Attraction Performance Evaluation for the 2023-2024 season.

This year, the county plans to focus its sports marketing efforts on hosting 13 national and provincial-level competitions and attracting off-season training teams, aiming to draw over 50,000 visitors and generate more than 4.8 billion KRW in economic benefits.

The 21st Autumn National Corporate Kendo Championship was held at Muan Sports Park. Provided by Muan County

In particular, the 'Muan County Workplace Kendo Team,' which has become a leading professional kendo team in Korea since its establishment in 2002 with numerous national championship victories, will be actively utilized to attract various competitions and off-season training events.

Once the construction of the 20.8 billion KRW Muan Sports Park Multipurpose Gymnasium, which includes a dedicated kendo stadium, is completed in the first half of this year, the county expects to further accelerate the attraction of national kendo competitions and off-season training teams.

Muan County has launched a project to expand sports facilities in Naman New Town to meet the growing demand for recreational sports. The photo shows a bird's-eye view of the sports facilities in Naman New Town. Provided by Muan County.

◆ Expanding Sports Infrastructure

Muan County is significantly expanding its regional sports infrastructure to meet the growing demand for community sports, transforming itself into a city where all residents can enjoy healthy and active lifestyles through sports.

In Namak New Town, a 33.7 billion KRW sports facility reflecting residents' demand for a comprehensive sports leisure space is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026. The facility will include a swimming pool, an indoor surfing center, and various exercise spaces, contributing to the expansion of community sports.

The county is also steadily building a foundation to increase senior citizens' participation in sports and to promote their physical and mental health. The former youth center within Muan Sports Park is being remodeled into a 4.1 billion KRW senior-friendly national sports center, which will feature a screen park golf course, an exercise prescription room, and a table tennis hall.

Additionally, to meet the rising demand for park golf, which is highly popular among seniors, the 3 billion KRW 'Mongtan Neureoji Park Golf Course' is being constructed. With beautiful views of the Yeongsangang River, it is expected to become a new local attraction.

Furthermore, a 16.5 billion KRW 'Bandabi Sports Center' accessible to people with disabilities and a 9.5 billion KRW 'Complex Sports Town' are also planned. Basic plans are currently being developed based on site analysis to create a space where people with and without disabilities can enjoy sports together. Universal sports welfare for all is expected to be realized.

Last year’s nationwide walking and marathon event at the Muan Coastal Sunset Road. Provided by Muan County

◆ Creating a Healthy Sports City

Muan County is actively promoting community sports by operating various programs that enable all residents to easily participate in sports activities in their daily lives.

Professional instructors are assigned to seven sports?soccer, badminton, table tennis, fitness gymnastics, swimming, gateball, and handball?to run community-based sports programs, thereby improving residents' health and supporting their enjoyment of active leisure in daily life.

In addition, through various customized programs such as community fitness programs and health promotion sports classes, the county helps residents naturally develop exercise habits in their daily lives, contributing to healthy living and a vibrant local community atmosphere.

Sports competitions are also actively held to boost morale among local sports enthusiasts and provide opportunities for intergenerational communication. Every November, the 'Muan County Community Sports Festival,' which features 25 sports and attracts about 3,000 participants, strengthens the unity among sportspeople. The 'Hwangtogol Cup Sports Competitions,' held in 18 sports including taekwondo, volleyball, and golf, foster friendly competition and expand the foundation for sports participation.

Governor Kim San stated, "We will continue to develop and promote a variety of community sports programs tailored to local characteristics and demand, accelerating the realization of a 'sports healthy city' where all residents can enjoy sports activities anytime, anywhere."