Jinju City Signs Agreement for Joint Promotion of the '2026 Asian Esports Games'

Becoming a Global Esports Hub
Through Cultural Exchange

Jinju City, South Gyeongsang Province, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the joint promotion of the '2026 Asian Esports Games' in the 14th-floor conference room of the Gyeongnam Esports Sangseol Stadium (Gyeongsang National University Chilam Campus).

The signing ceremony, held on October 15, was attended by Mayor Jo Kyu-il, Park Myung-gyun, Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs of South Gyeongsang Province, Kim Young-man, President of the Korea Esports Association, and other officials. This agreement was established to ensure the successful hosting of the '2026 Asian Esports Games,' which is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and co-hosted by the Korea Esports Association, South Gyeongsang Province, and Jinju City.

Jinju City, Group Photo of the Joint Promotion Agreement for the 2026 Asian Esports Games

The '2026 Asian Esports Games' is scheduled to be held at Jinju Indoor Gymnasium in Chojon-dong, Jinju City, South Gyeongsang Province. During the event, a variety of side events will be organized, including experience booths, pop-up stores, and cultural performances, so that all citizens can participate and enjoy together.

In addition, Jinju City plans to operate cultural exchange programs utilizing the region's traditional cultural assets for international athletes and officials, aiming to widely promote Jinju's culture and arts to countries across Asia. Through these efforts, the city intends to establish itself as a global hub for esports.

Mayor Jo Kyu-il stated, "It is very meaningful to host an international esports tournament in Jinju. Based on our successful experiences with the 2023 Jinju Asian Weightlifting Championships and the 2025 Korea Invitational Jinju International Women's Volleyball Tournament, we will prepare thoroughly for this event as well, doing our utmost to contribute to the development of the esports industry and revitalization of the local economy."

Meanwhile, after being selected as the preferred negotiating institution for the '2026 Asian Esports Games' in September, Jinju City held working-level discussions with the Korea Esports Association and South Gyeongsang Province, leading to the signing of this agreement and the official start of preparations for the tournament.