Cheongsong's Breeze, Smashing Toward the Future

Sweat and Dedication in 'Slow City' Cheongsong
Nature Nurtures the Golden National Representatives of the Future

The sound of rackets echoes along the autumn-colored mountains of Cheongsong, North Gyeongsang Province. As shuttlecocks fly up and down, cutting through the quiet city's air, they carry the passionate determination of the youth national team for the 'future of South Korean badminton.'

Sixty-four members of the South Korean youth national team are taking a commemorative photo after finishing training at the Cheongsong Indoor Gymnasium. Photo by Kwon Byung-gun

The South Korean youth badminton national team is currently undergoing intensive training camp in 'Slow City' Cheongsong, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation. In this pristine environment that harmonizes with nature, the athletes are simultaneously honing their skills and mental strength, sweating as they pursue their dreams of becoming national representatives.

◆ 'Golden Smashes of the Future' Crafted Through Sweat and Dedication

The Cheongsong National Sports Center gymnasium, visited by Asia Economy reporters, was filled with energy. Shuttlecocks sliced across the court, athletes called out in unison, and the coaching staff's voices-"One more! To the end!"-resonated throughout the space.

The training goes beyond simple physical conditioning. Instant focus, patience, and teamwork are intertwined to forge the 'dignity of national representatives.' The athletes' faces shine with determination, even as they endure a grueling schedule that starts with physical training at 6 a.m., followed by technical drills in the morning and afternoon, and video analysis and recovery programs in the evening.

◆ "Cheongsong's Clear Air and Green Forests Are the Best Training Partners"

Head coach Lee Jaeho said, "Cheongsong is at a high altitude and has clean air, which is excellent for improving physical fitness. Its pristine nature enhances both concentration and recovery."

He added, "The goal of this training camp is not simply to win medals, but to cultivate mental resilience and the dignity befitting national representatives."

◆ "What I Learned in Cheongsong Is the Spirit of Never Giving Up"

A male youth national team member shared, "At first, early morning training was tough, but now I enjoy it because I am with my teammates. I can feel myself growing stronger with every drop of sweat shed in Cheongsong."

A female athlete also expressed her ambition, saying, "The clean air helps me concentrate. Someday, I want to win a medal at a world competition and make the name 'Cheongsong' known around the globe."

On one wall of the training center, motivational phrases like "Those who endure to the end win" and "Teamwork shapes who I am" were posted in abundance. These words embody the beliefs that help the athletes persevere each day.

◆ Cheongsong: A Sports City Growing Together with the Community

The county is using this training camp as an opportunity to prepare for its leap as a 'sports healing city.'

A county official said, "With the youth national team staying here, there has been an increase in demand for accommodation, restaurants, and local agricultural products, invigorating the local economy. We will actively attract nationwide sports competitions and training camps to further develop Cheongsong as a sports-centered city."

In fact, Cheongsong has recently hosted national sports preliminaries and youth sports camps in succession, building a new brand as a 'city where nature and sports coexist.' Local residents also welcomed the athletes, saying, "It's great to see young athletes bringing energy to our village."

South Korea's Youth Badminton National Team Sweats It Out in 'Slow City Cheongsong'... Future Golden National Representatives Nurtured by Nature. Photo by Kwon Byunggeon

◆ "Today's Cheongsong Nurtures Tomorrow's National Representatives"

An official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated, "This youth national team training camp is not just about technical skills but is a long-term investment in fostering future national representatives. Cheongsong's environment is optimized for the athletes' growth. We plan to expand decentralized training utilizing local cities in the future."

The Korea Badminton Association plans to accumulate individual technical data from this training camp and incorporate it into future national team management and strategies for international competitions.

After completing this training camp, the athletes will compete for gold at the Asian Junior Championships (U17·U15) to be held in Chengdu, China, from October 17 to 27, 2025.

Amid the tranquility of Cheongsong's mountains and breezes, the smashes of the youth national team resounded with even greater weight. On the sweat they shed, values beyond mere victory-pride in being the 'future national representatives'-were taking root.

The youth national team continues their smash training on the court of the Cheongsong National Sports Center. Their focused gazes reveal determination, and the shuttlecocks soar high, slicing through the air.