Jangheung Sports Talent Development Institute Opens... Launching as a Hub for Professional Sports Education

Kim Sung: "A New Center for Korean Sports for the Next 100 Years"

The Korea Sports Talent Development Institute held its opening ceremony in Jangheung, Jeollanam-do, officially commencing operations to foster sports talent. As a comprehensive training institution responsible for the education of athletes and coaches at the national level, the institute is expected to become a key hub for nurturing professional sports personnel in the future.

Officials attending the opening ceremony of the Korea Sports Talent Development Institute are taking a commemorative photo at the lighting ceremony held on the 11th in Jangheung County, Jeollanam-do. Provided by Jangheung County

According to Jangheung-gun on December 12, the Korea Sports Talent Development Institute held its opening ceremony the previous day in Jicheon-ri, Busan-myeon, Jangheung-gun. The event was attended by more than 200 sports officials, including Yoo Seungmin, President of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, and Kim Sung, Mayor of Jangheung-gun, who celebrated the opening.

The ceremony included a lighting event, a dedication ceremony, and an announcement of educational plans by the President of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. Attendees toured the institute's facilities and educational content, sharing the direction for its operations on site.

The institute was established as an educational and training center to systematically nurture talent who will lead the entire sports sector, including athletes, coaches, sports experts, and officials in community sports. A total project cost of 47.1 billion won was invested, and the facility was completed after three years of construction that began in 2022.

The four-story institute, with a total floor area of 11,159 square meters, is equipped with an education building, accommodation facilities, and a multipurpose gymnasium, and can accommodate up to 200 trainees at once. It is currently in a pilot operation phase, but from 2026, the institute plans to fully implement comprehensive sports talent development programs, including ongoing leadership training and the cultivation of professional sports administrators.

Kim Sung, Mayor of Jangheung-gun, stated, "The Korea Sports Talent Development Institute will become the center for opening the next 100 years of Korean sports," adding, "Jangheung-gun will also serve as a strong partner in setting new milestones together."