Sports Festival Fuels Urban Growth... Mungyeong to Reshape the "Gyeongbuk Sports Scene" in 2028

From Hosting the Provincial Sports Festival
to Linked Events and Stay-Type Tourism
A Starting Point for a Virtuous Cycle in the Local Economy

Mungyeong City has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 66th Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Festival in 2028.

This marks the first time in 14 years that the city has secured the event. With this decision, Mungyeong will actively implement a "sports-driven growth strategy" that goes beyond simply attracting the festival, aiming to boost both tourism and the local economy.

Mungyeong City Confirmed as Host for the 66th Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Festival in 2028

The Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Festival is the largest comprehensive sports event in North Gyeongsang Province, attracting tens of thousands of participants, including athletes, officials, and spectators from 22 cities and counties within the province.

Mungyeong City was selected as the host thanks to its accumulated operational expertise from successfully hosting international, national, and provincial-level competitions, robust sports infrastructure including a comprehensive stadium, and strong citizen engagement. The city's stable event management experience and on-site response capabilities were highly praised.

The potential ripple effects are particularly noteworthy. Mungyeong plans to leverage the Provincial Sports Festival as a centerpiece, hosting major related events such as the Gyeongbuk Sports Festival for the Disabled, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Living Sports Festival, and the Gyeongbuk Senior Living Sports Festival in conjunction.

As a result, a large influx of visitors is expected during the festival period, which is anticipated to revitalize the local economy through increased demand for accommodation, dining, and tourism. In addition, the city expects long-term benefits such as expanded sports facilities and enhanced urban brand value. The goal is to maximize the lasting impact on the region by transforming the event from a one-time occurrence into a "stay-type sports festival."

The city will immediately begin early preparations. Alongside forming an organizing committee, it will establish comprehensive measures covering stadium maintenance, transportation, accommodation, safety, and medical services. Mungyeong also plans to combine cultural events and tourism programs that citizens and visitors can enjoy together, aiming to create a "festival of unity for provincial residents, blending sports and culture" with a high level of completeness.

Shin Hyun-guk, Mayor of Mungyeong, stated, "Securing the event again after 14 years is the result of the efforts and resilience of all our citizens. Through a successful festival that unites the people of the province, we will firmly establish Mungyeong's capabilities and appeal nationwide, and create a new growth engine for our city."