Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is embarking on an ambitious mid-to-long-term roadmap, backed by approximately 500 billion won (about $360 million USD) in investment, to transform itself into a `중심지` for sports in South Korea. Through a `전략` of "selection and concentration," the province aims to develop a differentiated global sports-specialized city, fostering an innovative sports ecosystem where professional and recreational sports thrive together, from nurturing youth talent to expanding state-of-the-art sports facilities.
Jeonbuk Province's Vision: Soaring to a Global Sports Hub
Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is investing approximately 500 billion won in a comprehensive transformation of its sports infrastructure, aiming to become a global sports stronghold. The vision, "Realizing a differentiated sports `산업` city through selection and concentration," underpins this effort. A key component is the development of `유소년 인재` and specialized training facilities for various sports. A prime example is the 'Youth Sports Complex', a 49 billion won national project scheduled for completion in 2028. This facility, spanning 11,000 square meters, will feature training grounds for major sports like gymnastics, handball, and volleyball, along with a 200-person dormitory, serving as a national training base to systematically develop young athletes nationwide.
Furthermore, Jeonbuk Province plans to progressively expand specialized training facilities for combat sports like judo, wrestling, and boxing, as well as regional strongholds such as fencing and shooting. This initiative aims to provide optimal training environments for elite athletes and stimulate the `지역 경제` by attracting domestic and international training camps. The province will also invest around 87.5 billion won to construct 13 public sports centers catering to seniors, children, and `장애인`. Additionally, landmark sports facilities like the Jeonju World Cup Sports Town (223 billion won) and Wanju Comprehensive Sports Town (99 billion won) will be developed to offer high-quality athletic spaces for residents.
The province is also accelerating the expansion of specialized facilities that leverage `지역 특색`. Enhancements include the Gochang Canoe Slalom venue, upgrades to the Gunsan Artificial Climbing Wall, and expansion of the Iksan Public Equestrian Center. These specialized facilities will improve training conditions for professional athletes and actively draw in national training teams, thereby revitalizing the local economy. Leveraging this advanced infrastructure, Jeonbuk plans to host a series of major `국제 대회`, such as the IFSC Sport Climbing competition in November 2026, the Ice Hockey Asia Championship in November 2026, and the Asia Weightlifting Championship in May 2027, solidifying its reputation as a global sports center.
Strengthening Taekwondo's Homeland Status: Establishing a Global Taekwondo Hub
As the birthplace of Taekwondo, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is focused on establishing a 'Global Taekwondo Sports `중심지`' centered around Muju Taekwondowon. This includes fostering `인재 양성`, building infrastructure, and attracting international competitions. A core driver for this initiative is the 'Global Taekwondo Talent Development Center' in Muju, a 45 billion won nationally funded project slated for completion in 2029. This center will be a world-class educational institution with professional training and ancillary facilities, serving as a central hub for promising Taekwondo practitioners and instructors worldwide to interact and grow.
In addition to expanding physical infrastructure, the `도정` is dedicated to establishing a 'Second Kukkiwon'. Following the relocation of the Asian Taekwondo Union in January, the establishment of a second Kukkiwon in Muju will complete the sanctification of Taekwondowon. This facility will manage key Kukkiwon functions such as dan/poom promotion tests, training programs, and demonstration team operations, cementing Muju's position as the `세계 중심` of Taekwondo. Leveraging this symbolic significance and infrastructure, Muju will host globally prestigious events in 2026, including the World Taekwondo Grand Prix, the World Para Taekwondo Grand Prix, and the World Para Taekwondo Championships, drawing international attention.
Through these efforts — talent development, institutional attraction, and international events — Jeonbuk Province anticipates revitalizing its `지역 경제`. Furthermore, the province expresses its aspiration to finalize Taekwondo's `문화적 정통성` in Jeonbuk by seeking its inscription as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This initiative is expected to elevate Jeonbuk into a 'sports tourism platform' that every Taekwondo practitioner worldwide must visit at least once, and a definitive global Taekwondo hub.
Enhancing Citizen Health and Building a Smart Sports Environment
Jeonbuk Province aims to establish a virtuous cycle that promotes `도민 건강` and vitalizes the regional economy by attracting a larger 'floating population' through sports. The goal is to create an environment where "everyone, everywhere can enjoy sports." This involves providing customized support across all life stages and constructing smart sports facilities. Approximately 9.1 billion won will be invested to expand the deployment of 237 `생활체육지도자`. Support will cover everything from early childhood sports activities and adult amateur leagues to providing sports class vouchers for underprivileged groups, ensuring all generations and demographics can participate in sports.
Crucially, the province is creating an inclusive sports environment free from blind spots by actively supporting participation in national competitions and hosting provincial events for sports for people with disabilities. Concurrently, efforts are focused on expanding smart sports infrastructure, including the deployment of '`가상현실` (VR) Sports Rooms' integrated with advanced `정보통신기술` (ICT) and the construction of 'Smart National Sports Centers' through public contests. This year, 450 million won will be allocated to install VR sports rooms in nine locations across four cities/counties (Namwon, Gimje, Wanju, Buan), allowing residents to safely enjoy physical activities indoors, free from external constraints like fine dust or extreme heat, thereby ensuring sports access for vulnerable populations.
Beyond simply providing facilities, Jeonbuk Province plans to strategically respond to public contests for building smart national sports centers equipped with smart courts, cutting-edge training equipment, VR/AR virtual experience spaces, and fitness measurement/analysis and healthcare devices. Through the expansion of this smart infrastructure, the province aims to eliminate sports blind spots, extend the `건강 수명` of its citizens, and realize 'inclusive sports welfare.' Furthermore, by linking accumulated sports data with related industries, Jeonbuk plans to position itself as a global sports industry hub where advanced technology and sports converge. Shin Won-sik, `문화체육관광국장`, emphasized the goal of transforming sports from mere welfare into a high value-added industry and establishing Jeonbuk as a 'Global Sports-Specialized City' through a smart athletic environment.
In summary, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is expected to build a comprehensive sports infrastructure catering to all demographics, from youth to elite athletes and general residents. Through the sanctification of Taekwondo and the hosting of `국제 대회`, it aims to inject new vitality into the regional economy. As sports evolve from a simple leisure activity into a core driver of `지역 성장`, the world watches with keen interest to see if Jeonbuk can truly establish itself as a 'Global Sports-Specialized City'.
