Chungcheong Region Successfully Secures Hosting of the 2027 Summer Universiade

Fourth Domestic Hosting in History

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The Chungcheong region has succeeded in securing the hosting rights for the 2027 Summer Universiade (World University Games).

The International University Sports Federation (FISU) announced on the 12th (local time) at the Executive Committee General Assembly held at the Steigenberger Wiltcher's Hotel in Brussels, Belgium, that the four cities and provinces of the Chungcheong region (Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, Chungbuk) have been confirmed as the host for the 2027 Universiade.

The Chungcheong region was selected as the host after winning the on-site vote by FISU executive members, beating the competing U.S. state of North Carolina.

Prior to the vote, in the final presentation, the Chungcheong region highlighted its strength in being supported by stable financial backing from the central and local governments of Korea, unlike North Carolina, which was based on sponsorship. They also emphasized hosting an "open games" by providing partial participation cost benefits to athletes from developing countries and supporting safe and smooth entry and exit for all participating countries.

At the FISU General Assembly, the Korean joint delegation gathered, including Cho Yong-man, 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Lee Jang-woo, Mayor of Daejeon, Choi Min-ho, Mayor of Sejong, Kim Tae-heum, Governor of Chungnam, and Kim Young-hwan, Governor of Chungbuk.

With this successful bid, Korea will host the Universiade for the fourth time, following the 1997 Muju Winter, 2003 Daegu Summer, and 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiades.

The Chungcheong region expects that the four cities and provinces co-hosting will share costs and evenly enjoy the effects of regional economic revitalization. The total direct and indirect economic ripple effect is estimated at 2.7 trillion won.

Furthermore, the Chungcheong region anticipates that the sports festival for university students worldwide will enhance the image of "Young Chungcheong" and improve sports infrastructure.

Held every two years, the Universiade is the largest sports festival for university students worldwide and is considered one of the two major international multi-sport events alongside the Olympics. The 2027 event in August is expected to feature about 10,000 athletes from 150 countries competing in 18 sports.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.