The 72nd Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival Opens in Gwangju... Record Crowd of 13,000 Attends

The 72nd Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival 2026 Gwangju, the largest sports celebration in Gyeonggi Province, kicked off in grand fashion on the 16th at Gwangju City's G-Stadium, marking the start of a three-day journey.

This year’s festival received explosive attention from citizens even before it began. According to Gwangju City, there were 10,500 citizens who pre-registered, and on the day of the opening ceremony, a record crowd of around 13,000 spectators gathered at the venue, setting a new record for the highest-ever attendance at an opening ceremony in the history of the Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival.

The opening ceremony, held under the theme "Dynamic Leap of Gyeonggi Province, in Gwangju," featured a vibrant program combining the energetic spirit of Gwangju City with Gyeonggi Province’s vision for the future. Athletes from each of the 31 cities and counties entered the venue, showcasing their unique regional characteristics and receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The excitement was further amplified by a theme performance that blended spectacular information and communications technology (ICT)-based production with the arts, followed by celebratory performances from some of Korea’s top pop singers. The highlight of the event-the merging of the sacred flames and the lighting of the main torch-symbolized the unity and solidarity of Gyeonggi Province’s 14.2 million residents, creating a moving spectacle.

In preparation for the large crowds, Gwangju City established a close cooperation system with administrative agencies, the police, and other related organizations. With thorough safety management measures in place, safety personnel were stationed throughout the venue and the movement of spectators was carefully managed, resulting in a successful opening ceremony without a single safety incident.

In his welcoming remarks, Gwangju Mayor Bang Sehwan stated, “It is very meaningful for the 72nd Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival to be held in Gwangju with the largest number of participants in history. Through this event, I hope we will witness the united strength and passion of Gyeonggi Province’s 14.2 million residents and that it will serve as an opportunity for Gwangju City to make great strides forward.”

Meanwhile, the festival will take place over three days from the opening ceremony on this day through April 18, across various locations in Gwangju City. Teams representing the 31 cities and counties of Gyeonggi Province will compete fiercely in a total of 27 events, including athletics, swimming, football, and more, showcasing the skills they have honed over time.

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