Busan is good

Become the Flame that Runs Through Busan:

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The Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced the start of recruitment for torchbearers to participate in the upcoming nationwide sporting events, which return to Busan for the first time in 25 years.

Any citizen aged 15 or older is eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted from June 16 to 30 via online form or through each district’s sports office.

Selected torchbearers will receive athletic gear, including uniforms and running shoes, as well as a certificate of participation, commemorative photos, and videos to honor their experience.

Recruitment Overview:

• ●Period: June 16–30, 2025

• ●Target: Citizens aged 15 or older (exceptions allowed for special relay roles)

• ●Quota: 1,200 torchbearers

• ○About 70 general citizens per district

• ○Remaining selected from athletes, community contributors, and related organizations

• ●Preferred Candidates: Athletes, community contributors, people with disabilities, multicultural families

• ●How to Apply: Online or in-person (email or on-site); postal applications not accepted

• ●Required Documents: Application form and consent for personal information use

• ●Result Notification: July 2025 (individual notice and district websites)

Torchbearer Incentives:

• ●Items Provided: Uniform (top & bottom), running shoes, socks (4 items total)

• ●Activity Support: ₩17,000 stipend and accident insurance

• ●Additional Benefits: Certificate of participation, personal photos/videos of the event

Each district’s sports department will review and select torchbearers. Final results will be announced in July, and selected individuals will undergo training and rehearsals before the torch relay begins in October.

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Torch Relay Details:

• ●Period: October 13 (Mon) – October 17 (Fri), 2025

• ●Total Sections: 151 (115 on-foot, 36 vehicle)

• ●Participants: 1,200 torchbearers + 400 staff (total 1,600)

Torch Relay Route:

• ●Day 1 (Oct 13): City Hall → Yeonje-gu → Suyeong-gu → Nam-gu → Busanjin-gu

• ●Day 2 (Oct 14): Busanjin-gu → Dong-gu → Yeongdo-gu → Jung-gu → Seo-gu

• ●Day 3 (Oct 15): Seo-gu → Saha-gu → Gangseo-gu → Sasang-gu → Buk-gu

• ●Day 4 (Oct 16): Buk-gu → Geumjeong-gu → Gijang-gun → Haeundae-gu → Dongnae-gu

• ●National Sports Festival Opening Ceremony: Oct 17 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium (Dongnae-gu)

• ●National Para Games Opening Ceremony: Oct 31 at the same venue

The 151 torch relay sections represent the combined total of the 106th National Sports Festival and the 45th National Para Games. The routes will be selected to reflect iconic streets and accessible locations symbolizing Busan.

The city aims to turn the relay into a festival of unity, sharing the spirit of Busan and the heartfelt stories of its people.
Unique formats—such as relay via zipline, cruise boats, and paddleboards—will be used to highlight Busan’s coastal and mountainous attractions, including Gamcheon Culture Village, Haedong Yonggungsa, and Haeundae Beach.

Importantly, the torch relay will showcase true inclusivity by involving both disabled and non-disabled citizens, social contributors, and unsung heroes. Their stories will form the emotional core of this relay.

Son Tae-wook, Director General of the City’s Sports Bureau, stated:

“The torch relay is the symbolic opening of the National Para Games.
It will be an unforgettable experience for all participants and a valuable opportunity to promote the beauty and spirit of Busan.”

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Attachment 1: Torch Relay Overview

Attachment 2: Torchbearer Recruitment Details

Attachment 3: Poster