Busan is good

The 106th National Sports Festival Kicks Off: Busan Metropolitan City Vows for a Perfectly Prepared and Successful Event

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From October 17 to 23, Busan will host the seven-day grand event, beginning with the opening ceremony at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. A total of 28,791 athletes from 17 metropolitan cities and provinces across Korea and 1,527 overseas Korean participants from 18 countries will compete in 50 sports events.

Busan Metropolitan City has completed preparations across all areas—including stadium facilities, opening and closing ceremonies, and visitor hospitality—to ensure that the festival becomes a celebration for everyone to enjoy together.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “The National Sports Festival is being held in Busan for the first time in 25 years, and our citizens have come together as one to prepare for it. I hope everyone will fully enjoy this festival of unity, and I ask for the enthusiastic support and active participation of people nationwide.”

Busan Metropolitan City announced that the 106th National Sports Festival will officially open on October 17 at 6 p.m. with a grand ceremony at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium, marking the start of the seven-day event that will continue across the city until October 23.

This year’s festival will feature 28,791 athletes from 17 cities and provinces in Korea, along with 1,527 participants from 18 overseas Korean organizations, all competing in 50 different sports disciplines.

The city has completed all preparations to provide the best environment for athletes and a pleasant experience for visitors, focusing on areas such as stadium facilities, the opening and closing ceremonies, and guest reception, ensuring that everyone can join in the festive atmosphere.

Construction and Renovation of Stadiums

Two new venues for mountain sports and tennis have been constructed, and 82 existing venues have been renovated, securing a total of 120 venues for both the National Sports Festival and the National Para Games.
The facilities have been upgraded to meet international standards, creating an inclusive environment that accommodates both elite and recreational sports.

Unique Torch Lighting and Relay

The festival torch was lit at four different locations under four distinct themes. The flames were unified at Busan City Hall on October 13, and the combined torch has been touring the city before arriving at the Asiad Main Stadium for the opening ceremony on October 17.
The lighting of the main torch will serve as the highlight of the ceremony, symbolizing the unification of Busan’s passion and spirit in a moment of inspiration.

“Show Busan” Opening Ceremony

Directed by Park Kalin, the opening ceremony—titled “Show Busan”—will feature a spectacular stage resembling Busan’s harbor container terminal, set up on the main stadium field.
The performance will portray Busan’s story, from its historical roots as a port city and industrial powerhouse to its present-day dynamism and future aspirations, offering audiences a vivid and emotional experience.

Efficient Traffic Management

An estimated 37,000 people are expected to attend the opening ceremony. To minimize congestion, road traffic will be restricted around the Asiad Main Stadium from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on October 17.
For public convenience, two shuttle bus routes (Cho-eup and Geoje-daero directions) will operate every 10 minutes, and city buses and metro services will be increased. Citizens are encouraged to use public transportation.

Thorough Safety Measures

The city has completed safety inspections of all stadium facilities and athlete accommodations. Medical staff and ambulances will be stationed at every venue, maintaining an emergency response system throughout the event.
In particular, safety personnel will be deployed densely at the opening and closing ceremonies, and Busan will work closely with the fire department, police, and other relevant agencies to ensure swift action in case of any emergency.

Accommodation and Transportation for Athletes

To ensure a comfortable stay, the city has provided hygiene training to lodging facilities and cooperated with local accommodation associations.
In addition, approximately 4,300 vehicles will be designated exclusively for athlete transportation to help them compete under optimal conditions.

Citizens as Key Participants: Volunteers and Supporters

The success of this event will be supported by 4,200 volunteers and 16,000 supporters, who will play crucial roles in their respective areas throughout the festival.

Diverse Cultural and Tourism Programs

To allow athletes and spectators to fully experience the charms of Busan, a variety of cultural and tourism programs have been prepared.
These include dance competitions at Sajik Baseball Stadium and Haeundae Beach, performances by regional art troupes, and interactive booths offering diverse cultural experiences.

Information on announcements, competition schedules, and public transportation related to the National Sports Festival can be found on the official website: busan.go.kr/106_sports.

Mayor Park Heong-joon concluded, “As the National Sports Festival returns to Busan—a global hub city and a sports paradise—after 25 years, every citizen has come together in unity. I hope all athletes and visitors enjoy this celebration, and I sincerely ask for everyone’s enthusiastic support and participation.”