Chungcheong to host 2027 World University Games
The central region of Chungcheong was named the host of the 2027 Summer World University Games on Saturday, bringing the biennial event to the country for the fourth time.
Following a vote held during its Executive Committee meeting in Brussels, the International University Sports Federation announced the Chungcheong Megacity as the winner over the U.S. state of North Carolina.
The Megacity host will cover the cities of Daejeon and Sejong, and the two central provinces, South and North Chungcheong.
South Korea has previously hosted the Summer World University Games in 1997 (Muju), 2003 (Daegu) and 2015 (Gwangju).
The World University Games in 2027 are expected to bring together some 10,000 athletes and officials from 150 countries competing in 18 sports.
Chungcheong built its successful bid on pledges of financial support from the central and regional governments, rather than sponsorships from the private sector. Chungcheong also offered to cover expenses for athletes from developing countries, and to ensure safe and easy entry into the country for all participants.
The sports competition is expected to generate about 2.7 trillion won ($2.05 billion) in an economic ripple effect and draw some 2 million in visitors from overseas.
The opening and closing ceremonies will be held in Daejeon, 164 kilometers south of Seoul, and the administrative city of Sejong, respectively.
“We are very happy to succeed in winning a bid to host the international sports competition through Chungcheong’s joint efforts. We will do our best to make the event a success,” Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo said.