"Hae-dong Geomdo practitioners from around the world gather in Pyeongchang!" The 14th Hae-dong Geomdo World Championships opens... over 50 countries, 1,500 participants

*This content was translated by AI.

The "14th Hae-dong Geomdo World Championships," hosted by the Korea Hae-dong Geomdo Association, opened on the 24th at Pyeongchang Dome Gymnasium and surrounding areas in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province.

Organized by the Organizing Committee for the 2026 Hae-dong Geomdo World Championships and supported by Pyeongchang County and the World Hae-dong Geomdo Federation, the event runs for three days until the 26th. A total of over 1,500 athletes participated, including approximately 500 foreign trainees from over 50 countries, such as the United States and Australia.

▶ Participation from over 50 countries amid challenges... Official opening ceremony held on the 25th

According to the organizing committee, despite recent factors such as instability in the Middle East and rising airfare, athlete delegations from various countries arrived as scheduled and participated in the event schedule.

During the opening ceremony held at Pyeongchang Dome Gymnasium on the morning of the 25th, oaths were taken by multinational athlete delegations from each country and Lim Won (CEO). Kim Jung-ho, President of the World Hae-dong Geomdo Federation, stated, "Hae-dong Geomdo has now established itself as a martial art practiced by over 1 million people in 182 countries," and added that it is an event where martial artists from around the globe unite to promote Korean traditional martial arts. The main program included official competitions for participants from each country, along with demonstrations of sword martial arts.

▶ Expectations for revitalizing local commerce through a stay-type sports event

Throughout the event period, various support facilities were operated inside and outside the venue. A food truck zone was set up near the venue for foreign athlete delegations, and the sports healthcare company "Remote Care" operated conditioning booths to help athletes recover their physical strength, providing support to participants.

Pyeongchang County anticipates that the stay of a large number of foreign athletes and officials in the region will lead to increased sales across the local economy, including accommodation facilities, food and beverage establishments, and major tourist attractions.

▶ Support for event operations through university student volunteer teams

A volunteer team composed of undergraduate students from the Department of Sports Industry Management at Myongji University was deployed to the operational front lines of the event. They provided support for overall event management, including foreign language interpretation, venue guidance, and on-site route management. A representative from Myongji University Woo Jong-ung (Prof.)(Sports Industry Management) said, "This is an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in international events at the site and develop their capabilities in the sports industry."

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*This content was translated by AI.