KOREA

(Gyeongnam province)

The 2024 National Sports Festival officially begins with a grand opening ceremony at Gimhae Sports Complex today.

The festival, which runs for seven days until October 17, features over 28,000 athletes from 17 cities and provinces nationwide, along with 1,478 overseas Korean athletes from 18 countries competing in 49 sports events.

Gyeongnam Province has prepared 75 stadiums, including newly built and renovated facilities in Gimhae, Changwon, and Jinju.

Safety measures, transportation, and accommodations are in place to ensure a smooth event for athletes and spectators.

The opening ceremony, themed “From Space to Space, the Flame of Harmony,” highlights Gyeongnam’s cultural heritage and future aspirations in aerospace technology. Special performances by singers Jang Yoon-jeong, Kim Da-hyun, and Harmonize are expected to entertain the 15,000 attendees.

To manage the large crowds, traffic around the venue is restricted, and 31 temporary parking lots with 3,840 spaces are provided. Shuttle buses are operating between the venue, parking areas, and light rail stations to facilitate movement.

A variety of cultural events and travel programs are also available, showcasing the region’s rich history and natural beauty alongside the sports festival.

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