The city of Busan has officially launched its first-ever Sports Department, becoming the first metropolitan city in Korea to establish a dedicated sports governance structure.
The move aims to accelerate Busan’s vision of becoming a “sports paradise city”, enhancing both citizen well-being and international sports engagement.
The Sports Department, officially launched on March 5, consists of three divisions and twelve teams, including a Sports Policy Division, a Physical Education Division, and a National Sports Festival Planning Team.
Additionally, a Sports Facility Management Office has been established to oversee infrastructure development and maintenance.
This reorganization underscores Busan’s commitment to creating an accessible and vibrant sports environment for its citizens while serving as a control tower for the city’s overall sports administration and planning.
Major Global Sporting Events Coming to Busan
The Sports Department will play a crucial role in organizing two high-profile international sporting events in 2024:
National Sports Festival & National Para Games (October 2025): Returning to Busan for the first time in 25 years, this prestigious event will bring together thousands of athletes from across Korea.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) General Assembly (December 2025): The first of its kind in Asia, this event will welcome over 2,000 international delegates, including sports ministers and International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials.
Both events will not only solidify Busan’s reputation as an ‘international sports city’ but also boost its global standing as a premier MICE destination.
Expanding Sports Infrastructure & Community Engagement
Building upon Busan’s “Sports Paradise City” vision, first introduced at the 2023 Busan Citizens’ Happiness Conference, the city is pushing forward key sports initiatives:
- Expansion of Sports Facilities: Plans include the modernization of Sajik Baseball Stadium, the creation of new tennis courts, and an increase in public sports venues.
- New Sports Events & Programs: The city will launch innovative programs such as the ‘River Ocean Runner Station’, a hub for runners featuring storage, changing rooms, and training programs. Other initiatives include the Nakdong River Slow Ironman Festival and the Five Major Popular Sports Rallies.
- Professional Sports Development: Strengthened support for professional teams and major domestic sporting events will further enhance Busan’s sports scene.
Mayor Park Heong-joon emphasized that sports are a vital pillar of Busan’s “15-Minute City” initiative, which aims to enhance urban accessibility and quality of life.
He reaffirmed the city’s dedication to expanding sports facilities, attracting global sporting events, and strengthening Busan’s identity as a world-class sports destination.
