A Fusion of Sports and Culture in Gumi

Gumi, South korea, is set to become a hub of international activity this May, as it prepares to host teh prestigious Gumi Asian Athletics Championship alongside a diverse and exciting food festival. The city anticipates a significant influx of visitors, aiming to showcase it’s local culture and culinary delights on a global stage.

Asian Athletics Championship: A Grand spectacle

From May 27th to 31st,the Gumi Citizens’ stadium will be the epicenter of athletic prowess as it hosts the Gumi Asian Athletics Championship. This year’s tournament is expected to be the largest yet, with over 2,000 athletes and officials representing 43 Asian nations. The event not only promises thrilling sporting competition but also serves as a platform to promote Gumi’s tourism and cultural heritage.

Asian Food Festa: A culinary Journey Through Asia

Complementing the athletic events is the Asian Food Festa, a culinary extravaganza that will take place in the parking area of the Gumi Complex Sports Center. This festival offers attendees a chance to savor a wide array of dishes from five Asian countries, including China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Turkey, alongside the best of Gumi’s local cuisine. With 32 booths featuring local restaurants, food trucks serving street food, and prominent Gumi food companies, the event aims to tantalize taste buds and boost brand recognition for local businesses.

Beyond the food itself, the festival will feature a variety of entertainment options, including magic shows, puppet shows, busking performances, and even a Squid Game themed experience zone, capitalizing on the global popularity of the Netflix series. Dedicated spaces will be available for visitors to relax and enjoy their meals while taking in the festive atmosphere.

Night Market Delights: Extending the Experience

As the sun sets, the festivities continue in In-dong, where the athletes’ village is located. The Gumi Sweet Romantic Night Market will be open from May 23rd, operating daily from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM throughout the championship period. Located around Indong Market and Indong-ro Deo Street, the night market will offer a diverse range of entertainment, including classical performances, busking sessions, and exciting lightning auctions.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in emotional experiences such as retro photo studios, caricature artists, balloon art, street magic, and living museums, creating lasting memories for families and couples. The night market will be adorned with LED sculptures and large full moon photo zones, enhancing the enchanting nighttime ambiance.

Boosting Local Economy and tourism

Gumi’s strategic combination of a major sporting event and a vibrant food festival is expected to significantly boost the local economy and attract tourists from across Asia and beyond. Similar events in other regions have demonstrated ample economic impact. For example, the Busan International Film Festival contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the South Korean economy annually, showcasing the potential of cultural events to drive economic growth.

It will be an opportunity to introduce the taste and style of gumi beyond just sports events. We hope that it will be a festival where both citizens and visitors enjoy and communicate together.

Kim Jang-ho, Mayor of Gumi