Hosting 2026 international dancesport and squash events expected to boost the local economy; developing top athletes and backing workplace teams to sharpen elite-sports competitiveness
On the 10th, Cheongju City announced a comprehensive slate of sports initiatives aimed at making athletic activity accessible to all residents. With a focus on strengthening elite competition while expanding grassroots programs, city officials are positioning Cheongju as a leading sports city by hosting international events, cultivating athletes and offering tailored programs.
Cheongju will host the 21st Cheongju Jikji International Dancesport Championships and the 2026 World Team Squash Championships in the second half of 2026. The city will also stage six national tournaments throughout the year — including the Chairman's National Kendo Team Championships — which officials expect will stimulate the local economy and raise awareness of Jikji culture. Programs such as the Excellence Athlete Development Subsidy and the Promising Youth Athlete Program will continue to develop local elite talent.
Cheongju’s workplace sports program fields nine teams — including a men’s archery squad — with a total of 79 athletes. Last year, those teams captured 43 medals at international competitions and 247 at national events. The city plans to maintain support this year by recruiting top athletes and intensifying training to pursue even higher results. Cheongju was also selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s 2026 Workplace Sports Team Operation Support project, securing 130 million KRW (about $97,500) in national funding.
To boost recreational sports, Cheongju will host tournaments in tennis, jokgu (foot volleyball), badminton, table tennis and other disciplines. This year the city plans to stage 65 community competitions in total: 11 national events, two provincial-level tournaments, 36 mayor’s-cup competitions and 16 association-led or festival events. It will also subsidize entry fees for roughly 4,000 participants across six competitions — including the Chungcheongbuk-do Senior Recreational Sports Competition — to make it easier for residents to get involved.
The city runs age-specific recreational programs so residents of every generation can participate easily. Cheongju offers 74 free community sports classes across 23 disciplines at facilities where residents can be active.
To expand access for vulnerable groups, Cheongju will continue its sports voucher program. Low-income children and youth are eligible for up to 105,000 KRW (about $79) per month and people with disabilities up to 110,000 KRW (about $83) per month to cover sports-class fees. This year the program will provide monthly support to 1,788 low-income children and youth and 410 people with disabilities, and the city will work to improve convenience by expanding participating facilities.
The 24th Cheongwon Life Rice Daecheong Lake Marathon is scheduled for October at Munui-myeon Sports Park. The race will feature four courses — Health, Short, Half and Full. Last year about 7,500 participants took part, the largest turnout in the event’s history. Organizers say they will offer varied attractions and food and will coordinate with multiple agencies to put safety first.
A city official said, “We will develop elite and recreational sports in balance so all residents can enjoy sports,” adding, “We aim to further elevate Cheongju’s standing as a healthy sports city embraced by its residents.”
Chungbuk — Reporter Lee Hyun-seung bpda@viva100.com
