It was used as a key means of restoring regional vitality through a structural strategy that induces repeat visits and stays rather than a one-time event.
Hapcheon-gun’s choice is in line with the global trend. Indianapolis in the U.S. and Sheffield and Manchester in the U.K. are representative examples of revitalizing declining urban economies through sports. In particular, Sheffield expanded its stadium and sports facilities after the collapse of the steel industry, focused on attracting sports competitions, and succeeded in branding itself as a ‘sports city’ in connection with performances and tourism.
Since the launch of the 8th popular election, Hapcheon-gun has begun its strategy in earnest by simultaneously expanding sports infrastructure and hosting competitions. Starting with 18 competitions in the second half of 2022, 32 competitions were held in 2023, 41 in 2024, and 42 in 2025.
This year, we aim to host about 50 competitions, including 9 new national competitions. The number of participants rapidly increased from 110,000 in 2023 to 180,000 in 2025, achieving substantial results in the increase in stay-at-home visitors.
In particular, the growth of Hapcheon-gun’s own brand competition is notable. The Hapcheon Cherry Blossom Marathon held last year set a record with over 13,000 participants, and this year’s race closed early, 49 minutes after registration began.
The 1st Hapcheon-gun Mugwan National Park Golf Competition, held based on the nation’s highest level of park golf infrastructure, also attracted great interest from golfers across the country, proving Hapcheon’s competitiveness in sports.
The multi-purpose gymnasium, which was completed in September of last year, created a turning point by making it possible to host indoor national competitions. Based on this, the National Interscholastic Badminton Competition, National Unemployment Judo Championship, and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism National Gymnastics Competition were held in succession, and this year, additional competitions focusing on sports such as badminton, judo, wrestling, and taekwondo, which are likely to become regular, will be held.
Hapcheon-gun also succeeded in jointly hosting the provincial sports competition through solidarity with four nearby counties. This is an example of expansion beyond a single local government to a regional cooperation model, showing the possibility of a regional win-win strategy through sports.
Hapcheon County Mayor Kim Yun-cheol said, “Hapcheon’s hosting of sports competitions is not simply aimed at holding many competitions, but is a process of creating a structure that gets the region moving again.” He added, “We will foster indoor and outdoor sports in a balanced manner, centering on a multi-purpose gym, and prepare to make Hapcheon a region remembered for sports through mid- to long-term strategies.”
Hapcheon-gun’s sports strategy makes a virtuous cycle of ‘attracting competitions – influx of external visitors – expansion of local consumption – increased income and job creation – restoration of regional vitality’ a reality, and is attracting attention as a new alternative for small local cities to move forward.
