A total of 878 student athletes from the Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special City Office of Education are preparing to compete in the 107th National Sports Festival, which runs from Oct. 16 to 22 in Jeju Island. As reported by news1.kr, this year’s competition marks the first national multi-sport showcase held since the official launch of the Jeonnam-Gwangju unified education authority, creating a combined delegation that highlights the evolving scope of regional scholastic athletics.
Delegation Size and Expected Medal Contenders
The regional education office anticipates strong medal returns in individual disciplines, specifically pointing to track and field, wrestling, weightlifting, and cycling as primary avenues for gold. Meanwhile, traditional team sports such as volleyball, handball, and football face rigorous tournament brackets and intense podium competition across the week-long schedule on Jeju Island.
School-by-school entries reflect these regional strengths. According to preview data released by muantimes.com, Jeonnam Physical Education High School anchors the delegation across multiple disciplines, pursuing medals in wrestling, cycling, weightlifting, and fencing. Additional podium challenges are expected from Gwangyang Haitong High School in track and field, Wando High School in weightlifting, Suncheon Jeil High School in volleyball, and Muan High School in handball.
Early Results and Preliminary Medal Standings
Before the formal opening ceremonies, preliminary events began on Oct. 1, yielding early podium finishes for both Jeonnam and Gwangju student athletes. fnnews.com reported that Jeonnam Physical Education High School cyclists Hwang Yoon-mi and Kim Jae-rim captured the delegation’s first gold medal by winning the high school girls’ madison event. The same cycling squad added bronze medals in the omnium and keirin races.
In badminton preliminary action, Jeonnam Technical Science High School secured bronze medals in both the high school boys' team competition and the individual doubles.
Gymnastics also produced early success for the Gwangju delegation. Song Chae-yeon of Gwangju Physical Education High School won a silver medal in the women’s uneven bars alongside two bronze medals in the individual all-around and floor exercise events.
Administrative Encouragement and Safety Preparations
Superintendent Kim Dae-joo praised the athletes for their early performances in the preliminary fixtures, noting that the results set a positive tone for the main competition. “I am proud of our student athletes who have delivered valuable results, including our first gold medals, starting right from the preliminary matches,” Superintendent Kim said, according to muantimes.com. “Beyond the color of the medals, what matters most is the attitude of challenging one’s limits and doing one’s absolute best until the end.”
The education office stated it will coordinate on-site support, operational assistance, and comprehensive safety management to ensure all 878 participants compete under secure conditions throughout the Jeju Island fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 107th National Sports Festival taking place?
The multi-sport event runs from Oct. 16 to 22 across various venues on Jeju Island.
How many student athletes are representing the Jeonnam-Gwangju unified delegation?
A total of 878 student athletes qualified and entered the regional delegation for the festival.
Which school secured the delegation’s very first gold medal in the preliminary rounds?
Jeonnam Physical Education High School cyclists Hwang Yoon-mi and Kim Jae-rim won gold in the high school girls’ madison event.
What are the primary sports targeted for gold medals by the regional education office?
Education officials highlighted track and field, wrestling, weightlifting, and cycling as key individual disciplines for gold medal contention.
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