Korean Government rolls its Sleeves up for Gwangju Universiade

GWANGJU – With only 93 days left until the Opening Ceremony of the 28th Summer Universiade, the Gwangju 2015 Universiade Organizing Committee (GUOC) invited all areas and departments of the government, including Republic of Korea President PARK Geun-hye, to reflect on a number of accomplishments and assess the final preparations.

Over 150 government officials, sports figures, and citizens attended the briefing, including the President of Republic of Korea, PARK Geun-hye, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, KIM Jongdeok, Minister of Unification, HONG Yong-pyo, Vice Minister of National Defence, BAEK Seung-joo, GUOC Co-President KIM Hwang sik and YOON Janghyun.

The briefing focused on how to promote the Universiade throughout the country and find ways to efficiently collaborate with different areas and departments of the government.

The briefing session was also an opportunity to highlight and recognize the hard work of the Universiade volunteers and staff.

(From the left) GUOC Co-President KIM Hwang sik, Republic of Korea President PARK Geun-hye, GUOC Co-President and Gwangju Mayor YOON Janghyun

GUOC President YOON Janghyun presented the preparations of the EPIC (Eco, Peace, IT, Culture) Universiade Gwangju 2015. He also explained the current status which includes preparations in logistics, accommodation, cultural and tourism programmes that will be provided to more than 20,000 participants from over 170 countries taking part in the Gwangju Universiade.

KIM Jongdeok, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, presented a detailed plan to support the GUOC in cultural and tourism programs, traffic, arrivals and departures, promotion, safety and security.

In addition, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism expressed its commitment to promote the World University Games by developing Gwangju Universiade tour packages.

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, Ministry of Justice, National Police Agency, Ministry of Food & Drug Safety, and Ministry of Health & Welfare also proposed projects to help the Gwangju host a successful Universiade.

Republic of Korea President PARK Geun-hye speaking at the Gwangju Universiade briefing (from the left) GUOC Co-President KIM Hwang sik, GUOC volunteer SON Eun-jung, ROK President PARK Geun-hye, Chosun University taekwondo athlete CHO Sung-bum, GUOC staff

The Ministry of Justice committed to arrange dedicated access and simplify customs for Universiade participants.

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport plans to increase the number of high speed trains (KTX) from Incheon International Airport to Gwangju, which only takes 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Moreover, each government organization guaranteed to purchase tickets in various sports and events including the opening and closing ceremonies.

The briefing session ended as a success as it was a part of the central and local government’s efforts to ensure that Gwangju can successfully host the 2015 Summer Universiade from 3 to 14 July.

(Source: GUOC 2015)