Wanju-gun Attracts Youth Teams, Boosting Local Economy
Wanju-gun, South Korea, has seen a significant economic boost in recent months due to an influx of national winter training teams. The county hosted 21 youth sports teams – including soccer, taekwondo, and tennis – between January 4 and February 8, 2026, generating a ripple effect of over 600 million won for the local economy.
Youth Team Training Camps
A total of 1,000 individuals, including players, officials, and parents, participated in the training camps held in Wanju-gun. Teams from Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon provinces were among those who chose Wanju-gun for their winter training. Each team spent an average of one to two weeks in the area, contributing to local businesses through lodging, food, and other training-related expenses.
Strategic Sports Marketing Initiatives
Wanju County officials attribute the economic success to a focused sports marketing strategy. The county has been actively working to establish itself as a “sports mecca” by hosting national and international competitions in various sports, including modern pentathlon, marathon, tennis, and trail running [Tripadvisor]. This initiative aims to attract field training teams by providing an optimal training environment.
County’s Commitment to Training Environment
Wanju County Mayor Yoo Hee-tae emphasized the county’s dedication to improving the training experience for visiting teams. “We will continue to communicate with the field training teams to improve on-site inconveniences and create an optimal training environment that will make people want to come back again,” stated Mayor Yoo. The county plans to actively attract training teams for a wider range of sports to further stimulate the local economy.
Wanju-gun Overview
Wanju County (완주군) is located in North Jeolla province, South Korea, and almost entirely surrounds the city of Jeonju [Wikipedia]. As of September 2025, the county’s population was 100,229, with a population density of 111 people per square kilometer [Wikipedia]. The Mangyeonggang River, spanning 78.8km, is a central feature of the region, attracting approximately 10 million tourists annually [Gangseo].