Uiseong Launches a Strong Stone Toward Becoming a Global Curling Hub

12 Teams from 6 Nations Compete as 'ELITE 8' Concludes
Chuncheon City Hall Claims Victory and Affirms International Competitiveness

Uiseong County in North Gyeongsang Province has successfully hosted an international women's curling tournament, once again affirming its status as the "mecca of Korean curling."

The Uiseong County government announced that the "2026 International Elite Women's Curling Tour (ELITE 8)," held at the Uiseong Curling Center from July 30 to August 2, concluded successfully.

'Elite8' concludes fierce competition among teams from six countries Chuncheon City Hall takes first place, Uiseong County Office ties for third place
[Photo by Uiseong County]

Hosted and organized by the Korea Curling Federation, this tournament featured 12 teams from six countries—Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Türkiye. Over four days, the teams competed in group stage matches, a top-six tournament bracket, semifinals, and the final, delivering a series of high-level games.

The opening ceremony was held on July 30 at the Uiseong Curling Center, attended by more than 100 participants, including Uiseong County Mayor Choi Yoochul, both domestic and overseas athletes, and tournament officials.

From Korea, the participating teams included Uiseong County Hall Women's Curling Team, Chuncheon City Hall, North Jeolla Provincial Government, Seoul City Hall, Kyungil University, and the Kwandong Union.

Internationally, two Japanese teams as well as representatives from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Türkiye took part, showcasing the competitiveness of women's curling in Asia.

This tournament was organized with the aim of expanding international exchange and enhancing the competitive level of women's curling in Asia.

In particular, with the tournament being held in Uiseong—widely recognized as the hub of Korean curling—it served as an opportunity for local athletes to gain international experience, while also contributing to improving the global competitiveness of Korean curling.

After four days of intense competition, Chuncheon City Hall clinched the championship by defeating North Jeolla Provincial Government 8-7 in the final.

The final standings were as follows: Chuncheon City Hall in first place, North Jeolla Provincial Government in second place, and Uiseong County Hall and Japan's SC Karuizawa sharing third place.

Choi Yoochul, Mayor of Uiseong County, stated, "It is meaningful for us to host an international women's curling tournament in Uiseong, the center of Korean curling. I hope this event will help Uiseong take another step forward as a global center of curling."

The competitiveness of an international sports event is closely tied not only to the quality of the matches but also to the brand value of the host city.

This year's ELITE 8 once again demonstrated, on the international stage, Uiseong’s extensive curling infrastructure and organizational capabilities developed over many years.

The continued hosting of international tournaments is expected to serve as a significant foundation for the regional sports industry and tourism revitalization, as well as for broadening the base and strengthening the international competitiveness of Korean curling.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.