Gumi City to Host Martial Artists from Across the Country... National Martial Arts Grand Festival Opens on the 13th

Taking place at GumiCo through Nov. 15
Competitors test their skills in 25 events
A gathering of martial artists from across the country

More than 2,500 martial artists from across the country will gather in Gumi to compete and showcase their skills.

The recent National Martial Arts Festival [Photo courtesy of Gumi City]

Gumi City said it will host the 19th National Martial Arts Grand Festival for the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award at GumiCo from November 13 to 15.

Organized by the Korea Martial Arts Federation, the event will bring together more than 2,500 people, including athletes and staff from across the country. They will compete in 25 events across four categories—record, performance, martial arts disciplines, and special events—including breakfalls, artistic competitions, jiu-jitsu, and taekkyeon.

Held in Gumi for the fourth consecutive year since the 16th edition in 2023, this national-scale event has drawn more than 9,100 martial artists over the past three years. It is expected to serve as a gathering that fosters exchanges between disciplines and advances martial arts.

Gumi City expects visits by participants and event officials to boost local businesses, including accommodations and restaurants.

Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho said, "I hope this will be a gathering where martial artists from across the country can showcase the skills they have honed and share their abilities and martial arts spirit with one another." He added, "By attracting national-scale sporting events, we will enhance Gumi's standing as a sports city and strengthen the competitiveness of the local economy."

Hosting the event in Gumi for the fourth consecutive year is an achievement that demonstrates the city's competitiveness as a sports destination. A strategy is needed to go beyond attracting the event and connect it with sports tourism that encourages longer stays and revitalizes local businesses.

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