On February 28, 2025, Jeollabuk-do was officially selected as South Korea's nominee city for the 2036 Summer Olympics during the Korean Sports Council's general assembly held at the Olympic Parktel in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The province garnered 49 out of 61 valid votes, decisively defeating Seoul, which received only 11 votes.
This historic achievement marks the first time the Summer Olympics could be hosted in South Korea since the 1988 Seoul Olympics, which was the last time the country held such a prestigious event. The successful bid emphasizes Jeollabuk-do's commitment to "national balanced development" and strengthens its position as a leader outside the capital region.
The decision to advance Jeollabuk-do's candidacy was part of a broader strategy emphasizing regional cooperation and sustainability, factors increasingly valued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC has urged for decentralization and cost-effective solutions for future Olympic games, aligning perfectly with Jeollabuk-do's proposed plans.
During the assembly, Jeollabuk-do Governor Kim Kwan-young and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon presented their proposals for the event. Each held presentations lasting 45 minutes followed by 15 minutes for questions. Jeollabuk-do's proposal stood out by showcasing collaboration with neighboring cities, leveraging existing facilities and promoting environmental sustainability.
Among the cities involved, Daegu will host the athletics events, Gwangju will hold swimming and archery competitions, and Chungcheongbuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do will be responsible for gymnastics, tennis, and other sports. The coast of Goheung, Jeollanam-do, is slated for surfing events, reinforcing the collaborative bid.
Governor Kim emphasized the importance of inclusivity and cooperation by promoting the idea of reinforcing the power of local partnerships, stating, "By working together, we can achieve balance across the nation and improve our international competitiveness." His appeal was supported by videos showcasing endorsements from four mayors across party lines, who expressed their support for Jeollabuk-do's bid.
Among the supporters, Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo voiced his hope for hosting athletics and collaborating with Jeollabuk-do for the Olympics. Similarly, Chungnam Governor Kim Tae-heum emphasized the potential benefit for domestic sports development and fostering talent through shared infrastructure.
Jeollabuk-do's successful selection as the nominee city for the 2036 Olympics after serious competition with Seoul ignites excitement among residents and local officials. Governor Kim expressed his gratitude to the citizens for their unwavering support: "The selection reflects our unity and determination to bring the Olympics to Jeollabuk-do. We aim to compose the biggest achievements for our province."
This significant opportunity not only positions Jeollabuk-do on the global sports map but also seeks to redeem past setbacks, such as the challenges faced during the 2023 World Scout Jamboree held under controversial circumstances.
With the imminent task of submitting the comprehensive host city bid to the IOC, Jeollabuk-do is prepared to share its vision for sustainability and economic growth. The province's bid will actively fight against stiff competition from other international candidates, with cities like Doha, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, and major European contenders such as Istanbul and Copenhagen also showing interest.
Jeollabuk-do officials plan to submit the event plan to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, seeking approval before moving forward with formal proposals to the IOC.
The pursuit of hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics exemplifies Jeollabuk-do’s ambitious goal of overshadowing previous setbacks and reinforcing its capabilities as a global destination, creating remarkable opportunities for infrastructure development and boosting local economies.