Summer U-Games in Jeopardy: Nationwide Stadium Construction Hits Roadblock Amid String of Bid Failures
Emergency Declared for 2027 Chungcheong World University Games Preparations
The 2027 Chungcheong Summer World University Games, scheduled to take place in August 2027, are facing a major setback due to insufficient construction funds for stadium projects.
With less than three years left until the Games, the construction of Sejong Stadium has already been rejected twice, and the recent rejection of the construction of Chungnam International Tennis Court has raised concerns about the hosting of the games.
The main reason for the rejection is the lack of construction costs. The construction site of the Summer U-Games Gymnastics Stadium has already completed over 98% of the land compensation, but the project is facing difficulties due to insufficient construction costs.
Cheongju City has decided to increase the construction costs by investing additional city budget and put out a bid announcement. The Korea Development Institute had initially set the construction cost of the gymnastics stadium at 98.5 billion won, but Cheongju City has decided to increase the construction cost.
“The original construction cost of 98.5 billion won was deemed insufficient, so we decided to increase the budget,” said a Cheongju City official.
After the basic design review, the construction company will be selected as early as January of next year. As the construction period is short, the plan is to proceed with the detailed design and construction simultaneously.
“We will proceed with the construction as soon as possible to meet the deadline,” said a North Chungcheong Province official.
The goal for the completion of the gymnastics stadium planned by North Chungcheong Province and Cheongju City is the end of June 2027. However, there are concerns that a second Jamboree incident could occur if the construction of the stadium is delayed.
Organic cooperation between the government and local governments seems necessary to find a more realistic alternative and ensure the successful hosting of the 2027 Chungcheong World University Games.
Reported by Oh Seung-hoon, HCN News.
Photographer: Shin Hyeon-gyun