Haenam to Host 4th Korea Modern Pentathlon Federation President’s Cup: 800 Athletes Expected

Jeollanam-do Haenam-gun will host the 4th Korea Modern Pentathlon Federation President's Cup at Useul Sports Park from September 2 to 7, drawing approximately 800 athletes to Haenam-gun. The event is expected to attract a total of 6,000 visitors, including staff and officials, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

National Modern Pentathlon Championship to Be Held in Haenam

Haenam-gun will host the 4th Korea Modern Pentathlon Federation President's Cup from September 2 to 7 at Useul Sports Park. Organized by the Korea Modern Pentathlon Federation, the tournament will see around 800 athletes from across the country compete. It is estimated that a total of 6,000 visitors, including competitors, coaches, and staff, will visit Haenam during the event.

Modern pentathlon is a comprehensive sport in which athletes compete in fencing, swimming, obstacle racing, and laser run (shooting and cross-country running), testing stamina, focus, and agility. Success requires not only physical and technical prowess but also strong mental fortitude. As a nation with world-class competitors, Korea expects this sport to be a strong contender for medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which begin on the 19th.

During the championship, the running and laser run events will be broadcast live via the Korea Modern Pentathlon Federation’s YouTube channel.

A Hub for Modern Pentathlon: Haenam's Sports Infrastructure

Haenam-gun has consistently supported the development and expansion of the sport by hosting annual national modern pentathlon championships. This year has already seen the successful hosting of the National Industrial Modern Pentathlon Championship in April and the 37th Korea Modern Pentathlon Federation President's Cup in June.

Notably, Haenam-gun was the first in the nation to build an indoor obstacle racing course. With facilities like the Useul National Sports Center swimming pool and specialized tracks for running and fencing, the area has established itself as a hub for the sport in Korea.

Useul Sports Park serves as a comprehensive complex, featuring an main stadium, auxiliary stadium, indoor track, and various courts for tennis, foot volleyball, basketball, and badminton, providing an optimal environment for athletes.

Leveraging this infrastructure, Haenam-gun has become a popular winter training site, further strengthening its role as a key base for athlete performance and sport development.

Haenam: Boosting Local Economy and Sports Tourism

Haenam-gun is meticulously inspecting stadium facilities and environmental safety while preparing support services to ensure a successful event and smooth participation for the athletes.

With the influx of visitors from across the country, local businesses, including accommodations and restaurants, are expected to see a significant economic boost. The event is also viewed as an opportunity to promote long-term sports tourism.

Visitors can enjoy local specialties like the famous chicken course meal, barley ssam-bap (rice wraps) at Daeheungsa Temple, and mackerel sashimi. Tourist highlights include Ttangkkeut (Land's End) Village, the Ttangkkeut Observatory, the Uldolmok Strait—the site of the historic Battle of Myeongnyang—the Myeongnyang Marine Cable Car, the UNESCO World Heritage site Daeheungsa Temple, and the Haenam Dinosaur Museum.

The Haenam City Tour Bus operates from Friday to Sunday, offering themed healing travel packages for visitors.

Reaching Beyond Korea: Haenam-gun's Sports Marketing

A representative for Haenam-gun expressed their commitment to a safe and smooth event, noting that the city aims to continue leveraging its sports facilities to attract major tournaments and training camps, fostering growth for both the sport and the local economy.

Haenam-gun attracts approximately 70 national-level sports events and training camps annually through its sports marketing initiatives, providing tailored services such as designated hospitals for injury prevention, rehabilitation programs, athlete-exclusive laundry, and cultural experiences.

This outreach is extending internationally, with fencing teams from China and Vietnam already having trained in Haenam. Teams from Hong Kong and the Philippines are scheduled for joint training in September 2026.

Furthermore, Haenam-gun is enhancing its status as a major sports hub by actively engaging in discussions to host the 2026 LPGA BMW Ladies Championship.