E2024-G196
Gwangju World Cup Stadium: The Hub of the City’s Athletic Activities
Narrative
Gwangju World Cup Stadium stands as the centerpiece of Gwangju’s athletic infrastructure, gaining international recognition when it hosted matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The 2002 South Korean national football team participated in this historic tournament, contributing to one of the most memorable World Cups in football history.
The stadium is administered by the Gwangju Metropolitan City Sports Association, which also oversees the nearby Gwangju International Archery Range. This archery facility carries the alternate name Ki Bo-bae (1988-) London Olympics Victory Memorial Archery Range, honoring the athlete who won gold in archery at the 2012 London Olympics.
The complex includes the Gwangju Football Stadium as part of the main facility, which serves as the home ground for Gwangju FC, the city’s professional football club. The stadium’s surroundings feature several recreational areas, including the Yeomju Sports Complex Walking Trail and Pungam Lake Park, creating an integrated sports and leisure environment.
A notable artistic element commemorating the 2002 World Cup is Flame of Joy, a sculptural work located along the Yeomju Sports Complex Walking Trail that celebrates the excitement and achievement of that international tournament.
The stadium continues to serve as a focal point for athletic activities in Gwangju, hosting professional football matches and various sporting events while maintaining its legacy as a World Cup venue that brought global attention to the city.
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