(C) Haps Kores

GYEONGNAM — The South Gyeongsang Provincial Government announced on Sunday, January 4, that its premier international cycling event, "Tour de Gyeongnam 2026," has been selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s "2026 International Sports Competition Support Project." This selection secures 240 million KRW in national funding, providing a significant boost to the competition’s prestige and operational scale.

A Premier International Event
Tour de Gyeongnam stands as the only road cycling competition in South Korea officially sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Following a six-year hiatus after the 2019 "Tour de Korea," the event made a successful comeback last year. The 2025 edition featured approximately 220 elite cyclists from 22 teams across 16 countries, who covered a total of 553.6 kilometers starting from Tongyeong and passing through Geoje, Sacheon, Namhae, and Changwon.

The Ministry’s decision to award the funding came after a rigorous evaluation of the event’s hosting capabilities, the feasibility of its regional development plans, and its projected impact on the local economy. Out of numerous applicants, Tour de Gyeongnam was chosen as one of 26 competitions across 13 provinces to receive national support.

Expanding the Race for 2026
Building on the success of the previous year, the 2026 edition is scheduled to take place from June 9 to June 13. The race will span approximately 600 kilometers, traversing the scenic coastal landscapes of five major municipalities: Tongyeong, Geoje, Sacheon, Namhae, and Changwon.

This year’s competition expects an even larger field, with approximately 25 teams—including more than 20 international teams—slated to compete. The provincial government aims to utilize the natural beauty of the southern coastline (Namhaean) to enhance the brand value of the race.

Strategic Vision for Regional Growth
"The selection for this national project is a result of our proven ability to host a successful event in 2025 and the clear synergy we demonstrated between the race and regional tourism," stated a representative from Gyeongsangnam-do Province. "We are committed to developing Tour de Gyeongnam into a representative international sports festival that showcases the unique charms of the South Coast to the world."

The province plans to use the secured funds to improve safety protocols, enhance the broadcasting quality of the race, and develop various cultural programs to engage both residents and international tourists. As the race prepares for its June start, local authorities are focusing on course optimization and international team recruitment to solidify the event’s status as a staple in the global cycling calendar.

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