▲ The 59th Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Sports Festival, a SPECIAL market for Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province residents will be held!

Yangyang-gun announced that it is preparing for the 59th Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Sports Festival and the "WELCOM Market" (hereinafter referred to as the Welcome Market) to welcome the athletes for three days from May 31 to June 2.

The county said, "We have been preparing for the Provincial Sports Festival since 2019, but after experiencing regret for the postponement and cancellation due to COVID-19, we will hold the first Provincial Sports Festival this year since the launch of the Gangwon State," adding, "We are speeding up preparations for the competition with the will to make it a harmonious event where the power of 3 million Gangwon Province becomes one in Yangyang, a global platform that extends to the world."

He also added that he decided to provide a variety of attractions and entertainments to comfort the tired mind and body of the team who have sweated to prepare for the competition during the athletic competition and welcome athletes, executives, and visitors to Yangyang.

In the welcome market, about 30 teams, including Yangyang Beach Market sellers who have been active in Yangyang's Hujin Port and Ttukbang Market sellers who have been holding markets in Yangyang Songi Park, will participate in the "Yangyang-gun Tourism Information Center" to provide unique experience events, entertainment, shopping, and food, promote Yangyang's tourism resources and guide competition information.

The county said, "We will also display more than 40 winning works of Yangyang Tourism Photo Contest nationwide in 2023 outdoors in the market," adding, "The small movie theater in Yangyang will provide free drinks and popcorn to athletes and executives who watch movies."

In addition, cultural performances will be held to welcome the athletes and Gangwon residents. On June 1, when the welcome market is held at the multi-purpose square of the traditional market, a celebratory performance featuring indie bands, vocalists, and pianists will be held, and busking performances will be held on June 2.

Kim Jae-mi, head of the Tourism and Culture Division, said, "As it is the first provincial sports competition in Yangyang, we hope that the visiting athletes will achieve the best performance," adding, "We will do our best to welcome guests so that we can sympathize with Yangyang's culture and have a good time."

Meanwhile, the 59th Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Sports Festival will be held in Yangyang-gun from May 31 to June 2, with 12,000 athletes and executives participating in 41 sports for five days.