The Impact of Attracting a Mega-Sport Facility on the Development of a Small Town: A Case Study on Taekwondowon in Muju, South Korea

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of attracting a mega-sport facility on the development of a small town. As a case study, we took a close look at the changes occurring since Muju County attracted Taekwondowon in 2014 and its significance to urban development and city branding. Data were collected by individual interviews with five research participants engaged in the business and the regional development of Taekwondowon and the Muju County Office (MCO). As a result, the study produced the following outcomes: First, MCO has established an administrative and legal system to actively utilize Taekwondowon and spur urban development. Second, the regional ripple effects include the local economic consumption by the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation (TPF), purchasing local agricultural products by the TPF, and increasing income for local lodging and catering businesses generated by taekwondo events held at Taekwondowon. Third, and most importantly, Muju has been pursuing a transformation into a sustainable international tourism city by becoming the mecca for taekwondo. To achieve this goal, Taekwondowon has been taking some existing functions of Kukkiwon, and the MCO constructed the Taekwon Village, Taekwon Park, and Taekwon V Land throughout Muju. In addition, the social overhead capital necessary for a tourist destination, such as road expansion and a new express bus system between the international airport and Muju, has been reinforced. Furthermore, various tourism products using Taekwondowon have been provided to continue its city branding. In summary, it was found that Taekwondowon has played a pivotal role in Muju’s journey toward achieving sustainable development as the mecca for taekwondo.