Jeju's Workplace Sports Teams Struggle as 2026 National Sports Festival Approaches

Declining Performance of Jeju's Workplace Sports Teams

Jeju's workplace sports teams have faced a sharp decline in performance at recent national sports events. Despite efforts to expand the number of sports from 6 to 8 disciplines, including badminton and cycling, medal counts have fallen. The number of gold medals dropped drastically from 10 in 2023 to only 2 in 2025 at national competitions. Particularly striking is the absence of medals in badminton, gymnastics, and men's taekwondo this year, raising alarm among supporters and officials.
Budget reductions have also played a significant role, with the sports budget for workplace teams decreasing from 60 billion KRW in 2023 to 57 billion KRW in 2025. This comes despite Jeju preparing to host the 107th National Sports Festival in 2026, where it aims to place in the top 10 overall.
The combination of these results threatens Jeju's reputation as an elite sports region and has fans worried about the future readiness of their athletes.

Financial and Administrative Challenges

Jeju’s sports administration has been struggling with budget constraints and organizational issues. Since the launch of the current administration under Governor Oh Young-hoon in 2023, budgets initially increased but have since decreased yearly, challenging the operation of workplace sports teams. The Jeju Sports Council, responsible for the teams’ management, had to secure additional funding through competitive public grants for training expenses, showing the tight financial conditions.
Moreover, controversies and transparency concerns about the Jeju Sports Council's financial management have surfaced recently, including accusations of subsidy misuse and calls for comprehensive audits. These issues highlight systemic weaknesses that might impact athlete support and overall team management.
Such administrative and budget concerns compound the athletic challenges Jeju faces, putting pressure on the community and officials to find sustainable solutions.

Athlete Aging and Transfers

One of the pressing challenges undermining Jeju’s sports success is the aging of key athletes and their demands for higher salaries leading to anticipated transfers. Notably, some star players in diving and traditional wrestling, who have historically won many medals for Jeju, are expected to leave, leaving younger teams insufficiently prepared.
This situation means Jeju risks being mere spectators next year as host of the National Sports Festival, watching from the sidelines due to weaker team competitiveness. The sports council recognizes this and is planning gradual generational changes, hoping to rebuild stronger teams for the future.
Fans and local communities have expressed mixed feelings—concern over losing veteran talent but also hope for fresh energy in the new generation.

Cultural Context and Community Reactions

The National Sports Festival is hugely important in Korean sports culture as a symbol of regional pride and a showcase for elite athletes. Jeju hosting the 107th festival is seen as an opportunity to boost local sports infrastructure and visibility.
However, many local fans expressed frustration and disappointment over the recent poor performances, budget cuts, and administrative controversies. Online sports communities such as Naver and Tistory blogs show a mixture of concern and calls for more transparent, committed support for athletes.
This situation reflects broader cultural values in Korea where sports achievements unify communities, but also the challenge of maintaining competitive edge amid financial and organizational difficulties. For foreign fans, knowing these dynamics helps appreciate the stakes involved in Jeju’s sports scene going into the 2026 festival.