Discover Youth, Passion, and Culture in the Heart of South Korea!
The world will come to Chungcheong for the Games.
KHOREA invites you to stay for the journey.
Explore Korea’s Heartland During the 2027 FISU Games
A Travel Guide to Korea’s Heartland: Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam & Chungbuk
1. Event Overview & Schedule
The 2027 FISU World University Games (Chungcheong) is a premier international sports and cultural festival bringing together university student-athletes from around the world.
- Official Event Name: 2027 Chungcheong FISU World University Games (Summer Universiade)
- Dates: August 1 (Sun) – August 12 (Thu), 2027 (12 Days)
- Location: Chungcheong (Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, Chungbuk)
- Scale: Approx. 15,000 athletes and officials from over 150 countries
- Sports Disciplines (18 Sports):
- Compulsory (15): Archery, Artistic Gymnastics, Athletics, Badminton. Basketball, Diving, Fencing, Judo, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo.
- Optional (3): Beach Volleyball, Golf, Rowing.
2. Meet the 4 Host Regions
Located in the center of South Korea, the Chungcheong offers a unique combination of futuristic science, administrative hub, ancient history, and serene natural landscapes.
🏛️ Sejong Special Self-Governing City
- The Highlight: Korea’s modern administrative capital and eco-friendly smart city.
- Role in the Games: Main Athletes’ Village, Main Media Center, Athletics, and Water Sports venues.
- Top Landmarks: Sejong Lake Park, National Sejong Arboretum, Government Complex Rooftop Garden.
🧪 Daejeon Metropolitan City — Where Science Meets Everyday Korea
- The Highlight: The science & technology capital of South Korea (“Korea’s Silicon Valley”).
- Role in the Games: Table Tennis, Fencing, Swimming, Taekwondo venues.
- Top Landmarks: Daejeon Expo Science Park, Hanbat Arboretum, Yuseong Natural Hot Springs, Sungsimdang Bakery.
📜 Chungcheongnam-do (South Chungcheong Province; Chungnam)
- The Highlight: Heartland of the ancient Baekje Kingdom, historic fortresses, and scenic coastal shores.
- Role in the Games: Volleyball, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Golf.
- Top Landmarks: Gongju & Buyeo Baekje Historic Areas (UNESCO World Heritage), Boryeong Mud Beach, Anmyeon Island.
🏞️ Chungcheongbuk-do (North Chungcheong Province; Chungbuk)
- The Highlight: Picturesque lakes, majestic mountain national parks, and heritage sites.
- Role in the Games: Archery, Badminton, Gymnastics, Judo, Rowing.
- Top Landmarks: Cheongnamdae (Presidential Villa), Danyang 8 Scenic Views, Songnisan National Park, Suanbo Hot Springs.
3. Local Attractions & Culinary Highlights
| Region | Must-Visit Spots | Famous Culinary Delights |
|---|---|---|
| Daejeon | Expo Science Park, Hanbat Arboretum, Yuseong Hot Springs | Sungsimdang Bakery pastries, Hand-cut Kalguksu Noodles, Spicy Tofu Stew |
| Sejong | Sejong Lake Park, Bear Tree Park, National Sejong Arboretum | Grilled Pork Ribs, Farm-to-Table Organic Dishes |
| Chungnam | Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress, Buyeo Cultural Land, Daecheon Beach | Gongju Chestnut Cuisine, Boryeong Seafood & Clam Bake, Hanwoo Beef |
| Chungbuk | Cheongnamdae Villa, Danyang Mancheonha Skywalk, Chungju Lake | Danyang Garlic Tteokgalbi, Cheongju Samgyeopsal (Pork Belly), Freshwater Fish Stew |
4. How to Get Here (Transportation Guide)
Thanks to Chungcheong’s central location, getting to all venue cities from Seoul or Incheon International Airport is fast and easy.
✈️ From Incheon International Airport (ICN)
- Direct Intercity Express Airport Bus (Most Convenient)
- Routes: Direct buses run from Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 to Daejeon, Sejong, Cheongju, and Cheonan.
- Travel Time: Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Ticketing: Purchase at the airport bus ticket counters or online via T-Money GO app.
- KTX High-Speed Train via Seoul Station
- Take the AREX Express Train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station (~43 minutes).
- Transfer to the KTX High-Speed Train bound for Chungcheong:
- Osong Station: Access to Sejong City & Cheongju (45 mins from Seoul)
- Daejeon Station Access to Daejeon City (50 mins from Seoul)
- Cheonan-Asan / Gongju Station: Access to Chungnam locations (30–50 mins from Seoul)
🚄 From Downtown Seoul
- KTX / SRT High-Speed Rail: Frequent high-speed services from Seoul Station, Yongsan Station, or Suseo Station (SRT). Reaches major Chungcheong hubs in 30 to 60 minutes.
- Express Bus: Departs from Gangnam Express Bus Terminal or Seoul Nambu Terminal, arriving in 1 to 1.5 hours.
💡Which station should I use?
- Daejeon: Daejeon Station
- Sejong: Osong Station + local transfer
- Cheongju: Osong Station / Cheongju-area access
- Gongju: Gongju Station
- Cheonan: Cheonan-Asan Station
- Chungju: Chungju Station / connecting transport
- Danyang: Danyang Station / connecting transport
5. Travel Tips & Helpful Services for Visitors
- 💳 Payment & T-Money Card: Credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in South Korea. Get a rechargeable T-Money Transit Card at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) at the airport to use on local buses, subways, and taxis.
- 📱 Connectivity: Pick up an eSIM or local prepaid SIM card at Incheon Airport for high-speed 5G or 4G connectivity.
- 🗺️ Essential Travel Apps:
- Naver Map / KakaoMap: Best navigation apps in South Korea (offers English interface).
- Naver Papago: Recommended AI translation app for instant English-to-Korean translation.
- 🆘 Tourist Assistance (1330 Hotline): Dial 1330 (Korea Travel Helpline, +82-2-1330 from overseas) anytime 24/7 for free assistance in English, Chinese, Japanese, German, French, Spanish and Russian. Real-time chat is also provided here.
🌏 Before You Leave Korea
Since you’re already visiting Chungcheong for the Games,
why not continue your journey?
7 Reasons to Travel to Korea
Start Your Korean Dream : Living in Korea Guide
The Layered City: A Journey Through Seoul’s Hidden Histories
Le Franc – A Rooftop Perspective on Insadong
Explore Korea with KTX
Jeonju Hanok Village: Korea’s Most Elegant Cultural Escape by KTX
Gyeongju—The City Where Korea Remembers Itself
Busan: The City That Carried a Nation
🛏️ Hotels in Daejeon
Choose your preferred booking partner.
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