South Korea’s capital, Seoul, unveiled its bid on Dec. 25 to host the 2036 Olympics, showcasing a plan to stage events at iconic locations across the city and beyond. Mayor Oh Se-hoon first expressed interest in hosting the Games in 2022, and now, a detailed blueprint has been made public.
The city’s proposal emphasizes an “economic Olympics,” aiming to minimize costs by utilizing existing sports facilities and sharing events with other regions, including Busan, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, and Gangwon Province. A feasibility study commissioned by the city and conducted by the Korea Institute of Sports Science estimated total costs at 5.08 trillion won ($3.46 billion), roughly 40% of the $9.36 billion spent on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“We will utilize 100% of current facilities without constructing new ones,” a city official said.
The opening and closing ceremonies are slated for Jamsil Olympic Stadium, the venue for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, which is undergoing a remodeling project set for completion in 2026. Nearby, the Jamsil Sports and MICE Complex, currently under development by Hanwha Consortium, will host events like basketball, wrestling, and judo. The complex, expected to be completed by 2032, will feature a dome baseball stadium, hotels, and other amenities.
Archery will take place in Gwanghwamun Square, a prominent cultural and historical site, with iconic landmarks such as the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin serving as a dramatic backdrop. “The sight of our athletes shooting arrows against this setting will be broadcast globally,” the official noted.
The triathlon is planned for Banpo Hangang Park, where the city previously held a citizen triathlon. A Seoul official emphasized the clean water of the Han River compared to the Seine in Paris, which hosted swimming events during the 2024 Games. Additionally, Yeouido Hangang Park will host beach volleyball, while Yeouido Park will stage skateboarding and breaking (breakdancing), both popular among younger audiences.
Other sports venues include Jangchung Arena for volleyball, the Olympic Gymnastics Arena for gymnastics, and Seoul World Cup Stadium for soccer. Of 38 total venues, 14 will utilize facilities in other provinces, such as surfing in Yangyang, Gangwon Province; golf at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon; badminton and table tennis at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province; and sailing at Suyeong Bay Yacht Center in Busan.
Seoul is competing against several other countries, including India, Qatar, Indonesia, Egypt, Türkiye, and South Africa, for the 2036 Games. Analysts view India, with its massive population, and Qatar, aiming to be the first Middle Eastern Olympic host, as strong contenders. However, S. Korea’s extensive experience in hosting major sporting events bolsters its bid. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected to decide the host city after 2026.
Mayor Oh expressed optimism, highlighting the transformative impact of the 1988 Olympics. “The 1988 Seoul Olympics propelled South Korea onto the global stage. Hosting the 2036 Games will serve as a new driving force for our country’s growth,” he said.
While proponents cite the Olympics as a way to boost urban competitiveness, critics remain skeptical about potential costs. The Mori Memorial Foundation in Japan noted that cities like Tokyo and Paris saw significant increases in global competitiveness after hosting the Games. Seoul recently climbed to sixth place in the foundation’s global city rankings, trailing only cities like Tokyo, Paris, and London.
