Yeongcheon hosts 2026 North Gyeongsang Starlight Children's Baduk Competition

Yeongcheon City in North Gyeongsang Province held the 2026 North Gyeongsang Starlight Children's Baduk Competition at Yeongcheon Gymnasium on June 20.

The Yeongcheon City Sports Council, chaired by Park Bong-gyu, organized the event, with the Yeongcheon Baduk Association serving as host. More than 300 elementary school baduk players from Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province took part, with total attendance reaching around 500, including parents and officials.

The opening ceremony was attended by Lee Sang-heon, director of the Yeongcheon Myeongpum Wine team, and the team's players. The team is currently competing in the 2026 NH NongHyup Bank Korea Women's Baduk League, organized by the Korea Baduk Association. Lee and the players encouraged the young competitors and expressed support for the event.

Yoo Si-yong, chairman of the Baduk Association, said the competition has grown every year since its inaugural edition in 2019 and has established itself as a leading children's baduk festival in North Gyeongsang Province. "We hope this competition will be a valuable opportunity for children to nurture their dreams and talents through baduk," he said.

Yeongcheon Mayor Choi Gi-moon described baduk as "an excellent mind sport that builds concentration and critical thinking, as well as respect and consideration for others." He added, "I hope our children, who will grow up in the age of AI, will develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills through baduk and grow into the leaders of tomorrow."