DHL Korea extends ice hockey team logistics sponsorship through 2030

DHL Korea has extended its official logistics sponsorship agreement with the Korea Ice Hockey Association through 2030, continuing a partnership that now spans 15 years.

The company signed the extension Thursday at the Mokdong Ice Rink in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. The deal advances the previous contract's expiration by three years — from 2027 to August 2030 — and covers overseas equipment transport for all national team age groups, including the men's and women's senior squads. The total value of support over the contract period is 2.3 billion won ($1.53 million).

DHL Korea has served as the national ice hockey team's official logistics partner since 2015. Over that period, it has shipped an average of 1.7 metric tons of equipment per trip — including uniforms, hockey sticks, skates and helmets — completing 22 round trips and moving more than 56 metric tons in total. The company handles the full logistics chain, from paperwork and pickup through customs clearance and local delivery, allowing athletes to focus on overseas competitions and training camps.

With the renewed contract, DHL Korea plans to go beyond logistics support and step up efforts to broaden the sport's grassroots base in South Korea. The company will run customer invitation programs at international events held domestically, including the 2026 Asian Championship, a 2027 Korea-Japan friendly and the Women's World Championship, while expanding opportunities for the public to try the sport.

A hands-on experience program was also held at Thursday's signing ceremony, bringing together DHL Korea employees and members of the men's national team. The players personally coached participants in basic skills — stick handling, dribbling and shooting — giving attendees a closer look at the sport.

"It is meaningful to continue our role as the official logistics partner of the national ice hockey team, drawing on DHL's logistics expertise," said Han Ji-heon, CEO of DHL Korea. "We will keep providing stable logistics support for our national athletes while running programs that engage customers and employees, contributing to the growth of ice hockey and the vitalization of sports culture."

Meanwhile, DHL Korea earlier this year officially launched its "GoTrade" program in South Korea to help small and medium-sized enterprises enter global markets, conducting its first hands-on trade education session as part of its broader commitment to shared-growth management.