Six nations and regions gather in Seoul for youth hockey competition and cultural exchange, with matches running Sunday through Friday at Jamwon Hangang Park
Youth hockey players from six nations and regions — South Korea, China, Japan, Macao, Malaysia and the Philippines — have gathered in Seoul to compete on the international stage. The tournament goes beyond athletic competition, offering young players international experience while fostering city-to-city exchange through sport.
The 2026 Seoul World Youth Hockey Tournament, organized by the Seoul Hockey Association with The Herald Business and The Korea Herald serving as media partners, opened Sunday at a specially built arena in Jamwon Hangang Park. The tournament runs through Friday, with players representing their respective nations while gaining competitive experience and building international connections.
The tournament's chief significance lies in expanding opportunities for international sports exchange at the youth level. Domestic players can measure their skills directly against overseas counterparts, while all participants are exposed to different cultures and sporting environments through competition and interaction.
Sunday's season opener, which featured delegations from Seoul and Beijing, marked the formal start of sports exchange between young athletes from the two cities. Players compete on the field but spend the tournament period communicating with one another and building friendships through sport. The event shows that international competitions can serve as a platform for youth exchange and cultural understanding, not just athletic development.
The tournament also draws attention to Seoul's urban spaces. Hosting the event at the Jamwon Hangang Park arena introduces participants and officials to one of the city's signature riverside venues, while giving Seoul residents a chance to watch international youth hockey up close.
A ceremonial first hit marked the official opening, with distinguished guests joining players from the Seoul and Beijing delegations for a group photo and wishing all athletes safe and strong performances.
Attendees included Choi Jin-young, chief executive of Herald Media Group; Kang Tae-sun, president of the Seoul Metropolitan Sports Council; Jeong Geun-sik, superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education; Assembly member Park Jeong-hyeon; Hwang Cheol-gyu, chair of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee; Park Yu-jin, chair of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Budget and Accounts Special Committee; Min Seon-hui and Choi Won-seon, vice chairs of the council's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee; Seoul Metropolitan Council members Kim Gwang-cheol and Min Gyeong-hui; and Cho Byeong-u, president of the Seoul Hockey Association.
The tournament is expected to give young players valuable international competition experience while broadening the scope of Seoul-centered youth sports exchange. Participants will continue competing through Friday, testing their skills and forging friendships through sport.
7toy7@heraldcorp.com
