More than 500 athletes, coaches and their families have used the facility
The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee is operating a dedicated rest space for athletes, coaches and their families and friends at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The committee said Tuesday it has set up the Team Korea Friends & Family Lounge in Nagoya for the duration of the Games — the first time such a dedicated lounge has been provided for Team Korea at an Asian Games.
The lounge occupies a separate space near Lives Nagoya, the venue where Korea House is being operated. The facility goes beyond the traditional support centered on competition venues and athlete accommodations, giving athletes and coaches a place to rest before and after events and spend time comfortably with family and friends who have traveled to Japan.
Inside, visitors find a relaxation area, a Team Korea photo zone, a photo printing service, and light refreshments and beverages. More than 500 athletes, coaches, family members and friends have used the lounge so far.
"To perform at their best, athletes need more than just support inside the arena — they also need an environment where they can relax outside of competition and feel the encouragement of their families and friends up close," Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yu Seung-min said. "I hope the lounge serves as a comfortable retreat for our athletes."
The committee said it plans to expand the scale and functions of the Friends & Family Lounge at future multi-sport international events, drawing on experience gained at this year's Games.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
