Daegu tourism surges during World Masters Athletics Championships

The 2026 Daegu World Masters Athletics Championships (WMAC) has significantly boosted tourism in Daegu, South Korea. Following the event's opening, the city reported a surge in foreign visitors, with approximately 4,600 participants from 106 countries visiting the region.

Key tourism indicators showed substantial growth: participation in the 'Modern Alley Tour' increased more than fivefold, and visits to tourist information centers rose fourfold compared to usual levels. Other notable increases included a 40% rise in Apsan Cable Car usage and a nearly 70% increase in visitors to Dongseong-ro Sparkland. The hospitality sector also benefited, with some hotels reporting occupancy rates exceeding 80%.

To enhance the visitor experience, the Suseong Cultural Foundation and the Daegu Kansong Art Museum launched 'Korean Breath,' a cultural program designed for international participants. The initiative offered a combination of traditional Korean performances—including Sijo-chang (traditional song), Salpuri-chum (dance), and Seungmu (monk's dance)—alongside meditation sessions to provide a deep immersion into Korean heritage.