GANGWON PROVINCE, South Korea – The 106th National Winter Games have officially begun in Gangwon Province, with 4,855 athletes from 17 cities and provinces across the country competing for top honors. The Games, dubbed the "Festival of Snow and Ice," will run for four days, showcasing the best of South Korean winter sports talent.

Gwangju Aims to Maintain Top 13 Ranking

The Gwangju delegation consists of 114 athletes competing in six events, including skating. Despite being considered a relative underdog in winter sports, Gwangju is determined to make its mark and inspire with their passion and dedication.

Gwangju's primary goal is to maintain its overall ranking of 13th. However, they face stiff competition from cities like Daejeon and Sejong. Sejong City, in particular, has emerged as a strong contender in recent years, thanks to the establishment of new facilities like the Bandabi Ice Rink and a strong recruitment program at Korea University's Sejong Campus.

Gwangju is optimistic about the performances of athletes like Choi Soo-rin, who recently represented South Korea in the biathlon at the Torino Winter Universiade, and mountain speed climber Choi Min-joon.

In the preliminary skating events, Gwangju secured two bronze medals, raising hopes for a successful Games.

Jeonnam Province Targets Top 8 Finish

The Jeonnam Province team, with 193 athletes competing in seven events, has set its sights on a top 8 finish. They aim to achieve this with 15 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 5 bronze medals.

Jeonnam's strengths lie in events like biathlon, alpine skiing, and cross-country skiing. The province is particularly excited about the potential of athletes like Ekaterina Avvakumova, who won a gold medal for South Korea in biathlon at the Harbin Winter Asian Games, and national team member Timofei Lapshin, who has won four consecutive titles in the National Winter Games.

Other promising athletes to watch include cross-country skier Cho Da-eun and alpine skier Kang Da-hyun. The newly formed ski team at Jeonnam Sports Middle and High School is also expected to make a strong showing.

In addition, Jeonnam boasts a strong contender in mountain climbing, Lee Young-geon, who recently won gold medals at the 2025 Cheongsong Ice Climbing World Cup and the National Championships.

Family Ties Add Extra Layer of Intrigue

The Jeonnam delegation includes several families, with siblings, twins, and cousins competing in various events. This adds an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the Games.

Jeonnam's Rise in Winter Sports

Jeonnam Province has made significant strides in winter sports in recent years, shedding its image as a "winter sports wasteland." The province has consistently achieved top 10 finishes in the National Winter Games and produced numerous talented athletes who have achieved multiple titles and consecutive wins.

This year's National Winter Games promise to be a thrilling competition, with athletes from across the country showcasing their skills and determination.