In brief
South Korea confirmed that its National Olympic Committee and Sports Ministry will fully support a bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, following the International Olympic Committee’s announcement of seven potential hosts. The bid now hinges on a co‑hosting arrangement between Seoul and North Jeolla Province, with rapid coordination promised by Korean officials. The effort builds on Seoul’s 1988 Games legacy and the country’s experience hosting the 2018 Winter Games.
South Korea’s National Olympic Committee (KSOC) and the sports ministry said on Tuesday they will give full backing to the country’s bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics, after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Seoul was one of seven potential hosts. The move follows the IOC’s recent designation of South Korea among the shortlist, with competitors Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Africa and Turkey also considered.
The bid will reportedly involve a co‑hosting arrangement between Seoul, the capital, and North Jeolla Province, which had originally been named the sole host candidate in February 2025. Experts say the province lacks the infrastructure—accommodations, transport, and venues—to host the event alone, prompting the shift to a shared bid.
Both the KSOC and the minister of culture, sports and tourism, Chae Hwi-young, expressed confidence that the partnership would advance quickly. The KSOC said it plans to assist the negotiations between the two regions to wrap up negotiations as fast as possible while keeping close coordination with the government and the IOC.
"We hope to bring the 2036 Summer Olympics to South Korea to further improve South Korean sports and create a new opportunity to spread the virtues of Olympic values, with the legacy of the 1988 Summer Games and the 2018 Winter Games at the foundation," said the KSOC in a statement.
After the IOC’s final selection, the candidates will give virtual presentations to the IOC Future Host Commission later in November, and in March 2027 the IOC’s Executive Board will open “strategic dialogue” with the host hopefuls.
