The contest, running from the 14th to December 8, invites metropolitan local governments and public institutions nationwide to propose sites for the construction of a “sports and performance complex dome stadium.” Through the process, the ministry plans to select one candidate site for a large-scale dome stadium and one for a medium-sized dome stadium.
Under the proposed plan, large-scale dome stadiums will have more than 40,000 seats, with capacity for more than 50,000 people, while medium-sized dome stadiums will accommodate more than 20,000 but fewer than 40,000 seats.
The ministry said the initiative aims to establish the foundation for hosting a wide range of events throughout the year, including large-scale international competitions, sports games and performances. It also expects the facilities to expand opportunities for people to enjoy sports and culture while creating representative Korean landmarks visited by domestic and international tourists.
Eligible applicants include metropolitan local governments across the country and public institutions governed by the Act on the Operation of Public Institutions. Public institutions must obtain approval from their higher institutions before applying.
Each applicant agency may propose candidate sites for both large-scale and medium-sized stadiums within one location. Proposals may also include operational and utilisation plans tailored to local conditions and demand, along with participation plans involving cooperative organisations.
Organisations seeking to participate must submit their intention to attract the project by the 28th and submit their proposals by December 8.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will establish an evaluation committee comprising external experts to assess proposals across three areas: the feasibility of utilisation plans, the suitability of locations, and business feasibility and expected effects.
The written evaluation will take place from December 9 to 14, followed by on-site inspections and presentation evaluations from December 17 to 28. The ministry plans to announce the selected candidate sites at the end of December.
Following the selection process, the ministry will pursue a basic survey and the preparation of a basic plan for the successful candidate sites by the first half of 2027. Subsequent procedures, including a preliminary feasibility study, are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027.
After the design and licensing processes, the projects will proceed with the aim of completing construction by 2034.
The ministry clarified that the contest is intended to identify candidate sites for advancing subsequent procedures, including preliminary feasibility studies. Selection will not automatically confer any separate legal status on the applicant organisations.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young said the combined sports and performance dome stadiums could serve as platforms for showcasing the appeal of South Korean sports and “K-culture” to the world.
“We will select candidate sites suitable for the promotion of the project through fair evaluation and create a base to add vitality to the people's enjoyment of sports and culture and the local tourism and economy,” Choi said.
The nationwide contest marks the initial stage of a long-term infrastructure project, with site selection scheduled by the end of December, follow-up planning and feasibility procedures beginning in 2027, and completion targeted for 2034.
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