Research and analysis

South Korea: Project Global Sports; visit of Lord Coe to Seoul – March 2014

Published 16 April 2014

Lord Sebastian Coe led a UKTI Global Sports Mission to Seoul from 24 to 25 March 2014. The mission consisted of eight companies most of which had helped to deliver London 2012. During his time in Seoul Lord Coe opened our Global Sports seminar, attended by over 100 people from the Korean global sporting community (including members of the Pyeongchang and Incheon organising committees).

He spoke to almost 90 business leaders at a joint British, Australian and New Zealand Chamber lunch. He met Director General Kim Jiyoung of the Korean Olympic Committee; gave press interviews to Maeil Business Daily (FT equivalent) and Joongang Sunday (Sunday Times equivalent); and a television interview to YTN (BBC equivalent).

Recurring themes during all meetings were:-

• Think about legacy and build it into your vision: the Koreans have given this some thought, though it does not yet feel absolutely integral to the Pyeongchang Games.
• Sustainability: as above.
• Use temporary structures as solutions: the Koreans are planning some temporary structures for Gwangju and Pyeongchang but there is scope for more, in a way that would reduce costs, contribute to legacy and ensure greater sustainability.

During a meeting with President Kim Jin-sun of the Pyeongchang Organising Committee (POC), Kim asked for Lord Coe’s help on engagement with communities and schools, and how to promote his own games and fill the stadia. Kim was clear about the scope for Pyeongchang to learn from the experience of London. He agreed to our request for quarterly briefings on progress. This will enable us to gauge progress and ensure that UK companies are engaging with the POC at the right times.

In a meeting with President Kim Yoon-suk of the 2015 Gwangju Universiade Committee we identified potential opportunities to assist with temporary structures. Kim also asked Lord Coe to be an honorary Ambassador for Gwangju 2015 (he accepted) and that he attend the opening ceremony in July 2015.

0.1 Comment

A very productive 30 hours. Our stock was high following London 2012; it is higher now. The seminar and other meetings showcased the companies and the UK’s global sports expertise. The visit opened up new opportunities for us to take forward our Global Sports HVO.

0.2 Disclaimer

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