On June 4, the Gwangju Universiade torch relay began its 22 day journey in Jeju Island at Seongsan Ilchulbong.

The torch relay started with exciting cultural events which include musical and traditional dance performances at the Seongsan Ilchulbong plaza. The Seogwipo City Vice-Mayor handed the torch to the first torcher bearer.


The relay route includes 5 zones in Seongsan Ilchulbong, Marina intersection, and the Jeju Provincial Government. The torch will start from the Jeju Provincial Government to Jeju National University, and then it will be delivered to Incheon on June 5.

The torch will shine throughout the nation delivering hope and passion by 3,150 runners. The pinnacle of the journey will come on July 3 at the Universiade Main Stadium in Gwangju when the flame will light the cauldron at the Gwangju Universiade Opening Ceremony.

The relay will have cultural themes in 9 regions. Each region will host festivals that embrace the local culture to enhance the value of “Cultureversiade.”

Over 3,000 people will be running in the torch relay. Famous runners like Ki Bo-bae, a gold medalist of London Olympics 2012 in archery and also the ambassador of the Universiade Gwangju 2015, and Yoon Yong-bal, a gold medalist in judo from the Universiade Kobe 1985 will be participating. The gold medalist in the table tennis at the 1988 Seoul Olympic, Yoo Nam-kyu will be joining this relay as well for the Summer World University Games in Gwangju.

(Article from the Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee)