Gwangju International Archery Center has undergone an overhaul to meet the regulations of World Archery, the sport's global governing body.

By Kang Gahui
Photos = Gwangju Metropolitan City

The country's sixth-largest city of Gwangju will grab the global spotlight later this week.

The metropolis is bustling with final inspections of facilities and equipment for the Gwangju 2025 Hyundai World Archery Championships, which runs from Sept. 5-12.

In a final report meeting on Aug. 21 on its preparation for the tournament, the city government noted its meticulous preparation for all aspects of the event such as transportation, shipping, safety, accommodations and tourism.

An official said, "We're thoroughly preparing so that both the athletes and spectators can enjoy the tournament in the best environment possible."

First, the main arena underwent an extensive overhaul to comply with regulations of World Archery, the sport's global governing body. Gwangju International Archery Field, the site of the preliminaries and finals, received KRW 3.8 billion to get expanded from 210 m to 230 m, or 10 m bigger on each side.

Waiting rooms for athletes and equipment storage facilities were also among the multipurpose spaces newly built.

Exclusive areas for wheelchair users and amenities for the disabled were greatly expanded.

Temporary bleachers of about 800 seats were installed at a special stadium of May 18 Democracy Square, the venue of the finals. Security personnel held a virtual test of spectator movement routes, painstakingly inspecting seating arrangements and aisle clearance.

Final preparation is underway for athlete accommodations, food and transportation, with 800 rooms at 12 hotels secured throughout the Greater Gwangju area. Balanced meals prepared at each hotel's kitchen seek to boost athlete performance, and disabled athletes will receive lunch at competition venues to reduce mobility inconvenience.

Meticulous preparation also went into transportation. Waiting times were adjusted depending on country of origin of athlete squads from their arrival at Incheon International Airport to their transfer to Gwangju. Buses are run flexibly to meet the event schedule.

A combined 372 buses for athletes have been deployed for the tournament and 184 for the Gwangju World Archery Para Championships.

As of Aug. 27, 731 athletes from 76 countries registered for the competition and 417 from 46 states did so for the para tournament.

The World Archery Championships are slated from Sept. 5-12 and the World Archery Para Championships from Sept. 22-28 at Gwangju International Archery Center and May 18 Democracy Square.

Gwangju is thus ready with the best stage for the world's best archers and thrilling competition for the public.

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung (first from right) on Aug. 20 visits Gwangju International Archery Center in the city's Nam-gu District to encourage para competitors. .