BUSAN < invest Korea

According to Yonhap News,

(Busan=Invest KOREA) The City of Busan announced on the 27th that the "2025 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) World Conference," held last December, generated an estimated economic impact of KRW 11.6 billion (approx. USD 8.3 million), further solidifying the city's reputation as a premier global MICE destination.

The city held the "2025 WADA Assembly Performance Report Meeting" at the Paradise Hotel Busan to share the tangible achievements of the event and discuss future strategies.

1. Economic & Social Impact

According to an analysis by the Busan Development Institute, the five-day event generated:

- Production Inducement: KRW 7.9 billion
- Value-Added Inducement: KRW 3.7 billion
- Employment Effect: 63 jobs created (including indirect employment)

Beyond the figures, the event served as a milestone in proving Busan's capacity to host large-scale international diplomatic events, attracting over 2,000 global leaders and sports officials from 163 countries.

2. High Satisfaction & Infrastructure

A survey of assembly participants revealed exceptional satisfaction rates:

- 92.8 percent gave a positive uation of the overall assembly.
- 90.7 percent expressed high satisfaction with Busan as the host city. Participants gave high marks for the city's transportation, accommodation, and urban environment, confirming Busan's competitiveness as a global convention hub.

3. The 'Busan Declaration' Legacy

The assembly was not just an event but a diplomatic victory. It saw the confirmation of the new "2027 World Anti-Doping Code" and the adoption of the "Busan Declaration," which outlines international cooperation for fair competition and the protection of athletes' rights. This declaration serves as a lasting legacy, positioning Busan as a center for global sports diplomacy.

[Future Plans] Leveraging the international network established through this assembly, Busan City plans to aggressively bid for mega-sports events, including the "2026 Busan International Marathon." The city is also committed to expanding the event's legacy by launching the "Asia Youth Clean Sport Camp" to support young athletes from developing nations.

A city official stated, "We will continue to attract practical, high-impact global events that not only boost the local economy but also demonstrate Busan's readiness as a 'Global Hub City' to the world."

wink@yna.co.kr



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Source Text

Source: Yonhap News (January 27, 2026)

** This article was translated from Korean.