Korea opens bidding for two domed stadiums, targeting 2034 completion

The culture ministry said it has opened a nationwide competition to host one large and one mid-sized sports and performance dome, part of a project aimed at completing a landmark venue by 2034.

Regional governments and public institutions have until Oct. 28 to submit a letter of intent, and until Dec. 8 to file a full proposal. The large dome is to seat at least 40,000 people and accommodate more than 50,000, with a gross floor area of at least 130,000 square meters; the mid-sized venue is to seat between 20,000 and 40,000, with at least 80,000 square meters of floor space. Each applicant may propose no more than one site in each category.

An external expert panel will weigh the viability of the proposed use, the suitability of the site, and the feasibility of the project and its expected effects. Written evaluation runs from Dec. 9 to 14, on-site inspections and presentations from Dec. 17 to 28, and the selected sites will be announced at the end of December. Public institutions must obtain approval from their parent body before applying, and applicants are asked to set out plans for operation and use, along with the participation of partner organizations. A site must be provided with financial and administrative support such as free transfer or long-term use rights.

The winning sites will undergo basic surveys and master planning through the first half of 2027, followed by a preliminary feasibility study and other steps from the second half of next year, with construction targeted for completion in 2034.

"I hope the sports and performance dome will become a stage that shows the world the appeal of Korean sports and K-culture," Culture Minister Choe Hwi-young said. "We will select sites suited to the project through a fair evaluation and build bases that add vitality to the public's enjoyment of sports and culture and to regional tourism and economies."