Busan has officially entered the competition to host a major indoor stadium capable of accommodating more than 50,000 spectators for sporting events and concerts.
The city announced on October 27 that it had submitted a letter of intent to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for the government’s proposed multipurpose dome stadium project.
Busan’s proposal calls for a large-scale dome arena at North Port, with a minimum total floor area of 130,000 square meters and seating for at least 50,000 people.
The city is expected to face competition from other municipalities, including Seoul’s Gangseo District, Gwangmyeong in Gyeonggi Province, and Cheonan and Asan in South Chungcheong Province.
Busan plans to submit its full proposal by December 8, with the government expected to announce its preferred location by the end of December.
The selection process will include written evaluations, presentations and site inspections, with officials assessing financial plans, transportation accessibility, tourism connections and potential demand for sporting and entertainment events.
The government plans to conduct preliminary studies and develop a basic project plan during the first half of 2027, followed by feasibility assessments and other administrative procedures.
If the project proceeds as planned, construction would be completed by 2034.
The upcoming selection will identify a preferred candidate for further planning rather than grant final construction approval.
