Diverse programs combining sports, Daegu and K-culture to offer a unique summer experience
The Organizing Committee for WMAC Daegu 2026 will be hosting a slew of auxiliary events for the duration of the WMAC to be enjoyed by athletes from around the world, their accompanying family members and local residents.
Held under the theme “Athletes’ Holiday in Daegu (AHD),” the events have been designed as a summer festival for both athletes and citizens to enjoy together. AHD will be held for the duration of WMAC (Aug. 21–Sep. 3) and will not operate on non-competition days (Aug. 26 and 31).
To ensure that athletes and citizens alike can enjoy the festival in comfort and safety amid the prolonged summer heat, AHD will be held in two venues: Color Square (Daegu Stadium Mall) during the day and West Plaza in the evening.
During the day (10:00–17:00), Color Square, an indoor venue, will feature various live performances, experiences of Daegu’s culture and tourism resources, and interactive programs related to K-culture and K-beauty, including hanbok and Korean medicine experiences. Major participating organizations include the Daegu Foundation for Culture & Arts, Suseong Culture Foundation (Tourism Promotion Center), Suseong-gu Association of Korean Medicine, Small Enterprise and Market Service, KSPO Daegu Fitness Certification Center and Suseong University.
The Daegu Sports Museum at West Plaza will feature a special WMA-themed exhibition and activities, while the Suseong Future Education Center will offer AI-based sports experiences. There will also be a Media Sharing Bus (Daegu Community Media Center) and Mobile Safety Experience Bus (Daegu Fire and Safety Headquarters) to encourage participation by young people and families. A K-beauty experience for foreign visitors (Daegu Medical Tourism Promotion Agency) promoting Medicity Daegu, an official merchandise shop, and a Dodalssu (Daegu’s representative character) photo zone are just a few of the many things to see and do through which visitors can make lasting memories of their stay in Daegu.
In the evening (16:00–22:00), AHD will shift to West Plaza, an outdoor space, where a festival stage will be set up. A large tent with approximately 300 seats will host daily performances by local musicians and DJ parties on weekends. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a variety of food and drinks, including fried chicken and beer.
Special programs promoting the globalization of Daegu’s culture and international exchange will also be offered. On August 22 and 29, West Plaza will host performances of Gosan Nongak (Daegu Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 1) and Uksu Nongak (No. 3). The multipurpose hall at the Daegu Community Media Center will host a marimba performance by an arts group from Daegu’s sister city of Hiroshima, Japan, as well as a celebratory performance by the DIO Daegu International Youth Orchestra.
Other features of AHD include global food trucks, a flea market selling handicrafts and traditional goods, and a picnic zone where visitors can relax on the lawn and enjoy busking performances.
Facilities to protect visitors from extreme heat are also being prepared. West Plaza will have an air-conditioned heat shelter, air-conditioned bus, cooling mist zone and medical booth to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensure visitors’ safety. Color Square will also provide a Masters Lounge where athletes can rest, with sponsorship from 3H Co., Ltd. and A Twosome Place’s Daegu Stadium Mall branch.
Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho, chair of the Organizing Committee, said, “We have prepared a venue for harmony and communication where athletes from around the world and their families can fully enjoy the attractions of Daegu and Korea. We will do our utmost to ensure safety, including measures against extreme heat, and provide all participants with an enjoyable and unforgettable festival experience.”
Detailed schedules for the WMAC Daegu 2026 auxiliary events are available on the official website (www.wmac2026.com).
