Annually hosted in Inchon city on the first day of Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, the 23rd Chuseok International Sports Day was held on October 3, 2025, at the Namdong Neighborhood Park Stadium and Yeonsu Sports Park. The event gathered more than 500 migrant players, organizers, and supporters in a vibrant celebration of unity through sports. Participants who represented a wide range of countries, including Korea, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Uganda, joined hands with Korean society in the spirit of friendship, co-existence, and mutual respect.
The annual event was co-hosted by Friends of All Nations and the Bangladesh Mission in Korea, featuring 26 teams competing in football, basketball, volleyball, futsal, and tug-of-war. The highlight of the day came in the final matches, where Thailand’s migrant teams claimed victory over Vietnam in both football, after a tense penalty shootout, and tug-of-war, proudly taking home two trophies and prizes.
Beyond the sports competition, the organizers worked to create a friendly atmosphere by providing lunch and drinks for all participants, along with gifts and raffles that brought excitement to the crowd. One of the most memorable moments was the draw for 15 brand-new bicycles and other prizes, sparking cheers and laughter throughout the stadium.
Over two decades, the Chuseok International Sports Day has continued to foster sportsmanship, diversity, and a global community by providing platforms for migrants to showcase their athletic talent, as well as an opportunity to strengthen bonds across cultures and promote peaceful coexistence in South Korea. Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day, is one of the most important and festive holidays of the year. A week-long celebration of the holidays, coincidentally, this year includes the Korean National Foundation Day on the 3rd and the Korean language Hangeul Proclamation Day on the 9th of October, 2025.
Photos by Bereket Alemayehu