Association History
2026 — Year of Founding
Association Auditor Ham Kwang-geun, writing as a News21 correspondent, published an op-ed on the state of Korea's esports market (KRW 256.9 billion in 2023, up 7.8% year-on-year) and the opportunity presented by the esports infrastructure gap in the Gyeonggi Northern region. The piece called for building a grassroots esports ecosystem across Uijeongbu, Yangju, Pocheon, and Dongducheon.
The International Esports Promotion Institute (IESI) Gyeonggi Northern Uijeongbu Association was formed with its principal office at 14 Dunyaro 17beon-gil, 2F, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do (Uijeongbu-dong). Its registered business was set as education services (esports education, tournaments, event operations, exhibitions, media & public relations, contracted services).
Pursuant to Article 13, Paragraph 6 of the Framework Act on National Taxes and Article 10 of its Enforcement Decree, representative Jo Jae O was designated by the Uijeongbu Tax Office as the person responsible for fulfilling the Association's national tax obligations, as an organization treated as a corporation.
Pursuant to Article 13, Paragraph 2 of the Framework Act on National Taxes and Article 8, Paragraph 2 of its Enforcement Decree, the Association was approved as an organization treated as a corporation and assigned registration number 617-82-92304. A registration certificate (reason: new registration) was issued under the name of the Commissioner of the Uijeongbu Tax Office, formally satisfying the Association's legal requirements as a non-profit organization.
Alongside the registration number approval, the Association opened its official website (iesi-kbu.com) and announced its official launch. The site offers service in Korean, English, and Chinese, marking the first step toward expanding esports education infrastructure in the region.
The International Esports Promotion Institute (IESI, Chairperson Jeon Ok-yi) signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Hwakwang Group for the Korea market entry of the "Hwakwang Esports Hotel" brand, at the Jeonnam Gwangju Association office in Suncheon, Jeonnam. The agreement outlined plans for equity investment and operation across 100 hotels nationwide, with Jo Jae O, President of the Gyeonggi Northern Uijeongbu Association, and other regional association presidents in attendance.