Korea's Largest Inclusive Gaming Competition Draws 1,600 Disabled Students to Gangwon Province

Annual esports championship highlights digital accessibility and competitive gaming for students with disabilities

HONGCHEON, South Korea - Over 1,600 participants descended on Vivaldi Park in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province this week for the 2025 National e-Festival for Students with Disabilities, marking one of Asia's most significant inclusive gaming competitions.

From 2,500 to Elite Competition

The September 9-10 tournament represents the culmination of a rigorous selection process. Approximately 2,500 students participated in regional preliminaries held nationwide from June to July, with only the top performers advancing to compete across 28 competitive categories.

The competition encompasses both esports (10 events) and information technology contests (18 events), featuring popular titles including "Magu Magu Remaster" and "Everyone's Marble" alongside technical skill assessments in coding and digital literacy.

Government and Industry Partnership

The festival operates through a unique public-private collaboration. The event is jointly organized by the Netmarble Cultural Foundation, the National Institute for Special Education (NISE), and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), with backing from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Netmarble has been hosting esports events of this kind since 2009, demonstrating sustained corporate commitment to digital inclusion. The gaming company's cultural foundation, established in 2018, operates under the mission of "creating culture, nurturing talent, and sharing hearts."

Recognition and Awards Structure

Winners receive prestigious government recognition, including awards from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, and the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Additional honors come from the National Institute for Special Education and Korea Creative Content Agency, while Netmarble presents its signature Fair Play Award.

The competition runs under the slogan "Bright Dreams e! Brilliant Tomorrow e!" - a bilingual wordplay emphasizing both English "e" for electronic and the Korean exclamation "e."

Beyond Competition: Cultural Programming

The festival extends beyond competitive gaming with extensive cultural programming. Evening entertainment includes magic shows, dance performances, and interactive arcade experiences, while daytime activities offer cosplay events, AR gaming experiences, and hands-on technology workshops.

These supplementary activities include robot AR battle experiences, AI character creation workshops, 3D character coloring keyring crafting, stamp tours and photo contests, ensuring broader engagement for families and spectators.

Digital Inclusion Legacy

According to previous foundation statements, the National e Festival Competitions for Students with Disabilities has contributed to helping disabled students develop their abilities in information technology. The event has grown substantially since its inception, with 2018 marking what was then the largest event for disabled students in history, featuring 1,500 students who advanced through qualifiers in 17 cities.

Netmarble Cultural Foundation CEO Kim Sung-cheol emphasized the organization's ongoing commitment: "I hope that students who have worked hard since the preliminary rounds can fully demonstrate their skills and create enjoyable memories together. We will continue to provide unwavering support for the continued growth of the National e-Festival for Students with Disabilities."

The 2025 festival concludes September 10th with award ceremonies recognizing excellence across all competitive categories, reinforcing Korea's leadership position in both inclusive education and esports development.