World Masters Table Tennis Championships Gangneung 2026

ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Gangneung 2026

The ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Gangneung 2026 will be held June 5–12, 2026 in Gangneung, South Korea, at the Gangneung Olympic Park. The event celebrates the 100th anniversary of the ITTF and is expected to bring together over 4,000 players from more than 100 countries.

It is open to athletes aged 40 and above, divided into 5-year age categories (40–44, 45–49 … up to 90+). Events include Men’s & Women’s Singles, Men’s & Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

The schedule includes registration (June 5–6), competition (June 7–8, 10–12), and a rest day (June 9). Early registration offers reduced fees, and VIP packages with added services are available. Official transport from Incheon Airport and organized tours of Gangneung are provided.

The event highlights lifelong participation in sport under the theme “Table Tennis for All, for Life” and will also feature cultural elements such as the mascots Jangja & Gaksi, inspired by the local Gangneung Danoje Festival.

Key Facts & Highlights

1. Dates & Venue

   • The event takes place from 5 June to 12 June 2026.

   • Location: Gangneung Olympic Park, specifically at Gangneung Arena and the Gangneung Speed Skating Rink (used as practice or competition halls).

2. Significance

   • This edition is especially meaningful: it coincides with the ITTF’s 100th anniversary (founded in 1926).

   • It’s part of a long-term tradition of Masters competitions, designed for more senior players / lifelong sports participants.

3. Participation

   • Expected to draw over 4,000 participants from more than 100 countries / territories.

   • Age eligibility: open to players 40 years and older (born in 1986 or earlier).

   • Age categories are quite granular, starting at 40–44, then 45–49, up in 5-year bands all the way to “90 years and above” (born before 1936).

   • In doubles: partners can be from different age groups; but the pair competes in the age group of the younger player.

4. Events / Competition Format

   • There are five event types: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

   • Schedule (per the official site): Registration on 5–6 June, competition on 7–8 June, then a rest day on 9 June, followed by more competition from 10–12 June.

5. Registration & Fees

   • Early Registration (until 31 Dec 2025): US$ 210 for players; accompanying persons US$ 90.

   • Regular Registration (1 Jan – 31 Mar 2026): US$ 270 for players; accompanying persons US$ 100.

   • There is also a VIP Package (player + accompanying person) with more perks: lounge access, meals, gala dinner, some memorabilia, and transport from the airport.

6. Logistics / Hospitality

   • The organizers are providing airport shuttle service: between Incheon International Airport (Seoul) and the official hotels in Gangneung.

   • Tour programs are planned around the tournament (before, during the rest day, and after) so participants can explore Gangneung and the surrounding region.

   • Official hotels are organized by the LOC (Local Organizing Committee).

7. Mascots / Branding

   • Mascots: Jangja & Gaksi, inspired by characters from the traditional Gangneung Danoje Festival.

   • The emblem visual ties together table tennis, local nature (sunrise over the East Sea), and cultural patterns (pinecone motifs).

8. Notable Participants

   • Hyun Jung-hwa (a table tennis legend from Korea) was the first registered player for the event.

   • Her participation is symbolic — she’s an Olympian and a member of the ITTF Hall of Fame, underscoring the prestige of this Masters event.

How to Get to Gangneung from Abroad

1. Fly into South Korea

   • Most international travelers will land at Incheon International Airport (ICN), the major international gateway.

   • Alternatively, depending on your flight, you might use Gimpo Airport, but Incheon is more common for long-haul international flights.

2. From Incheon Airport to Gangneung

   • By Bus

     • There are direct intercity buses from Incheon Airport to Gangneung Bus Terminal. The trip takes about 4+ hours. FromTo Travel+1

     • Cost is roughly US $33–37 (or equivalent in KRW) depending on route and operator. FromTo Travel

   • By Train

     • From Incheon Airport, take the AREX train to Seoul Station. isntp13.org+1

     • Then transfer at Seoul to KTX heading to Gangneung. imath.inha.ac.kr+2ICACT+2

     • The KTX fare from Seoul to Gangneung is around KRW 27,600 (economy). isntp13.org+1

   • By Private Transfer / Taxi

     • You can book a private car or taxi from Incheon Airport to Gangneung. taxiyo.com

     • Note: Because Gangneung is quite far (roughly ~280 km), this is the most expensive option.

3. Other Options

   • Domestic Flights: Depending on available airlines, you could theoretically fly to a closer domestic airport (if any serve the Gangwon province) and then take a bus or taxi, though Incheon + land transport is often more practical. milehacker.com

   • Self-Drive: If you’re comfortable driving in Korea, you can rent a car (with an International Driving Permit) and drive via highways like the Yeongdong Expressway.

How to Register

• 1. Go to the Official Registration Page

     • Use the event’s registration system on the Gangneung 2026 website.

     • On the site, go to “Participation → Registration Process → Register Now.”

  2. Fill Out the Online Form

     • You need to enter your email address, mobile number, and passport number.

     • These are used for contact tracing (safety) and communications about the event.

  3. Payment

     • Currently, the registration system supports bank remittance (“Remittance” method).

     • After you submit the form, you’ll get an invoice emailed to you.

     • From mid-August 2025, credit card payment will also be possible.

     • Be aware: any bank fees, currency exchange fees, etc., are your responsibility.

  4. After Payment

     • Once you complete payment, they’ll send you an email with a password to log in.

     • Using that login, you can make changes to your registration if needed.

  5. Doubles / Mixed Doubles

     • After payment, you’ll get instructions by email on how to find or confirm a doubles/mixed doubles partner.

     • Both players must confirm the partnership for it to count.

     • Deadline to finalize your partner is April 24, 2026.

  6. Cancellation Policy

     • You can cancel your registration under certain conditions:

       • Up to Sept 30, 2025 → no cancellation fee

       • Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 → 50% cancellation fee

       • Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 → 75% cancellation fee

       • After April 1, 2026 → 100% cancellation fee (no refund)

     • You have to submit a cancellation request through your registration/account page.

  7. VIP Package (Optional)

     • There is a VIP package you can add when signing up: includes lounge, meals, gala dinner, shuttle from the airport, and memorabilia.

     • Price:

       • Early (until 31 Dec 2025): US$ 800 for player + 1 accompanying person

       • Regular (1 Jan – 5 May 2026): US$ 870 for player + 1 accompanying person

  8. Eligibility

     • You must be 40 years or older (born in 1986 or earlier) to register.

     • For doubles/mixed: the age group of the pair is determined by the younger partner.

Reference

ittf.com
gangneung2026.com
swaythlingclub.com
FromTo Travel
isntp13.org+1
taxiyo.com
milehacker.com

＊There may be some incorrect information included. Please use this information as a reference only.