Kim Jungmi on hand at the Ulsan leg of Women's World Cup Trophy Tour

Expects Korea Republic to increase preparations with France 2019 close

Goalkeeper hopes a good World Cup will inspire more girls to play

The FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy is gleaming in the sunshine outside the Ulsan World Cup Stadium, a venue steep in heritage having hosted three men’s FIFA World Cup™ games in 2002.

Korea Republic’s men’s side were in town to play Bolivia in a friendly, but before that all eyes were on the women’s Trophy, with two women’s internationals – goalkeeper Kim Jungmi and Player of the Year Jang Selgi, both in attendance.

With FIFA, the Korean FA (KFA) and partners Hyundai also on hand, there was a swell of media interest – many of which hoping to get an insight into preparations for the upcoming trip to France from the pair of national team stars.

For Kim, this will be her third World Cup having played in Canada in 2015 and been part of the squad as an 18-year-old in 2003.

Seeing the trophy up close, alongside the media scrum that surrounded her and Jang, made the goalkeeper realise just how fast the tournament is approaching.

“Before the trophy came to Ulsan, I thought there was still a lot of time until the World Cup, but now I realise I have to up my preparation,” Kim admitted. “I feel in a hurry to be ready for this summer.”