Korean athletes competing at this summer's Universiade in Belgrade, Serbia held their inaugural meeting Wednesday.

Team captain Kim Yang-jong and 248 athletes attended the event at the Korea National Training Center in Seoul. In a speech, Korean Olympic Committee Chairman Park Yong-sung said the Universiade is more meaningful this time as South Korea's Gwangju will play host to the 2015 games. He said the team’s performance will uplift the Korean people's morale and will be a stepping stone to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

Kim said the athletes have renewed their determination and vowed to perform their best.

They will compete in 12 events including track and field and basketball.

The Universiade Belgrade opens July first for a 12 day run. Team Korea aims to outperform its third place finish in the 2003 Universiade held in Daegu.