Korea has successfully attracted the 2021 World Gas Conference to Daegu through a vote at the International Gas Union, state-run Korea Gas Corp. said in a press release on Friday.

Norway, China and Russia had competed against the country to win the bid for the triennial gas industry gathering, at which members discuss pending issues and challenges.

‘‘Korea will become the third nation in Asia to host the WGC after Japan in 2003 and Malaysia in 2012,” KOGAS said.

Jang Seok-hyo, the chief of KOGAS ― the official organizer of the 2021 WGC ― will serve as chairman of the International Gas Union between 2018 and 2021 to prepare for the event.

“The hosting of 2021 WGC reflects Korea’s elevated status in the global gas industry,’’ a KOGAS official said.

Korea, the world’s second-largest liquefied natural gas importer after Japan, has been asserting that the global gas industry should be paying more attention to Asia, where both the supply and demand for gas has been on a steady increase.

KOGAS said the 2021 WGC will offer opinion leaders in the global gas industry an opportunity to exchange their views on pressing gas-related issues, including a cut in international gas prices and establishing a global gas hub.

By Seo Jee-yeon (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)