Goyang Special City in the Republic of Korea is transforming idle urban spaces into accessible community sports facilities while expanding public sports infrastructure across the city. By repurposing underused lands, such as areas beneath elevated roads and stormwater reservoirs, the city aims to provide more opportunities for residents to stay active and improve their quality of life.
Mayor Donghwan Lee emphasised the importance of community sports facilities, noting that accessible sports environments are essential for citizens’ health and well-being.
Repurposing Underused Urban Spaces
From 2023 to 2026, Goyang plans to invest KRW 3.85 billion in developing sports facilities in previously underused urban areas.
Facilities were installed beneath the overpasses of National Route 39 and the Seoul Ring Expressway in Naegok-dong and Daejang-dong in Deogyang-gu. Sports facilities such as ground golf courses, martial arts training areas, jokgu courts (a Korean sport similar to foot volleyball), and futsal fields were installed.
Stormwater reservoirs have also been repurposed for recreation. Five tennis courts each were built at the Samsung reservoir in Deogyang-gu and the KINTEX reservoir in Daehwa-dong, Ilsanseo-gu.
Additional projects are planned beneath overpasses in Seongseok-dong and Haengju-dong, where one multipurpose sports field and two pickleball courts will be constructed. Both projects are scheduled to begin construction in the first half of this year and be completed within the year.
Expanding Public Sports Facilities
Goyang is also building new sports centres across the city. The Tan-hyeon Sports Centre (3,953㎡) will open in May 2027, while the Baekseok National Sports Centre (2,151㎡, 200-seat gymnasium) is scheduled for January 2027.
Additional projects include the Wonheung Cultural and Sports Complex (7,470㎡, completion March 2027) and the Lifelong Learning Centre and Disability Welfare Dream Centre in Haengsin-dong (9,387㎡, completion April 2027).
Through these initiatives, Goyang aims to expand neighborhood sports opportunities and create a healthier and more active city for its residents.
