17 Billion Won Invested in Indoor Stadium Construction
Targeting Both Recreational Sports and International Events
Mungyeong City in North Gyeongsang Province has launched a major sports infrastructure expansion project aimed at both promoting recreational sports and advancing onto the international sports stage. This initiative goes beyond simply building a new stadium; as a symbolic project that strengthens the identity of 'Sports City Mungyeong,' it is drawing significant attention both locally and beyond.
Shin Hyunguk, mayor of Mungyeong, is delivering a commemorative speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of the indoor tennis stadium.
◆ 'City, Province, and National Government Join Forces' - 17 Billion Won Invested in Year-Round Stadium
On August 29, Mungyeong City held a groundbreaking ceremony for the indoor tennis stadium at 80-2 Heungdeok-dong, officially commencing construction. The event was attended by Shin Hyunguk, mayor of Mungyeong, members of the city council, provincial assembly members, citizens, and members of the tennis association, with over 300 participants marking a turning point in the region's sports history.
This large-scale project will see a total investment of 17 billion won to create a complex on a 15,035-square-meter site, featuring three indoor tennis courts, one outdoor court, and various auxiliary facilities. With completion targeted for December 2026, Mungyeong will be equipped to host both nationwide tournaments and international events in the future.
◆ Beyond Recreational Sports: A 'Sports Diplomacy Asset'
On the day of the ceremony, Mayor Shin Hyunguk emphasized, "The new stadium will not only be a space where any citizen can enjoy tennis comfortably throughout the year, but also serve as a strategic asset for attracting domestic and international training camps and international competitions. It will be a turning point in Mungyeong's growth into a global sports city."
This initiative is seen not merely as the construction of a sports facility, but as a step in 'sports diplomacy.' Attracting sports events directly leads to revitalizing the local economy and expanding international networks. In particular, Mungyeong is leveraging its previous experience hosting the National Sports Festival to enhance its presence on the international sports stage.
◆ BMX, Park Golf, National Sports Center... Building a 'Mungyeong-Style Sports Cluster'
Prior to breaking ground on the indoor tennis stadium, Mungyeong City has been steadily pushing forward with major sports infrastructure projects such as the BMX experience center, Maebong National Sports Center, and park golf courses in towns and neighborhoods. This approach is distinguished by its aim to create a 'Mungyeong-style sports cluster' that brings together a variety of sports cultures, rather than focusing solely on facilities for individual sports.
Experts note, "It is rare for a small or medium-sized local city to build a comprehensive sports ecosystem instead of focusing on a single sport. Mungyeong City's strategy is significant from a long-term perspective, as it not only invests in sports infrastructure but also strengthens the city's overall competitiveness."
The groundbreaking of Mungyeong's indoor tennis stadium represents a bold attempt to achieve both 'revitalization of recreational sports' and 'attraction of international tournaments.' This experiment, in which a local city seeks to enhance both regional identity and international competitiveness through sports facilities, is expected to have a considerable impact on municipalities nationwide.
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