Gwangju Takes First Step Toward Public Sports Facility Under Chuja 1 Bridge in Opo 1-dong

Opo 1-dong in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province announced on September 8 that it has received final approval from Korea Expressway Corporation for road occupancy under Chuja 1 Bridge on the Sejong-Pocheon Expressway.

Gwangju City Hall exterior. Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City

This approval marks the first concrete step in addressing the living environment issues experienced by Opo 1-dong residents since the expressway opened, and serves as a signal for the creation of public sports facilities. Opo 1-dong plans to complete the detailed design process by the end of this year and begin construction in 2026.

The project aims to resolve the inconveniences caused by the interchange and bridge installed in Opo 1-dong due to the expressway opening, such as noise, dust, and regional disconnection. Its objectives are to improve the living environment and expand sports infrastructure for local residents.

To advance the project, Opo 1-dong has coordinated with relevant city departments and consulted with organizations including Korea Expressway Corporation. The district also submitted a petition with 1,178 resident signatures to Korea Expressway Corporation, and at the end of June, city council members, leaders of social organizations, and resident representatives visited the corporation’s headquarters to explain the need for sports facilities.

In addition, the project has been continuously supported by Assemblyman Ahn Taejun, who represents the district in the National Assembly. Assemblyman Ahn consistently communicated and negotiated the matter with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Korea Expressway Corporation, contributing to prompt administrative processing.

Bang Sehwan, Mayor of Gwangju, emphasized, “This approval is a great example of the results that can be achieved through resident participation, solidarity, and the efforts of both local government and political representatives.” He added, “Now that we have secured the first step with the road occupancy approval, we will make sure to proceed with the remaining procedures without delay and create a practical, community-focused sports space that residents can actually use.”

Once the sports facility project is completed, it is expected to not only expand the region’s sports infrastructure and promote residents’ health, but also have a positive ripple effect by efficiently utilizing idle space under the expressway and revitalizing the local community.