Vacant Underground Shopping Center Spaces to Be Transformed into 'Screen Park Golf Courses'

Utilizing Vacant Spaces in Jonggak Underground Shopping Center
Transforming Them into Experience, Relaxation, and Activity Zones
From AI 'Smart Rest Area' to Open Community Spaces

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will transform vacant spaces in underground shopping centers into screen park golf courses. Following the recent creation of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based 'Smart Rest Area' in a vacant space within the Jonggak Underground Shopping Center, the city plans to further expand public spaces for citizens.

According to the city on January 8, the project to establish a 'Screen Park Golf Course' utilizing vacant stores in the Jonggak Underground Shopping Center will begin this month.

Rendering of the Screen Park Golf Course to be created in the vacant space of Jonggak Underground Shopping Center. Seoul Metropolitan Government

Screen park golf is an urban indoor sport that digitally recreates the rules and courses of traditional park golf using screen and sensor technology. It can be easily enjoyed regardless of weather or season, making it accessible for beginners as well as middle-aged and older adults to participate without burden, even with limited time.

The planned screen park golf course will be equipped with four dedicated screen devices, and basic lessons will be provided to help beginners learn fundamental movements and rules. The city also plans to analyze user demand and gradually consider opening programs tailored to different skill levels.

The city is transforming vacant spaces in underground shopping centers, which have suffered from declining commercial activity and are mainly used as pedestrian passageways rather than by actual shoppers, into lifestyle-oriented spaces where citizens can experience, relax, be active, and want to stay.

The Smart Rest Area established last year in the Jonggak Underground Shopping Center covers a total area of 26 square meters and features two themed zones: an AI zone for revitalizing the shopping center and a study zone for the underprivileged. The AI zone includes an 'AI Virtual Fitting Room' that utilizes AI technology. By simply standing in front of the mirror, users can virtually try on clothing sold in the underground shopping center without physically wearing it, allowing them to experience products from multiple stores at once. The AI Virtual Fitting Room is based on 'AI Mirror' technology, which is linked to the actual clothing inventory of the Jonggak Underground Shopping Center, enabling users to instantly check styles that suit their body shape and image.

The study zone for the underprivileged was created in consideration of the nearby concentration of academies and office buildings. Equipped with desks, chairs, free wireless internet, and power outlets, it is operated as an open space where job seekers and office workers can study or take a break.

Han Byungyong, Director General of Disaster and Safety Management at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "This project aims to revitalize the commercial district by turning vacant stores in underground shopping centers into spaces closely connected to citizens' daily lives. We will continue to expand lifestyle-oriented content so that shared underground assets can become vibrant urban spaces offering new experiences for citizens."