Uijeongbu City: "Nokyangdong to Undergo Major Transformation"... Emerging as a Multi-Functional Hub for Sports, Education, and Residential Living

[Special Feature] Uijeongbu City Unveils 'Our Neighborhood Policy Roadmap: Nokyangdong Edition'
Transformation of Nokyangdong in Uijeongbu... Sports Complex Opens to Citizens
Emerging as Northern Gyeonggi's Education Hub and a Global Winter Sports Center
Expanding Residential and Educational Infrastructure... Ujeong District Set for Completion in 2027

On January 20, Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Donggeun) announced the 'Our Neighborhood Policy Roadmap: Nokyangdong Edition,' a regionally tailored blueprint aimed at improving the quality of life for its citizens. This roadmap focuses on reorganizing Nokyangdong's large-scale sports infrastructure around citizens, and on enhancing regional value through educational innovation and improvements to the residential environment.

Uijeongbu City, Our Neighborhood Policy Roadmap 'Nokyangdong Edition'. Provided by Uijeongbu City

A Sports City in Daily Life... Uijeongbu Sports Complex Open to Citizens

The most notable change is the transformation of the 'Uijeongbu Sports Complex,' a symbol of Nokyangdong.

Uijeongbu City is converting this facility, previously regarded as the exclusive domain of elite athletes, into an 'open hub for community sports' accessible to all citizens.

The city has already received positive feedback from citizens by opening the athletics track at night, and in 2024, it dramatically improved accessibility by removing the 800-meter fence that had blocked the stadium. Notably, starting in 2026, a vinyl covering will be installed and operated during the winter so that citizens can use the athletics track year-round, creating an environment where exercise is possible in all seasons.

Comprehensive Sports Complex Area. Provided by Uijeongbu City

The expansion of functions has extended to adjacent sites. In September 2025, the 'Nokyang Auxiliary Football Field,' built to international standards, will be completed next to the main stadium, improving the environment for local football enthusiasts and laying the groundwork for hosting various tournaments.

Additionally, through the Ecosystem Conservation Contribution Refund Project, the city is restoring damaged areas around the sports complex, creating a living sports environment where exercise and relaxation coexist, including ecological education spaces.

In particular, the sports complex is expanding its role as a multi-purpose space capable of hosting large-scale cultural and religious events. In July 2025, the singer Psy's Soak Show will be held here, attracting about 30,000 visitors from across the country and demonstrating the potential for large-scale cultural events using public sports facilities.

In May 2026, the 'Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusade,' expected to draw about 50,000 domestic and international participants, is scheduled to take place, further expanding the sports complex's role as a public platform for diverse civic activities and international events beyond sports.

Expanding Winter Sports Through Ice Infrastructure

Nokyangdong has established itself as a true hub for winter sports, boasting an indoor ice rink and a curling stadium. After successfully hosting the World Women's Curling Championship in March 2025 and securing national team trials for the Winter Olympics, the city has elevated its international profile. Leveraging this specialized infrastructure, the city operates skating and curling experience programs for children and adolescents, working to broaden the base of community sports.

Indoor Ice Rink World Women's Curling Championship. Provided by Uijeongbu City

The experience gained from hosting international competitions has extended to national-level tournaments as well. In June 2025, the curling stadium will host the Korean Curling Championships, which will also serve as the selection event for the 2026 Winter Olympics, providing a stage for the nation’s top teams to compete.

Additionally, during the winter season, programs such as 'Everyone’s Playground Winter Season' offer curling and skating experiences for children and adolescents, expanding opportunities to engage in winter sports. This management approach extends the use of professional sports facilities beyond specific tournaments to include community sports and education.

The Leading Education Hub in Northern Gyeonggi... A City of Learning Created by Local Talent and Citizens

Education policies aimed at establishing Nokyangdong as the educational center of northern Gyeonggi are also gaining momentum. 'Gyeonggi Northern Science High School,' located in Nokyangdong, is preparing to introduce a 'local talent selection system' as early as the 2027 academic year. This is expected to provide broader educational opportunities for outstanding local students and create a virtuous cycle that prevents talent from leaving the region.

Photo by Uijeongbu City, Psy's Soak Show at the Sports Complex.

In December 2025, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education hosted the 'Forum on Introducing Local Talent Selection at Future-Oriented Science High Schools in Gyeonggi,' with participation from the city, the local education office, Gyeonggi Northern Science High School, and parents, to discuss the necessity and direction of the new system.

The forum reached a consensus that it is important to provide practical educational opportunities for local students while also ensuring the stability and fairness of school operations. The city proposed a rational selection ratio and a phased implementation plan reflecting local conditions.

Alongside fostering scientific talent, a new educational model is also being prepared. The city is working to establish a 'specialized sports business high school' in connection with the Nokyangdong Sports Complex, covering the entire sports industry.

A Place to Stay and Rest... Refining Nokyangdong's Residential Infrastructure

Efforts to renovate aging living infrastructure are accelerating.

First, 'Gunma Neighborhood Park,' which had seen over 10 years of use and resulting facility deterioration and inconvenience, was refurbished in 2023 through an urban forest remodeling project. By adding rest areas, planting trees, and installing rain gardens and landscape water features, the park’s green elements were enhanced, increasing its value as a space for relaxation and leisure in the city. The park’s location, adjacent to the Gyeongwon Line, a national highway, and residential areas, was also considered, with expanded green spaces and improved noise reduction features.

Improvements were also made for children's use. The newly renovated 'Rose Children's Park,' opening in 2025, will be Uijeongbu’s first barrier-free inclusive playground, transforming it into a space accessible to everyone regardless of disability. By lowering slopes at entrances and exits and providing barrier-free play equipment and guidance systems, accessibility for children from nearby residential areas and welfare facilities has been enhanced.

Development site of Uijeongbu Public Housing District. Provided by Uijeongbu City

Community-based infrastructure is also being supplemented. In 2025, the 51-space parking lot at Gaseong Church will be opened to citizens, improving parking convenience by utilizing idle space. This approach helps disperse chronic parking demand near residential areas, resulting in tangible improvements in daily life.

In the mid-to-long term, the 'Ujeong Public Housing District' is under development, expected to transform the residential environment around Nokyang Station. The new residential complex will accommodate 3,569 households and 8,744 people. Construction of basic infrastructure began in October 2022. As of January 2026, the overall project progress rate is about 49%, with completion targeted for the end of June 2027.

An official from Uijeongbu City stated, "The Our Neighborhood Policy Roadmap will serve as a milestone, helping citizens experience changes in their neighborhoods and actively participate in city governance. Starting with Nokyangdong, we will sequentially share the vision for each district and strengthen communication with citizens."

Meanwhile, the 'Our Neighborhood Policy Roadmap' is a project that systematically organizes policies and issues for each of the city's 15 districts to share changes in citizens’ daily lives and strengthen communication with residents. The next edition will feature Gosan-dong.