Bucheon launches task force to bring dome stadium to Bucheon Sports Complex

Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, is making an all-out push to bring a culture and sports complex dome stadium to the area surrounding Bucheon Sports Complex.

The city announced Thursday that it has officially launched a dedicated task force to compete in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's open call for candidate sites to build a sports and performance complex dome stadium.

The task force, headed by Deputy Mayor Nam Dong-gyeong as overall director, comprises about 20 members, including city officials, researchers from the Bucheon City Policy Institute, university professors, and financial and accounting experts.

The city plans to use the task force to advance its key municipal initiative — the creation of an urban innovation zone around Bucheon Sports Complex — while developing a range of strategies including feasibility analysis and private investment attraction.

Earlier, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held a preliminary briefing session to select one large-scale and one mid-scale dome stadium site.

The city plans to submit a proposal aligned with the evaluation criteria for the main competition, scheduled for Dec. 3.

Bucheon has been laying the groundwork since last December through a long-term development strategy study, preparing various plans for spatial reorganization and mixed-use development around the sports complex.

The city is highlighting four key strengths: its exceptional transit access as a "penta transit hub" served by five rail lines, its proximity to Incheon and Gimpo international airports, its three major international cultural festivals — BIFAN, BICOF and BIAF — and its potential for mixed-use development linked to MICE facilities and commercial venues.

"We plan to transform the Bucheon Sports Complex area into the premier culture and sports hub in western Greater Seoul," Deputy Mayor Nam said. "We will broaden cooperation with Gyeonggi Province, local political circles and private sector experts to successfully win the bid."