Lawmaker Kim secures W4.95b for gym renovations at two Bucheon schools

Rep. Kim Ki-pyo of the Democratic Party of Korea, who represents Bucheon-eul in Gyeonggi Province, announced Monday that he had secured 4.95 billion won ($3.7 million) in special education grants for the first half of next year.

According to his office, the funds will be split between two schools: 3.78 billion won for a full renovation of the gymnasium at Bumyeong High School and 1.17 billion won for a full renovation of the gymnasium at Bucheon Jungang Elementary School.

The Bumyeong High School gymnasium, completed in 2004, has long raised safety concerns due to aging infrastructure and deteriorating floor elasticity. The renovation will cover interior remodeling, floor replacement, safety railing repairs, and improvements to interior and exterior wall finishes. Design and construction are set to begin in February, with completion targeted for May 2028.

Kim had visited the schools to inspect facility conditions and made the case for full renovations to the Ministry of Education and local education offices as he worked to secure the funding.

"I determined that full renovations were necessary so students can engage in physical activities safely," Kim said. "I will continue working to improve student safety and the educational environment."