Seoul allocates 1 billion won in special adjustment grants for 7,000-square-meter renovation; field opens to residents after Friday completion ceremony
A soccer field at the Mangwon flood retention basin in Seoul's Mapo-gu has shed its dirt surface and been transformed into a green artificial-turf pitch, 22 years after it was first built.
Mapo-gu held a completion ceremony Friday morning at the Mangwon flood-basin soccer field to mark the end of the artificial-turf installation project and opened the renovated facility to residents.
Built in 2004, the Mangwon flood-basin soccer field has long served as a recreational sports space for local residents and amateur soccer clubs. However, the dirt surface drew persistent calls for improvement — poor drainage during rain and the risk of injury from dust and uneven ground were recurring complaints.
In response, the district secured 1 billion won ($749,000) in special adjustment grants from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and began renovating the roughly 7,000-square-meter field in August.
Artificial turf was laid to allow smooth dribbling and passing during play, and drainage panels with shock-absorbing and water-drainage functions were installed beneath the surface. Given the site's nature as a flood retention basin, concrete foundations were applied to improve structural stability.
With the renovation complete, users will be able to exercise in a more comfortable environment year-round, free from the dust and uneven footing that had long plagued the field.
The Mangwon flood retention basin, which already houses a park golf course, a soft tennis court and a futsal court, is expected to further strengthen its role as a community sports hub now that the main soccer field has also been upgraded.
About 150 people attended Friday's ceremony, including Mapo-gu District Mayor Yoo Dong-kyun, officials from the Mapo-gu Soccer Association and local residents. A friendly match between amateur soccer clubs followed the ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new turf pitch.
"It is deeply meaningful that the long-held wish of residents and soccer enthusiasts who have cherished this field since 2004 has finally come to fruition," Yoo said. "We will continue to work hard to expand sports facilities and maintain them properly so that residents can enjoy recreational sports in a safe and comfortable environment."
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