Seoul Metro and Yongsan-gu to Utilize Vacant Subway Commercial Spaces for Citizen Health and Leisure Services

Business Agreement with Yongsan-gu Signed on May 23
Transforming Subway Stations into Community Welfare Spaces
Screen Park Golf Course and Senior Leisure Equipment Rental Shop to Open This Year
Subway Stations to Evolve Beyond Transportation Hubs into Key Welfare Centers

Seoul Metro (President Baek Ho) announced on the 23rd that it has signed a business agreement with Yongsan-gu (District Mayor Park Heeyoung) to create community-based leisure and welfare spaces for citizens by utilizing unused spaces within subway stations.

According to the agreement, the two organizations plan to establish health and leisure facilities within vacant commercial spaces in subway stations in Yongsan-gu by the end of this year. These will include a Yongsan-gu Public Health Center hub, a screen park golf course, and a senior leisure equipment rental shop where seniors can borrow items such as janggi and baduk boards.

They also plan to provide a variety of welfare services tailored to the needs of residents in each district at conveniently accessible subway stations.

Park golf is a senior-friendly sport that can be enjoyed by one to four people over short distances, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government is actively supporting the expansion of related facilities. Currently, Yongsan-gu operates 14 park golf classes, and through this agreement, an indoor leisure space will be created that is not affected by the weather.

This agreement is also expected to strengthen the corporation's "Hexagonal Commercial Space Policy," which is a strategy to revitalize commercial spaces by reflecting both public interest and current trends. Seoul Metro has already introduced citizen leisure and convenience facilities such as the Gwanghwamun Book Square, senior job workshops, and mobile worker rest areas within subway stations, and plans to continue expanding these into experience-focused cultural and experiential spaces rather than consumption-oriented ones.

The "Hexagonal Commercial Space Policy" was developed in response to changing citizen lifestyles, including the spread of digital technology, demographic shifts, and the normalization of non-face-to-face interactions. It is based on the assessment that traditional consumption-focused subway commercial spaces need to adapt, and aims to expand the role of Seoul subway stations as hubs where citizens can enjoy experiences, relaxation, culture, and hobbies.

Baek Ho, President of Seoul Metro, stated, "I hope that many seniors will use the screen park golf courses in subway stations not only for health management but also as places to foster friendships. Seoul Metro is evolving beyond a simple means of transportation to become a leisure and welfare space within the city center, in step with the changing lives of citizens. Through this agreement, I hope the subway will become even closer to citizens and serve as an opportunity to enhance their quality of life."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.