Kim Byungwook Pledges to Build 650 Billion Won Baseball Dome Complex at Seongnam Sports Complex

Kim Byungwook, Seongnam Mayoral Candidate

Comprehensive Restructuring of Seongnam Sports Complex

"Shin Sangjin's 'Remodeling' Raises Double Investment Concerns

A Major Transformation for the Next 50 Years Is Needed"

Kim Byungwook, candidate for mayor of Seongnam (Democratic Party), announced a major pledge at a press conference on the 18th to completely transform the site of the aging Seongnam Sports Complex, which was completed in 1986, into the largest 'baseball dome complex' in the metropolitan area.

Kim Byungwook, candidate for mayor of Seongnam (Democratic Party), is holding a press conference on the 18th. Photo by candidate Kim Byungwook

In his declaration on this day, Kim emphasized, "Seongnam must move beyond simply renovating old sports facilities and build future-oriented city infrastructure that combines sports, culture, tourism, and commercial districts." He highlighted the necessity of constructing a dome stadium not merely as an athletic facility, but as a growth engine that will drive the city's economy and brand value.

This project goes beyond merely building a new stadium; it will comprehensively restructure the entire site. In connection with the relocation plan for the new Jungwon District Office, Kim plans to completely transform the area into an "innovation hub for eastern Seongnam." To achieve this, a comprehensive master plan will be developed that integrates a state-of-the-art dome stadium, public office buildings, a large-scale underground parking lot, a civic plaza, and commercial and cultural facilities into a single complex.

The budget, estimated at approximately 650 billion won, will actively consider private investment methods (such as BTO) to attract private capital and creativity. The aim is to thoroughly balance public interest and profitability while minimizing the fiscal burden on the city.

The synergy created by linking this project with transportation infrastructure is also a key aspect of this pledge. Once Moran Station on the Suseo-Gwangju Line (Sugwang Line), which is about to start construction, is established and connected with KTX, direct access to Moran Station will become possible from major cities nationwide, including Busan, Geoje, and Gangneung.

Kim stated, "The moment a professional baseball team based in Seongnam is born, baseball fans from all over the country will take the KTX to Moran Station." He predicted that the dome stadium would become a core catalyst for attracting a strong influx of consumers to the local commercial area.

The planned dome stadium will serve as an all-weather, multi-purpose cultural hub that is not affected by weather or seasons. Kim also announced that more than 10 professional baseball first-team games would be held here annually, and that he would actively pursue attracting or establishing a professional baseball team. On days when there are no games, the facility will be opened to the public for extended hours, serving as a citizen-friendly space for daily activities such as recreational sports, corporate events, and local festivals.

In addition, to address the inconvenience caused to football enthusiasts by the demolition of the existing soccer field, Kim pledged to build a new soccer stadium on an alternative site within the city and to establish a "large soccer plaza" that will be jointly used with neighboring cities.

Meanwhile, Kim sharply criticized his rival, Shin Sangjin's, pledge to remodel the sports complex.

Kim argued, "Remodeling the nearly 40-year-old sports complex with only partial repairs is a stopgap measure that falls far short of accommodating the explosive cultural and sports demand of our citizens." He pointed out, "If the first button is fastened incorrectly, hundreds of billions of won may be spent, only to eventually face the risk of double investment when massive costs are required for reconstruction."

He added, "Shin Sangjin's approach of 'partial remodeling administration' cannot secure Seongnam's future competitiveness. I, Kim Byungwook, will prove the results with a citywide transformation that prepares for the next 50 years, not a temporary fix, and will restore Seongnam's dignity and pride," appealing for support.

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