"Jang Changseon Gymnasium" to Break Ground in Incheon This September... Set to Become a Hub for Elite Sports

by Park Haesook

Published 21 Apr.2026 13:40(KST)

A gymnasium named after Jang Changseon, the "living legend of Korean wrestling," will be built in Incheon.

On April 21, Incheon City announced that it has finalized the name of the elite athletes' gymnasium, scheduled to break ground in Munhak-dong, Michuhol-gu this September, as "Jang Changseon Gymnasium at Incheon Athletes' Village."

The gymnasium will be constructed with a total project cost of 17 billion won, and is slated for completion by the end of next year. It will have one basement floor and two above-ground floors, with a total floor area of 3,200 square meters. The facility will serve as a multi-purpose space where athletes can train for various sports, including handball, basketball, badminton, volleyball, taekwondo, and fencing.

Aerial view of Jang Changseon Gymnasium, Incheon Athletes' Village. Provided by Incheon City

In particular, the first floor of the gymnasium will feature an exhibition of major match records and medals of Jang Changseon and other sports heroes from Incheon. Additionally, the gymnasium will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as a players' lounge, fitness center, and medical room, providing an optimal environment for athletes to focus solely on their training.

Jang Changseon is a legendary wrestler from Incheon who became the first Korean to win a World Championship in 1966. In recognition of his various achievements, he was inducted into the Korea Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

An official from Incheon City stated, "The decision on the gymnasium's name reflects the consensus formed within the local community and the sports sector. By inscribing the name of a sports hero from Incheon on a public sports facility, we aim to boost the pride of local athletes and establish this gymnasium as a base for nurturing the next Jang Changseon."