K League Turf, Unchanged Even After Reaching Round of 16, Becomes 16% Denser After Samsung's Touch... Lee Chung-yong Gives Thumbs Up

2 Years of Consulting... 16.2% Increase in Turf Density at 23 Professional Soccer Stadiums
Improved Performance, Injury Prevention... Lee Chung-yong "Bold Play Without Hesitation"

Samsung has improved the quality of K League stadium turf by increasing turf density by 16%. Despite achieving international tournament results such as reaching the Round of 16 in the World Cup, there had been criticism that the quality of domestic league stadium turf was low, affecting game performance.

Samsung C&T Resort Division announced on the 12th that its Turf Environment Research Institute significantly improved turf growth indicators after two years of consulting on K League soccer field turf.

The institute signed a contract with the Korea Professional Football League in 2021 and provided turf management consulting for 23 soccer stadiums, including 12 K League 1 teams and 11 K League 2 teams. The average turf density across the 23 stadiums increased by 16.2% compared to two years ago. The color index rose by 11.6%. Root length and vegetation index also increased by about 2%.

As these related indicators improve, the turf growth condition and hardness of soccer fields get better. This is expected to help prevent player injuries as well as improve passing and shooting accuracy.

Lee Chung-yong, a player for Ulsan Hyundai Football Club, said, "Due to Korea’s hot and rainy summer climate, there were times when the turf condition was disappointing, but recently I feel it has become greener and softer," adding, "Overall game performance has improved, and the turf condition has gotten so good that players can perform bold plays without hesitation."

The institute prevented turf quality degradation caused by poor drainage and ventilation. They strengthened management by replenishing high-quality soil in specific hardened areas of the field where player activity is concentrated, such as the penalty box. When each club sent turf samples with issues to the institute, prompt feedback was provided.

An official from Ulsan Facilities Corporation said, "When turf diseases occurred, we were able to consult with the institute and make improvements."

The institute is the first turf-specialized research organization established in Korea in 1993. It manages premium courses such as Anyang CC and Gapyeong Benest GC, operated by Samsung C&T.

An official from the league said, "Since the (Samsung C&T) consulting, the capabilities of turf managers at each stadium have been strengthened, and recently the quality issues of soccer field turf have decreased," adding, "We plan to work with the institute on creating turf management manuals and conducting research related to turf varieties."