Dirt pitch built in 2004 replaced with artificial turf

Mapo-gu District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun performs the ceremonial kickoff. [Mapo-gu]
Mapo-gu District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun performs the ceremonial kickoff. [Mapo-gu]

Mapo-gu held a completion ceremony Friday at the Mangwon flood-basin soccer field to mark the end of an artificial-turf installation project and opened the newly renovated pitch to residents.

Built in 2004, the Mangwon flood-basin soccer field has long been a popular recreational sports venue for residents and amateur soccer clubs. Poor drainage left the surface waterlogged after rain, while dry conditions brought dust and uneven ground that posed injury risks.

The district secured 1 billion won ($749,000) in special adjustment grants from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and began work in August to lay artificial turf across the roughly 7,000-square-meter field.

The project involved installing artificial turf to allow smooth movement during play — dribbling, passing and general footwork — along with drainage panels beneath the surface to absorb impact and channel water. Given that the site functions as a water-retention facility, the turf was laid on a concrete foundation.

Visitors can now play on a green pitch year-round in far more comfortable conditions.

"We will continue working to expand sports facilities and maintain them properly so residents can enjoy recreational activities in a safe and comfortable environment," District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said.


ikson@heraldcorp.com