The nation’s 15th Bandabi National Sports Center, located in Chuncheon, Gangwon State, opens on June 14 (Fri). The second Vice Minister JANG Mi Ran of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) attended the opening ceremony to encourage the officials.

The Bandabi National Sports Center, constructed at the city, town, and district level, is a socially integrated sports facility prioritizing access for the disabilities, while remaining open to those without disabilities as  well. The Chuncheon Bandabi National Sports Center, which began construction in September 2021 and was completed in two years and three months, serves as a accessible facility promoting fitness for all in daily life. The construction cost totals KRW 24.1 billion, with KRW 4 billion funded by the national government. The basement level houses a curling rink and a gym, while the ground floor features a swimming pool and a group exercise room (GX room). The second floor is a multipurpose gym designed for sports for people with disabilities, including sitting volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and boccia. In addition, there are facilities such as a cultural center, a small library, and a nursery. The first curling rink constructed in Bandabi National Sports Centers is expected to further promote winter sports for people with disabilities in Gangwon State, the center of winter sports.

Support the construction of 150 socially integrated sports facilities accommodating individuals with and without disabilities by 2027

The MCST has selected the construction of the Bandabi National Sports Center as a national initiative under the YOON Suk Yeol government. The aim is to enhance accessibility to daily sports activities for individuals with disabilities and establish socially integrated sports environments conducive to their exercise. As part of this initiative, the government plans to support the construction of 150 similar centers by 2027.

As of 2024, 96 centers have been confirmed for construction. With the first center opened in 2022, 14 centers are already operational, and an additional 10 centers are expected to open by the end of the year. Once fully operational, the Bandabi National Sports Center aims to increase the participation of people with disabilities in recreational sports activities. In addition, a project competition for the construction of the Bandabi National Sports Center in 2024 is ongoing. The site selection process will take place next year through site inspections and a selection committee.

The Second Vice Minister JANG stated, “We hope that the Chuncheon Bandabi National Sports Center will serve as a convenient sports facility for people with disabilities in the Chuncheon area, contributing to expanding the opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports. We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone can easily engage in sports activities in their daily lives through a nondiscriminatory sports policy, ensuring that people with disabilities face no inconvenience in sports activities. Our goal is to make the Bandabi National Sports Center a centerpiece for social integration through sports.”