HANAM CITY, Gyeonggi Province – Residents of Hanam City no longer need to check the weather forecast before heading to the green. Mayor Lee Hyun Jae officially inaugurated the city’s first public screen park golf course on April 3, transforming the 4th floor of the Deokpung Sports and Culture Center into a year-round hub for community sports.

The opening ceremony drew a distinguished crowd, including Mayor Lee, Hanam City Council Chairman Keum Kwang Yeon, and Choi Jin Yong, President of the Hanam Sports Council. The event was marked by a traditional tape-cutting ceremony and ceremonial first shots to signal the facility's official launch.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Accessibility

The new 149-square-meter facility represents a 175 million won investment in the city’s sports infrastructure. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the center features:

• Three High-Tech Stations: Equipped with state-of-the-art screen golf simulators, high-quality artificial turf, and safety netting.
• Universal Design: A dedicated ramp for people with disabilities ensures the facility is accessible to all residents.
• On-Site Support: Dedicated staff and lockers are available, specifically to assist elderly users who may be unfamiliar with the digital equipment.

"With the creation of Hanam City’s first public screen park golf course, citizens now have an environment where they can enjoy exercise in their daily lives regardless of the weather," said Mayor Lee Hyun Jae. "We will continue to expand sports facilities to meet citizens' needs."

Operational Details and Trial Period

The Hanam Urban Development Corporation will oversee the daily operations. To ensure a smooth rollout, the city has announced a free trial period from April 6 to April 30.

Following the trial, full-scale operations begin in May with the following structure:

• Cost: 12,000 won (excluding VAT) for a two-hour session.
• Capacity: Up to four people per station.
• Booking: Reservations can be made online, with remaining slots filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles

The path to this opening was not without challenges. The project initially stalled due to strict development restriction zone regulations. However, Hanam City successfully lobbied for regulatory reform through the Cabinet Coordination Office in November 2024. This breakthrough allowed for the installation of sports facilities within previously restricted zones, paving the way for both this indoor center and future outdoor projects.

The city is currently accelerating its "green" expansion, having broken ground on an 18-hole outdoor park golf course at Dangjeong Neighborhood Park on March 31. That project is slated for completion this July, with additional plans for a course in Gyosan New Town already in the works.