UiJeongbu, South Korea – Democratic Party UiJeongbu mayoral candidate An Byeong-yong unveiled ambitious plans to revitalize the city’s sports infrastructure, promising to deliver on a long-held vision of accessible recreational facilities for all residents. The centerpiece of his proposal is the construction of regional, multi-purpose sports complexes, aiming to bring “a swimming pool in front of every home,” as he stated during a press conference on March 24th.
Addressing reporters at the UiJeongbu City Hall briefing room, An emphasized his commitment to prioritizing citizen well-being through enhanced access to sports, and recreation. “I promised the citizens ‘a swimming pool in front of every home,’ and I will make that era a reality,” he declared. “A healthy daily life for our citizens, completed through sports welfare, will create a warm UiJeongbu.”
An highlighted his previous experience as mayor, during which he initiated preparations for several key facilities. These included an international-standard curling rink, the Singok Badminton Hall, and dedicated sports fields in the Minrak, Yonghyeon, Howon, and Cheonbo districts. He also oversaw the groundwork for a dedicated Go (Baduk) stadium and the design of four regional multi-purpose sports centers – Bandabi, Howon, Wondobong, and Nokyang – laying the foundation for his “swimming pool in front of every home” initiative.
A significant component of An’s vision involves securing the relocation of the Taereung International Ice Skating Rink to UiJeongbu. The rink is slated for relocation due to its UNESCO Cultural Heritage status, and An claims to have been proactively preparing for this opportunity. “I have been diligently preparing a grand plan to bring the Taereung International Ice Skating Rink to UiJeongbu,” he stated.
However, An expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of progress in recent years. He criticized the current administration for failing to capitalize on the opportunity to secure the ice rink, calling it a “painful setback” for a city that once prided itself as a “mecca of ice sports.” He lamented the absence of explanation for the stalled progress and vowed to rectify the situation. “I will revitalize the stalled momentum and once again fulfill the expectations of the citizens,” he asserted.
Beyond the ice rink, An outlined a comprehensive set of policy proposals, including the construction of regional multi-purpose sports centers, support for individual sports participation, expansion of park golf facilities, and the development of the CRC (Camp Red Cloud) into a sports and leisure complex.
“Sports are not merely physical activity; they are the most direct form of welfare that determines the happiness of our citizens,” An emphasized. “With a humble attitude, I will listen to the voices of the citizens and make UiJeongbu a vibrant and warm healthy city.”
An’s plan for regional sports complexes aims to provide accessible facilities for a wide range of activities, potentially including swimming pools, fitness centers, basketball courts, and other recreational spaces. The promise of “a swimming pool in front of every home” is a symbolic representation of his commitment to bringing these amenities closer to residents.
The candidate also addressed concerns about the current state of sports infrastructure in UiJeongbu, suggesting that previous initiatives have stalled or been neglected. He framed his candidacy as a chance to reignite these projects and deliver on promises made to the community.
The next step for An Byeong-yong is the upcoming mayoral election, where he will compete against other candidates to secure the position and implement his vision for UiJeongbu. The election is expected to be closely contested, with the future of the city’s sports infrastructure hanging in the balance. Residents will be watching closely to observe if An can deliver on his ambitious promises and transform UiJeongbu into a truly “healthy city.”
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