Yongin City, South Korea – 이상일 (Lee Sang-il), the Mayor of Yongin Special City, demonstrated his support for the local badminton community this week, attending the opening day of the 9th Yongin Special City Association President’s Badminton Tournament. The two-day event, held at the Suji & Dongbaek Badminton Gymnasium, drew over 500 participants and underscored the sport’s popularity within the city.
Mayor Lee’s presence at the tournament, which began on March 21, 2026, wasn’t merely ceremonial. He used the opportunity to reaffirm the city’s commitment to improving badminton facilities and addressing the needs of local players. The tournament, co-hosted by the Yongin City Sports Council and the Yongin City Badminton Association, highlighted the growing enthusiasm for the sport in the region.
“I congratulate you on the successful opening of the 9th Yongin Special City Association President’s Badminton Tournament,” Mayor Lee stated, according to reports from Newsro and Gukje News. “Badminton is a sport loved by many citizens in Yongin and is injecting vitality into our local community.”
A key concern voiced by badminton enthusiasts in Yongin has been the availability of dedicated facilities. Mayor Lee acknowledged these concerns, stating that the city is actively working to address them. “The city is well aware of the badminton community’s desire for dedicated courts, and we are working on it,” he said. He further pledged continued investment in expanding and upgrading sports infrastructure to ensure citizens have access to comfortable and convenient recreational opportunities.
To that end, Yongin City is currently undertaking a major infrastructure project: the construction of a multi-sport complex in the Eunhwa Sam District. This facility, according to city officials, will feature 26 table tennis courts and 8 badminton courts, along with parking for 56 vehicles. A notable aspect of the design is the height of the table tennis court ceilings, which will be sufficient to accommodate badminton play, allowing for flexible use of the space during badminton tournaments – potentially expanding court availability to 16 during large events. This innovative design aims to maximize the utility of the facility and alleviate space constraints for local players.
Beyond the new construction, the city is also planning upgrades to existing facilities. Work to replace the flooring at the Giheung Badminton Gymnasium is scheduled to begin in May 2026. Simultaneously, the Suji Indoor Badminton Gymnasium will undergo a comprehensive renovation starting in July, including floor replacement and improvements to the drainage system. These upgrades are intended to enhance the playing experience and ensure the facilities meet the needs of the growing badminton community.
The commitment from the city government appears to be resonating with local players. One tournament participant, quoted in Newsro, expressed confidence in the mayor’s plans, stating that his direct engagement and detailed roadmap for improvements were reassuring. “I’m looking forward to playing badminton in a better environment in the future,” the player said.
The 9th Yongin Special City Association President’s Badminton Tournament serves as a clear demonstration of the sport’s thriving presence in Yongin. With the city’s proactive approach to facility improvements and its commitment to supporting the badminton community, the future looks bright for players of all levels. The planned upgrades and new construction are expected to not only enhance the playing experience but also attract more participants and further solidify Yongin’s position as a hub for badminton in South Korea.
The city’s investment in sports infrastructure extends beyond badminton, reflecting a broader commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for its residents. The Eunhwa Sam District sports complex, for example, will cater to a variety of sports, providing a versatile space for community recreation, and competition.
Looking ahead, the completion of the Eunhwa Sam District sports complex and the renovations at Giheung and Suji Gymnasiums are key milestones for the Yongin badminton community. These projects are expected to significantly improve the quality and accessibility of badminton facilities, fostering continued growth and participation in the sport. The city will continue to monitor the needs of the badminton community and adapt its plans accordingly, ensuring that Yongin remains a welcoming and supportive environment for players of all ages and skill levels.
The next scheduled action regarding facility improvements is the commencement of flooring replacement at the Giheung Badminton Gymnasium in May 2026. Citizens interested in learning more about the city’s sports infrastructure projects can visit the official Yongin City website for updates and information.
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