Dalseong-gun Unveils FIFA-Standard Futsal Hub at Hwawon Elementary
In a move to bridge the gap between educational infrastructure and community wellness, Dalseong-gun has officially opened the Hwawon Cheonnae Sports Facility. Located on previously underutilized land at Hwawon Elementary School in Daegu, the new complex transforms a quiet school corner into what local officials are calling an “urban sports hub” for both students and residents.
The facility, which held its opening ceremony on April 2, represents a strategic partnership between the Dalseong-gun government and the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education. The project was speedy-tracked after the region was selected for the Ministry of Education’s school complex facility project in September 2023, following an initial agreement signed in July of that year.
A Professional-Grade Pitch in the Heart of the Community
The centerpiece of the development is a 981-square-meter multipurpose sports area. For football enthusiasts, the draw is the pitch’s technical specification: it is the largest of its kind in Dalseong-gun and adheres strictly to FIFA international certified standards.
Beyond the turf, the facility solves the perennial problem of unpredictable weather. Engineers installed a “membrane structure roof,” creating an all-weather environment that allows play to continue regardless of rain or extreme heat. This ensures that the facility remains a reliable asset for the community year-round.
To put the scale in perspective, the facility occupies roughly 300 pyeong of land, integrating not just the pitch, but as well a public park and specialized landscape-style restrooms. The total investment for the project reached 2.56 billion KRW, a figure that includes significant national funding.
The Dual-Employ Model: Badminton and Futsal
Dalseong-gun has implemented a highly specific operational schedule to maximize the utility of the space without disrupting the primary function of the school. The management of the site has been entrusted to the Dalseong-gun Facilities Management Corporation to ensure professional oversight.
The operational split is as follows:
- Weekdays (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Once regular school hours conclude, the facility opens as a free badminton court for local residents.
- Weekends (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM): The space transitions into a paid, futsal-exclusive arena.
This hybrid approach allows the local government to provide a free wellness resource during the week while maintaining a sustainable, paid model for the more specialized demands of futsal on the weekends.
Strategic “Life-Oriented” Administration
The opening of the Hwawon Cheonnae Sports Facility is part of a broader administrative trend in Dalseong-gun focused on “life-oriented administration”—the practice of identifying small but impactful gaps in daily public utility and filling them. Local officials have noted that this sports hub follows a similar logic to previous projects, such as the improvement of restrooms in traditional markets, aimed at enhancing the immediate quality of life for residents.
The opening ceremony saw a significant turnout of approximately 150 people, including Dalseong-gun Governor Choi Jae-hoon and Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Kang Eun-hee. Also in attendance were parents and players from the Dalseong-gun Youth Football Club, a team the county acquired and founded last year, highlighting the facility’s role in nurturing youth talent.
For those wondering how to access the facility, the site is currently in a trial phase. Following the April 2 opening, the facility will undergo trial operations throughout mid-April to iron out any logistical kinks. Official full-scale operations are scheduled to begin on May 1, 2026.
Quick Facility Guide: Hwawon Cheonnae Sports Facility
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 981㎡ (Approx. 300 pyeong) |
| Certification | FIFA International Standard |
| Key Infrastructure | Membrane roof (All-weather) |
| Total Cost | 2.56 Billion KRW |
| Management | Dalseong-gun Facilities Management Corp. |
The integration of professional-grade sports infrastructure within a primary school setting serves as a blueprint for other regions looking to optimize urban land. By sharing space between students and the public, Dalseong-gun is not only promoting athletics but also strengthening the bond between the educational system and the surrounding neighborhood.
The next major milestone for the facility is the transition from trial mode to official public access on May 1. Residents and futsal clubs are encouraged to monitor the Dalseong-gun Facilities Management Corporation for booking details and registration.
Do you think more schools should open their facilities to the public in this way? Let us know in the comments below.
