Seoul Eoullim Sports Center opens as first inclusive municipal facility

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has opened the Seoul Eoullim Sports Center in Nowon-gu, the city’s first municipal sports facility designed for both people with disabilities and non-disabled citizens to use together. The facility, built with a total project cost of 77.2 billion won, spans three floors with a total floor area of 14,827 square meters.

Key features include an international-standard 32-lane bowling alley and a 10-lane swimming pool, which includes four lanes specifically for people with disabilities. The center is equipped with barrier-free infrastructure, such as underwater lifts and ramps for wheelchair access in the pool, specialized exercise equipment in the fitness center, and handrails in the bowling alley.

The center will offer 97 different programs: 26 tailored specifically for people with disabilities and 71 integrated programs designed for both groups to participate together. To ensure equitable access, members will be selected through a random lottery system. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated that the center embodies the value of ‘accompanying the weak,’ aiming to create a healthy city where everyone can enjoy sports regardless of age, physical condition, or disability.