Seoul is ready to develop its footprint within the fast-growing sport of pickleball with the launch of a brand new devoted facility at Gwangnaru Hangang Park, opening with a two-day neighborhood occasion on 28–29 March 2026.
The Gwangnaru Hangang Park is a part of the Wholesome Metropolis Seoul initiative of Mayor Oh Se-hoon. The world was once an out of doors pickleball facility. Nonetheless, the sphere was not often used, so town determined to repurpose it right into a pickleball facility to cater to South Korea’s steadily rising pickleball neighborhood.
The venue options 14 courts together with supporting facilities, constructed to function an accessible leisure hub as curiosity within the sport continues to climb throughout town. Quite than a quiet rollout, officers are choosing a full-scale opening weekend designed to deliver gamers and curious newcomers onto the courts.
Organisers anticipate round 500 contributors to participate within the festivities, which can embrace a household match alongside a mixture of matches catering to learners and worldwide gamers. The programme is structured to be inclusive, mixing competitors with alternatives for studying and informal play.
Past matches, the weekend may also characteristic guided classes and open play classes, permitting guests to expertise the game first-hand. For these unfamiliar with pickleball, an on-site “story zone” will stroll attendees by its origins and guidelines, whereas a separate hands-on space will present entry to tools for trial use.
A proper opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on March 29, setting the stage for a collection of exhibition matches and the match finals later within the day.
The launch underscores Seoul’s rising dedication to growing pickleball on the grassroots degree. By combining fashionable amenities with community-focused programming, the Gwangnaru web site is positioned not simply as a enjoying venue, however as a gateway for broader participation within the sport.
