As part of the "mutual cooperation MOU on local sports for all," PNU Gyeong-am Gymnasium has become a space for residents of Geumjeong-gu since May.
Pusan National University (PNU) Kyung-am Gymnasium Sports Center was opened to all members of Geumjeong-gu beyond the members and alumni of the school.
![On November 3rd last year, a business agreement was signed between PNU and Geumjeong-gu. From the left, President Cha Jung-In, Rep. Baek Jong-heon, and Kim Jae-yoon, head of Geumjeong-gu. [Provided by Baek Jong-Heon office]](https://cdn.channelpnu.pusan.ac.kr/news/photo/202306/33405_14478_596.png)
On May 12th, Baek Jong-Heon office announced that it would open the PNU Kyung-am Gymnasium to residents of Geumjeong-gu, including employees of the Geumjeong-gu Office, from May of this year. It will open until 2027, and discussions on a five-year extension will take place later.
The opening of the Kyung-am Gymnasium is part of “the MOU for mutual cooperation related to local sports for all,” which was signed between PNU and Geumjeong-gu in November of last year. Geumjeong-gu carried out the "PNU Gyeong-am Sports Center Living Sports Facility Support Project'' (Article 35 of the Sports Facility Installation and Use Act) and provided a total of 340,000,000won. PNU Kyung-am Gymnasium has replaced the fitness equipment, constructed screen golf rooms, and fitness weight zone mat that residents of Geumjeong-gu can use.
Geumjeong-gu residents can use the service after they provide proof of their residency in Geumjeong-gu when registering at Gyeong-am Gymnasium Sports Center. The fitness fee for residents of Geumjeong-gu is 55,000 won for one month, 150,000 won for three months, and 280,000 won for six months, which is more expensive than the student fee. Squash, golf, and screen golf facilities that can be used at an additional fee are also available to the residents of Geumjeong-gu.
Geumjeong residents shouted for joy at the news of the opening of the Gyeong-am Gymnasium Sports Center. In the meantime, Geumjeong-gu has complained about the lack of gymnasiums available to residents. Resident A (25, Geumjeong-gu) said, “Just as libraries can be used by outsiders if they pay, the gym is also open to use. Since residents can use it cheaply without going to a private center, it feels like the university is contributing to the local community.”
PNU students are also responding positively. Student B (Dept. of Architecture Engineering, 21) said, “It is okay as long as there is a price difference between students and Geumjeong-gu residents. As PNU is a national university that grows with the local community, the opening of Gyeong-am Gymnasium seems to be socially positive.”
Reporter Jung Hye-Eun
Translated by Lim Chae-Kyung