The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Facilities Corporation announced on the 7th that they will conduct emergency restoration of the grass at Seoul World Cup Stadium, which has not been completed due to prolonged cold waves and the K League opening being advanced by about two weeks compared to the average.

The plan is to normalize the grass condition before the next home game of FC Seoul, scheduled for the 29th.

To achieve this, they will first replace part of the grass with HYBE grass and urgently carry out soil replacement and sowing work to increase density. This year, the budget will be 3 times larger than last year's 1.1 billion won, amounting to 3.3 billion won, to ensure sufficient quantity of grass replacement and the introduction of advanced machinery to help grass growth, maintaining grass conditions that allow players to perform at their best.

The city and the corporation noted, "Since this year's K League starts on February 22, which is 16 days earlier than last year, there were difficulties in prior preparations. The cold wave continuing until early March and the freezing ground have caused poor root establishment and growth of the grass, resulting in blistering in various places."

Additionally, the corporation claimed, "We continuously communicated anticipated issues related to the early opening of the professional soccer league to the Korea Football Association and requested schedule adjustments, but it was not accepted."

In response, the association said in a call with OSEN, "It is true that the department in charge of facility management contacted us to say that the K League opening schedule is too early, but the K League has started in February in 2022, and we explained that all first-round home games this season will be held in the southern regions."

First, they plan to replace over 2,500 square meters of grass in Seoul World Cup Stadium with HYBE grass and carry out soil replacement and grass sowing on an area of 5,900 square meters to increase grass density.

Along with this, they will conduct ground ventilation (spiking) that aids grass growth, apply pest and disease prevention agents, and supply fertilizer components to the soil, along with ground compaction and irrigation work.

In addition to emergency repairs, they will systematically promote year-round grass condition improvement and management based on the grass improvement plan established last year. This year, the investment budget is 3 times larger than the previous year, amounting to 3.3 billion won.

Initially, they will secure approximately 12,500 square meters of replaceable grass, about 3 times more than last year (4,200 square meters), to immediately replace it if the ground grass condition is poor. This accounts for 1.4 to 1.5 times the total grass area of Seoul World Cup Stadium (8,740 square meters).

Additionally, they will newly introduce advanced equipment used in famous overseas stadiums to manage essential factors like light and ventilation for grass growth and thoroughly manage grass quality through density improvement.

First, they will add 5 portable and fog cooling fans to the current 8 fixed fans to enhance air circulation and ventilation necessary for summer grass growth. They will also acquire artificial lighting to solve the insufficient sunlight issue and air aerators to improve poorly drained soil.

A governance body, tentatively named the 'National Football Stadium Council', consisting of the Seoul World Cup Stadium and related institutions, will also be operated from April. The council will discuss overall issues such as ground management, restoration measures, and infrastructure improvements, as well as strive to find common solutions for the challenges facing stadium grass management, not only in Seoul but nationwide.

They will also improve the stadium rental method. Reflecting the situation of inadequate large stadiums in Seoul, they will continue to hold cultural events such as concerts, but will maintain rental guidelines excluding ground seats to protect the grass.

Rentals for ground seats will be based on strict limitations, but after monitoring the grass management situation, exceptions will be considered during optimal growth periods.

Finally, considering the characteristics of the current grass type used in Seoul World Cup Stadium (optimal growth temperature 15-24°C), they will actively consult with relevant institutions such as the Korea Professional Football Association regarding the usage schedules for winter and summer seasons.

In the medium to long term, they will continue to listen to various opinions from relevant institutions, experts, and research organizations regarding grass types suitable for the hot and humid weather in Seoul and review the feasibility of their introduction.

Additionally, they plan to further identify spaces at business sites and idle lands that can be utilized to cultivate grass to secure a stable supply of grass.

Gu Jong-won, head of the Tourism and Sports Bureau of Seoul, said, "I deeply regret that we cannot provide a proper stadium environment due to the league schedule being advanced during a difficult period for winter grass management," and added, "We will make every effort to manage so that players can compete under the best conditions by significantly expanding the amount of grass replacement, strengthening investment in advanced equipment, and adjusting league schedules."

[OSEN = Reporter No Jin-ju]