CHEONAN, SOUTH KOREA – The city of Cheonan has officially inaugurated its new Cheonan Youth Complex Community Center, a sprawling facility designed to be a hub for the city's young people. The grand opening ceremony, held on April 22nd, was a significant event, drawing over 400 attendees, including Mayor Park Sang-don, City Council Chairman Kim Haeng-geum, Education Superintendent Lee Byung-do, eager students, supportive parents, and representatives from various youth-related organizations.

This ambitious project, backed by a substantial investment of 35 billion KRW, underscores Cheonan's commitment to fostering the growth and development of its youth. Situated in Buldang-dong (address: 1507), the center boasts an impressive scale, covering a land area of 7,626 square meters with a total floor area of 9,930 square meters spread across a basement level and four above-ground floors.

The meticulously planned facility offers a diverse range of spaces catering to the multifaceted needs of teenagers. The basement provides essential infrastructure, including parking, individual instrument storage, various practice rooms for music and other activities, and comfortable waiting areas.

The heart of the center lies on the first two floors, which are designed for both large-scale events and interactive learning. A spacious 401-seat grand performance hall will host cultural performances, presentations, and community gatherings. Adjacent to it, a well-equipped indoor gymnasium offers space for various sports and physical activities. Embracing modern technology, the center also features a virtual reality (VR) zone, promising immersive and engaging experiences. A designated free space called 'Cheongdaum' encourages informal interaction and relaxation. Furthermore, these floors house versatile multi-purpose rooms, dedicated career experience zones designed to expose youth to different professions, a hands-on cooking experience lab, and an additional physical activity room.

The upper levels, the third and fourth floors, are focused on providing spaces for more focused activities and personal development. These floors include numerous program rooms for workshops and classes, dedicated club rooms for various youth organizations to meet and collaborate, and autonomy activity rooms fostering self-directed learning and initiatives. For creative expression, there's a dedicated dance studio and band/singing practice rooms equipped with necessary instruments and soundproofing. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, the center also houses private, video-enabled, and group counseling rooms, as well as a specialized play therapy room.

The Cheonan Youth Complex Community Center is envisioned as a comprehensive resource for young people, offering a holistic approach to their activity, counseling, education, and leisure pursuits. The center's operational plan includes a wide array of self-directed programs designed to empower youth to take ownership of their learning and development. Additionally, a rich calendar of cultural, artistic, sports, and career exploration programs will be offered throughout the year, providing diverse opportunities for growth and discovery.

During the opening ceremony, Mayor Park Sang-don expressed his high hopes for the center's impact. "I sincerely hope that this Cheonan Youth Complex Community Center will serve as a strong foundation for the generation that will lead Cheonan's future," he remarked. He further emphasized the city's commitment to its young citizens, stating, "We support young people in taking the lead in their own lives and living a brilliantly self-directed life."

The opening of the Cheonan Youth Complex Community Center marks a significant step in the city's investment in its youth, providing them with a vibrant and supportive environment to explore their interests, develop their skills, and shape their futures. The state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive programming are expected to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of young people in Cheonan for years to come.