Lee Kwon-jae, the People Power Party candidate for Osan mayor, unveiled a new industry development pledge on Monday to build a dedicated e-sports arena and an AI training center at the Segyo terminal site. The plan aims to utilize the long-neglected land to simultaneously create youth jobs and drive development in the northern district.
Lee explained that while the Osan Segyo terminal site had been left undeveloped for more than a decade, conditions for full-scale development were established after the 8th popularly elected Osan city government purchased and took over the site from Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH).
The plan calls for first resuming the terminal construction project, a long-standing wish of local residents, while also pursuing the construction of a mixed-use center to attract foot traffic. Based on this foundation, the city intends to strengthen living and cultural infrastructure in the northern area to promote regional revitalization.
In particular, the Segyo terminal site will be developed into a future-oriented new industry hub by building a dedicated e-sports arena and an AI-based training center. A total of 13 billion won in project costs is estimated to be invested in the construction of the e-sports arena and training center. The breakdown includes 8 billion won for the e-sports arena, 1 billion won for tournament operations, and 4 billion won for the AI training center and system development.
The AI training center will introduce a data-based player analysis system, customized training programs, and real-time game feedback functions. Through this, the plan is to systematically improve players' performance and operate career experience programs in connection with educational institutions such as local high schools and universities.
Lee emphasized that the pledge is a strategy that goes beyond simply creating sports and cultural facilities, simultaneously pursuing urban regeneration and future industry development. He added that the initiative is also expected to expand the inflow of young people and revitalize the local economy.
"I will nurture the e-sports industry as a core growth engine that creates youth jobs and enhances the city's brand competitiveness," Lee said. "I will develop the Segyo terminal site into a specialized mini-complex and make it a hub for the development of northern Osan."
