Controversy Over Members-Only Policy at Osan City Facility

"If you're not a member, you can't use it. Who is this facility for?"

The Osan Sports Center, operated by Osan City, is facing controversy for groundlessly restricting swimming pool access to non-member general users.

According to the city on the 15th, the city opened a comprehensive sports center with a project cost of 44.5 billion won on a 71,209㎡ site in Osan-dong, Lot 40, consisting of one basement level and three above-ground floors, opening on May 18th of last year.

The facility operates an indoor swimming pool with international standards (50m, 10 lanes), an infant pool, a rock climbing wall, an indoor gymnasium, an aerobics studio, and a fitness center.

All of these facilities are available for use by any citizen.

However, the situation is different regarding indoor swimming pool usage.

Elementary school students and infants who have not purchased regular memberships cannot use the swimming pool. The center has stopped allowing their usage on its own.

An official from the organization explained the reason, saying: "We understand that usage was suspended because when students use the swimming pool, there are difficulties with lessons and many complaints from members."

Citizen resistance to the center's groundless usage restrictions is significant.

Citizen K stated: "I visited the center to use the swimming pool with my two children, ages 12 and 7, but was told we couldn't use it. Isn't a facility operated by the city supposed to be available to any citizen?"

Another parent, Y, also criticized: "My child wanted to go to the swimming pool, so I gave him daily pass money to go, but he came back home crying alone. Who is this facility for?"