International standard equestrian club opens in Hwaseong

The Changsung Group on Thursday opened a 36,000-square-meter equestrian club in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. The Balios Equestrian Club features internationally qualified indoor (72m×36m) and outdoor (91m×52m) competition arenas, 108 stables, a club house and viewing stands. Around 30 German pedigreed horses, specialized trainers from Germany and caretakers stay at the club.

The group said that the club is a rare one in Korea that has the size and facilities qualified to host international competitions.

Changsung spent five years to build the club, putting Oliver Hoberg, a German footing specialist who designed the footing system for Olympic games, in charge of planning and designing the club`s footing system, reflecting Changsung Chairman Bae Chang- hwan`s deep interest in horse riding. He was formerly a member of South Korea`s national equestrian team.

jaj@donga.com