Gangneung Science Oval, Indoor speed skating rink in Gangneung, South Korea
Gangneung Science Oval is an indoor speed skating rink in Gangneung, South Korea, built on three above-ground levels and two underground levels, with a 400-meter track and synthetic ice technology. The venue holds around 8,000 spectators and has food stands spread across its concourse.
The rink was originally planned for the Gangneung Science Park site but had to be moved after disputes with local businesses, and it opened in January 2017 at its current location. Just over a year later, it hosted speed skating events at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
The oval is woven into the sporting life of Gangneung, drawing speed skating fans throughout the year who come to watch training sessions on the track. On competition days, Korean families fill the stands to cheer on local young runners in what feels like a genuine community event.
The oval is easy to reach by public transit or car and sits close to other venues that were used during the 2018 Winter Olympics. It is worth checking ahead whether a training session or competition is scheduled on the day you plan to visit, as this can affect access for the public.
The oval uses synthetic ice technology that keeps the track in good condition even outside the cold season, which is unusual for the region. This makes it one of the few year-round speed skating training facilities in Asia, drawing athletes from several countries.
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