Paju City announced on Monday the opening of a baseball field at the former Camp Howze site, which the U.S. military returned. This is the third public baseball field established in Paju, following the Papyeong Baseball Field and Gyoha Baseball Field.
Paju is renovating buildings previously used by the U.S. military on the 610,808-square-meter site and developing infrastructure such as parks. The baseball field project is part of this broader initiative. A total of 3 billion KRW (approximately $2.07 million), including 2.4 billion KRW (approximately $1.66 million) from the national budget, has been invested in the new baseball field. The facility spans 10,000 square meters and features one baseball field and supporting amenities.
The opening ceremony, held on March 15, was attended by Paju Mayor Kim Kyung Il, Rep. Park Jeong, city council members, representatives from the Paju Sports Council, Jori-eup community leaders, and approximately 150 residents. The event included a ceremonial first pitch and friendly matches between local clubs.
Kim stated, “It is meaningful to open a baseball field at Camp Howze, a site returned by the U.S. military after 72 years.” He hoped the new facility would expand sports opportunities in Paju by hosting friendly matches for local baseball clubs and attracting training teams. He also emphasized that it will serve as a valuable training ground for young, talented baseball players, contributing to the overall growth of baseball in the city.