Gyeonggi Province in South Korea is set to introduce a pioneering “sports points” program next year. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SUWON, Mar. 25 (Korea Bizwire) – In an effort to improve physical fitness and promote a more active lifestyle among its residents, Gyeonggi Province in South Korea is set to introduce a pioneering “sports points” program next year, after completing a policy research study on the initiative this month.
The proposed program, dubbed the “Gyeonggi Sports Points System,” aims to encourage exercise by offering customized exercise plans based on physical fitness assessments. Participants would earn points for activities like walking, cycling, or hiking, which could then be redeemed for up to 100,000 won in local currency annually.
According to Gyeonggi Province officials, the accumulated points could be converted into a regional digital currency and spent like cash, providing a financial incentive for residents to stay active.
The concept, as defined by Medi Plus Solution, the research firm that conducted the policy study, is “providing incentives for physical activities to improve access to sports and promote health.”
After analyzing domestic and international case studies and conducting surveys among residents, the firm proposed key features for the program. These included offering customized exercise plans based on fitness assessments, awarding points for exercising at designated locations, and creating an economic model that benefits local businesses by linking the program to cultural and tourism sites within the province.
On March 22, Gyeonggi Province held a public hearing to gather feedback from residents on the proposed program details outlined in the research report.
Moving forward, the province plans to finalize the program model after considering the public input, coordinate with relevant national ministries, and launch a pilot project in selected municipalities during the second half of 2025. If successful, the program would then be expanded to all 31 cities and counties within Gyeonggi Province by 2026.
“We aim to establish a specialized sports points system in Gyeonggi Province to improve the fundamental right to sports for our 14 million residents,” said Lee Jong-don, the director of Gyeonggi’s culture, sports, and tourism bureau.
Similar initiatives have been implemented by other local governments in South Korea, such as Seoul’s “Wrist Doctor 9988″ program, South Chungcheong Province’s “Let’s Walk,” and Hwaseong’s “Sports Day Three GO.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
