Revolution of the ground Ulsan introduced Korea's first orchid-type grass → Best condition for heat waves and heavy rain...Successful Sticking, Presenting a New Model
Sep 02, 2025
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Ulsan introduced Nanji-type grass in April as the first in the domestic professional soccer team. Through continuous management and supplementation for three months, the effect is actually seen this summer. Nanji-type grass, which is resistant to heat and humidity, has been activated at Gangdong Football Stadium in Ulsan, providing the best training conditions for players even in hot weather.
Over the past five years, the number of days of heat waves in Ulsan has doubled from 11 days to 23 days. The number of tropical nights has also increased significantly from 14 days to 23 days. Ulsan pushed ahead with a preemptive and challenging attempt to secure the training conditions of the team from the heat wave and heavy rain.
Gangdong Football Stadium, located in Buk-gu, Ulsan Metropolitan City, is composed of two natural grass fields with a total of 30,000 pyeong. Ulsan has been using Gangdong Football Stadium as a training site for its athletes, and since October last year, it has started to replace grass varieties with 'HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' with the support of its parent company 'HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering'.
Hanji grass, commonly used in Korea, is vulnerable to high-temperature dry climates and insect pests. On the other hand, orchid grass boasts active growth even in midsummer. Ulsan's new type of Nanji-type grass was similar in shape and density to the existing Korean paper grass, minimizing the team's sense of heterogeneity. In addition, the characteristics of the orchid-type grass that grows vigorously from the root alleviates the characteristics of 'root growth'.
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There is also a task. Lawn management during winter, when the sunlight is low and the temperature drops sharply, is essential. Ulsan is set for the Asian Champions League elite group stage as well as the K-League. The training should be conducted in Korea in early December and early February next year.
To maximize grass conditions, Ulsan Secretariat and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries employees have been learning about winter orchid grass management at advanced facilities such as Japan, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Based on this, it is under consideration to introduce the appropriate 'overseeding (extra sowing of other species of grass to improve shortcomings)' technology in accordance with the local situation in Ulsan during the vulnerable period of orchid grass.
The grass of Gangdong soccer field in Ulsan maintains blue color and dense density. Last month, officials from the Korea Professional Football Federation and K-League clubs confirmed with their own eyes the successful planting and activation of the first Korean professional soccer team's orchid-type grass.
Ulsan has led the introduction of orchid grass, preemptively responding to climate change, and presenting a new grass management model to the K League and the Korean sports industry. Even in the weather that will become more hot and humid, the team can be guaranteed excellent training conditions all year round, and the durable grass will be stably active and the management burden will be reduced."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
