Reduction from 37 to 17 Illegal and Harmful Businesses Over 2 Years (20 Closures)... Transformed into a Walkable Street Through Improved Pedestrian Environment... Operating 6 Youth Spaces and Startups on Gil:Ium (3 Restaurants, 1 Bookstore, 2 Galleries, etc.)
Seung-ro Lee, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu (first on the right), visiting 'Youth Space Gil:Eum,' which plays a central role in transforming Samyang-ro into a youth startup street, to listen to their difficulties.
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Samyang-ro in Gireum-dong, once notorious for its illegal adult entertainment establishments known as "Maekyangjip," is now transforming into Gireum Youth Startup Street, brimming with youth and culture.
Since the start of the 7th local government term in 2018, Seongbuk-gu has formed a task force (TF) involving administration, residents, and police to eradicate illegal adult entertainment businesses on Samyang-ro. Through continuous and focused efforts to encourage business type changes, 20 out of 37 establishments have closed over the past two years.
To break the cycle of illegal businesses reopening in the same locations, Seongbuk-gu is developing this street into a youth startup district and is implementing and planning various projects to provide practical support.
To change the gloomy atmosphere of Samyang-ro, old sidewalk blocks on both sides of the approximately 800-meter stretch from Gireum Station to Mia Elementary School were replaced, new safety fences installed, streetlights and street trees renewed, laying the foundation for a refreshed street ambiance.
Additionally, six youth startup shops (Romantic Rice Bowl, Bulnabang, Wieseoon Jokbal, Sehwa Movie Bookstore, Hansul Restaurant, Saga) are supported and currently operating actively. Notably, "Wieseoon Jokbal" involves North Korean defector youths and promotes the originality of jokbal (pig’s trotters) originating from North Korea, offering a fresh taste to local residents.
In 2019, Seongbuk-gu held the citizen market "Dugeundugeun Byeolgil Market" to inform residents about the changes on Samyang-ro and revitalize the street. This street market, where youth entrepreneurs, artists, and residents came together, featured handmade crafts, secondhand goods, simple food, children’s experiences and games, resident club performances, and a forest path exhibition showcasing the street’s transformation.
Over 30,000 people, including residents of Gireum New Town, visited. About 60 children attending Mia Elementary School via Samyang-ro sent handwritten thank-you letters to Seongbuk-gu Mayor Seungro Lee, expressing gratitude for making their school route safer.
With ongoing inquiries and requests from residents, Seongbuk-gu is preparing to hold the Dugeundugeun Byeolgil Market again as the threat of COVID-19 subsides.
The central role in transforming Samyang-ro into a youth startup street is played by the youth space Gil:Eum. Since beginning operations last year, it has provided startup education, community building, and professional consulting for young entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, through the local commercial district project, a community store is operated where residents, merchants, and social economy entities can interact.
Through the Cultural Arts Education Workshop, youth artist instructors are trained, and educational services are provided to vulnerable groups. The "Dojeonsuk" project, a public rental housing initiative combining office and residential spaces for one-person creative enterprises and prospective entrepreneurs, is also underway.
Mayor Seungro Lee stated, “The transformation of Samyang-ro, once avoided by all, into a street where people want to stay and take on challenges was made possible by the cooperation of residents who extended their hands to the administration and the police’s support. The courageous youth who dared to challenge themselves here also played a crucial role.” He added, “With four large apartment complexes totaling 5,550 households currently under construction near Gireum Station, we will focus the capabilities of the latter half of the 7th local government term to transform this area into a youth startup street full of youth and culture, fitting the city’s changes.”
Seongbuk-gu plans to strengthen startup consulting by supporting youth startup funds and operating an advisory group for the creation of the startup street to lower the barriers to entrepreneurship.
Additionally, utilizing donated land and other sites, preparations are underway to establish a 4th Industrial Revolution support center suited to the era. Festivals and busking performances that can invigorate the street are also planned, concentrating administrative efforts to transform Samyang-ro into the central street of youth startups filled with youth and culture.
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