Suwon 'Maesan-dong Eoullim Center' to Open in March Next Year

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Suwon City in Gyeonggi Province is constructing the 'Maesan-dong Eoullim Center' in Maesan-dong, Paldal-gu, where an urban regeneration project is underway. The center will serve as a community hub for residents and an incubator for youth startups.

The Maesan-dong Eoullim Center will be built at 47-3, Maesan-ro 1-ga, with three above-ground floors and a total floor area of 536.45㎡. Suwon City purchased the building and land last year. The existing commercial building will be remodeled, with completion targeted for March next year. The total project cost is 6 billion KRW, including national and provincial funds.

The center's first floor central area will feature a resident community space. Spaces such as a book caf? and food court will be created for residents to use. In particular, folding doors will be installed at the first-floor entrance to connect and expand the space around the courtyard, allowing for small-scale events.

Additionally, four startup spaces divided into sections A and B on both sides of the interior will be created to assist prospective entrepreneurs or youth in starting cafes or restaurants.

The second floor will house a shared kitchen, meeting rooms, and a resident relaxation area. The third floor will include a stepped resting area and garden to serve as a resting place for residents, along with a frame-shaped observatory that can be used as a photo zone.

The exterior of the Eoullim Center will also have distinctive features. Different colored exterior materials will be used on the left and right buildings to create a unique appearance. It will be finished in a vivid orange color representing dynamic youth and a soft yellow color symbolizing experienced, calm elders and local residents.

When the Eoullim Center opens in March next year, Suwon City will also implement various support projects for young entrepreneurs. Alongside this, the city is gradually preparing to attract the 'Gyeonggi-do Youth Food Startup Hub Project,' which supports startup technical education and marketing.

A Suwon City official stated, "The Maesan-dong Eoullim Center, remodeled from the old Gyeonggi Bookstore building, is expected to become a dynamic place where the experience of middle-aged merchants and the passion of youth interact and communicate."

The Maesan-dong Urban Regeneration New Deal Project targets an area of 197,800㎡ in Maesan-ro 1-ga, Paldal-gu, east of Suwon Station. The project involves renovating deteriorated road facilities and alleys around Suwon Station and improving the station area commercial district and residential environment.