The Gwangju Cheomdan District is attracting attention as it seeks to transform into the "second Seongsu-dong." Trendy stores targeting the younger generation are popping up throughout the area, and luxury residential complexes are being supplied, showing a rapid change in the district's atmosphere.
Seongsu-dong, known as Korea's "Brooklyn," became a hot spot centered on the MZ generation in the 2010s with the emergence of complex cultural spaces, famous cafes, and popular restaurants. In addition, high-end residential complexes such as Galleria Foret, Trimage, and Acro Seoul Forest were built one after another, and young wealthy individuals, including famous celebrities, moved their residences to Seongsu-dong, turning it into a sanctuary for emerging affluent groups.
The Gwangju Cheomdan District is following a similar transformation to Seongsu-dong. Recently, along Imbangul-daero 826beon-gil, stores like Auer Bakery and Lounge OIC, which appeal to the 20s and 30s age group, have been opening one after another, attracting a young customer base.
In fact, looking at the sales transaction ratio within a 1km radius of Auer Bakery Gwangju Cheomdan branch (based on the Small Business Commercial Area Analysis System, coffee shop standard), people in their 30s accounted for the highest percentage at 30.6%. Those in their 20s made up 14.8%.
Moreover, the supply of luxury residential complexes such as "Rapent Hill" is also underway, signaling the beginning of a transformation into an emerging affluent neighborhood. "Rapent Hill," located in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, consists of a total of 72 units with exclusive areas ranging from 201 to 244 square meters, and the construction company is Hyundai Engineering & Construction.
In particular, this complex is situated at the core of the Cheomdan District, which is becoming a hip area, and is supplied as a high-end product from the exterior to the interior finishes, expected to attract the interest of young "young and rich" individuals. It is also noteworthy that Hyundai Engineering & Construction is supplying the first high-end residential complex in Gwangju, featuring large unit sizes rarely seen in the city and aligning with the high-end supply trends in the Gangnam area.
"Rapent Hill" places elevators for each line to allow private use, and each unit features a dedicated elevator hall, enabling residents to live securely in their own space. Additionally, the interior layout respects privacy by separating the flow between private spaces (bedrooms) and common areas (living room, kitchen), and all units have large terraces that can be used diversely as private gardens, home cafes, or hobby spaces.
The interior will feature imported furniture typically seen only in luxury homes or hotels. Renowned European luxury furniture brand Febal Casa, Italian faucet brand Gessi, Italian hood brand Elica, Swiss AXENT, American Kohler, and American Standard products will be installed.
Furthermore, just as startup companies cluster in Seongsu-dong, the area near Gwangju Cheomdan District is densely packed with industrial complexes, which is expected to accelerate the influx of young demand. Nearby industrial complexes include Gwangju Cheomdan Science National Industrial Complex, Gwangju Cheomdan Science National Industrial Complex 2nd District, Bonchon General Industrial Complex, Hanam General Industrial Complex, and Jingok General Industrial Complex.
The district is also gaining attention for its high future value. A new station on Gwangju Subway Line 2 (scheduled to open in 2024) is planned, which will improve transportation networks, and the nearby Cheomdan 3 District is set to become a research and industrial complex centered on an AI-based science and technology startup cluster, expected to benefit from development.
An industry insider said, "As the Cheomdan District area transforms into a trendy commercial district, the 20s and 30s generation are flocking here, and with the recent supply of luxury residential complexes, expectations are high. It is anticipated that in the future, Cheomdan District will become a residential area centered on young generations breaking away from traditional frameworks, much like Seongsu-dong."
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