IKEA Gangdong Opens on the 17th... Coexisting with the Local Community
Gangdong I-Park The River, a 300,000㎡ Complex, Opens
On the 17th, Lee Soo-hee, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, Seoul, stated, "As Godeok Biz Valley enters the inaugural year of its full completion, we will strive even harder to revitalize the local economy through continuous cooperation with resident companies," adding, "We will spare no administrative support to help Godeok Biz Valley become the economic hub of the eastern metropolitan area beyond Gangdong-gu."
Lee Soo-hee, Mayor of Gangdong-gu (first from the left), is attending the opening ceremony of IKEA Gangdong and demonstrating furniture assembly. Provided by Gangdong-gu.
Godeok Biz Valley (around 345 Godeok-dong) is an industrial complex covering a total area of 234,523㎡, equipped with self-sufficient functions including business, shopping, and culture. With the opening of the large-scale comprehensive shopping mall 'Gangdong I-Park The River' within Godeok Biz Valley on the 17th, it is marking the official 'inaugural year of completion.'
Gangdong I-Park The River, with a total floor area of 301,337㎡, is a large-scale distribution and business complex housing 64 stores including IKEA, E-Mart, and CGV.
On the same day, IKEA Gangdong, located on the 1st and 2nd floors of Gangdong I-Park The River, also opened its doors. IKEA Gangdong employs 43% of its total staff from Gangdong-gu residents, realizing practical coexistence with the local community. According to Gangdong-gu, this is being recognized as a positive example contributing to local employment expansion and economic revitalization.
At the opening ceremony, Lee Soo-hee, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, said, "We will accelerate growth as the economic center of the eastern metropolitan area through close cooperation with promising companies including IKEA."
Meanwhile, Gangdong-gu announced that the settlement of companies in Godeok Biz Valley is progressing smoothly. At the end of last month, Green Store Co., Ltd., a health functional food company, became the 20th resident company in Godeok Biz Valley, and with four more companies moving in this year, most company settlements will be completed. Additionally, JYP Entertainment and Asan Social Welfare Foundation are preparing to start construction of their new headquarters.
Local resident employment is also active, with about 660 local residents, including approximately 110 from resident company Dongmyeong Technology Corporation, finding jobs within companies in Godeok Biz Valley.
Resident companies are also providing various public spaces for residents and entrepreneurs according to their originally promised community contribution plans. Aju Design Group has opened meeting rooms and an auditorium, while iCount has made a book caf? and multipurpose education hall available to residents.
KX Group, RF Tech, Donghae Comprehensive Technology, and Ilhwa provide youth startup support spaces, currently housing 21 youth startup companies and 5 social economy enterprises. Additionally, residents can use facilities such as book caf?s, libraries, experience centers, and kids caf?s created by companies free of charge or at low cost.
Furthermore, resident companies are practicing community donations in various ways. Since last year and continuing through next year, KX Group has been providing lunchboxes twice a week to low-income vulnerable households, contributing to alleviating welfare blind spots. Several companies including Shilla Trading, RF Tech, and Donghae Comprehensive Technology Corporation are promoting scholarships, Hope Stepping Stone fund support, and childcare cost sponsorship for families with multiple children.
Since 2021, companies such as Ilhwa, Woojin Industrial Electric, Green Store, Cuckoo Electronics, KS Korea Employment Information, and Dodram have participated in the 'Warm Winter Hope Ondol' project, practicing coexistence with the local community. They have donated rice, food, and daily necessities worth a total of 250 million KRW.
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