5th Roundtable of the Research Group Led by Kim Hyosook
Seeking Multifaceted Solutions to Sejong’s Commercial Vacancy
A research group led by Councilor Kim Hyosook of Sejong City, which is operating to find multifaceted solutions for vacant commercial spaces, held its 5th meeting in the Eojindong area and is taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Public Relations Planning Team, Secretariat
The research group seeking multifaceted solutions to vacant commercial spaces in Sejong City (led by Assemblywoman Kim Hyosook) recently held a field hearing at the Saem meeting room in Eojindong, gathering opinions from commercial property stakeholders and the head of the Sejong AI Research Center, and conducted an interim report session for their research project.
Since February, the research group has been working to create startup and cultural spaces to revitalize the local economy and address Sejong’s vacant commercial property issue. In the local political sphere, Assemblywoman Kim Hyosook is joined by Assemblymen Lee Sunyeol and Kim Dongbin, among others, with stakeholders from related organizations contributing their perspectives to the ongoing research activities.
A commercial property stakeholder from Eojindong explained the challenges of Sejong’s vacancy problem and the outflow of young people, suggesting that integrating AI education and experiential activities could help resolve vacancies and stimulate the local economy.
During the subsequent interim report session, the group discussed specific strategies based on previous discussions, including: ▲ a specialized model supporting startups in ICT, AI digital video, media, and music; and ▲ a win-win model linking startup support programs and academies.
Notably, the results of a survey of 103 startup founders and prospective entrepreneurs were also presented. According to the survey, demand for starting or expanding businesses in Sejong City is high, but major difficulties include a lack of information on support systems and challenges in securing talent. Respondents identified rent and space support, transportation and location, and various support programs as key priorities.
Assemblywoman Kim Hyosook stated, "On the 24th, I attended a roundtable at the National Assembly, where I conveyed the seriousness of Sejong’s vacant commercial property issue and urged legislative and institutional improvements at the national level. At the upcoming final report session, we will finalize concrete action plans for a Sejong-style startup zone model." Assemblyman Kim Dongbin also noted, "With the announcement of the district unit plan change in July, an institutional foundation has been established to resolve long-term vacancies."
Meanwhile, the research group plans to hold the final presentation of their research project in October, at which time the results of their discussions will be finalized.
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