Waterfront Cafe with Bukhansan Views Opens on the 18th
Eunpyeong District Establishes the Nation's Only 'Youth Self-Reliance Center'
Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District, 'Mother to Youth Preparing for Self-Reliance'
"Mayor, thank you like a mother."
When the voices of the 'young adults preparing for independence' echoed through the cafe, Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District, was moved to tears. On November 13, she visited the 'Eunpyeong Episode' cafe, which is busy preparing for its opening ceremony on November 17 and the official launch on November 18.
The cafe features a first-floor space and kitchen covering 222 square meters (67 pyeong), a rooftop (second floor) terrace, a drive-thru (vehicle-only service), and a parking lot with 18 spaces. It offers a panoramic view of Bukhansan Mountain and the river. The location is about 400 meters from Jichuk Station on Subway Line 3, with convenient vehicle access. But what else makes it special?
The 'Eunpyeong Episode' cafe will open on the 18th. (Top row from left) Barista Jeon Jihoon, Barista Park Subin. (Bottom row from left) Barista Song Choran, Eunpyeong District Mayor Kim Mikyung, Barista Lee Giwon. Provided by Eunpyeong District Office.
'Eunpyeong Episode': A Place Where Young Adults Preparing for Independence Pursue Their Dreams
On November 18, Eunpyeong District in Seoul will open the 'Eunpyeong Episode' cafe, a space for work experience that supports a new beginning for young adults preparing for independence. Located along the Gupabalcheon Stream in Jingwan-dong (1152 Tongil-ro), Eunpyeong Episode is a waterfront cafe that operates year-round from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Four young baristas preparing for independence and one manager work at the cafe.
The cafe, established as the 'Gupabalcheon Waterside Vitality Hub' on a detention basin, offers beautiful views of the river and Bukhansan Mountain throughout the year. Funded by Seoul City and Eunpyeong District, it serves as a public space for citizens to relax. What truly sets this cafe apart is not just the view. Beyond being a simple cafe filled with the aroma of coffee, it is a haven where young adults can communicate with society, nurture their dreams of independence, and plan their lives.
Operated directly by the district office, the cafe was designed to support the social integration and economic independence of young adults preparing for independence. In February, the district partnered with the coffee brand 'Ten Percent Coffee' to provide professional training for baristas and menu development. In March, coffee experts and young adults formed a 'cafe opening preparation team,' with the youth themselves involved in everything from naming the cafe to its operation.
Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District (first from the left), and baristas from 'Eunpyeong Episode' are posing in front of a cafe. Provided by Eunpyeong District.
"Supporting Young Adults Preparing for Independence: A Warm Step Forward by the Local Community"
Young adults preparing for independence are those who live on their own without parental care. After being protected in foster care or child welfare facilities, they must become independent once their protection period ends at age 18 (which can be extended up to age 24 at their request).
Eunpyeong District has the highest number of child welfare facilities among Seoul's districts, with eight in total. Of the 188 youths whose protection ended in the past five years, 123 (65.4%) currently reside in Eunpyeong District. The district has strengthened its support system to provide ongoing care and assistance even after the protection period ends.
In 2022, Eunpyeong District established the nation's first 'Eunpyeong Independence Preparation Youth Center,' creating pathways for career development and employment. In 2023, the district provided 'independence preparation housing' to help with independent living. It also renovated old rented rooms and offered financial and asset-building programs such as 'Jump Stage' to support economic independence.
The youth have formed the 'Eunfluencer Red Cross Volunteer Group,' participating in volunteer work and disaster recovery, and are growing as members of the local community.
Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District, said, "The opening of this cafe is a warm step forward by the local community to support young adults preparing for independence. I hope Eunpyeong Episode becomes a place for learning and growth for these young people, and we will continue to provide comprehensive support in areas such as housing, employment, and emotional well-being."
Establishing the 'Gupabalcheon Waterside Vitality Hub'
The Gupabalcheon Waterside Vitality Hub is part of the 'Seoul-Style Waterside Sensibility City' project promoted by the 8th popularly elected Seoul City administration. The site, previously used as a detention basin, has been transformed into a space where citizens can relax. In addition to the Eunpyeong Episode cafe, new facilities such as a circular walking trail, an observation pergola with views of Bukhansan Mountain, 'Hoban Daecheong,' and 'Dalbitseom' have been created.
Seoul City expects the Gupabalcheon Waterside Vitality Hub to become more than just a river facility, serving as a leisure and cultural space in the city and expanding as a job model that supports the independence of young adults preparing for independence.
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