Official Launch of Gwangju Dong-gu 'Chungjang45 Win-Win Development Council'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Im Taek) announced on the 12th that it formed the 'Chungjang45 Win-Win Development Council,' a mutual cooperation resident council for the win-win development of Chungjang-ro 4·5-ga, and held an appointment ceremony on the 11th at the first-floor cafe of 'Chungjang22.'

The appointment ceremony was organized to form the Chungjang45 Win-Win Development Council with 13 members including merchants, residents, young artists, village activists, and social entrepreneurs within Chungjang-ro 4·5-ga, to award appointment certificates and discuss plans to revitalize the Chungjang-ro 4·5-ga commercial district.

The council is responsible for discovering various business agendas facing the Chungjang-ro 4·5-ga commercial district and proposing them through public projects or other means when financial support is needed.

Residents and merchants participating in the council will consider the local commercial district and environment, including their living and commercial spaces, and act as mediators to reconcile differing perspectives among stakeholders.

Chungjang-ro 4·5-ga was the location of Joseon shops during the Japanese colonial period.

From the 1960s to the 1980s, it served as the city center where many economic and cultural activities were concentrated. Currently, it is a place in need of vitality due to a decrease in foot traffic and aging facilities.

Nevertheless, many shops operated by artisans with unique skills and histories, such as hanbok shops, tailor shops, gold and silver craft shops, and handmade shoe stores, which have been in business for over 30 to 40 years, remain centered around Chungjang-ro 4·5-ga.

The Chungjang45 Win-Win Development Council is expected to play a pioneering role in preserving their value and restoring the reputation of Honam's largest commercial district through a win-win beginning.

Im Taek, Mayor of Dong-gu, said, “I hope that through the activities of the Chungjang45 Win-Win Development Council, we can revisit the history of Chungjang-ro and bring a fresh breeze to the old downtown area that has lost its vitality. With the launch of the Win-Win Council as an opportunity, we will do our best to support Chungjang-ro 4·5-ga in securing competitiveness.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.