[Interview] Kim Mikyung, Eunpyeong District Mayor: "Creating a Cultural Tourism Belt to Build a Cultural City Opening Tomorrow"

Starting Development of Susaek Station Area to Focus on Cultural Content Growth from Gijachon to Hanmunhwa Special Zone... Broadcasting Culture Center Near Bulgwang Station and Bulgwangcheon Environmental Improvement Project to Create 'Broadcasting Culture Street'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] "The future growth engine of Eunpyeong will be culture. We will create a cultural tourism belt to transform from a bed town into a self-sufficient city where diverse cultural contents and the local economy thrive, opening a new tomorrow for Eunpyeong."

Kim Mi-kyung, the mayor of Eunpyeong-gu, expressed her determination to establish a cultural tourism belt in an interview with this publication.

In the past, Eunpyeong was known as a bed town due to the lack of a self-sustaining industrial structure. However, recently, with the development of broadcasting stations and various entertainment and media industries in Sangam DMC, Mapo-gu, adjacent to Eunpyeong, the district has become a city visited by many people. Mayor Kim stated, "We will develop cultural content that will make tourists visiting Sangam DMC also come to Eunpyeong." The plan is to naturally attract these visitors to Eunpyeong by offering diverse cultural content.

The starting point is the development of the Susaek Station area. The nearby Lotte Mall is undergoing complex development, and the headquarters of Sampyo Energy will be established as a landmark in the area. The multicultural museum to be created will attract foreign tourists, and the observatory to be installed on the top floor of Sampyo Energy will offer panoramic views of the entire Bulgwangcheon area.

A broadcasting culture street will be created around Bulgwangcheon. The district is converting the closed bicycle service center near Eungam Station into a broadcasting culture complex center, aiming to open it in October this year. They are also focusing on environmental improvement projects such as expanding floating stages and performance seats, improving the design of residents' resting areas, enhancing the walking environment along Bulgwangcheon, and creating flower paths along Bulgwangcheon.

In June, the 'Literature Village' won an international design competition and is scheduled to begin construction in the first half of 2022. The 'National Korean Literature Museum' is being planned for the Jinkwan-dong Reporter Village, with a target opening in June 2024.

Especially near the National Korean Literature Museum are the millennium-old temple Jinkwansa, the Korea Classic Translation Institute, Sabina Art Museum, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum, Setisseo Literature Museum, Samcheonsa, Samgaksan Geumam Art Museum, and Korean cultural experience facilities. In the future, with the addition of an artists' village and the Unification Library alongside the National Korean Literature Museum, the area is expected to emerge as a representative cultural and artistic tourism destination.

Mayor Kim said, "Although Eunpyeong-gu has diverse cultural contents, they have been individualized, limiting development. Eunpyeong plans to build and nurture a cultural tourism belt starting from Susaek Station, extending through Bulgwangcheon, Innovation Park, Reporter Village, and the Korean cultural special district."

He added, "If we successfully utilize the abundant cultural assets we already have and create new cultural tourism content, it will greatly help create cultural spaces for Eunpyeong residents, generate jobs, and revitalize the local economy."

Mayor Kim also stated that he will focus on COVID-19 management during the remainder of his term.

Recently, the number of new confirmed cases has surged mainly in the metropolitan area, leading to the extension of social distancing level 4 in the metropolitan area until October 3. In response, the district operates screening clinics at public health centers and temporary screening sites at Yeokchon Station and Gupabal Station. Since August 2, a drive-through testing site has also been added at Innovation Park for residents' convenience.

Mayor Kim emphasized, "I want to properly conclude the COVID-19 situation during the remainder of my term. Above all, quarantine management is crucial now. Rather than worrying about what to do next, I am focusing on what must be done now. The most important thing is the health and safety of the residents." He also stated, "Going forward, based on Eunpyeong's unique cultural content, we will revitalize the local economy and create quality jobs to build an environment where residents can live better lives."

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