Gwangju Dong-gu Transforms 'Chungjang-ro Empty Houses' into Youth Startup Spaces

Up to 20 Million Won in Initial Startup Funding for the Final 10 Teams

Gwangju Dong-gu is launching the "Empty House Youth Startup Filling Project," which aims to revitalize vacant homes and empty stores in Chungjang-ro 4·5-ga into youth startup spaces, supporting young entrepreneurs and boosting urban vitality.

A view of the Gwangju Dong-gu Office building.

On May 18, Gwangju Dong-gu announced that it held an agreement ceremony between young entrepreneurs participating in the "Chungjang-ro 4·5-ga Empty House Youth Startup Filling Project" and the owners of vacant homes.

This initiative is being promoted to transform vacant homes and empty stores in the Chungjang-ro 4·5-ga area into startup spaces for young people, thereby creating new jobs and establishing a sustainable startup ecosystem in collaboration with the local community. Dong-gu plans to utilize the Local Extinction Response Fund to encourage young people to settle in the region, while also addressing the issue of urban hollowing-out.

For this contest, a total of 73 applicants submitted applications from April 17 to 22. During the second round of in-person evaluations held on April 27 and 28, 62 candidates were reviewed. Ten teams of young entrepreneurs, recognized for their creativity and business potential, were preliminarily selected, and after matching startup ideas with available spaces, the final 10 teams were chosen. These young entrepreneurs and vacant home owners, who overcame fierce competition, took their first step toward mutual cooperation at the agreement ceremony held on the same day.

From May, each selected young entrepreneur team will receive up to 20 million won in initial startup funding, which may cover space setup costs, rent, material costs, and product development expenses. Step-by-step growth programs—including customized education and consulting, promotion and marketing, and financial support—will also be provided.

Dong-gu expects this project to serve as a model case that offers hope and opportunity to youth and provides energy and a foundation for sustainable growth to the region. The district aims to establish itself as a leading local government in youth policy through this initiative.

A representative of the Chungjang-ro 4·5-ga Merchants Association stated, "Youth startups will inject new vitality into the region and create a virtuous cycle in which young people, commercial districts, and residents grow together. We also expect this to greatly help revitalize local businesses."

A Dong-gu official remarked, "Youth entrepreneurship is not just a personal challenge but an important starting point for changing the region's future. We will continue to pursue innovative youth policies to help young people realize their dreams and settle stably in the region."

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