Transformation of an Abandoned Old Inn... Gochang 'Joyanggwan Cafe'

Emerging as a Model Case of Urban Regeneration Success

An old inn in Gochang, North Jeolla Province, which had once been left abandoned for years, has been revitalized as a café operated directly by local residents, injecting fresh vitality into the declining old downtown. This project is drawing attention because it goes beyond merely renovating a building; it has established an urban regeneration model that centers on resident-driven management.

Exterior view of Joyangkwan Cafe. Provided by Jeonbuk Development Corporation

According to Jeonbuk Development Corporation on July 14, Gochang County launched the 'Healing the Old Downtown Together—with Gochang's Cuisine and Sounds' initiative after being selected for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Urban Regeneration New Deal project for general neighborhoods in 2020. A total project budget of KRW 12.2 billion was invested to improve aging buildings and living environments, establishing a resident-centered urban regeneration framework.

The most striking transformation among the efforts was converting a long-vacant inn building into a multipurpose cultural space: Joyanggwan Cafe.

Joyanggwan stands out as an urban regeneration example that takes into account not only physical remodeling, but also its ongoing management. Alongside facility improvements, various educational and hands-on training programs were provided to empower residents to operate the space themselves.

The initiative included 12 barista training programs for local residents, 150 youth startup experiments and resident pilot operations, as well as additional support through one-day classes, brand and product development programs to further enhance residents’ management capabilities.

Through these steps, Joyanggwan is currently operating as a resident-led hub facility, where a local cooperative manages the cafe, oversees the space, and runs cultural programs.

The success of Joyanggwan lies in the division of roles between the local government and supporting organizations to ensure continued operations even after the facilities were established.

Gochang County oversees facility maintenance and administrative support, while the Gochang Urban Regeneration Support Center provides resident training, operational consulting, pilot operations, program planning, and menu development.

Additionally, North Jeolla Province and the North Jeolla Urban Regeneration Support Center (Jeonbuk Development Corporation) continue to support the vibrant operation of the facility even after the conclusion of the urban regeneration project through post-project initiatives such as operation activation, education, consulting, and on-site monitoring, helping to establish a foundation for sustainable autonomy for the hub facility.

Joyanggwan Cafe Garden. Provided by Jeonbuk Development Corporation

Joyanggwan Cafe has garnered impressive operational results as well. During its pilot operation period from July to October 2024, the café attracted approximately 36,000 visitors and recorded sales of about KRW 100 million. The employment creation effect increased by 175% compared to the previous numbers. Even now, the café sees 150 visitors on average every weekend and 30 to 40 on weekdays. The tourists visiting the café are also patronizing nearby traditional markets and restaurants, having a positive impact on the old downtown’s local commerce.

Joyanggwan Cafe, together with other urban regeneration hub facilities such as the Community Center and Food Healing Center, serves as the basis for programs that are turning the old downtown into a cultural space frequented by both residents and tourists.

A representative from the North Jeolla Urban Regeneration Support Center said, "Urban regeneration is not just about creating new spaces—it is a process where residents directly manage spaces and the region grows together. We will continue to identify and expand outstanding operational examples so that urban regeneration hub facilities throughout the province can play a central role in vitalizing both the local economy and community."

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