Abandoned Underground Becomes Youth Startup Hub in Cheongju

The basement of the former Daehyeon underground shopping mall in Cheongju, once a symbol of the city's urban vibrancy and decline, has been reborn as a hub for young entrepreneurs and community engagement. The Cheongju Youth Startup Support Center, which officially opened on June 18th, now occupies the B1 level of the former mall.

The newly established center houses ten youth-run businesses, including nine workshops focused on photography, flowers, and crafts. It also features a book cafe and a local startup town operated by the Small and Medium Business Administration.

Beyond its commercial aspects, the center is designed to be a multi-functional space. It includes a dedicated area for youth activities like board games, entertainment, and dance clubs. An "underground playground" will showcase works by young artists, while a cultural mini-theater and plaza will host events such as book concerts and impromptu singing performances, fostering interaction among citizens.

The Daehyeon underground shopping mall, built in 1987, was once a premier commercial district in Cheongju's downtown. However, it fell into disuse after all shops closed by October 2022, succumbing to urban depopulation and financial struggles. The city invested approximately 9.47 billion won (about $7 million USD) starting in 2024 to transform the neglected space into the vibrant youth center it is today. The center operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.