Empty Hanok Reborn as Zero-Rent Test Kitchen for Young Food Entrepreneurs
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
An 80-year-old hanok (traditional Korean house) in Gunsan’s old downtown was renovated into 'Cheongchunmiga,' a practice kitchen and zero-rent test space for young food entrepreneurs. The city bought the vacant property, installed full restaurant equipment and utensils, and offers the space free of rent so aspiring restaurateurs can develop menus, run a real shop and gain experience while only covering ingredients and utilities. Since opening in 2018, eight teams have used the site for up to a year; some went on to open their own cafes or restaurants, others found jobs in different fields. One current tenant operates a fusion "bao" burger shop that has drawn locals and tourists. The project is presented as a model for converting empty houses into community and economic resources and part of Gunsan’s broader plan to reuse vacant homes for entrepreneurship and cultural activities.
