Choryang 168 Steps in Busan, Newly Transforming – Inclined Elevator Operation and Opening of Youth Startup Space
Located near Busan Station, Choryang 168 Steps is a must-visit attraction that is transforming into a more convenient and vibrant space.
An inclined elevator to replace the existing monorail will start full operation in March, and a new 'Ibago Platform' for youth startups and cultural revitalization will also be opened.
This change is expected to help tourists visiting Busan Station enjoy Choryang 168 Steps and Ibago-gil more easily.
Choryang 168 Steps, a Must-Visit Attraction Near Busan Station – More Convenient with an Inclined Elevator
The Dong-gu Office in Busan announced that a new inclined elevator will start operations next to Choryang 168 Steps from March 11. This elevator can ascend and descend 60 meters and can carry up to 12 people, allowing it to transport more passengers than the existing monorail's capacity of 8.
This elevator is expected to greatly enhance the convenience of mobility for residents living at high altitudes and tourists alike. It will ease the burden of movement for residents along Sanbok-ro and improve accessibility for tourists. Notably, the existing monorail was dismantled after being deemed unsuitable by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority in March 2023 due to frequent breakdowns, so the introduction of the elevator is seen as a solution to these issues.
Moreover, the new elevator will be operational at night. It produces less noise than the previous system, making it comfortable to use during evening hours. A representative from Dong-gu Office stated, "Before the COVID-19 pandemic, about 1,300 to 1,500 people utilized the monorail daily. We expect that more tourists and residents will be able to move conveniently after the elevator is operational," which is expected to positively impact the local economy and tourism.
Opening of Youth Startup Space 'Ibago Platform' – A New Attraction of Choryang Ibago-gil
With the operation of the elevator, a new youth startup space called 'Ibago Platform' will open near Choryang 168 Steps. This space is a remodeled facility for urban regeneration, offered at affordable prices for young entrepreneurs. A total of 1.2 billion KRW has been invested in this project, which is pushed forward by Busan City and Dong-gu Office and has been successfully completed.
Ibago Platform is envisioned as a space where entrepreneurship and culture coexist, with various young startup brands including a fitness center, a plant interior café, a Korean restaurant, a dessert café, and a jewelry workshop expected to be included. It aims to provide stable business spaces for young entrepreneurs and invigorate the local economy.
Furthermore, this space is expected to lay a foundation for young entrepreneurs to cooperate and grow together. This place, where startup support and collaboration occur, is expected to have a positive impact on the economic development of the community.
Choryang Ibago-gil Establishes Itself as a Representative Tourist Attraction of Busan's Old Town
Choryang Ibago-gil is a street that reflects the history and culture of the settlement of refugees during the 1950s and 1960s and the industrial revival of Busan in the 1970s and 1980s.
The iconic attraction, Choryang 168 Steps, is radiating even more diverse appeal as new tourism and cultural content is added. Walking along Choryang Ibago-gil allows one to feel both the past and present of Busan, creating a unique experience.
There are new updates about young startup brands entering the area, including 'Kinoang (Pork Patbingsu)', 'R&R (Fitness Center)', 'pp.b (Plant Interior Café)', 'Yau Chul Chaek (Book Café)', 'Happy Haesik (Seaweed Snacks and Goods)', 'Eobu (Korean Restaurant)', 'Lucky Fish (Dessert Café)', and 'Maison Rangor (Silver Jewelry Workshop)', totaling 8 diverse brands.
These brands are expected to synergize with existing facilities. For example, there is a high possibility of developing tourism products through connections with '168 The Deck,' where visitors can enjoy movies while admiring the night view of Busan Harbor, and 'Myeongran Brand Research Institute,' where they can taste pollack roe dishes.
Busan City Expands Support for Youth Startups and Local Tourism Activation
The 'Ibago Platform' located near Choryang 168 Steps in Busan is the fifth location of the 'Busan Dream of Entrepreneurs' project being implemented by Busan City. This space is intended to serve as an urban complex space model that supports both youth entrepreneurship and housing.
It will provide business spaces for 24 young entrepreneurs and 14 residential units will be prepared as living spaces. Additionally, a shared accommodation space will be established to facilitate connections between young entrepreneurs and the local tourism industry, aiming to build a sustainable startup ecosystem.
Busan Mayor Park Hyung-joon stated, “We will continue to devote ourselves to supporting young entrepreneurs so that they can grow steadily,” expressing a strong commitment to developing Busan as an "Asian startup city." The Ibago Platform is expected to establish itself as a critical hub in the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The Changes in Choryang 168 Steps and Ibago-gil Raise Expectations for Busan's Tourism and Entrepreneurship Activation
The changes in Choryang 168 Steps are expected to positively impact not only the convenience of mobility but also the activation of the local economy.
Firstly, an increase in tourist inflow is anticipated. Thanks to its convenient accessibility, the number of visitors to Choryang Ibago-gil is expected to rise. Secondly, youth entrepreneurship is expected to flourish. As a base for community-driven entrepreneurship, new business models can be created. Thirdly, it is likely to be recognized as a successful case of urban regeneration. It will be evaluated as a model case that creates new value by recycling existing facilities.
Busan City plans to implement various policies to support youth entrepreneurship and activate local tourism in the future. It is anticipated that Choryang 168 Steps and Ibago-gil will establish themselves as prominent entrepreneurial and tourism destinations in Busan.
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