Dozens of so-called “theme streets” have popped up over the past few years, but very few of them have stood the test of time. Here’s Mike Balfour with one success story.

So-called "theme streets" have mushroomed on the island over the last 10 years.

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8 theme streets fizzle out

Out of more than twenty, eight theme streets have fizzled out.

Contrary to the phenomenon, (전농로) Jeonnong-ro road in Jeju City is drawing people's attention.

Instead of artificial structures, huge cherry blossom trees are the street’s main feature.

Area residents use the street in creative ways.

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Flea market, children’s activities at community festivals

At community festivals, area residents open a flea market and run participatory programs for children.

The community itself, not the administration office, has organized festivals since 2017. This boosts the participation of area residents.

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Profits from community events donated to underprivileged

A part of the profit made from community events goes to underprivileged neighbors.

The community’s efforts have made a difference over the last three years.

Everybody notices the changes.

INTERVIEW
Yoon Yong-pal / Chair, Samdo 1-dong Community Board
Coffeehouses and shops have opened here on Jeonnong-ro Road. Many young people visit on weekends to enjoy the area, even outside the cherry blossom season.
<인터뷰 : 윤용팔/삼도1동주민자치위원장>
"이 전농로가 너무 아름답다고 해서 커피숍도 열고 장사하시는 분들이 많습니다. 특히 주말에는 젊은층들이 많이 찾습니다. 꽃이 피지 않아도 동네도 돌아보고 차도 마시고 여유를 즐기다 갑니다."

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Empty shops transformed into coffeehouses, craft art workshops

Empty shops have been transformed into cozy coffeehouses and craft art workshops, creating a new commercial zone.

Without a hefty price tag, the road has become a well-trodden, attractive street.

Specialists say this road is an example of a good street revitalization project.

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‘Community participation essential’

They says the administration offices should create circumstances in which a community would voluntarily maintain and manage their streets, instead of a big budget for street structures or facilities.

INTERVIEW
Kim Tae-il / Professor, Jeju National University
For better maintenance, area residents and shop owners should be involved. If communities cannot be a part of the revitalization project, it will end up falling into neglect, with no budget from the government and no upkeep.
<인터뷰 :김태일/제주대학교 건축학부 교수>
"아무래도 유지 관리가 되기 위해서는 지역 주민과의 관련성이 있어야 하고 또 상권 주민들과도 관련성이 크거든요. 이런 분들이 처음부터 사업을 시작할 때 관여하지 못하는 제한점 때문에 자기 일이 아니라는 생각들, 그리고 예산이 끊기면 유지하는데 어려움이 많은데…. "

[Reporter] Mike Balfour
[Camera] Kim Yong-min

(전농로) Jeonnong-ro Road, utilizing it’s natural attributes, along with community residents’ participation is a fine example of neighborhood revitalization.

Mike Balfour, KCTV