Gyeongju to complete cultural center at Oedong industrial complex in August

Gyeongju city in North Gyeongsang Province announced Monday that a multipurpose cultural center at the Oedong Industrial Complex is on track for completion in August, as part of efforts to improve welfare conditions for industrial workers and create a shared space for local residents.

The project was selected in September 2022 for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's program to strengthen the competitiveness of aging industrial complexes, securing 2.7 billion won ($1.74 million) in national funding toward a total project cost of 6.8 billion won.

The center is being built on city-owned land within the Oedong Industrial Complex, with a total floor area of 1,436 square meters across two above-ground floors. The first floor will house a shared laundry facility, a book cafe, a community room and offices, while the second floor will include a large conference room, a fitness room and a small meeting room.

After the building is completed, Gyeongju city plans to pursue barrier-free environment certification, zero-energy building certification, enactment of an operating ordinance and approval for private-sector management before opening the center to the public in January 2027.

"The Oedong Industrial Complex Cultural Center will become an open space for communication, adding cultural and welfare functions to an industrial complex that has been centered on production facilities," Gyeongju Mayor Ju Nak-young said. "We will continue working to improve living conditions so that the complex becomes a vibrant place where workers want to work and young people want to come."