N. Gyeongsang council research group holds interim briefing on vacant-store revitalization in Gumi

A North Gyeongsang Provincial Council research group focused on revitalizing vacant commercial spaces has begun developing measures to make use of empty storefronts and idle spaces and to improve shared parking systems in local commercial districts.

The group — formally known as the North Gyeongsang Province Vacant Commercial District Revitalization Research Society — held an interim briefing Monday on its commissioned study into utilizing idle spaces and improving shared parking systems to revitalize vacant commercial areas across the province. The session took place at the multipurpose room of the Gumi Sandong Municipal Library.

The research was launched to address the growing number of vacant storefronts driven by economic stagnation, population decline and shifting consumer patterns, treating empty spaces as new local resources while also strengthening the effectiveness of shared parking systems.

At the briefing, Lee Ryeong-won, a researcher at the Korea Construction Development Research Institute, presented findings on the current state of vacancies in North Gyeongsang Province, an analysis of related regulations, domestic and international best practices, a phased approach to utilizing empty storefronts, and directions for improving a North Gyeongsang-style shared parking system.

Discussions focused particularly on ways to repurpose vacant storefronts and idle spaces to suit local characteristics, as well as measures to promote shared parking through idle private land and public sites.

Baek Sun-chang, the group's lead lawmaker, said vacant spaces should be seen not merely as empty lots but as new resources that can be put to use in ways matching local characteristics and demand. "We will work to develop practical policy alternatives that lead to the revitalization of local commercial districts and improvements in residents' daily lives," Baek said.

The research society comprises six lawmakers: Baek Sun-chang, Kim Yong-hyun, Kim Il-su, Kim Chang-hyeok, Jeong Se-hyeon and Heo Bok.

The group plans to complete the commissioned study by January and incorporate the findings into its legislative activities, including proposing policy alternatives and drafting or amending related ordinances.