Kwon Sang-woo Transforms Old Garage into Cultural Hub
South Korean actor Kwon Sang-woo has drawn wide attention after transforming an old car wash in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, into a vibrant pop-up venue. Formerly just a rundown garage, the site has been completely reimagined through creative remodeling and now hosts cultural events and experiential exhibitions.
Kwon has openly shared the renovation process and his intentions behind the project, making fans and the public curious about his unique approach to design. With interiors tailored to reflect the stylish yet raw charm of Seongsu-dong, the makeover blends industrial nostalgia with modern sensibilities, creating a space that feels both familiar and fresh.
Remodeling: Creative Urban Renewal or Gentrification?
Pros: Revitalizing Through Innovation
Kwon's project has been praised as an example of innovative urban reuse. Seongsu-dong, once an industrial pocket of Seoul filled with small factories, has been slowly turning into a mecca for creatives and trendsetters. Kwon’s event space contributes to this evolution, potentially boosting the area’s cultural appeal.
From restrooms to lighting, every detail of the venue has been carefully designed to offer guests a unique sensory experience. By preserving the warehouse-like charm of the structure and enhancing it with contemporary touches, Kwon shows that urban renewal doesn’t have to mean erasing the past.
This mirrors global examples like Chelsea Market in New York or the Meatpacking District, where disused industrial buildings have been repurposed into thriving cultural and commercial landmarks. Kwon’s project could be seen as a Korean equivalent of this urban design trend, celebrating reinvention without complete replacement.
Cons: Concerns Over Community Displacement
However, not everyone is celebrating. As Seongsu-dong gains popularity and commercial interest rises, long-term residents are experiencing the downside of neighborhood transformation—rising rents, cost of living hikes, and cultural displacement.
If projects like Kwon’s continue to elevate the area’s status, they may inadvertently deepen these challenges. Real estate insiders note that the value of Kwon's building has risen steeply—from an initial 8 billion won to a staggering 43 billion won (about $6 million to $32 million USD). While this is a personal win for Kwon, for many locals it signals more displacement and fewer affordable options.
Similar concerns have been voiced in urban districts worldwide. Take Shoreditch in London, for instance—a once-artsy neighborhood that, over time, lost its original character as luxury apartments and hip businesses moved in. Critics fear that Seongsu-dong is heading in the same direction, with boutique pop-ups replacing bakeries, and overpriced cafés squeezing out mom-and-pop shops.
Striking a Balance for Sustainable Growth
Kwon Sang-woo's garage-turned-event-space is undeniably cool and reflects an astute eye for design. But as more celebrities and investors flock to Seongsu-dong, it’s crucial to ask: Who really benefits from this change?
There’s no doubt that urban revitalization can boost culture, tourism, and the economy. But true sustainability lies in inclusive growth—where longtime residents are part of the change, not victims of it. Building owners and city planners need to collaborate with local communities to ensure that cultural renewal doesn't come at the cost of displacement.
Ultimately, figures like Kwon Sang-woo could set new standards for responsible development in Korea. By combining star power with socially conscious design decisions, they have the potential to shape cities not just for today’s Instagram moment, but for future generations looking for meaningful, accessible places to gather.
