Local Dive 2024: Revitalizing Communities and Sharing Stories

The 2024 Local Dive event focuses on revitalizing local communities through local entrepreneurship and cultural preservation, featuring stories from Jeju, Hiroshima, and Daegu.

### Local Dive 2024: Revitalizing Local Communities in Daegu-Gyeongbuk
* 🌏 The 2024 Local Dive event in Daegu is hosted by Keimyung University, celebrating its **125th anniversary** and focusing on **local content and community revitalization**.
* 🏢 The event features speakers from Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, discussing common challenges such as **aging populations, urbanization, and declining traditional industries**.
* 🛠 In the first session, local businesses from Daegu, Hiroshima, and Jeju share their strategies for **revitalizing their communities** through **unique branding and product development**.
* 👩 The Hiroshima presenter discusses how they transformed a 170-year-old building into a cafe to **promote local agriculture and seafood products**.
* 🍞 The Daegu presenter showcases a local brand that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design, creating **unique products inspired by the region's industrial heritage**.
* 🐚 The Jeju presenter shares their experience in promoting Haenyeo (female divers) culture through a themed restaurant, utilizing **art and storytelling** to attract customers.
* 🎨 The event highlights the importance of **preserving local culture and heritage**, as well as the potential for **creative industries to drive economic growth** in rural areas.
* 🏞 The speakers emphasize the value of **local resources and community stories**, suggesting that the future of entrepreneurship lies in **leveraging these unique assets**.

### Revitalizing Bukseong-ro: A Story of Cultural Regeneration
* 🏭 Bukseong-ro, a historic industrial area in Daegu, has been undergoing a transformation to **revitalize its cultural and economic significance**.
* 🔍 Through in-depth research and community engagement, the project aims to **preserve the area's heritage** while **creating new opportunities for local artisans and businesses**.
* 🎨 The project includes the creation of the **Bukseong-ro Technology and Art Fusion Center**, serving as a **hub for creative activities and workshops**.
* 🤝 Collaboration between traditional artisans and contemporary artists has been a **key aspect** of the revitalization efforts.
* 🎶 The project has also led to the formation of **unique cultural initiatives**, such as the LaLaGo band that creates music using instruments made from **industrial waste**.
* 🌟 The overall goal is to transform Bukseong-ro into a **vibrant cultural district** that celebrates its **industrial past** while embracing **new forms of creativity**.
* 🌍 The project's success has attracted attention beyond Daegu, with plans to **expand both nationally and internationally**.
* 💡 The approach taken in Bukseong-ro highlights the importance of **preserving local heritage** and **fostering creative collaborations** in urban regeneration projects.

### Community-Led Local Regeneration: Insights from Taiwan and South Korea
* 🏡 CEO He Huijun of Sodosi Cultural Creative Company shared his 18-year journey in Taiwan, focusing on **local regeneration efforts** after a devastating earthquake.
* 🌏 He emphasized the importance of **accumulating long-term experiences** and making **strategic decisions based on local contexts**.
* 📊 To digitize and share his experiences, he used tools like **blockchain**, **large language models (LM)**, and **AI for analysis**, creating **NFT data for certification**.
* 🇹🇼 He highlighted the need for standards like **UN SDGs** to evaluate projects and pass on knowledge to **future generations**.
* 🏢 CEO Kwon Ho-sang of Puzzle Lab in South Korea discussed his approach to **local regeneration** in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do.
* 🧭 Kwon emphasized the importance of **observing and understanding the local community** before implementing any plans.
* 💼 He described his company's role as a "**tourism-based local management company**," focusing on creating a **three-hour experience for visitors** in the area.
* 💰 Kwon mentioned the challenge of raising funds in the early stages, emphasizing the importance of **creating small successes to attract more investment**.

### The Future of Local Communities: Insights from Local Dive 2024 in Daegu
* 🌆 The event featured speakers from various local businesses and organizations, discussing the **challenges and opportunities in revitalizing local communities**.
* 💼 Speakers shared their experiences in balancing **profit-making activities** with **community development initiatives**.
* 📊 Discussions included the importance of **measuring and monetizing the impact of local activities**, with suggestions such as using **NFTs** or **SROI (Social Return on Investment)**.
* 🏗 There was a focus on the role of "**governance**" in local impact, with an emphasis on **stakeholder engagement** and **community recognition**.
* 🏞 Daegu's unique position as a region where many people are **born, educated, and settle down locally** was highlighted as a potential advantage in creating a **distinct local model**.
* 🌍 The changing customer needs in the market were discussed, with younger generations seeking **unique and authentic experiences** beyond standard commercial offerings.
* 🎯 The event aimed to **start a conversation about common local issues in East Asia** and **explore potential solutions through collaboration**.
* 🙏 The conclusion expressed **gratitude to all participants and viewers**, with a commitment to **support the activities of those working to revitalize local communities**.

### Local Dive 2024: Showcasing Local Content and Initiatives in Daegu-Gyeongbuk Region
* 🏢 The event, hosted by Keimyung University, aims to **promote and revitalize the local community**, especially in Nam-gu, Daegu.
* 🌐 Presenters from Japan, Taiwan, and Korea share insights on **local revitalization efforts** in their respective regions.
* 🔧 The first session highlights the **power of local businesses**, featuring a Daegu-based tool brand, a rural cafe in Hiroshima, and a Jeju Haenyeo-themed restaurant.
* 🏞 Each presenter shares their **unique approach to promoting and preserving local culture and resources**.
* 👩 The event emphasizes the importance of **supporting and empowering local communities**, especially in the face of **urbanization and population decline**.
* 🌟 The presentations showcase **innovative ways to create value from local traditions and resources**, such as **transforming abandoned spaces** or **promoting traditional industries**.
* 🌏 The event also discusses the **potential for international collaboration** and the **importance of local branding in the global market**.
* 🌱 Overall, the event highlights the importance of **recognizing and preserving the unique cultural and economic value** of local communities.

### Revitalizing Local Communities Through Cultural Heritage Preservation and Creative Industries
* 🏭 The presentation highlights the **unique history and cultural heritage** of Daegu's Bukseong-ro, a neighborhood known for its **industrial tool street**.
* 🔧 Efforts have been made to **preserve and revitalize** the area's historical buildings and traditional crafts, while also **promoting new creative industries**.
* 🎨 The creation of the Bukseong-ro Technology and Art Fusion Center serves as a hub for **connecting the area's technological ecosystem with modern artistic expressions**.
* 🎶 The "Hullala" team, formed in 2017, has been instrumental in promoting the **cultural and creative potential** of Bukseong-ro through music and art performances.
* 🏗 The project aims to redefine urban development by focusing on **regeneration rather than conventional redevelopment**, preserving the area's **unique identity and heritage**.
* 🌟 Various cultural events and programs, such as the **Bukseong-no Festival** and **Bukseong Open Factory**, have been introduced to engage both locals and visitors in the area's **revitalization**.
* 🌏 The project emphasizes the importance of **relational capital and community involvement** in creating **sustainable and meaningful urban revitalization**.
* 💼 The presentation concludes by emphasizing that **true regional revitalization goes beyond economic factors**, requiring a **deep understanding and connection to the area's history and people**.

### Local Regeneration Initiatives in Taiwan and South Korea: A Comparative Analysis
* 🌏 He Huijun, CEO of Sodosi Cultural Creative Company, shared his 18-year journey in Taiwan, focusing on **local regeneration after a devastating earthquake**.
* 🏡 He Jin, CEO of Puzzle Lab in South Korea, presented a **unique approach to local revitalization** in Gongju, focusing on **cultural and artistic spaces**.
* 💰 Kwon Tae, a venture capitalist, joined the discussion to provide insights on **funding challenges for local creators**.
* 📊 He Huijun emphasized the importance of **digitizing and analyzing project data for future generations**, using tools like **blockchain and AI**.
* 🏗 He Jin highlighted the significance of creating **three-hour content modules** to attract and retain visitors in the local area.
* 💡 Kwon Tae shared his experience in establishing **urban regeneration funds** to support **local entrepreneurs** in South Korea.
* 🛠 The speakers discussed the need for a **collaborative approach** between the government, intermediary organizations, and on-site players in local regeneration projects.
* 🌱 The session concluded with a panel discussion on **applying lessons from Taiwan and South Korea to other regions**, emphasizing the **importance of adapting ideas to local contexts**.

### Local Revitalization: Balancing Profit and Purpose in Community Development
* 🏡 Kwon Ho-sang, CEO of Hula, shared his journey of starting a local accommodation business in Gongju, focusing on **community connection** and **cultural preservation**.
* 💼 The panel discussed the challenge of **balancing profit and social impact** in local businesses, with Kwon emphasizing the **importance of both aspects**.
* 💰 The discussion touched on various funding models, including public subsidies and private investment, highlighting the **need for sustainable financial strategies**.
* 📊 Professor Heo Hoi-jun introduced the concept of using NFTs to **quantify and monetize social impact**, sparking a debate on **evaluating community value**.
* 🌐 The event emphasized the **potential for local businesses to expand globally**, with Kwon mentioning plans to **open branches in Malaysia, China, and Japan**.
* 🏆 The session concluded with a focus on the future of local communities, with participants expressing **optimism about the changing market trends favoring unique, non-Seoul experiences**.
* 🌍 The event aimed to create a platform for **discussing common challenges in local development across East Asia**, with participants from **Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea sharing their experiences**.
* 👥 The event gathered **over 3,000 viewers on YouTube**, highlighting the **growing interest in local revitalization and community development**.

[LOCAL DIVE 2024@DAEGU] - 로컬다이브 in 계명

도전 임팩트립

The 2024 Local Dive Event at Keimyung University

Keimyung University is hosting the 2024 Local Dive event, celebrating its 125th anniversary and focusing on local content and community revitalization.

The event brings together individuals from Japan, Taiwan, and Korea to discuss the issues faced by their local areas.

Mayor Lee Yu-il of Nam-gu emphasizes the importance of local solutions in addressing population decline and aging, highlighting the university's role in revitalizing the region.

Professor Hee Jun Heo's Efforts in Korea-Taiwan Exchange

Professor Hee Jun Heo is a key figure in promoting exchange between Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, focusing on regional revitalization and youth entrepreneurship.

He has been actively involved in social activities in Taiwan, including supporting environmental education and nature healing centers.

Professor Heo's visit to Korea is a fulfillment of his promise and aims to apply his experiences from Taiwan to the local region.

He has also been involved in planning and preparing the Local Dive-In event, which focuses on the future of local communities and features sessions on small business owners and local community activation.

The Success Story of Factory Gonggu: Revitalizing Bukseong-ro

Choi Hyeon-seok, CEO of Factory Gonggu, transformed Bukseong-ro into a thriving business hub, focusing on local branding and unique product planning.

By leveraging Bukseong-ro's rich history and abundant resources, Factory Gonggu has become a leading luxury workshop and a major local brand, contributing to the region's economy.

The company's business model includes combining food and design products, collaborating with skilled craftsmen, and promoting artisan skills, with a focus on expanding the value of Bukseong-ro and solidifying its place as a hub for tourists and locals.

Reviving Rural Japan: The Story of Fukuchi-in Cafe

A small business owner from Hiroshima, Japan, has revived a closed building in a rural area to run a cafe, promoting local ingredients and traditional tea.

The owner is working to revitalize the area's agriculture and population through the cafe, workshops, and community involvement.

The business prioritizes using locally produced materials, eco-friendly products, and efforts to support the local community, while also aiming to attract international empathy and expand its scope for the future.

Starting Haenyeo's Kitchen: A Journey of Seafood and Culture Revival

Haenyeo's Kitchen was established to address the exploitation of seafood, particularly the conch, and the decline of haenyeo culture in Jeju Island.

The founder, with a background in art, chose to create dining content that combines the story and performance of female divers, focusing on reviving their value and culture.

The business also repurposed abandoned haenyeo spaces, creating a performance-themed dining space and a 360-degree media wall to showcase haenyeo's underwater activities, ultimately aiming to preserve and promote haenyeo's heritage and seafood traditions.

Success and Expansion of Haenyeo's Kitchen

Haenyeo's Kitchen transformed grandma's mukbang videos into a successful online seafood business, receiving unexpectedly positive feedback.

The company expanded through collaborations with Dongwon Group, pop-up events, and partnerships with famous brands, preparing for overseas expansion.

The brand focuses on preserving the culture of Jeju's haenyeo, aiming for sustainability and global recognition, while overcoming the challenge of the language barrier.

Success Stories of Unique Businesses in Daegu

A group of diverse individuals, including a former magazine editor and a bread maker, have found success in Daegu.

They have created a unique business structure, attracting mainly non-local customers.

By utilizing local resources and focusing on sustainable practices, they have been able to overcome the challenges of the service industry and the impact of COVID-19.

The key to their success lies in offering experiences that attract people from outside the region, rather than relying on local residents.

The Transformative Impact of Tourism on a Rural Village

The rural village of Sarah experienced a positive transformation due to an increase in tourism, leading to the development of new amenities and infrastructure.

The local brand stores and unique local products have not only attracted tourists but also provided support to the region's economy.

The village's unique selling points, such as its spaciousness and use of local ingredients, have contributed to its appeal to both tourists and local residents.

Revitalizing the Local Dive in Daegu: A Story of Transformation

A director in Daegu, An Jin-na, is working on revitalizing the Bukseong-ro area, known for its two distinct faces - a food truck street at night and an industrial tool street by day.

By researching the area's history and connecting with its artisans, efforts are being made to preserve and regenerate its old buildings, including the Bukseong Tool Museum.

Through a support program involving the local government and citizens, spaces in Bukseong-ro are being renovated and revitalized, with plans for a unique exhibition involving the reproduction of tanks to honor the area's manufacturing history.

Preserving the Cultural Heritage of Bukseong-ro

Bukseong-ro is a hub of traditional craftsmanship and technical skills, passed down from humble artisans with little formal education.

The community is making efforts to preserve and pass on these skills to the next generation through archiving, workshops, and promotional projects.

The area has undergone a transformation from a traditional street to a place of collaboration, where different teams are utilizing the resources of Bukseong-ro for their projects, leading to the Bukseongno Festival in 2017.

This initiative represents a form of regeneration, aiming to preserve the existing heritage and culture, in contrast to conventional development methods.

Revitalizing Bukseong-ro: From Tool Museum to Art Sanctuary

A project in Bukseong-ro is transforming the area into a playground for innovation and creative activities, moving away from a focus on money.

The project includes the Bukseong-ro Technology and Art Fusion Center, Jangin's Room, and a shared workshop space.

The initiative also involves an upcycling band that engages in music activities and educational programs using recycled materials.

The Bukseong-ro Festival and Bukseong Open Factory provide opportunities for collaboration between local artists and technical craftsmen, as well as citizen participation in the craftsmanship ecosystem.

The project aims to revitalize the area by creating better stories and connections, emphasizing the importance of relational capital and continuous expansion.

CEO He Huijun's 18-Year Journey of Local Regeneration

He Huijun successfully revitalized a Taiwanese town after the 1999 earthquake, using a guesthouse and restaurant to attract people back to the area.

He expanded his work to China, Malaysia, and Japan, learning valuable skills in rural projects, collaboration, and goal-setting.

Huijun has now developed a digital analysis system using AI and blockchain to quickly assess and share project data.

Navigating Career Changes and Finding Purpose in a Small Village

Starting a career in IT, then transitioning to sales, and later joining the Gyeonggi Tourism Corporation.

Working in a declining population area led to a sense of obligation to take action and contribute to the community.

The unique lifestyle and sense of connection in small villages can provide opportunities but also create a burden for the younger generation.

Building a Community-Based Tourism Business

A company in Gongju operates a bakery cafe, serving as a lounge and souvenir shop, contributing to the neighborhood's atmosphere.

They have successfully integrated into the community, forming loose connections and focusing on small success stories.

Their ultimate goal is to create a positive atmosphere that attracts visitors and makes them curious about the area.

Transforming an Old House into a Unique Accommodation Business

A person shares their journey of buying and renovating a 60-year-old house to start an accommodation business, highlighting the challenges faced due to the house's limitations.

The business shifted its focus from individual accommodations to offering a village tour experience, collaborating with other local businesses.

The owner emphasizes the importance of supporting cultural and artistic spaces in the neighborhood for both guest experience and the community's benefit.

Diversifying Business for Village Revitalization

A business owner invests in additional village activities to support the main business and bring value to the neighborhood, targeting first-time visitors and overnight guests, particularly women in their 30s.

By creating enjoyable three-hour modules with cultural and artistic content, the goal is to increase revenue and create a more diverse and vibrant community.

The focus is on attracting and retaining young people to ultimately increase the local population and expand relationships.

This approach is seen as a key part of the overall effort involving the government, intermediary organizations, and on-site project implementers to address current challenges.

Panel Discussion on Local Entrepreneurship and Startups

Representatives from different companies share their stories of starting and funding their businesses.

They each had unique reasons for starting, faced challenges in raising funds, and emphasized the importance of passion and determination in overcoming obstacles.

The panelists also discussed the impact of their businesses on the local community and their unconventional approaches to profit distribution and growth.

Overcoming Challenges and Planning for Growth in Local Revitalization Projects

Running a homestay in the mountains was challenging, but the hardships became nourishment for personal growth.

The focus is on acknowledging the difficult process of local revitalization and finding happiness in the tough moments.

The company operating in Gongju plans to grow by expanding to other villages, aiming for economic stability without being obsessed with profits.

The team is also focused on non-profit areas and is preparing to create a spatial model with a focus on hula hoops, while planning collaborations on environmental issues with network cities of cultural heritage.

Strategies for Regional Revitalization and Global Expansion

Private sector teams are focusing on regional revitalization and international expansion in the travel industry, capitalizing on the trend of foreign visitors exploring smaller areas and the influence of social media on travel destinations.

The key to success lies in creating unique and extreme elements in each region to attract visitors, promoting online engagement to drive offline sales, and fostering empathy and resonance to naturally lead to business connections.

The emphasis is on gathering diverse experiences from various regions, systematizing the projects, and leveraging digital formats and AI technology to facilitate international success and collaboration.

Planning a Unique Collaboration between Korean Creators and the West

A plan to invest in 20 local creators in Korea for a unique collaboration in Europe or America is discussed.

Teacher Heo perceives the dream more as Asia-focused, raising questions about the project's direction.

The discussion also touches on the balance between profit and non-profit work, the challenges of local businesses, and the efficient use of investments for community development.

Challenges and Reflections on Making a Living in Local Communities

Entrepreneurs and researchers in local communities are facing challenges in sustaining their livelihoods while pursuing unique and impactful activities, leading to reflections on the process of making a living.

There is a growing emphasis on bold and aggressive investment moves within the region, aiming to fill the needs of users' preferences and drive expansion, even if it may not always result in immediate profits.

The discussion also touches on the debate surrounding public funding and the evaluation of non-monetary value, emphasizing the transition to measuring impact in numbers, particularly monetary values, and the potential of NFTs in representing and trading unique value.

Local activities are being discussed in terms of who should evaluate them and how to convert their value into tangible outcomes, including the willingness of the industrial complex in Onsan to do so.

The relationship between ESG, community participation, and the business district is highlighted as a way to monetize local activities.

Daegu is emphasized as having a unique model for the future of the local community, with a focus on comprehensive discussion and the potential for revitalization.