Panoramic view of the Ara Incheon Passenger Terminal

Remarkable transformation thanks to K-water’s positive administration

Passing through Seoul, Gimpo, and Incheon, the Ara Waterway is a seaway with a long history that connects the west sea and Hangang River and has been used as a public cultural place. As people did not visit the facility due to the prolonged economic recession and suspension of passenger transport due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there was a vacancy in the rental facility at the Incheon Passenger Terminal (owned by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries). Just as there has been a demand for expanding facilities for Incheon’s youth start-up and art activities, K-water started a project to offer a new role to the Incheon Passenger Terminal: to have the vacant rental facilities used by young people in carrying out their start-up and art works. Free rental was impossible because national facility rental must be charged according to the National Property Act, but K-water proposed to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries the provision of rental service free of charge for young people. In order to solve institutional limitations and provide free leasing, K-water persuaded the Ministry by emphasizing that the youth start-up and art space is for public interest and eventually obtained approval for free leasing for up to 4 years.

• Incubator for young artists

  With K-water’s efforts, the rental facility of the Ara Incheon Passenger Terminal was renovated and reborn as a center for youth start-up and art activities, and a total of nine teams have moved in. The Ara Waterway Youth Start-up and Art Center is not only a rental facility but also an exhibition center that introduces its young artists’ works. In addition, it is striving to become a comprehensive support platform and cultural space for youth start-up, cultural, and art activities through various support programs including start-up consulting, artist mentoring program, and exchange with the public.
  

  

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  1. It is used not only as an office but also as a space for various exhibitions.
  2. It has become a support office to help young people’s start-up, cultural, and art activities.

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  Onsoop | CEO Park Eun-mi

  We moved into the Ara Waterway Youth Start-up and Art Center in April 2022.
  As it is the first time for us to have such office with a good view, we enjoy working here.
  I would like to convey my appreciation to K-water, which provides a nice work space and supports youth start-ups.
  
  * Body mist brand company

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  Flight | CEO Lee Dong-geun

  The Ara Incheon Passenger Terminal boasts of a perfect working environment equipped with furniture, printer, and equipment required for a start-up company as well as beautiful surrounding scenery.
  I would like to thank K-water for supporting us in various ways including facility management. Thanks to K-water’s support, we have been able to grow.
  
  * The company sells toys and products for hobbies and entertainments.