The Gwangmyeong Upcycle Art Center was launched as a local cultural regeneration project selected by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2014, and has gained international attention, being honored to showcase works by Korean upcycle artists in countries such as Germany and Italy. Further building on these continuous efforts and challenges, in 2019, the center was selected for a Gyeonggi Province public project, expanding and operating as the Gyeonggi Cultural Creation Hub. This initiative enabled the center not only to provide arts, culture, and educational services but also to actively support entrepreneurship focused on upcycling and eco-design.
Marking its 10th anniversary this year, the Gwangmyeong Upcycle Art Center is preparing for a new leap forward. With a total funding of 7.5 billion won from a 2016 grant project, it has established a new home near the Gwangmyeong Civic Gymnasium in Haan-dong. The new facility spans approximately 1,000 pyeong (35583 sq.ft) across two underground floors and four above-ground floors. It is designed as a space for upcycle-themed cultural and artistic activities, as well as for supporting upcycling businesses and industries.
By offering a wide range of support to aspiring upcycle and eco-business entrepreneurs—including space, funding, startup education, and distribution and market access—Gwangmyeong Upcycle Art Center, the center supports upcycle businesses and entrepreneurs, serving as a testbed for aspiring eco-friendly service entrepreneurs.