Busan is good

Mt. Geumjeongsan Designated as Korea’s First Urban National Park, Celebrated Together with 3.3 Million Busan Citizens

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will co-host a “Citizens’ Celebration for the Designation of Mt. Geumjeongsan National Park” with the Mt. Geumjeongsan National Park Citizens’ Promotion Committee today (25th) at 3 p.m. at Geumbitnuri Hall in the Geumjeong Cultural Center.

At the event, more than 800 participants—including Mayor Park Heong-joon, local National Assembly members, city council members, district mayors, the Mt. Geumjeongsan National Park Citizens’ Promotion Committee, Beomeosa Temple, and various civic and environmental organizations—will gather to celebrate the designation of Mt. Geumjeongsan National Park and reflect on its significance.

This is the first celebratory event since the official designation of Mt. Geumjeongsan National Park. The program will revisit the designation process and its value, and share with citizens how the nation’s first urban national park—located adjacent to the city—will influence daily life as well as the region’s ecology, culture, and tourism.

Mt. Geumjeongsan was designated a national park last month through the final deliberation of the National Park Committee, following years of collaborative efforts by citizens, the public sector, and government officials. The designation is especially meaningful as it marks the first time an urban-adjacent mountain area has been granted national park status.

This event features a variety of programs designed to share the significance of the designation with citizens.

Starting with an opening performance by the fusion band “Vista,” the program includes a briefing and promotional video outlining the designation process and its importance.

This will be followed by the presentation of appreciation plaques to civic groups, local leaders, and institutional representatives who dedicated themselves to achieving the national park designation. Honorees include:
▲ Kang Jong-in, Representative of the Mt. Geumjeongsan National Park Citizens’ Promotion Committee
▲ Lee Yun-hee, Chairperson of the Beomeosa Temple Lay Association
▲ Moon Chang-gyu, Deputy Director of the Korea National Park Service.

During the LED lighting ceremony, representatives from various sectors will press a button on the stage screen, illuminating “lights of hope” symbolizing citizens’ wishes and displaying a congratulatory message alongside a scenic image of Mt. Geumjeongsan National Park.

A celebratory performance by the breaking team “CAYCREW” and local singer “Cybird” is also scheduled, heightening the festive atmosphere.

Busan Metropolitan City plans to use this event as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the Korea National Park Service, experts, and local communities to help ensure the stable establishment of Mt. Geumjeongsan National Park.

To preserve the mountain’s ecological value, the city will regularly share information with the Korea National Park Service and continue providing administrative and institutional support to protect the natural environment.

The city will also work to improve visitor facilities and reinforce protection systems to ensure that citizens can enjoy Mt. Geumjeongsan safely and comfortably.

Mayor Park Heong-joon remarked, “This event marks a meaningful first step in celebrating the designation of Mt. Geumjeongsan National Park together with our citizens, and serves as the beginning of a new commitment to preserving the value of Mt. Geumjeongsan for future generations.”

He continued, “Expanding stay-type tourism content is essential for Busan to grow into a global hub city, and Mt. Geumjeongsan National Park presents a great opportunity to enrich the city’s offerings in leisure, sightseeing, and entertainment. We will actively support efforts to develop Mt. Geumjeongsan into a space where ecology, culture, and relaxation come together—establishing it as a representative stay-type tourism attraction featuring K-hiking, temple meditation, local cuisine, and more.”