Busan is good

After 90 Years Behind Closed Doors, Beomeosa Water Purification Plant Site Reopens as “Beomeo Forest,” a 15-Minute City Open Space

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Busan Metropolitan City Mayor Park Heong-joon announced that Beomeo Forest, developed first as part of the foundational infrastructure for Geumjeong-gu’s “Beomeosa Water Purification Plant Site Complex Cultural Space Development Project,” selected through the 15-Minute City Policy Contest Project, will open to the public today (Jan. 7).

The Beomeosa Water Purification Plant Site Complex Cultural Space Development Project was selected through Busan’s 15-minute neighborhood-living-zone policy contest. The project will use idle land and warehouse buildings around the Beomeosa Water Purification Plant site—an area that remained closed to the public for many years—to create a complex cultural space where nature and culture come together.

While the overall project is scheduled for completion by the end of this year (2026), Beomeo Forest, as foundational infrastructure, was fully improved at the end of last year and will open first today (Jan. 7) at the request of local residents.

Going forward, the project’s main complex cultural facility (building) will be created by renovating and remodeling an existing warehouse, and will include specialized forest education facilities such as Deullak Nallak.

The forest surrounding the water purification facility—where access had been restricted for around 90 years and the natural environment remained well preserved—has now been transformed into a neighborhood hub for relaxation as well as a new space for communication and exchange for citizens.

Major facilities include forest platforms between Yongsung Valley and cypress trees, a play area featuring a slide and climbing structures, picnic-style rest areas with tables and benches, and a red clay barefoot trail requested by local residents.

Geumjeong-gu began design work in March 2022 and launched full-scale construction of foundational infrastructure in April 2024. The district improved walking trails and installed various rest facilities so citizens can enjoy the existing forest, creating an open space for relaxation.

To commemorate the opening, an opening ceremony will be held today (Jan. 7) at 10:30 a.m. in the Beomeo Forest Family Plaza.

Busan Metropolitan City is currently promoting the 15-Minute City Policy Contest Project and plans to complete the selected initiatives in phases through 2027.

Following the completion of the Mirror Rock Cultural Living Park (Yeonje-gu) and the pedestrian-friendly road project in a transportation-disadvantaged area (Suyeong-gu) in 2023, Busan Metropolitan City has continued to carry out related projects across the city.

Once the policy contest projects are completed overall, additional neighborhood living hubs will be created and accessibility between facilities will improve, which is expected to enhance neighborhood living zones across the city. The city also expects these efforts to help build a “Happy and Healthy Busan” as communities grow together.

Assistant Mayor of Urban Innovation and Balanced Development Im Gyeong-mo said, “Beomeo Forest, as a space for communication and exchange and a place filled with diverse content, is expected to contribute to the 15-minute city by restoring and revitalizing warm communities.” He added, “When all citizens come together to reflect on local issues and work for future generations, we will move toward a 15-minute city Busan where citizens are happy and sustainability is ensured.”