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Mayor Park Heong-joon Announces Vision for “Nakdong Five Gardens (洛東五園)” as a “Jewel of Life” to Transform the Future of West Busan

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) held a policy briefing today (26th) at 2:30 PM at Busan Library in Sasang-gu under the theme “Nakdong Five Gardens (洛東五園), the Jewel of Life,” unveiling a vision for the future of West Busan to flourish along the Nakdong River.

The briefing followed a site visit to Samnak Ecological Park and Eomgung Wetland and served as an opportunity to share with citizens a comprehensive plan to elevate the Nakdong River estuary into Busan’s representative ecological asset and a global tourism hub.

Until now, development in the Nakdong River estuary area has been carried out separately by various institutions and local units, resulting in fragmented spatial utilization and identity. In response, Busan Metropolitan City has been pursuing the establishment of an integrated master plan since June 2024 to fully preserve the ecological and cultural value of the Nakdong River and reorganize the area into a space where nature and people coexist in harmony.

The “Nakdong Five Gardens,” announced as a result of these efforts, present a new urban strategy that connects and revitalizes five ecological parks along the Nakdong River estuary. Based on five core values—restoration, connection, tourism, culture, and coexistence—the initiative integrates them into five themed gardens, each with its own distinct identity.

This vision goes beyond simply expanding park spaces. It begins with restoring damaged natural environments to revive the essence of each space, then builds an ecological axis that organically links the parks while strengthening a stay-oriented tourism infrastructure where visitors can linger and experience the environment.

Furthermore, it aims to expand spaces where culture and leisure can be enjoyed in nature, while enabling local communities and citizens to actively participate as key agents of change and grow together. In other words, the plan seeks to realize a sustainable future across the Nakdong River estuary where ecology, urban life, tourism, and everyday living are in balance.

Under this direction, the five ecological parks will be reborn as five themed gardens, each tailored to its unique natural characteristics and usage patterns.

Samnak Ecological Park will become a Wetland Garden, utilizing its location where three waterways converge. It will be developed into the nation’s largest wetland garden, with the goal of designation as a national garden by 2029. Garden trails and stay-oriented spaces will be introduced to foster a world-class ecological tourism destination offering rest and healing in nature.

Eulsukdo will evolve into a Bird Garden, expanding its identity as a migratory bird habitat. Efforts will be made to designate it as Korea’s first national urban park, while also attracting the National Natural Heritage Center and establishing an ecological arts center, positioning it as a hub where bird protection, ecological education, and culture converge.

Maekdo Ecological Park will be transformed into a Grass Garden that minimizes artificial development and preserves its natural appeal. By conserving the appearance of primitive nature within the city, creating habitats such as dragonfly gardens, and introducing a river safari through improved wetlands and waterways, it will serve as a base for ecological education and tourism.

Daejeo Ecological Park will become a Flower Garden by expanding its existing floral landscape. With large-scale flower complexes, the Gupo Bridge Garden utilizing Gupo Bridge, and participatory sports gardens, it will be reorganized into a space where everyday life and leisure harmonize.

Hwamyeong Ecological Park will be developed as a Light Garden, enhancing cultural and leisure functions. Facilities such as Nakdong Cinema and glamping sites will be introduced, and improved accessibility through deck parks will enable nearby residents to more easily enjoy waterfront performances, relaxation, and revitalization, establishing it as a center of waterfront culture.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “Nakdong Five Gardens is a jewel of life that will transform the future of West Busan and elevate Busan into a global hub city. Under this grand vision, we will fully realize its value, cultivate the future of West Busan, and ultimately create a global ecological hub city where nature and people coexist.”