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Mayor Park Heong-joon Announces Temporary Protection Measures for Stray Cats Displaced by Suyeong Bay Redevelopment

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it plans to establish and operate a temporary shelter for stray cats in the pine grove within Dongbaek Park in U-dong, Haeundae-gu, through a public-private partnership. This measure is intended to protect stray cats that have lost their habitat and face survival risks due to the redevelopment of the Suyeong Bay Yacht Stadium.

Considering the geographical characteristics of Suyeong Bay, which is surrounded by the sea and major roads, the City determined that safe and voluntary relocation of stray cats would be difficult. In response to the urgent situation involving building demolition, it formulated a plan to operate a temporary shelter with the highest priority placed on animal life.

The City had previously reviewed a “gradual relocation plan” for stray cats around their existing habitat prior to the commencement of the private investment redevelopment project. However, securing a safe relocation site proved challenging due to surrounding conditions such as the sea, six-lane roads, and densely populated apartment complexes.

Furthermore, as land-based construction and gradual building demolition began in April 2026, the City decided to operate a temporary shelter, prioritizing the life and safety of animals.

The temporary shelter for stray cats will be implemented through a public-private partnership involving Busan Metropolitan City, I-Park Marina Co., Ltd., and local cat caregivers. Both public and private sectors plan to maintain close communication within their respective roles to promote animal welfare.

Busan Metropolitan City has secured a site similar to the cats’ original habitat to facilitate quick adaptation and is overseeing administrative and financial support to ensure the project’s stability. The project operator, I-Park Marina Co., Ltd., will install the temporary shelter and support relocation efforts as part of its corporate social responsibility. Local cat caregivers, drawing on their on-site experience, will take full responsibility for feeding, hygiene, and overall care and management of the stray cats.

Approximately 50 stray cats will be relocated from the Suyeong Bay Yacht Stadium to the temporary shelter, and they are expected to return to their original habitat once the redevelopment project is completed.

All approximately 50 cats have undergone trap-neuter-return (TNR) procedures, as well as infectious disease testing and basic vaccinations. Starting in early May, they will be managed to ensure safe adaptation to the new environment.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “This temporary shelter is a meaningful space that embodies Busan’s commitment to becoming a pet-friendly city where people and animals coexist happily,” adding, “We will continue to create a city where citizens and animals live in harmony through mature administration that places the value of life above all else.”