Busan is good

Where the Sound of Machines Gives Way to Art: Busan's First Industrial Complex Undergoes a Remarkable Transformation

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Busan Metropolitan City announced that West Busan Smart Valley has been selected for the “2026 Culture-Led Industrial Complex” program jointly organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The program aims to transform industrial complexes from simple production sites into multifunctional spaces where culture and people coexist. Busan Metropolitan City submitted a proposal centered on West Busan Smart Valley consisting of seven thematic projects.

West Busan Smart Valley (formerly the Sinpyeong-Jangnim Industrial Complex), the first industrial complex established in Busan and once the heart of manufacturing in western Busan, is expected to shed its conventional factory image and be reborn as a future-oriented mixed-use complex combining culture, art, and youthful energy.

To achieve this, a total investment of KRW 88.96 billion will be made over the next four years for seven projects, including KRW 48.9 billion in national funding, KRW 33.35 billion from the city, KRW 6.09 billion from district governments, and KRW 620 million from private investment.

The initiative consists of seven interconnected themes that combine youth engagement, culture, and industrial innovation. Its core objective is to reshape the industrial complex into a youth-friendly environment by incorporating cultural elements and creating a place where work and everyday life coexist.

The seven themes are:
① Youth Design Living Lab and Branding
② Landmark Development
③ Beautiful Streets Plus
④ Youth-Friendly Renewal of Aging Factories
⑤ Culture Day Programs
⑥ Balanced Development of Regional Content
⑦ Inter-Ministerial Aging Industrial Complex Development Project

Busan Metropolitan City will first redefine the identity of the industrial complex through the Youth Design Living Lab and Branding Project. Young people will directly participate in identifying development strategies and specialized programs based on user needs, while an integrated brand will be established to strengthen the competitiveness of the industrial complex.

A landmark multifunctional cultural facility encompassing the history of the industrial complex, future industries, and worker welfare will also be created. The facility will include an AI Healthcare Center, a Digital Forest of Mind, AR/XR-based sports zones, and spaces for education and hobby activities. It will be designed for workers of all ages and nationalities.

The aging industrial environment will also undergo significant improvements. Through the Beautiful Streets Plus Project, themed streets will be developed and outdated shared facilities inside factories will be renovated to create a more youth-friendly working environment. These improvements will transform the overall atmosphere of the industrial complex into a brighter and more pleasant place.

Cultural programs will also be greatly expanded. The Bunechia area will regularly host “Culture Day” events featuring K-POP performances, drone shows, traditional falling-flower firework performances, and gourmet festivals. Permanent experiential programs such as sunset yoga, mobile healthcare services, and a Global Harmony Festival will also be introduced to improve workers' quality of life and strengthen community ties.

In addition, a digital culture environment will be established through AI media content creation programs, an e-sports community, and interactive games, creating a “digital playground” for young people. Runner stations and hobby spaces will also be expanded to support leisure activities.

Road networks will also be improved, while new parking facilities and neighborhood parks will be developed to enhance logistics efficiency and worker convenience.

Mayor Chun Jae-soo stated, “Industrial complexes should no longer remain simple production sites. They must evolve into places where people can work, learn, and enjoy life. Through this designation as a Culture-Led Industrial Complex, we will transform West Busan Smart Valley into an innovative space where young people, businesses, and culture thrive together.”