Geumjeongsan Mountain Becomes National Park, Fulfilling Long-Standing Civic Aspiration
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Geumjeongsan Mountain Becomes National Park, Fulfilling Long-Standing Civic Aspiration
□ A persistent wish of Busan citizens has come true with the official establishment of Geumjeongsan National Park.
□ During the 144th National Park Committee meeting, chaired by the Vice Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment on October 31, 2025, at 13:30, the designation and planning proposal for Geumjeongsan National Park was approved.
○ As a symbol and source of pride for Busan, Geumjeongsan Mountain has been endorsed as Korea’s 24th national park and the first to be located within a metro region.
○ Geumjeongsan Mountain belongs to the Nakdongjeongmaek Mountain Range—an ecological corridor stretching from Taebaeksan Mountain in Gangwon-do to the Nakdonggang estuary in Busan—and uniquely interweaves nature, history, culture, and everyday urban life.
□ Geumjeongsan National Park covers 66,859 square kilometers, of which approximately 78% (52,136 km2) lies across six districts of the city and 22% (14,723 km2) extends into Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do. The park also encompasses Baegyangsan Mountain within the same mountain range.
○ This recognition is the first time in 37 years that an unprotected site has been inaugurated as a national park*, following Sobaeksan National Park in 1987.
* Mudeungsan National Park (2013), Taebaeksan National Park (2016), and Palgongsan National Park (2023) were upgraded from provincial parks.
□ A feasibility study conducted by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment in 2020–2021 confirmed that, despite not having prior protected status, Geumjeongsan Mountain fully meets national park standards in terms of ecological, historical, cultural, and scenic significance.
○ The mountain is home to 1,782 wildlife species, including 14 endangered species, and contains 71 scenic and 127 cultural resources—the latter comparable to the highest level among existing national parks. With 3.12 million visitors each year, it ranks fifth.
□ Civic discussions commenced in 2005, expanded into a petition campaign that gathered 100,000 signatures in 2014, and gained momentum when the city submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Environment in June 2019. ▲ Civil society, ▲ environmental associations, ▲ religious circles, ▲ experts, and ▲ public agencies were all involved in the deliberation.
○ Over 80 civic organizations—including the Geumjeongsan National Park Citizens’ Promotion Headquarters and the Geumjeongsan National Park Designation Citizens’ Network—led consistent advocacy, considered a notable grassroots movement driven by voluntary participation and commitment.
□ Although progress was delayed due to extensive private land ownership and conflicting interests, a decisive breakthrough occurred in November 2024, when Busan Metropolitan City, the Geumjeongsan National Park Designation Council, and Beomeosa Temple signed an MOU on Joint Cooperation and Mutual Development.
○ Support from Beomeosa Temple, other faith-based groups, and a broad range of stakeholders proved pivotal. Upon entering into this agreement, administrative procedures, such as briefings and hearings, proceeded smoothly, culminating in the final designation.
□ As a pioneering urban national park in Korea, Geumjeongsan Mountain is anticipated to reinforce the city’s environmentally harmonious image and strengthen its brand value both domestically and internationally.
□ The completion of Busan’s ‘sea–river–mountain’ tourism profile is expected to attract more eco-conscious travelers, revitalize local businesses, and generate jobs in eco-tourism, environmental education, and cultural programming.
○ Ongoing restoration of cultural assets and improvements to historical landscapes will help reaffirm regional identity and position Busan as a refined cultural and leisure hub. Annual visitation is projected to exceed four million, contributing to economic and tourism benefits.
□ Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “The declaration of Geumjeongsan National Park is the outcome of the combined endeavors and dedication of citizens and the public. This represents a meaningful beginning for Busan to grow into an eco-friendly, sustainable, and green destination.”
□ He continued, “We will work closely with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Korea National Park Service, and community members to accelerate trail arrangements, heritage preservation, ecosystem conservation, and resident assistance initiatives—making Geumjeongsan Mountain a flourishing urban habitat, an exemplary model for urban national parks, and one of the most distinguished national parks.”
