Citizens and City Protected 'Igidae Park'... Entire Park Designated as Conservation Green Space

Busan City to Prevent Unregulated Development Under 'Park Sunset System' Due to High Ecological and Geological Value

Map of Busan Igidae Park, which is being rezoned as a conservation green area.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Busan City will officially announce on the 21st the complete change of the land use zone of Igidae Park, which has been exposed to indiscriminate development due to the ‘Park Sunset Policy’ implemented since July 1, from the current ‘Natural Green Area’ to ‘Conservation Green Area’.

The city plans to prevent reckless development of Igidae Park through the announcement of the ‘Urban Management Plan Change Decision and Topographic Map’.

Igidae Park is ecologically very excellent, recently reported to be home to various endangered species, and is a geologically important future asset designated as a national geopark along with Taejongdae and Oryukdae.

It is also a popular tourist attraction frequently visited by many citizens and domestic and international tourists for rest, walks, and travel.

However, with the nationwide implementation of the Park Sunset Policy on July 1, about 750,000㎡ of the total area of approximately 2 million㎡, including the summit area of Igidae Park, became invalid.

There were concerns about indiscriminate development of private land around Igidae Park and the resulting damage to the natural environment.

As a preservation measure for Igidae Park, Busan City decided to completely change the land use zone of the entire 1.9 million㎡ area from the existing Natural Green Area to Conservation Green Area.

Since June, the city has swiftly proceeded with procedures such as public inspection notices for residents and hearing opinions from the city council, and as a result of the review by the Busan City Urban Planning Committee at the end of last month, the original plan was approved, leading to the final announcement of the topographic map on the 21st.

During the public inspection notice process, Busan citizens showed great interest in the preservation of this area by submitting over 340 individual opinions and requests through the internet homepage, asking for Igidae Park to be designated as a Conservation Green Area.

Byun Sung-wan, Acting Mayor of Busan, said, “This announcement was made by the collective desire of citizens to preserve a future asset boasting high value as a treasure trove of splendid scenery, ecology, and geology. Although designating it as a Conservation Green Area may impose restrictions on private property rights, it is an inevitable measure to protect an environment with sufficient conservation value.”