Final Selection of Design Proposal for 'Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall'

Haehan Comprehensive Architectural Office Design Proposal, Reconfiguring Existing Building Spaces and Structures for Diverse Usability and Functionality

Mayor Park Hyung-jun, "We Will Do Our Best to Make It a Meaningful Symbol and Space Reflecting Historical Identity"

Busan City has selected the design proposal by Haean Comprehensive Architects Office as the final winner of the design competition for the establishment of the ‘Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall’.

Perspective view of the winning design for the Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall. Provided by Busan City.

On November 28 and 29, a design competition jury was held over two days to comprehensively evaluate the symbolism and spatial utilization of the 11 design proposals submitted for the ‘Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall’.

The winner will receive the rights for the basic and detailed design of the ‘Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall’.

The winning design boldly reconfigured the spatial composition and structure of the existing building, based on the core concept of reflecting Busan’s regional characteristics, independence movement history, and the daily lives of its citizens. It was highly evaluated for its diverse usability and functionality, establishing itself as a new memorial hall within Busan Citizens Park.

The design was praised for its outstanding external space composition, featuring a monumental scale and versatile usability by boldly reinterpreting the context of the existing building. Utilizing the basin-shaped location and terrain conditions, the first floor offers a monumental space, while the second floor provides a resting area where visitors can enjoy everyday life within the park.

Additionally, the main circulation was planned to access the second-floor pedestrian walkway, creating a three-dimensional approach route that forms a viewing story of entrance, development, climax, joy, and recovery.

The city plans to complete the basic and detailed design services next year, begin construction in the second half of the year, and aims to complete the construction and install interior exhibits by 2026.

The ‘Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall’ will be created by remodeling the ‘Citizen Sarangchae’ building within Busan Citizens Park. The city plans to establish it as a commemorative space that widely promotes the value of Busan’s independence movement history and inherits the spirit of the independence movement, consisting of memorial, exhibition, and education/experience spaces.

Mayor Park Hyung-jun stated, “We will create a commemorative space that widely promotes the history and value of Busan’s independence movement and allows future generations to inherit the spirit of the independence movement. It will also be a space where citizens visiting Busan Citizens Park can enjoy rest and a culture of national merit in their daily lives.” He added, “The upcoming year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of liberation, and we will do our best to ensure that the ‘Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall’ becomes a meaningful symbolic space embodying Busan’s historical identity.”