Seokdang Museum of Dong-A University to Reopen Interior of 'Busan Jeoncha' Next Month

Seokdang Museum at Dong-A University (Director: Kim Kisoo) will reopen the 'Busan Tram (National Registered Cultural Heritage)' for regular public viewing starting April 1.

The Busan Tram was manufactured in April 1927 by the Cincinnati Company in the United States and operated in Atlanta for over 20 years. In June 1952, during the height of the Korean War, it was brought to Busan as aid through the United Nations Civil Assistance Command Korea (UNCACK).

As Busan's public transportation system shifted to focus on city buses, tram operations ceased in May 1968. Namseon Electric Company (the predecessor of Korea Electric Power Corporation) intended to scrap all trams in Busan, but in February 1969, then-president of Dong-A University, Jung Jaehwan, decided to use one for experiments and practical training. Tram No. 351 was donated and relocated to the university's Gudok Campus.

Dong-A University moved the tram to the Bumin Campus in 2010, where it underwent three major restoration projects for preservation. It is currently on display next to the Law School at Bumin Campus.

Seokdang Museum opened the newly renovated interior of the 'Busan Tram' to the public in 2023 as part of a special exhibition. However, public access was temporarily suspended from November last year to preserve the tram.

The tram will be open every week from Tuesday to Friday, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., for one hour each day. For preservation, a maximum of 20 visitors are allowed per session. Access may be restricted for safety reasons in case of rain or inclement weather.

This reopening will continue until the end of November, and group visits can be arranged by contacting Seokdang Museum in advance.

Busan Tram, a nationally registered heritage item housed at Dong-A University Seokdang Museum.