Busan, South Korea – Busan’s old city districts—Seo-gu, Jung-gu, Dong-gu, and Yeongdo-gu—once thrived as the heart of the city, but now face a grim reality of shrinking populations, aging infrastructure, and economic stagnation. Vacant homes multiply as the population ages, and these districts risk becoming unsustainable without drastic intervention. A key solution is to merge these districts, enabling a unified regeneration strategy and unlocking greater financial and administrative efficiency. By combining forces, these areas can harness their historical significance and cultural potential to forge a new path forward.
Many cities across Korea, including Busan, retain “Jung-gu,” “Seo-gu,” and “Dong-gu” as generic directional names from past eras, representing little more than the geographical divisions of yesteryears. In Busan, these outdated names do little to reflect the cultural identity or distinctiveness of the area. Given the pressing need for renewal, renaming this consolidated district as “Gwangbok-gu” (symbolizing liberation and renewal) offers both a fresh start and a meaningful representation of the area’s future direction.
Renaming is more than symbolic. Nationwide, many “Jung-gu” districts are now associated with economic stagnation and an aging population. This is not unique to Busan; it’s a national trend of old city centers facing similar challenges. By leading the way in renaming and merging these districts, Busan could set an example for other cities, encouraging innovation and strategic planning in urban revitalization. The name “Gwangbok-gu” would align the old city’s rich history with a forward-looking strategy that revitalizes the region and its communities.
The Urgent Need for Action
Busan’s old city districts are facing severe demographic and economic challenges. The population in these districts is expected to decrease by nearly 22% by 2035, with an increasing number of elderly residents. As vacant homes multiply and the elderly population grows, the districts risk becoming financially unsustainable. The current administrative structure, with four separate districts, consumes valuable resources that could be redirected toward urban regeneration projects.
Consolidating these districts into one would provide not only administrative efficiency but also the ability to pool financial resources to address shared challenges. This would allow for greater investment in infrastructure, housing improvements, and urban renewal initiatives. Furthermore, a unified district would be better positioned to leverage government incentives and attract development funding. Other cities that have successfully merged, such as Changwon and Cheongju, have benefited from significant government subsidies, fueling their own urban regeneration efforts.
The ongoing demographic and economic decline of Busan’s old city districts requires immediate action. Without a cohesive and unified strategy, these areas will continue to deteriorate, with fewer residents and shrinking resources. A merger is not just a viable solution; it is an essential step to secure the future growth and sustainability of these historically important regions.
Adding Cultural Significance to the Name
A significant aspect of revitalizing Busan’s old city districts is the need for a fresh, meaningful identity. The current names—Jung-gu, Dong-gu, and Seo-gu—are generic directional names used across many cities in Korea, often representing outdated geographic divisions. These names do little to reflect the unique historical and cultural significance of Busan’s core areas. As these districts face demographic decline and economic stagnation, the time has come for a symbolic change that can inspire renewed interest and investment.
The proposal to rename the consolidated districts as “Gwangbok-gu” (meaning “liberation”) carries profound symbolic value. This name represents not only the area’s history of resilience and transformation but also embodies the forward-looking vision of renewal and progress. By adopting this name, the district could rebrand itself as a place of cultural importance, attracting tourists and residents alike, and symbolizing a new beginning for these historically rich yet economically struggling areas.
A name change would signal a break from the past and a commitment to modern, strategic urban development. Cities around the world have successfully rebranded their districts to highlight cultural revival and economic growth, and Busan has the opportunity to lead the way in Korea. Additionally, many “Jung-gu” districts across the nation share similar problems of population decline and aging demographics. By setting an example through rebranding and consolidation, Busan could demonstrate how innovative naming and identity can contribute to urban revitalization efforts.
Incorporating “Gwangbok” into the district’s identity not only honors the history of the region but also creates a cohesive and attractive narrative for tourists and investors. This transformation is crucial to ensuring that Busan’s old city districts do not simply fade into history but instead emerge as vibrant, sustainable communities for future generations.
Urban Regeneration and Economic Growth
Consolidating Busan’s old city districts is not just about administrative efficiency—it’s about creating a solid foundation for urban regeneration and economic revival. Individually, these districts face significant challenges, including low GDP contributions and declining investment. However, by merging into a single, larger district, Busan could implement a comprehensive development strategy that leverages the unique strengths of each area.
For instance, Jung-gu’s historical and cultural sites could be integrated with tourism efforts, while Yeongdo-gu’s scenic coastal areas could attract eco-tourism and maritime industries. Consolidation would also allow for targeted investments in infrastructure, housing, and public services, making the area more attractive for residents and businesses. Importantly, a unified district would be better positioned to apply for government funding and attract private investments, enabling large-scale regeneration projects.
Additionally, merging the districts would provide the scale and resources necessary for long-term urban renewal initiatives. A larger, more economically viable district would have the financial capacity to invest in smart city technologies, green infrastructure, and modern transportation systems, fostering sustainable growth. This comprehensive approach to redevelopment would not only improve the quality of life for current residents but also attract new residents and tourists, helping to reverse the decline and ensure a prosperous future for the district.
By combining their economic strengths and addressing shared challenges, the unified district could spark new growth and re-establish itself as a vital part of Busan’s urban landscape.
Government Support and Incentives
One of the most compelling arguments for merging these districts is the potential to unlock significant government support. When cities consolidate, they often qualify for substantial national funding and subsidies aimed at regional development. This has been the case in other parts of Korea, where mergers like Changwon and Cheongju resulted in billions of won in national subsidies that were used to bolster infrastructure and public services.
By merging into a larger district, Busan’s old city areas would be able to access similar financial support. Special grants, infrastructure funding, and government-backed development projects could help breathe new life into these neighborhoods. This funding could be used for essential services like modernizing housing, improving public transportation, and revitalizing cultural and historical sites. Additionally, the government often provides specific incentives for consolidating districts, which could help offset the costs of the merger itself, ensuring that it is not only feasible but financially beneficial.
The prospect of government-backed financial assistance, paired with the cost savings from streamlined administration, makes consolidation an attractive option. This support could be the key to unlocking the district’s potential and ensuring that its regeneration efforts are both comprehensive and sustainable.
Specialization Opportunities for Each Area
Each of the four districts has unique characteristics that, when combined, could form a diversified and thriving urban center. Instead of competing for limited resources, these areas could specialize in different sectors, contributing to a cohesive development plan.
- Jung-gu: With its rich cultural and historical assets, Jung-gu could focus on becoming a hub for heritage tourism and cultural preservation. Restoring and promoting historical landmarks, traditional markets, and museums would attract visitors and boost local businesses.
- Yeongdo-gu: Known for its scenic coastlines and natural beauty, Yeongdo-gu could develop eco-tourism and marine-related industries. Its proximity to the sea presents opportunities for maritime activities, sustainable tourism, and even marine research centers.
- Seo-gu and Dong-gu: These districts could prioritize modern housing developments, public transportation enhancements, and business-friendly infrastructure. By improving living conditions and connectivity, they could attract younger residents and entrepreneurs, reversing the population decline.
By specializing in these key areas, the unified district could create a balanced and sustainable economic ecosystem that draws from the strengths of each region while addressing its specific needs. This strategic approach would ensure that Busan’s old city areas not only survive but thrive in the years to come.
The window of opportunity is closing for Busan’s old city districts. Without immediate action, these areas will continue to face population decline, economic stagnation, and urban decay. Merging Seo-gu, Jung-gu, Dong-gu, and Yeongdo-gu into a single district under a meaningful identity like “Gwangbok-gu” offers a unique chance to reverse this trend. By consolidating resources, streamlining governance, and implementing a comprehensive urban regeneration plan, Busan can revitalize its historic heart and ensure that it thrives well into the future. Now is the time to act, before the city’s old center fades beyond repair.
