Busan, South Korea – The city of Busan is set to decide on the relocation and modernization of the long-debated Busan Detention Center and Busan Prison within the year. In order to address the need for modernization, the city will establish a site selection committee to determine the new location and proceed with the project in earnest next year.
A recent ‘Feasibility Study for the Development and Modernization Concept of Facilities Around the Busan Correctional Facility’ was completed, which was ordered by the city in 2021 to find the best way to modernize the Busan Detention Center and Busan Correctional Facility. The study included finding a development plan for the relocation of the two facilities and the optimal location for the relocation.
The study reportedly presented two major proposals. The first proposal was to relocate the Busan Detention Center and Busan Prison from their current locations in Sasang-gu and Gangseo-gu, respectively. The current locations of the Busan Detention Center (Jurye-dong, Sasang-gu) and Busan Prison (Daejeo-dong, Gangseo-gu) would be developed for other uses, which would be profitable enough if the facilities were relocated.
Though integrating and relocating the Busan Detention Center and Busan Prison would require a larger size and higher project costs than moving them separately, it would be profitable in terms of work efficiency and facility management.
The city plans to form a site selection committee with urban planning experts and representatives from the area to discuss which direction to choose. The city aims to set up a site selection committee this month to decide whether to move the facilities separately or consolidate them in the first half of the year and, if possible, decide on a location.
A city official explained that deciding on a new location is challenging due to the sensitivity of the issue. However, they plan to discuss with experts, residents, and related ministries to decide on a location this year, based on the results of the feasibility study.
