Busan Embarks on a Comprehensive Urban Development Plan for a Balanced City

Busan, South  – In a bold move to create a city where people would choose to live again, the Busan Metropolitan City has announced the commencement of a meticulously tailored "Living Sphere Plan," starting with the Gangdong sphere (Buk-gu, Sasang-gu, and Saha-gu districs) in western Busan. This initiative reflects the city's commitment to accelerating development in western Busan and achieving a balanced urban development between the eastern and western parts of the city.

Busan has been proactive in addressing the disparities between the eastern and western parts of the city. Since his inauguration in April 2021, Mayor Park has held numerous site meetings and inspections in western Busan, showcasing the administration's dedication to finding viable solutions for the region's development. The plan prioritizes the Gangdong sphere, taking into account the area's aging urban infrastructure, as the first step toward realizing a comprehensive city-wide living sphere strategy.

The Living Sphere Plan divides the city into six regional spheres and further into approximately 60 local areas, based on 2-3 administrative neighborhoods each. This division aims to refine the urban planning process by integrating various sectoral plans such as housing, parks and green spaces, and industry within these spheres, creating a "15-minute city" where essential services and amenities are within a short distance from residents.

The initiative is expected to enhance the city's planning capabilities by incorporating the diverse needs and lifestyles of its citizens into urban development strategies. It leverages the revised "National Land Planning and Utilization Act," which came into effect on February 6, thereby strengthening the framework and authority of urban planning in Busan.

The plan for the Gangdong sphere in werstern Busan focuses on three main strategies:

1. Improving living conditions in aging residential areas.
2. Securing  blue-green infrastructure by utilizing mountains and waterfronts.
3. Advancing the structural development of aging industrial areas.

These strategies aim to foster a hub of residential, leisure, and high-tech industries, leveraging the unique geographical features of the Gangdong sphere, which includes residential and industrial areas along with mountains, seas, and rivers.

A distinctive feature of this plan is its bottom-up approach, encouraging active participation from local residents and stakeholders. The city plans to form a "Citizen Participation Group" and consult with local governments to develop detailed development strategies and management plans for each living sphere. The process, set to commence at the end of March, emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement in urban planning.

Mayor Park Heong-joon expressed his dedication to the cause, stating, "Balanced development between the east and west is a crucial step toward establishing Busan as a global hub city. By developing customized living sphere plans that reflect the unique characteristics of each region and the voices of our citizens, we aim to enhance the quality of life and satisfaction of our residents, bringing us closer to creating a Busan where everyone would choose to live again."