Busan to Develop 500-Bed Medical Complex in Myeongji International City

Busan, South Korea – The Busan Metropolitan Government has entered into a four-party agreement with Dongguk University, MKAH Co. Ltd., and the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority to establish a large-scale integrated medical complex in Myeongji International City, located in the city’s western Gangseo District.

The agreement was signed on June 19 at Busan City Hall. The proposed development will include a 500-bed general hospital, to be operated by Dongguk University, alongside residential, cultural, commercial, and wellness facilities. The total site area is approximately 64,331 square meters. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by 2033, although this timeline is subject to change.

The project is part of Busan’s broader effort to expand essential infrastructure in rapidly growing districts. Gangseo District has seen a steady population increase in recent years due to developments such as Myeongji International City and Eco Delta City. However, despite ongoing urban growth, the area continues to face limitations in healthcare access. Gangseo currently lacks a tertiary hospital and has one of the lowest hospital bed counts per capita among the city's 16 districts. Residents in need of advanced medical services often travel more than 20 kilometers to reach hospitals in central Busan.

The planned medical town is expected to address these gaps by providing a full-service hospital along with supplementary facilities, including a meditation center. The inclusion of wellness and cultural components reflects the involvement of Dongguk University and MKAH, both of which have ties to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

The city government will support administrative procedures, including permits and infrastructure connections. MKAH, a special-purpose company established for this project, will lead the physical development of the site. Dongguk University will manage hospital operations, while the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority will assist with regulatory processes within the designated zone.

Local officials have indicated that the development aligns with Busan’s long-term planning strategies, including its “15-minute city” initiative, which aims to improve urban accessibility and decentralize essential services. The location of the site, adjacent to international schools and cultural districts, is viewed as suitable for an integrated development model.

While the project has institutional backing, questions remain regarding MKAH’s experience and financing capacity. The company has not previously led a medical infrastructure project of this scale, and detailed funding plans have not been disclosed as of the agreement date. Similar initiatives in the region have encountered delays in the past due to procedural or financial challenges.

The city administration has stated that the integrated complex is intended to serve both local residents and the broader western Busan region. Whether the project proceeds as scheduled will depend on effective coordination among the parties involved, as well as on external factors such as market conditions and community response.