Busan to Establish Independence Movement Memorial Hall by 2026

Busan, South Korea - Busan City has announced plans to create a new Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall, a landmark project designed to commemorate the city’s role in Korea’s independence struggle and preserve this legacy for future generations. The memorial, scheduled for completion in 2026, will align with the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation in 2025, adding significant cultural and historical value to the region.

The winning design for the memorial was submitted by HAEAHN Architecture, Inc., chosen after a competitive process that evaluated 11 submissions. The proposal stood out for its innovative approach to reconfiguring an existing building while reflecting the historical significance of the site.

Key features include the bold restructuring of the Simin Sarangchae building within Busan Citizens Park. The design incorporates a monumental first floor dedicated to commemorative spaces and a second-floor area offering a relaxing, everyday setting for visitors. The plan also uses the park’s natural contours to create a flowing, immersive experience for guests, following a narrative structure that leads visitors through entry, progression, celebration, and reflection.

The new memorial hall will be created by repurposing the Simin Sarangchae, a single-story building located within Busan Citizens Park. Spanning a total floor area of 2,076 square meters, the project has an estimated budget of 97 billion KRW, fully funded by the city.

The memorial is designed to feature various spaces that cater to both historical education and community engagement. These include exhibition areas that highlight Busan’s significant role in Korea’s independence movement, educational and interactive zones for hands-on learning, and dedicated memorial spaces for quiet reflection and tribute. Additionally, the facility will house administrative and support offices to ensure smooth operations.

The city has outlined an ambitious timeline for the project, planning to complete the design phase by 2024, begin construction in late 2025, and officially open the memorial hall by 2026.

As Busan prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of liberation, the Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall promises to become a landmark of remembrance and learning. It will offer a blend of historical education, cultural celebration, and everyday functionality, contributing to Busan’s vibrant identity as a city rich in history and forward-looking in vision.