Busan’s Igidae Park to Transform into Global Art and Culture Hub

Busan, South Korea – In a bold move to elevate Busan’s cultural footprint, the city has announced an ambitious transformation of Igidae Park into a world-class cultural and art destination. Famous for its breathtaking coastal trails and rich ecology, Igidae Park will soon host top-tier cultural installations, blending art and nature in a manner that aims to rival renowned international sites.

This transformative project, unveiled at the 20th Busan Future Innovation Forum, envisions Igidae Park as a space where art and nature coexist harmoniously. Mayor Park Heong-joon, alongside city officials and experts, detailed the plan to create a one-of-a-kind cultural park that integrates art into the coastal and forested landscapes of Igidae. “By incorporating world-class art installations, we are establishing a destination that will draw both residents and international visitors, enhancing our city’s cultural allure,” Mayor Park remarked.

The Igidae Art Park will be organized into three distinct zones, each aimed at enhancing the natural landscape while offering unique cultural experiences. At the entrance, the Oryukdo Art Center Zone will welcome visitors with a center, outdoor exhibitions, and viewing platforms to showcase the Oryukdo Islets. In the park’s coastal forest, the Seaside Gallery in the Woods will host art galleries and exhibitions, blending forest and coastline aesthetics. Additionally, the Global Art Center, set to begin construction in 2025, will offer nature-integrated gallery spaces inspired by renowned art destinations worldwide.

Since 2019, Busan has invested 73.7 billion KRW to acquire 712,000 square meters of private land within Igidae Park, completing the acquisition in June 2023. Additionally, in September of this year, the city reclassified the park's waterfront area to a neighborhood park, laying the groundwork for its transformation into an art park. These steps aim to attract local tourism, enrich residents' cultural experiences, and establish Igidae as a model for sustainable, eco-conscious tourism.

Following the announcement, the city plans to conduct comprehensive studies and consult with cultural and environmental experts to finalize the project’s framework by the end of 2024. Input from local citizens and academic experts will also guide the city’s efforts to ensure Igidae Art Park balances artistic innovation with ecological sensitivity.

As Busan commits to creating this extraordinary cultural and artistic space, the project promises to bring residents and tourists together in celebrating both the natural beauty and artistic significance of Igidae Park. The Igidae Art Park project is set to be completed in stages, with the grand opening of the Global Art Center anticipated in 2026.