Geumjeongsan Mountain’s Journey to National Park Status

Busan, South Korea - On November 26, 2024, a step was taken towards the long-awaited designation of Geumjeongsan Mountain as a national park. Key stakeholders, including Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, Beomeosa’s head monk, Geumjeong District’s mayor, and representatives from the Geumjeongsan National Park Citizens’ Promotion Committee, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the historic Beomeosa Temple. This collaborative effort marks a critical milestone in balancing environmental conservation with community development.

“If Geumjeongsan becomes a national park, it will stand as a beacon of preservation and pride, showcasing Busan’s beauty and sustainability to the world,” stated Mayor Park during the ceremony.

The proposal aims to protect the mountain’s rich ecological and cultural heritage while addressing concerns from local communities, including residents of Sanseong Village who have voiced reservations about potential restrictions on their livelihoods.

The journey toward national park designation for Geumjeongsan Mountain began in 2006 with early discussions on its importance for conservation. This gained momentum in 2014 when a grassroots movement, supported by 100,000 citizen signatures, demanded the mountain’s protection. Geumjeongsan’s cultural and ecological significance was further validated in 2021 when a Ministry of Environment study ranked it among the top candidates for national park status, citing its unparalleled natural and cultural resources.

Despite widespread support, the process faced hurdles, including opposition from key stakeholders like Beomeosa Temple and local residents. Beomeosa’s initial concerns centered around restrictions on land use and its impact on the temple’s spiritual practices. However, a shift in perspective earlier this year, recognizing the shared value of conservation and community benefits, reinvigorated the project.

Geumjeongsan Mountain is Busan's crown jewel, boasting ecological and cultural treasures. The area includes 63 nationally designated cultural assets, such as the Geumjeong Fortress, Beomeosa Temple, and rare bamboo groves protected as Natural Monuments. Its biodiversity and scenic trails attract thousands of visitors annually, making it a natural candidate for elevated protection and recognition.

Environmental groups emphasize that national park designation would ensure sustainable management of these resources, mitigating risks such as unregulated tourism, habitat loss, and fire hazards. Additionally, the initiative could establish Geumjeongsan as South Korea’s first urban-integrated national park, setting a precedent for balancing conservation with urban accessibility.

While the designation promises benefits, it also raises concerns. Advocates highlight its potential to boost Busan’s economy by attracting more tourists and creating jobs. National park status would also secure government funding for preservation and infrastructure, enhancing the visitor experience and protecting vulnerable ecosystems.

“This is an opportunity to preserve our heritage while creating economic opportunities for the local community,” said a representative of the Geumjeongsan National Park Citizens’ Promotion Committee.

However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Residents of Sanseong Village, located within the proposed park’s boundaries, fear that stricter regulations could undermine their property rights and traditional livelihoods. Despite assurances from the government, skepticism remains about whether compensation and support measures will be adequate.

“We are not against conservation,” one resident explained, “but we need guarantees that our lives won’t be disrupted.”

Beomeosa Temple, a revered cultural and spiritual site, has played a pivotal role in the debate. Once an opponent of the proposal, the temple’s leadership has now embraced the vision of a sustainable future.

“Geumjeongsan’s protection is essential for the community and future generations,” remarked the head monk, expressing hope that the temple’s heritage would thrive under the designation.

This shift highlights the potential for dialogue and compromise among stakeholders, demonstrating that shared values can bridge differences.

The process is far from over. Public hearings, scheduled for December, will provide a platform for further discussion. The government has also opened a public inspection period from November 25 to December 31, 2024, inviting feedback from residents and stakeholders. Following these steps, inter-agency consultations and deliberations by the National Park Committee will lead to a final decision, with 2025 set as the target for official designation.

If successful, Geumjeongsan will not only become a symbol of preservation but also redefine urban national parks as a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and modernity.

As the process unfolds, stakeholders are urged to prioritize open dialogue and inclusive policymaking. From government leaders to local communities, the success of Geumjeongsan’s national park designation hinges on balancing diverse interests and fostering collective stewardship.

Mayor Park aptly summarized the vision: “Geumjeongsan as a national park will not only preserve our natural and cultural heritage but will also strengthen Busan’s identity as a global leader in sustainability. Let’s work together to make this vision a reality.”