Busan, October 10, 2024 – In an effort to protect its rich ecological heritage, the city of Busan has officially designated Nakdong Estuary Park as a public urban park. This decision marks a significant step toward establishing the country’s first National Urban Park, encompassing over 5.58 million square meters and featuring key ecological zones such as Eulsukdo and Maekdo Ecological Parks. The park is a vital habitat for hundreds of species, including rare migratory birds, and serves as an essential ecological buffer at the confluence of the Nakdonggang River and the South Sea.
Nakdong Estuary Park has long been recognized as a haven for wildlife, particularly migratory birds like the Swan Gooseand Black-faced Spoonbill, making it one of South Korea’s most ecologically valuable areas. The park features wetlands where freshwater from the Nakdonggang River meets the ocean, creating a dynamic estuarine ecosystem that supports both aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. The park’s diverse flora and fauna highlight its significance not only as a natural sanctuary but also as a globally recognized stopover for migratory birds traveling the East Asia-Australasia Flyway.
This new designation expands Busan’s total park area by 23.5%, raising the city’s green space per capita to 8.90 square meters, an improvement that is expected to significantly enhance both the environment and the well-being of local residents.
Busan envisions the park’s designation as a National Urban Park as a key driver for eco-tourism, which could revitalize the local economy. By attracting international visitors and environmental enthusiasts, the city hopes to generate sustainable economic growth while ensuring the protection of this critical ecological zone. The city has already saved approximately 5,192 billion won in park creation costs through strategic planning and coordination with various governmental agencies, including the Nakdonggang River Basin Environmental Office.
Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon highlighted the dual benefits of the park, stating, “This initiative is not only about protecting our natural heritage but also about creating a sustainable, livable urban environment that will benefit both residents and visitors.”
Despite these achievements, the road to full designation as a National Urban Park remains challenging due to strict legal requirements. According to South Korean law, the park must encompass at least 300 million square meters of fully publicly owned land to qualify for this status. However, a significant portion of Nakdong Estuary Park still falls under private ownership, complicating the city’s efforts to meet these criteria.
For instance, while much of Eulsukdo Ecological Park and portions of Maekdo Ecological Park are publicly owned, several key areas remain in the hands of private owners. The city of Busan has been actively lobbying the central government to relax these stringent requirements, specifically around land acquisition, to facilitate the designation process.
To address this issue, Busan has engaged in negotiations with landowners while simultaneously pushing for legislative amendments at the national level. The city has formed a task force dedicated to securing public ownership and continues to explore alternative methods to meet the National Urban Park’s size and ownership criteria.
Nakdong Estuary Park is also central to Busan’s broader strategy of building a more climate-resilient city. Due to rising sea levels and other impacts of climate change, the estuary is at risk of flooding and habitat degradation. According to environmental experts, the sea level around the Nakdong Estuary is projected to rise by as much as 73 centimeters by 2100, threatening critical habitats within Eulsukdo and Maekdo Ecological Parks.
Busan’s efforts to preserve the park align with global climate initiatives, including carbon neutrality and habitat restoration. Once designated, the park will receive national funding to further ecological restoration projects, enhance flood defenses, and expand its infrastructure for education and tourism.
The park also serves as a model for green urban development, with initiatives to promote low-carbon living, protect biodiversity, and encourage sustainable use of natural resources. This is a key part of Busan’s ambition to position itself as a leading eco-friendly city, particularly as it seeks to balance urban development with environmental stewardship.
In addition to its ecological and economic benefits, the park is a centerpiece of public engagement and environmental education. The Nakdong Estuary Eco Center offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and educational programs designed to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and biodiversity. Visitors can observe migratory birds in their natural habitat, learn about the estuary’s unique ecosystems, and participate in eco-tours.
Busan officials have expressed the importance of community involvement in the project, emphasizing that public support will be crucial in the ongoing effort to achieve National Urban Park status. The city is actively encouraging residents and visitors to take part in educational programs, environmental clean-ups, and conservation initiatives.
As Busan moves forward with its plan, the city is optimistic about achieving the necessary reforms and securing Nakdong Estuary Park’s place as South Korea’s first National Urban Park. This would not only protect a vital natural resource but also provide a model for other cities looking to enhance their green spaces in the face of urbanization and climate change.
