The historic Pier 1 of Busan Port in South Korea is at the center of a debate over whether it should be granted cultural heritage status. The pier has played a significant role in Busan’s history, serving as a transportation hub for migration, trade, and Japan’s invasion of Korea. During the Korean War, it was a crucial site for transporting refugees and war materials. The pier’s cultural significance is intertwined with Busan’s economy, labor, and migration, making it an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage.
However, the local government responsible for governance is against designating the pier as a cultural heritage site, arguing that it would not contribute to the revitalization of the local economy, and that the area could be better utilized as a park. The Mayor of the Jung-gu district, Choi Jin-bong, expressed concerns that designating Busan Port Pier 1 as a cultural property could impede the ongoing Busan North Port Redevelopment Project, which aims to boost the local economy.
On the other hand, the Busan Metropolitan City is seeking recognition for Pier 1 of Busan North Port as a UNESCO cultural heritage site, as part of the theme “The provisional capital, Busan during the Korean War”. The city is seeking to register nine cultural heritage sites, including Pier 1, on the UNESCO World Heritage List. However, due to delays in Jung-gu district’s review process, only eight cultural properties are registered, and ‘Busan Port Pier 1’ is not included.
If Jung-gu district office delays the review of the cultural property registration of Pier 1, the city’s UNESCO listing of the ‘The provisional capital, Busan during the Korean War’ will also be stalled. The Busan city is worried about the loss of an important historical site if it does not receive cultural heritage status. It is working to find a solution that preserves the pier’s historical significance while also ensuring that the area can be used for economic development.
The ongoing discourse regarding the cultural heritage status of Busan Port Pier 1 underscores the inherent tension between development and preservation in the contemporary urban landscape. While the local basic government(LBG) emphasizes the economic benefits of repurposing the pier, the metropolitan city recognizes its historical and cultural significance. As such, it is imperative to strike a balance between these competing priorities, ensuring that cultural sites are conserved for future generations while simultaneously promoting economic progress. To this end, the Busan Metropolitan City must collaborate closely with the local basic government to identify a viable solution that preserves the pier’s rich historical legacy while also leveraging the area for economic growth.
