Busan’s Saha-gu District is undergoing a major transformation to become the “Nakdong River Techno Valley.” Located at the lower end of the Nakdong River and bordering the sea, the district is home to Eulsukdo Island, a treasure trove of ecological resources, and several major ports and industrial complexes. Historically, the Sinpyeong and Janglim Industrial Complexes were the driving forces behind Busan’s manufacturing industry in the 1980s and 1990s, but with the decline of traditional industries like plating and dyeing, the district has undergone a significant shift.
Mayor Lee Gap-jun of Saha-gu, Busan has announced plans to create 12 Knowledge Industry Centers(KICs) in the Sinpyeong and Jangnim areas, aimed at transforming the industrial complex into a hub for high-tech industries such as IT. Two of the centers have already started construction, and 10 more are in the process of obtaining building permits. The centers will be surrounded by small parks to enhance the working environment.
The district also plans to improve its living infrastructure, including the construction of a 300-bed Seobusan Medical Center in 2025 and the completion of cultural centers, indoor gymnasiums, and a sunset sensory art path within the term. The National Youth Ecology Center is also planned to be completed within the term.
Eulsukdo Island will also undergo renovations, including the addition of nature-friendly hotel and leisure facilities, the expansion of Gamcheon Cultural Village, and the creation of an ecological forest and youth experience facilities. The Jangpyeong underpass road and the first phase of Subway Line 5 are also expected to greatly relieve traffic congestion and further enhance the district’s economic growth.
In 2025, the Seobusan Medical Center, which will have a capacity of 300 beds, will open its doors to the public. The center is expected to bring about a significant enhancement in the quality of healthcare services offered in Saha-gu. Moreover, the city authorities have plans to further boost the level of living infrastructure in the district by constructing a cultural center in each area, a multi-purpose indoor gymnasium, and a sunset sensory art path within the same time frame.
With these developments in place, Sahagu is poised to become a transportation and economic hub connecting West Busan, Gyeongnam, and the rest of the region, offering a new opportunity for growth and development.