As the manufacturing industry in Korea continues to decline, a number of old industrial complexes have been left outdated and polluting, impacting the growth and development of their respective cities. Busan is among these cities, with many of its old industrial complexes in a state of disrepair and having a negative impact on the city’s aesthetics. However, by leveraging creative strategies and taking cues from successful revitalization projects in other cities worldwide, Busan can transform these areas into new centers of growth and development. Through these efforts, Busan can not only breathe new life into these outdated complexes but also reduce the impact of pollution on the surrounding areas.
The city of Darwin in Australia has developed a Creative Strategy to engage creatively with all who live, work, study, and visit the municipality. The strategy increases opportunities to make, engage in, and enjoy creative work and spans the next seven years. City of Darwin’s Arts and Cultural Development portfolio plays a key role in establishing opportunities for community arts education and participation, progressing artistic professionalism, showcasing creative talent, and stimulating the local economy.
Bristol in the United Kingdom has implemented a creative strategy that has led to the creation of new cultural spaces and the revitalization of old ones. The Bristol Cultural Development Partnership brings together artists, creatives, and local stakeholders to work on projects that showcase Bristol’s vibrant cultural scene. One of the most successful projects has been the Bristol Harbour Festival, which has become a major annual event that attracts thousands of visitors to the city.
In the United States, the city of Detroit has been able to revitalize its abandoned areas with the use of creative strategies. The Detroit Future City Strategic Framework was developed to guide the city’s growth, and it has led to the creation of community spaces and green infrastructure that have helped bring the city back to life.
Busan’s old industrial complexes can also benefit from similar creative strategies. The Jangnim Port area in the Saha-gu district, which is located in the Sinpyeong-Jangnim Industrial Complex, has failed to establish itself as a tourist destination due to poor accessibility and the lack of other attractions besides a simple photo zone. The Saha-gu district office has invested a large amount of money, spending a total of 12.5 billion won over ten years from 2012 to build the Sunset Observatory, a night view project, and a photo zone, but it still lacks the appeal needed to attract more tourists.
To make these areas more attractive, Busan and the Saha-gu district need to utilize creative strategies such as establishing cultural spaces and community areas, hosting events that showcase the area’s culture and history, and collaborating with local artists and stakeholders. Not only building knowledge industry centers but also transforming the old industrial complexes into vibrant and creative spaces will attract more visitors, provide job opportunities, and stimulate the local economy.
The changing face of manufacturing has left many industrial complexes obsolete, presenting a challenge for cities looking to maintain growth and development. Busan and the Saha-gu district, however, can turn these areas into dynamic and creative spaces by employing innovative strategies that have proven successful in other cities around the world. By doing so, they can enhance their appeal to tourists, stimulate job creation, and celebrate the unique cultural and historical identity of the city.
