Bukhang Waterfront Park

An urban waterfront park created as part of Phase 1 of the Busan North Port redevelopment. With walking paths, lawns, and sea views, it is a representative Busan waterfront space visited by residents

Bukhang Waterfront Park

Overview

Bukhang Waterfront Park (Korean: 북항친수공원) is a representative urban waterfront park created within the Busan North Port redevelopment project area in the Dong-gu and Jung-gu areas of Busan Metropolitan City. As the first result of the 'Busan North Port Redevelopment Project', which aims to transform aging port logistics piers into open green and cultural spaces for citizens, it has established itself as a walking and relaxation destination offering views of both the sea and downtown Busan. It is highly accessible thanks to its proximity to Busan Station, Chinatown, and the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal, and it serves as an everyday resting place for Busan residents and an essential stop for tourists.

Key Details

Background

Busan Port has long served as Korea's largest trade port, but the general piers in the North Port area suffered from aging facilities and disconnection from the city center. As port functions gradually moved to the New Port, the North Port needed to be reorganized into a new urban space. Accordingly, the Busan Port Authority and Busan Metropolitan City pursued the 'Busan North Port Redevelopment Project' to turn the North Port into not merely a cargo-handling space but a marine waterfront space for citizens and tourists. The waterfront park is a citizen-open park created in Phase 1 of this project; beginning with partial openings in the mid-2010s, it opened section by section, and its facilities were gradually expanded thereafter. The name 'chinsu (친수, 親水)' carries the meaning of a space close to and enjoying water.

Location and Scale

The park is laid out along the coastline extending from behind Busan Station toward the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal. The core area is the old pier and reclaimed land in Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, and Jungang-dong, Jung-gu, and its most notable feature is the open view looking out toward Busan Harbor Bridge, Yeongdo, and the South Port. Although located in the middle of the city, it faces the sea directly, so visitors can enjoy the blue harbor scenery by day and the night views of Busan Harbor Bridge and the port at night. Because it is connected to Busan Station on foot, accessibility is especially excellent for tourists traveling by rail.

Main Facilities

Walking paths and bicycle lanes: A gently graded course along the coastline, popular among citizens for jogging and cycling.
Lawn plaza and green spaces: The broad lawns are used for picnics, mat outings, and small outdoor events.
Outdoor performance stage and busking space: Performances and cultural events are held each season, making it a local cultural hub.
Observation decks and photo zones: Photo spots with the sea and Busan Harbor Bridge as a backdrop are placed throughout.
Convenience facilities: Cafes, rest areas, restrooms, and lighting are provided, making nighttime use possible.

Use and Nearby Attractions

The park is open at all times in principle, with no separate admission fee, and citizens can use it freely regardless of season or time of day. Nearby are Busan Station, Choryang Ibagu-gil, Chinatown, the 40-Step Culture and Tourism Theme Street, the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal, and the Eurasia Platform, making it suitable for linking into a walking tour course. It also serves as a gateway for travelers using cruises and international passenger ships to walk through the port and enter downtown Busan.

Urban Significance

Bukhang Waterfront Park is a symbolic example of the port city Busan shifting from a 'working port' to a 'staying port'. By opening logistics-centered, closed piers to citizens, it reconnected the city center with the sea and is contributing to the revitalization of the old downtown (Jung-gu and Dong-gu) and the creation of tourism demand. It is also drawing marine culture and leisure functions into the city center, becoming the foundation for a future complex waterfront space linked with marinas, cruises, cultural facilities, and more.

Recent Trends

As of 2024–2025, the North Port area is changing rapidly along with discussions on Phase 2 of the redevelopment. In the Phase 2 area, including the old Busan Port Pier 1 and Jungang Pier, expansion of the waterfront park and introduction of waterfront commercial and cultural facilities are being pursued, and plans to build large cultural and symbolic facilities such as the Busan Opera House and a landmark tower are being discussed together. Strengthening the functions of the cruise terminal and international passenger terminal, creating a marina, and fostering a marine leisure hub have also emerged as major tasks. In addition, attempts are continuing to reorganize it into a stay-type waterfront space by increasing nighttime landscape lighting, media art, and seasonal festival and busking programs. Meanwhile, issues such as the management entity and maintenance of some park sections, lack of transportation and parking infrastructure, and coexistence with old downtown residents amid the pace of development continue to be raised, and citizen-participatory operation and improved accessibility are cited as key future tasks. The Busan Metropolitan City and Busan Port Authority plan to continue the project by expanding the phased opening sections and marine culture programs.