Busan mayor meets Nakdong River basin chief to discuss waterfront development

Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo met with Lee Hyeong-seop, director of the Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office, at City Hall on Thursday afternoon to discuss ways to cooperate on developing waterfront spaces along the Nakdong River, the city announced Friday.

The meeting was arranged to explore how to preserve the river's natural environment while creating water-friendly cultural and leisure spaces. Jeon and Lee exchanged views on the Nakdong Sunset Hwamyeong Eco Park project and plans for using waterfront areas within the Nakdong River ecological park.

The Nakdong Sunset Hwamyeong Eco Park is designed to create a riverside space where nature, people, culture and relaxation come together against the backdrop of the river's scenic sunsets. Busan plans to coordinate with the Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office on river-use permits and other related matters needed to advance the project.

The two officials also discussed plans to build a park golf course at Hwamyeong Ecological Park to meet residents' demand for recreational sports and to offer a wider range of leisure spaces, along with the hosting of various events within the Nakdong River ecological park. They also agreed to maintain ongoing communication with relevant agencies and organizations on balanced regional development in western Busan — driven by large-scale projects such as Eco Delta City and Gadeokdo New Airport — and on protecting the ecological environment of the lower Nakdong River.

"The Nakdong River is a strategic asset that can bridge the development gap between eastern and western Busan," Mayor Jeon said, calling on the agency to support flexible land-use policies that allow nature and people to coexist and enhance the river's value. Director Lee said he would work to resolve Busan's pending issues through continued attention and cooperation.