Busan's Bukhang Marina Sports Center reopens to packed swim classes

The Bukhang Marina aquatic facility has reopened as the Bukhang Marina Sports Center, drawing a strong response from residents since its relaunch.

The Busan Port Authority (BPA) said Monday that after completing its third-year routine maintenance and safety inspection, the center reopened Aug. 24 and immediately filled all 360 spots across eight time slots for regular swimming lessons through online registration.

Visitor numbers jumped particularly after the center extended its operating hours — from the previous 9 a.m.–6 p.m. window to 6 a.m.–9 p.m. — drawing office workers and residents looking to fit in a swim during their commute.

BPA said it plans to expand diving pool operations to meet the growing demand. The diving pool currently runs two sessions a day — one in the morning and one in the afternoon — but the authority plans to add a third daily session starting in October, giving users more scheduling options and broader access to the facility.

The Bukhang Marina aquatic facility features a six-lane swimming pool and a diving pool with a maximum depth of 24 meters, the deepest in the Yeongnam region, drawing more than 70,000 visitors a year and cementing its status as a leading marine leisure destination in the area.