Busan's North Port transforms from idle harbor to public leisure space

Busan's North Port, which sat largely idle after the opening of Busan New Port, is being reinvented as a leisure and cultural destination for residents. A coastal park spanning 180,000 square meters — created through the port's redevelopment — will host an event where participants walk while listening to music and practicing meditation.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced Monday that it will hold the "North Port Silent Nordic Walking" event at the North Port Waterfront Park on Sunday.

The event invites participants to walk through the waterfront park while listening to music through headsets. It was organized to let people experience firsthand the seaside and park spaces created through the North Port redevelopment, and to showcase how the area has evolved into a leisure and cultural hub.

Silent Nordic walking combines the two-pole Nordic walking technique with elements of meditation. Participants stay silent, focusing on the sounds of nature and their own breathing, blending physical activity with mental rest.

The North Port Waterfront Park was created as part of the first phase of the North Port redevelopment project. The redevelopment has been underway since 2008, with the goal of transforming the port's underused facilities — left idle after Busan New Port opened — into an international gateway and marine tourism hub featuring cruise terminals, a marina and parks.

The coastal park covers 180,000 square meters and was designed as a waterfront space where visitors can enjoy greenery and relaxation with views of the sea from the city center.

The walking program will run three times — at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. — with each session lasting 90 minutes and accommodating 30 participants, for a total of 90. The walking route will be adjusted on the day based on conditions at the venue and the safety of park visitors.

Participants will receive a sports towel and bath salts as souvenirs. The venue will also host a coloring activity and a "Today's North Port in One Line" event open to all. Among those who leave a comment about their impressions of North Port, 50 will receive a mobile gift voucher worth 5,000 won.

Participation is free. Those wishing to join may apply on a first-come, first-served basis through Naver Forms by Thursday.

Kong Du-pyo, director general of the ministry's Port Bureau, said the North Port redevelopment is "a project that transforms an idle port into a new space that connects the sea and the city, and shares in the daily lives and futures of its citizens." He added that he hoped the event would give participants a chance to experience the changes at North Port firsthand and take an interest in what the area looks like today and where it is headed.