Busan Gupo Livestock Market Lost in History, A Glimpse into the Conflict Resolution Process

Busan City Publishes White Paper on Resolving Conflicts at Gupo Livestock Market

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters reporters Yoon Yoseop and Yang Heejeong] A white paper that provides a comprehensive overview of the conflict resolution process of the now-historic Busan Gupo Livestock Market, which disappeared amid controversies such as animal abuse, has been released.

Busan City announced on the 6th that it has published the '2019 Gupo Livestock Market Conflict Resolution White Paper.'

Cover of the White Paper on Conflict Resolution at Gupo Livestock Market. (Photo by Busan City)

The closure of the Gupo Livestock Market in July last year is regarded as a representative achievement of Busan City, emphasizing respect for life and public-private cooperation governance.

The Gupo Livestock Market, located in Gupo-dong, Buk-gu, was the largest livestock market in the Busan area, formed after the Korean War (6.25 War). At one time, there were as many as 60 businesses selling dog meat for consumption, making it a thriving market. However, as the number of pet owners increased and social awareness changed, there were frequent clashes with merchants due to protests and demonstrations by animal protection groups demanding closure.

Busan City and Buk-gu agreed to close the Gupo Livestock Market after 60 years in July last year through continuous discussions and consultations among market merchants and animal protection groups. Through the agreement, merchants received livelihood stabilization funds due to the market closure and arranged for the remaining dogs to be adopted overseas.

The white paper contains the contents of dozens of discussions and consultations conducted among the city, Buk-gu, livestock market merchants, and animal protection groups. It also offers vivid scenes from the closure ceremony day when the Gupo Livestock Market disappeared into history, along with previously undisclosed behind-the-scenes stories.

A page from the Gupo Livestock Market White Paper. (Photo by Busan City)

The white paper has also been produced in English and will be distributed to over 100 foreign media outlets worldwide, foreign correspondents, and overseas animal protection organizations.

Busan City plans to accelerate redevelopment projects so that the Gupo Livestock Market can be reborn as a symbol of respect for life. So far, it has secured about 41 billion KRW in national and local government funds for the market's redevelopment and various projects. Surprise inspections are also being conducted to prevent illegal operations within the market.

A Busan City official said, “We hope that the case of the Gupo Livestock Market will be known in other regions and that the value of respect for life will spread widely,” adding, “We will promote and widely publicize Busan City's conflict resolution case.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.