Busan Civic Groups "Oppose Demolition of Old Haeundae Station, Urge Conversion into Citizen Park"

The Coalition for the Preservation and Conversion of the Old Haeundae Station into a Citizen Park held a press conference on the morning of the 6th at the briefing room of the Busan Metropolitan Council, urging the preservation of the old Haeundae Station and its transformation into a citizen park (Photo by Kim Jonghyo).

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jonghyo] The 'Old Haeundae Station History Preservation Citizens' Park Promotion Coalition,' which includes groups such as the Haeundae Lovers Association and Busan Forest of Life, has called for the immediate withdrawal of the demolition plan for the old Haeundae Station and urged for its conversion into a citizens' park.

The civic groups stated, "Although the site of the old Haeundae Station is owned by the Korea Rail Network Authority, as national land, it should be returned to the citizens when it has fulfilled its purpose and is in a dormant state," and added, "The past agreement with Busan City was made without public discussion in civil society and therefore should be annulled."

They continued, "The basic design plan presented by the Korea Rail Network Authority includes a 20-story hotel and commercial facilities," and demanded, "The national land owned by the Authority should be returned to the citizens as a park, just as the old Hayaria military base was converted into a citizens' park after its withdrawal."

They also emphasized, "The old Haeundae Station site on the Donghae Nambu Line, which was used to transport military supplies during the Japanese colonial period and forcibly exploited due to ambitions of continental invasion, holds 85 years of history," and stressed, "The old Haeundae Station should be preserved as a cultural symbol representing Busan and Haeundae, coexisting with 'Haeridangil,' the most beautiful street in the country."

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