Table of Contents
- Hwangnyeongsan Becomes a New Axis of Urban Tourism in Busan
- Current Status of Hwangnyeongsan Development
- Will the Snow Castle Redevelopment Project Come Back to Life?
- Controversies Over Disorderly Development and Response Tasks
- The Success of Busan-style Landmarks Depends on 'Balance and Transparency'
Hwangnyeongsan Becomes a New Axis of Urban Tourism in Busan
The construction project for Busan's Hwangnyeongsan Beacon Observatory is currently in the final stage of the approval process, which is a public review announcement.
The main content of this project, funded with a massive budget of 2.2 trillion won by Daewon Plus, includes the construction of an urban cable car connecting Jeonpo-dong, Hwangnyeongsan, and Namcheon-dong, as well as a 118-meter high beacon observatory.
Once completed, this project is expected to become a new tourist attraction in Busan.
Once the 539-meter Phase 1 section is completed, the 2.2 km Phase 2 cable car is planned to be extended to the closed Snow Castle site. However, there are concerns about environmental damage and disorderly development during this process. In response, the city of Busan is predicting quick approval and commencement of construction with conditions for interference and environmental impact assessment supplementation.
Current Status of Hwangnyeongsan Development
Progress of the Business Agreement and Public Review Announcement
In August 2021, the city of Busan and Daewon Plus signed a business agreement regarding the Hwangnyeongsan amusement park. Subsequently, in December 2023, they passed the architectural review. Although the discussions with Busanjin District Office regarding public contribution were delayed, the public review announcement was conducted in April 2025, entering the de facto final approval stage.
The Beacon Observatory and Busan's Panorama
The beacon observatory designed by architect Seung Hyosang will be located at an altitude of 427 meters and is expected to become a symbolic place where one can view the entire Busan area, the sea, and the Gadeok New Airport site at a glance.
The Phase 1 ropeway is a 539-meter long route connecting Jeonpo-dong and the observatory, enhancing accessibility to the Seomyeon urban center. On this section, tourist centers and food courts with media art facilities will be provided on both sides of Jeonpo-dong Sports Park and the observatory, offering various content for visitors to enjoy and stay.
The Phase 2 ropeway covers a 2.2 km section extending from the observatory to Snow Castle and Namcheon-dong, boasting four times the length of Phase 1. Once completed, it will become the longest cable car in Busan, forming a new tourism axis connecting the urban center and the beach, surpassing the existing Songdo and Geumgang Park cable cars.
Will the Snow Castle Redevelopment Project Come Back to Life?
The Snow Castle, which was in a state of bankruptcy in 2008, was acquired by Daewon Plus for 114.3 billion won. In June 2023, a new brand called 'City Walk Busan' was established with plans for a complex resort, Lionsgate Hotel, and Starfield Village, but this plan was canceled. However, with the emergence of new ideas linked to the cable car, there is a possibility of drawing attention once again.
The public review announcement regarding the modification of Urban Management Plan No. 2025‑1422 indicates that Snow Castle is planned to be reorganized as the 'Geumyeonsan Tourism Center'.
According to the modified plan, this facility will consist of 3 underground levels and 4 above-ground levels, including a boarding area, ticket office, and community facilities, with parking spaces for over 900 vehicles provided as well.
Controversies Over Disorderly Development and Response Tasks
Regarding the issues of environmental damage and broadcast interference, a simulation of the broadcasting company's transmission tower will be conducted, and conditional approval will be given to minimize the impact on the forest.
In addition, public contribution measures, including road expansion, operating eco-friendly shuttle buses, and a regional win-win fund, are being finalized in coordination with Busanjin District Office.
Expecting the dispersion effect of tourism, plans are underway to shift the concentration of visitors from Haeundae and Gwangalli areas to the urban inland and the Nam-gu coastline.
Finally, by linking with the Gadeok New Airport, the aim is to attract foreign tourists and revitalize the local economy targeting over 4.9 million annual visitors.
The Success of Busan-style Landmarks Depends on 'Balance and Transparency'
The Hwangnyeongsan Beacon Observatory and cable car project are changing the way tourism is conducted in Busan. It aims for a multi-dimensional tourism approach that encompasses both the city center and inland areas, moving away from a coastal-centric focus.
If the Snow Castle redevelopment is successfully carried out, Hwangnyeongsan has a high possibility of becoming Busan's representative tourist attraction, surpassing Namsan Tower. However, to alleviate concerns of disorderly development, transparent administrative procedures and sustainable environmental management are critically needed.
As public consensus is being formed, attention will be on whether the construction can commence in 2025. The upcoming year is expected to be a crucial point that will significantly influence the future of Hwangnyeongsan.
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