Table of Contents
- A Baseball Stadium Embraced by the Sea, Once Again Rising to the Surface
- Landmark Site, Outstanding Location... But the Land Price is Also High
- Jasongdae Pier, Time-Consuming but 'Overwhelming' in Economic Viability and Expandability
- North Port Baseball Stadium Must Evolve into a Profitable Complex
- Sajik Baseball Stadium Reconstruction is Another Challenge
- Busan, An Opportunity to Redefine the City Brand Beyond Baseball Stadiums
A Baseball Stadium Embraced by the Sea, Once Again Rising to the Surface
The Busan North Port redevelopment project carries great aspirations for urban development but lacks remarkable content in reality. Several facilities such as a complex cultural district, waterside space, and residential area have been envisioned, but the 'symbolic space' that citizens can genuinely feel remains vacant. This situation suggests the need to rethink the direction of redevelopment in the future.
Recently, the proposal to construct a baseball stadium in the North Port has attracted renewed interest. President Jung Cheol-won of Hyeopseong Jonggeon announced a donation of 200 billion won, revitalizing discussions on North Port development. This movement is expected to have a positive impact on regional development.
Busan is expected to serve not just as a merely sports facility but as a symbol of the city and a center of vitality. In particular, the concept of a baseball stadium set against the backdrop of the sea is being highlighted as an alternative that harmonizes tourism, culture, and sports, fulfilling the necessary components for North Port development. This complex content will further highlight Busan's attractiveness.
Landmark Site, Outstanding Location... But the Land Price is Also High
The landmark site located in the first phase of Busan North Port redevelopment, the Marine Cultural District, is receiving attention as a site with significant symbolism. It is in close proximity to Busan Station and the ferry terminal, making it an optimal location to enjoy sea views. Previously known as the 'Video Culture Complex,' it has been neglected for a long time due to failure in private bidding.
However, the biggest obstacle to development is the cost issue. The land acquisition cost is about 5.3 million won per pyeong, requiring a total of 608.3 billion won. Including construction and development costs, the total is expected to reach between 1.2 trillion to 1.5 trillion won. The 200 billion won raised from donations is only 15% of the total costs, necessitating substantial public funds. If city plans are modified again, social controversy will also be inevitable.
Details about the North Port landmark site development plan can be found in the posting below.
Jasongdae Pier, Time-Consuming but 'Overwhelming' in Economic Viability and Expandability
The emerging alternative location is Jasongdae Pier, in the second phase of North Port redevelopment. This area will begin private development after port operations conclude at the end of 2024. The total area is 624,000 m², boasting more than five times the size of the landmark site.
In particular, there are many state-owned and public lands, which reduces the burden of land acquisition. The long-term leasing and profit-sharing model will also help attract private investments. This site is noted for its flatness and expandability, making it highly suitable for complex development such as MICE facilities and leisure complexes.
A disadvantage is that significant time is required for administrative procedures and urban planning. The earliest actual construction is likely to begin after 2028.
Personally, I think the landmark site's high land price diminishes its business feasibility.
'Content acquisition' and 'reasonable development that citizens can accept' make Jasongdae Pier a more sensible choice.
North Port Baseball Stadium Must Evolve into a Profitable Complex
The Busan North Port Baseball Stadium should not be merely constructed with taxes and used only during the season. Looking at cases from abroad, facilities like New York's City Field, Atlanta's Truist Park, and Japan's Chiba Marine Stadium have been developed into complexes that include concerts, shopping malls, and hotels, generating revenue throughout the year.
Busan needs to adopt this complex sports model to evolve the baseball stadium into a tourism and cultural asset. Jasongdae Pier is a site suitable for this condition, and if a systematic master plan is established from now, Busan can grow into a global sports hub beyond just a baseball stadium.
Pursuing this direction will attract more tourists and investors, and Busan can emerge as a city harmonizing culture and sports.
Sajik Baseball Stadium Reconstruction is Another Challenge
The Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan is set to be newly constructed by 2031. In 2024, the design competition will begin, and construction is scheduled to commence in 2028, aiming for completion in 2030.
The new stadium will feature 21,000 seats, and the ground level will be lowered to create an open space. It is also expected to transform into a new cultural space offering various experiential content.
During the construction period, the Asiad Main Stadium will serve as a temporary venue, with shared costs between the City of Busan and Lotte.
Busan, An Opportunity to Redefine the City Brand Beyond Baseball Stadiums
In the case of the landmark site, while its accessibility and symbolism are outstanding and construction can commence in a short period, the cost burden is substantial.
On the other hand, Jasongdae Pier requires time due to administrative procedures but possesses excellent advantages in economic viability and expandability.
The North Port Baseball Stadium becomes an opportunity to redefine the city brand and future competitiveness of Busan. It is now time to make optimal choices based on 'sustainability' rather than pursuing 'style.'
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