Table of Contents
- 'Shoplex' to Change the Cultural Landscape of the Southeast Region is Now in Full Operation
- Flow of Events: From Dispute to Normalization
- Joint Launch Ceremony and Participation of Global Investors
- Business Overview: A Complex Cultural Space Combining Art and Commerce
- Expectations and Challenges: Ripple Effects and Sustainability
- End of Legal Dispute, October Groundbreaking, Now is the Time for Content
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
'Shoplex' to Change the Cultural Landscape of the Southeast Region is Now in Full Operation
The newly developed complex cultural arts town 'Shoplex' in the Osiria Tourism Complex of Gijang County, Busan, is set to begin full-scale promotion.
With recent legal issues resolved, the groundbreaking is confirmed for October this year. The implementing agency, Artharang, announced a new beginning by holding a joint launch ceremony with global investors.
This complex cultural arts space is expected to consist of various facilities, including media arts, galleries, and performance halls, and is anticipated to become a major attraction in the East Busan tourism complex.
In December last year, it was reported that the mediation with the Busan Urban Corporation had failed. Now, with the lawsuit successfully concluded, there are high expectations for it to establish itself as a core content of the East Busan tourism complex.
Flow of Events: From Dispute to Normalization
The Shoplex project began with the call for proposals in 2019, followed by a land sale agreement in 2020. However, a legal dispute arose between the Busan Urban Corporation and Artharang as the groundbreaking did not take place within the promised timeframe.
In June 2025, the court ruled that the Urban Corporation did not comply with the land repurchase procedures, leading to a loss for the corporation in the second trial.
After that, in July, the Urban Corporation stated, "There is no benefit to appeal," and gave up on the appeal to the Supreme Court, effectively concluding the legal dispute that had lasted over two years. This process is considered a significant turning point where the biggest obstacle to project promotion was removed.
Joint Launch Ceremony and Participation of Global Investors
Right after the dispute was concluded, Artharang held the 'Shoplex Global Partners Joint Launch Ceremony' on August 18 at the Nongshim Hotel in Dongnae District, Busan. The event attracted global financial institutions such as JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and representatives from major Chinese investment firms.
This event was more than just a declaration of cooperation; it provided a concrete opportunity to share the future direction of Shoplex and how profits would be generated. Through this, Artharang aimed to clarify the business vision and strategy while building trust with investors.
Artharang stated, "We will accelerate the project, which has been delayed due to legal disputes," and mentioned that "preparations for the October groundbreaking have already been completed." This is interpreted as an important signal to restore trust among both investors and the local community, generating great anticipation for future project progression.
Business Overview: A Complex Cultural Space Combining Art and Commerce
Shoplex is planned to be built on a site of 67,913 square meters located in the Osiria Tourism Complex. The building will consist of 4 underground floors and 5 above-ground floors, with a total area of 316,255 square meters.
Inside the facility, there will be a large performance hall, a small performance hall, galleries, and exhibition spaces. Additionally, there will be a dedicated media art space, as well as a variety of commercial and cultural facilities, including an academy, experience facilities, a bookstore, and food and beverage spaces, generating significant anticipation.
Artharang has plans to transform this place into a "lighthouse of cultural arts flowing with light, color, and music." In particular, the media art space and large performance hall can promote audience revisit through diverse content exchanges and international performances. Moreover, the gallery is expected to play an important role as a platform for local artists and international exhibitions.
Expectations and Challenges: Ripple Effects and Sustainability
While the Osiria Tourism Complex already has a variety of shopping, accommodation, and leisure facilities, it has been pointed out that there is a lack of representative cultural content. The completion of Shoplex is expected to be an important turning point that fills this gap and encourages tourists to stay. However, the concern of whether "exciting content can be continuously provided" still remains. In this regard, the future development direction is being closely watched.
The key to future success depends on several factors. First, it is essential to have a portfolio that can operate diverse performances and exhibitions year-round. Second, it is important to secure planning capabilities that encompass both local characteristics and an international sensibility. Third, there is a need to improve transportation and parking issues for visitor convenience. If these elements are met, Shoplex is likely to grow into a symbolic space representing culture and tourism throughout Busan, beyond just the East Busan tourism complex.
End of Legal Dispute, October Groundbreaking, Now is the Time for Content
Looking at the timeline, after losing in the second trial against the urban corporation in June, the appeal was abandoned in July. Then in August, the joint launch ceremony was held, and the groundbreaking is scheduled for October. After a long period of uncertainty, the project is now entering the actual execution phase. Once the physical space is prepared, the remaining challenge is to secure the sustainability of content operations.
If Artharang showcases various programs centered around media art, galleries, and performance halls, Shoplex is likely to establish itself as a new cultural tourism landmark representing Busan, surpassing just Osiria.
#OsiriaShoplex, #Shoplex, #Artharang, #CulturalArtsTown, #BusanCultureandArts, #EastBusanTourismComplex, #PlacesToVisitInBusan, #BusanPerformance, #BusanExhibition, #MediaArt, #Gallery, #BusanPerformanceHall, #BusanTourism, #BusanTravel, #PlacesToVisitInGijang, #Osiria, #BusanHotSpots, #ComplexCulturalSpace, #BusanUrbanCorporation, #JointLaunchCeremony, #OctoberGroundbreaking, #ContentBusiness, #BusanInvestment, #NightTourism, #KCulture, #BusanLandmark, #BusanHotSpot, #BusanCultureandTourism, #TourismActivation, #LocalCoexistence
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When will the Osiria Shoplex start full-scale construction?
The Osiria Shoplex will begin full-scale construction in October 2024.
Recently, the legal dispute has been resolved, and Artharang has confirmed the groundbreaking in October 2024. With the conclusion of a legal battle with the Busan Urban Corporation that lasted over two years, the most significant obstacle to project promotion has been removed, and the project is now in the initiation phase. The joint launch ceremony was also successfully completed, restoring trust with investors.
Q. What facilities will Shoplex include?
It includes a media art space, gallery, large and small performance halls, academy, and food and beverage facilities.
Shoplex is a six-story building with four underground levels and five above-ground levels, consisting of a large performance hall, a small performance hall, galleries, and a dedicated media art space. Additionally, it will include various commercial and cultural facilities like an academy space, experience facilities, a bookstore, and food and beverage spaces, aiming to provide diverse content as a complex cultural arts town.
Q. What legal issues did the Shoplex project face during its promotion process?
Legal disputes arose between the Busan Urban Corporation and Artharang due to construction delays.
Following the call for proposals in 2019 and a land sale agreement in 2020, the scheduled groundbreaking did not occur, resulting in legal disputes between the Busan Urban Corporation and the implementing agency Artharang. A ruling in June 2025 found the Urban Corporation's lack of procedural compliance, marking a significant turning point that accelerated project promotion. Subsequently, the Busan Urban Corporation gave up its appeal to the Supreme Court, bringing an end to the legal dispute.
Q. What are the expected effects of Shoplex on the East Busan Tourism Complex?
It is expected to complement the lack of cultural content, enhancing tourist stays and regional revitalization.
The Osiria Tourism Complex already has various shopping, accommodation, and leisure facilities but lacked representative cultural content. The completion of Shoplex is expected to revitalize stay-type tourism, and plans to promote local and international cultural exchanges through diverse content such as media arts, performances, and galleries. Future improvements in transportation and convenience facilities, along with year-round diverse program operations, are cited as key success factors.
Q. Which investors and institutions participated in the joint launch ceremony?
Global financial institutions such as JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and major Chinese investment firms participated.
The 'Shoplex Global Partners Joint Launch Ceremony' held at the Nongshim Hotel in Busan on August 18, 2024, was attended by representatives from global financial institutions including JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and major Chinese investment firms. This event served as an important platform to share the business vision and profit generation strategy while solidifying cooperation, publicly announcing the intention to accelerate the project.