Table of Contents
Geumjeongsan National Park, Higher Possibility of Designation This Year

The designation procedure for Geumjeongsan National Park, which includes Busan and Yangsan, has a greater chance of being completed this year. The Busan city announced that the “Geumjeongsan National Park Designation and Park Plan Decision” was passed as originally proposed by the Central Urban Planning Commission of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
This follows the approval from the Central Mountain Management Committee of the Korea Forest Service last August and the completion of major urban planning procedures on September 4. Once the designation of Geumjeongsan National Park is completed, it is expected to provide a richer natural environment and leisure space for local residents and visitors.

The only remaining step is the final review by the National Park Committee of the Ministry of Environment, scheduled for October. If this review is passed, the designation and announcement of Geumjeongsan National Park will be completed by the end of this year, establishing it as Korea's first urban national park.
Historical and Ecological Value of Geumjeongsan

Geumjeongsan is an important ecological axis of the Nakdong Mountain Range, boasting beautiful natural scenery and diverse biological resources. Additionally, historical and cultural heritage sites such as Beomeosa and Geumjeongsanseong coexist, establishing it as a representative mountain of Busan.

Discussions about the designation of Geumjeongsan National Park have been ongoing since 2005. Especially in 2019, when the city of Busan officially requested the designation of the national park from the Ministry of Environment, significant changes began. The recent passing of the Central Urban Planning Committee's review can be seen as a result of these long efforts.
Effects of National Park Designation

If Geumjeongsan is designated as a national park, various positive changes are expected.
First, there will be an effect on ecosystem protection. Designation as a national park will strengthen legal protections over natural resources, preventing illegal development. This will positively impact the conservation of endangered species and rare plants.
Second, it is expected to stimulate tourism and revitalization of the local economy. National parks promote tourist attraction through systematic visitor facilities and advertising. Particularly, Geumjeongsan's proximity to major cities enhances accessibility, likely increasing the number of domestic and foreign tourists. This will positively affect the local economy in various sectors such as lodging, food, and transport.
Third, there will be an expansion of urban resting spaces. Designation as a national park will result in the establishment of hiking trails, visitor support centers, and cultural interpretation programs, allowing citizens to enjoy nature in a safe and pleasant environment. This will contribute to improving the quality of life for residents of Busan and Yangsan.
Lastly, it will strengthen international prestige. National parks close to urban areas are rare globally and will play a crucial role in establishing Busan as a green eco-city.
Geumjeongsan Hiking Trails and Future Prospects

Geumjeongsan is known as a popular hiking destination that many people frequently visit in Busan. Major hiking trails leading from Beomeosa to Godangbong and Geumjeongsanseong are filled with many visitors throughout the four seasons. Following its designation as a national park, systematic improvements in safety management and facilities are expected to enhance visitor satisfaction even further.

In October, the results of the review for Geumjeongsan will be announced by the National Park Committee of the Ministry of Environment. Depending on these results, Geumjeongsan is likely to be designated as a national park within this year.
This achievement holds great significance not only for the citizens of Busan and Yangsan but also nationwide, and the natural value of Geumjeongsan is expected to be further highlighted.
Conclusion

The designation of Geumjeongsan National Park is not merely a development issue. It encompasses significant implications regarding ecosystem protection, local economic development, improvement of citizens' quality of life, and enhancement of international prestige.
As the dream long cherished by citizens comes closer to reality, continuous interest and support are needed for the upcoming procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What stage is the designation procedure for Geumjeongsan National Park currently in?
The designation of Geumjeongsan National Park has passed the review of the Central Urban Planning Commission and is awaiting the final review by the National Park Committee in October.
According to the announcement from Busan City, the designation of Geumjeongsan National Park and the park plan decision were passed as originally proposed by the Central Urban Planning Commission. Previously, the review by the Central Mountain Management Committee of the Korea Forest Service had also been passed. The only remaining step is the final review by the National Park Committee of the Ministry of Environment in October. If this review is passed, the designation and announcement of the national park will be completed within this year, and it will be recognized as Korea's first urban national park.
Q. What effects are expected if Geumjeongsan National Park is designated?
Strengthened ecosystem protection, tourism revitalization, expansion of urban resting spaces, and enhancement of international prestige are among the expected positive effects.
Firstly, the legal protection of natural resources will be strengthened through national park designation, preventing illegal development and contributing to the preservation of endangered species and rare plants. Secondly, systematic visitor facilities and advertising will promote the attraction of domestic and foreign tourists, leading to the revitalization of the local economy. Thirdly, safe and pleasant hiking trails, visitor support centers, and cultural interpretation programs will be established, improving the quality of life for citizens. Lastly, as an urban proximate national park, Busan's eco-city status will be elevated internationally.
Q. What are the ecological and historical values of Geumjeongsan?
Geumjeongsan is an important ecological axis of the Nakdong Mountain Range, boasting historical and cultural heritage sites like Beomeosa and Geumjeongsanseong.
Geumjeongsan is a critical ecological axis with diverse biological resources and beautiful natural scenery. Simultaneously, it serves as a representative mountain of Busan with historical and cultural assets such as Beomeosa and Geumjeongsanseong coexisting. This characteristic demonstrates that Geumjeongsan is a complex space that possesses both natural scenery and cultural value.
Q. What are the main hiking trails and visiting environment of Geumjeongsan?
The hiking trails connecting Beomeosa, Godangbong, and Geumjeongsanseong are popular, and safety management and facilities improvements are expected.
Geumjeongsan is a famous spot enjoyed by many hikers including Busan residents, with well-known major hiking trails leading from Beomeosa to Godangbong and Geumjeongsanseong. After the national park designation, improvements in safety management and convenience facilities for visitors are expected to be systematically implemented, further enhancing visitor satisfaction.
Q. How has the effort to designate Geumjeongsan National Park progressed?
Discussions have been ongoing since 2005, and a formal request was made by the city of Busan in 2019, leading to the passing of the recent Urban Planning Commission review.
Discussions regarding the designation of Geumjeongsan National Park began in 2005 and have continued for a long time. The formal request for national park designation from Busan City to the Ministry of Environment initiated serious discussions in 2019, resulting in the recent consecutive approvals by the Forest Service and Central Urban Planning Commission. This achievement is the result of the continuous efforts of the local community and administrative agencies.