The National Natural Heritage Center, dedicated to the research and preservation of South Korea's unique natural monuments and scenic sites, is set to open in Busan by 2032.
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on July 8 that the construction project for the National Natural Heritage Center has successfully passed the preliminary feasibility study conducted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The center will be built on a 50,000 square meter site in Eulsukdo, Saha District, Busan, with a total floor area of 22,969 square meters, comprising three above-ground floors and one basement level. Basic design work will begin in 2027, with completion expected in 2031 and an official opening planned for 2032. The total project cost is estimated at 119.3 billion won, making it the largest construction project undertaken by the Cultural Heritage Administration to date.
The National Natural Heritage Center will focus on various initiatives, including academic research and technical development related to natural heritage, management of habitats and disaster response for preservation, collection and management of natural heritage specimens, and educational and international exchange programs aimed at training professionals and promoting the inscription of world natural heritage.
Additionally, the center will enhance its functions in natural heritage preservation and public enjoyment by collaborating with cultural and tourism infrastructure in Eulsukdo, such as the Nakdong River Estuary Eco-Center, the National Youth Ecology Center, and the Busan Museum of Modern Art. This synergy is expected to drive regional growth.
Heo Min, the head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, stated, “The establishment of the National Natural Heritage Center will be a significant turning point in building a preservation system for our country’s natural heritage. We will strive for a successful construction that fully researches, preserves, and utilizes Korea's precious natural heritage, sharing it with current and future generations.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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