BUSAN — Large-scale disaster prevention facilities will be expanded in the Amnam-dong area of Seo-gu, Busan, which has suffered repeated wave overtopping damage during typhoon strikes.
The Busan Metropolitan Government announced on the 26th that it will begin full-scale construction on the "Amnam-dong Disaster-Vulnerable Area (Seawall Phase 2) Improvement Project" to ensure safety and create recreational spaces for citizens in the Deungdae-ro area of Amnam-dong, Seo-gu.
The project aims to prevent flooding of coastal roads and nearby facilities during typhoons caused by insufficient seawall height. The project has long been a priority for local residents, particularly after Typhoon Hinnamnor in 2022 caused extensive property damage to nearby seafood restaurants, apartments, and lodging facilities due to wave overtopping.
The entire project involves installing seawalls measuring 8 to 10 meters in height and 43 meters in width along an approximately 1,000-meter section stretching from the West Breakwater in Seo-gu to Geobuk Island. The total project cost amounts to 135.1 billion won.
Phase 1, covering the 500-meter section from the West Breakwater to Songdo Haesupia, has already been completed at a cost of 46.2 billion won. Phase 2 will invest 88.9 billion won over three years to develop the approximately 500-meter section from Songdo Haesupia to Geobuk Island at Songdo Beach. Seawalls similar in design and scale to Phase 1 will be installed. Completion of Phase 2 is expected to significantly reduce the chronic flood threat in the Amnam-dong area.
A distinctive feature of this improvement project is not only disaster prevention but also "utilization of idle reclaimed land." The city plans to develop reclaimed areas secured through the seawall construction into various waterfront spaces for citizens.
The completed Phase 1 section now features a park golf course, tennis courts, and multi-purpose sports facilities, drawing strong response from local residents as exercise and recreational spaces. Similar community amenities are planned for the Phase 2 section.
The Deungdae-ro area in Amnam-dong is a frequent destination for tourists due to its proximity to major attractions including Songdo Beach — Korea's first public beach — the Songdo Marine Cable Car, and Namhang Bridge.
Mayor Park Heong-joon said, "By improving the seawalls in this area that has suffered significant damage from aging seawalls during every typhoon, we will create a safe urban environment." He added, "We expect the newly secured spaces to become attractive waterfront areas that residents will enjoy visiting."