Busan’s Mayor-Elect Promises Iconic Dome Stadium Project
Busan’s newly elected mayor, Jeon Jae-soo, has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a state-of-the-art dome stadium, a project he believes will become a source of immense pride for the city’s residents.
Legislative Progress and Funding Model
Jeon stated on June 15th during a press conference that a revised bill concerning the port’s development, which he co-sponsored in March, has passed the subcommittee of the National Assembly’s Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee. “Once the National Assembly is formed, it will proceed to the plenary session and then be implemented immediately,” he announced. He further elaborated on the financial structure: “Of the 1.3 trillion won in construction costs for the stadium, the port authority will cover 44%, or 630 billion won, for the land. The remaining 56% will be undertaken by the private sector through a business model that generates revenue.”
Accelerating the Project
With the passage of the revised bill, the dome stadium project is expected to gain momentum. This legislative approval will allow the North Port dome stadium to proceed as a public-led development initiative, marking a significant step forward for the city’s urban planning.
A Vision for a Waterfront Ballpark
The proposed North Port dome stadium is a key campaign promise of the mayor-elect. The vision is to create a baseball venue adjacent to the waterfront, much like Oracle Park in San Francisco.
Jeon explained that the current Sajik Baseball Stadium, opened in 1985, is aging and inconvenient. He noted that citizens have long dreamed of a “dome stadium with a view of the sea.” He envisions transforming the area into a comprehensive sports, culture, and commercial complex connected to Busan Station, featuring a domed stadium that harmonizes with the ocean, similar to the San Francisco model.
Community Engagement and Civic Pride
The mayor-elect also indicated that he is considering a citizen participation initiative for the North Port dome stadium project to ensure residents benefit directly. “I will make North Busan a place that Busan citizens can be most proud of,” he declared.
He pledged to protect the livelihoods of existing businesses around the Sajik Baseball Stadium through alternative measures.
Emphasis on Cooperation and Pragmatism
Jeon emphasized the importance of collaboration with the City Council, stating, “I will accept the citizens’ mandate and, in line with the fundamental principles of politics – generosity and compromise – I will be generous where I can, but firm where necessary. I believe the City Council shares this sentiment. We will create the most exemplary cooperation model in the nation.”
Regarding the policies of the previous administration, such as the controversial development of the Sajik Baseball Stadium, Jeon stressed the importance of policy continuity and predictability. “We will not overturn decisions just because they are inconvenient or were made during an election campaign,” he assured. “We will proceed through established procedures with stakeholders, public officials, and experts.”
Personnel and Transition Plans
Addressing personnel matters, Jeon stated that efforts are underway to create a merit-based system and minimize vacant positions, especially concerning the 12 department heads whose appointments are expected to be finalized by the end of the month.
Before his inauguration on July 1st, the mayor-elect plans to meet with outgoing Mayor Park Hyeong-joon to learn about the city administration’s operations. He also intends to meet with former National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyeong-oh and Chung Ui-hwa.
