Learning the Value of Daily Life in Geumjeong-gu, Busan: The Spo1 Park Disaster Safety Experience Center

A Peaceful Afternoon, A Special Lesson Encountered at Spo1 Park

On a weekend when the breeze had become quite cool, I headed to Spo1 Park, a great place for a light walk with children or a significant other. Walking along the open park paths, the scent of grass and the laughter of people heard from afar make one's heart feel at peace. However, I didn't come here just to enjoy the scenery today. Below the tennis courts of Spo1 Park, I stopped by the Disaster Safety Experience Center to learn about 'safety,' something we often overlook in our daily lives.

Opening the door and entering, I found a neatly organized space. This place has been protecting us reliably since 2008, and it is quite impressive that they have transformed an idle space into such a meaningful place of learning. Above all, knowing that former firefighters are personally guiding the visitors gave me a sense of reassurance.

Safety Remembered Through the Body: The Scene of Disaster Experience

The experience center is divided into seven main themes. The first place I stopped was the Earthquake Experience Center. Facing the shaking floor, the fear of earthquakes, which I had previously only seen in text, was felt throughout my entire body. Following this, the smoke experience, where you escape a corridor full of smoke, and the experience of learning how to use an actual fire extinguisher, left a deeper impression on my mind than any theoretical class could.

In particular, the heavy weight of the fire extinguisher and the sensation of my fingertips pulling the pin are things I don't think I'll forget for a long time. The voices of the volunteers who kindly explained everything one by one were filled with sincerity regarding the importance of safety. After finishing the first aid training, I gained the confidence that I might be able to respond a bit more calmly even if a sudden crisis were to occur.

Reflecting on History and Living Safety Within the Exhibition Hall

After finishing the experience, I moved on to the educational exhibition hall. Looking closely at the exhibition hall covering the history of disasters, I thought about how the peaceful daily life we enjoy today is by no means something to be taken for granted. Passing through the video education in the orientation hall and the living safety exhibition hall, I shared a conversation with my family on the topic, 'What if something like this happened in our home?'

After spending such a meaningful time away from the busy city center, the neighborhood of Geumjeong-gu felt a bit warmer. The area around the experience center is well-equipped with wide walking paths and sports facilities, making it perfect for light exercise or sitting on a bench to spend time after the experience. Walking out while breathing in the clear air, it was a pleasant day that left my heart feeling full.

Small Tips to Know Before Visiting

I recommend utilizing the morning time when visiting this place. You can enjoy the experience with a bit more leisure than in the afternoon, and it is much more pleasant to walk the Spo1 Park trails while bathed in the afternoon sunlight after the experience. The location is 324, Cheyug-gongwon-ro 399beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan (Busan, Geumjeong-gu, Cheyug-gongwon-ro 399beon-gil 324). If using public transportation, it is a good idea to search for buses that come to Spo1 Park and move with plenty of time. Parking space is quite ample, so using your own vehicle is also convenient. Above all, I hope you remember that while this place is a wonderful educational venue for children, it is also a refuge for adults where they can reflect on their daily lives.