A Quiet Afternoon at Minju Park(Minju Gongwon), Where the History of Busan Flows

Remembering Yesterday's Busan with the Scent of the Forest

I left the bustling city center of Jung-gu, Busan, and followed the winding Minju Park(Minju Gongwon) road. As the scenery of Busan Port(Busan-hang) outside the car window began to lower, the fresh scent of grass from the lush trees drifted in through the window cracks. Minju Park(Minju Gongwon) is not just a place to see pretty scenery, but a place that remembers the passionate history that the city of Busan has walked. Opened in 1999, this place is steeped in the noble footprints that lead from the April 19th Democratic Revolution(4·19 Minju Hyeokmyeong) to the Bu-Ma Democratic Protests(Bu-Ma Minju Hangjaeng) and the June Struggle(6-wol Hangjaeng).

As I entered the park entrance, the faint sound of birds mixed with the sound of the wind. Long forgotten were the noises of the city, and I felt my heart settle down throughout my walk. I paused for a moment in front of the Nokgirim Madang(Nokgirim Plaza) and bowed my head. Looking at the names carved into the cold stone, I pondered once again that the ordinary and precious daily life we enjoy today is by no means something to be taken for granted.

A Complex Cultural Space to Walk and Feel: Busan Democratic Movement Memorial Hall

Located in the center of the park, the Busan Democratic Movement Memorial Hall(Minju Hangjaeng Ginyeomgwan) was a much more diverse space than I thought. The 'Neul Pyeolchyeobom-bang' on the 2nd floor is a permanent exhibition hall that calmly captures the democratization process of Busan; as I read the phrases one by one, I felt as if I could sense the intense atmosphere of that time. At the 'Jabeun Pyeolchyeobom-bang', the special exhibition hall on the 3rd floor, exhibitions with various themes are held every period, so I get new inspiration every time I visit with the seasons. On the 1st floor, there are performance halls called 'Keunbang' and 'Jageunbang', and you can enjoy a deeper trip if you check the schedules for academic events or theater performances held here in advance.

After leaving the building and walking a bit more, you will encounter the Jangseung-teo(Jangseung Site), which is a unique attraction of this park. The Minjok Tongil Daejanggun(Great General for National Unification) and Pyeonghwa Yeojanggun(Female General for Peace) stand tall to welcome visitors, and the sunlight filtering through them is quite wonderful. The spacious openness of the 4·19 Square(4·19 Gwangjang) felt like it was clearing away my stuffy heart. The outdoor theater became a walking path and a small resting place for local residents on clear days.

My Own Time to Fully Enjoy Minju Park(Minju Gongwon)

The best time to truly enjoy this place is at dusk. The sunset over Busan Port(Busan-hang) viewed from the observatory is so peaceful that words cannot describe it. When the burning red light shines on the trees in the park, I am reminded once again of the meaning of sacrifice and peace contained here.

One tip for your visit: sturdy sneakers are a must. Comfortable shoes are best for slowly exploring the fairly large site. It's perfect to plan your route by combining it with nearby Daecheong-dong or Bosu-dong Book Street(Bosu-dong Chaekbang Golmok). When using public transportation, it is convenient to take a village bus, and you can also feel the unique romance of buses passing through the Sanbok-doro(Mountain-side road). Although it is not a flashy tourist destination, I hope everyone takes the time to visit if they want to feel the texture of the city of Busan deeply. The wind here will feel a little warmer, yet heavier, than elsewhere.