Busan is set to unveil a new multi-cultural complex in the Dongsam Innovation District of Yeongdo-gu, and in a move to foster civic engagement, the city is inviting its residents to christen the landmark. The Busan Metropolitan City Government announced on April 18th the launch of a public naming contest for the currently titled "(tentative name) Busan Complex Innovation Center," with its grand opening slated for September.

The naming competition extends to the center's main building and its internal facilities, which include a small library and an exhibition and performance hall. Busan citizens can participate in the contest from April 18th to April 30th through the city's official website.

The "(tentative name) Busan Complex Innovation Center" was completed in December of last year. Situated on a 5,132㎡ site within the Dongsam Innovation District, the complex comprises three interconnected buildings. Its diverse facilities are designed to cater to a wide range of community needs and interests, featuring a small library, an exhibition and performance hall, a book café, a multi-purpose cultural space for children, cultural lecture rooms, business incubation spaces, and an outdoor stepped plaza. The Busan Infrastructure Corporation will be responsible for the management and operation of the center.

Architecturally, the center boasts a sophisticated design that harmoniously blends with its surroundings through the use of exposed concrete construction. A wooden-floored garden, a stepped plaza, and the Dongsam Haejucheon waterfront path seamlessly link the three buildings, creating a cohesive and inviting public space.

The small library, housed in a striking triangular structure, is characterized by its abundance of natural light, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling glass windows and skylights. Its unique design allows visitors to browse the wall-mounted bookshelves along a gentle slope. The library is expected to house approximately 10,000 volumes, with a focus on art and design books, including renowned collections, as well as a selection of bestsellers to cater to diverse reading tastes.

The exhibition and performance hall is envisioned as a dynamic cultural platform hosting a variety of exhibitions and performances. Plans are underway to regularly curate and attract marine-themed and healing-focused content, aiming to provide visitors with enriching and diverse cultural experiences. This space is expected to become a hub for local artists and cultural events, contributing to Busan's vibrant arts scene.

Citizens interested in participating in the naming contest can submit their entries through the event/application page on the Busan Metropolitan City website. Each participant is allowed to propose one name per facility. Further details regarding the contest can be found in the official announcements section of the city's website.

The winning entries will be selected in May following a thorough evaluation by a judging panel comprising internal and external experts, as well as a public preference survey. The judging criteria will focus on originality, suitability, and public appeal.

Prizes will be awarded for each facility name. For the "(tentative name) Busan Complex Innovation Center," the top prize winner will receive a 300,000 KRW Dongbaekjeon prepaid card, while two runners-up will each receive 150,000 KRW cards. For the "small library" and "exhibition and performance hall" categories, the top prize is a 200,000 KRW card each, with two runners-up in each category receiving 100,000 KRW cards.

Im Gyeong-mo, Head of Busan Metropolitan City's Urban Innovation and Balance Bureau, stated, "With the opening of the '(tentative name) Busan Complex Innovation Center' in the Dongsam Innovation District, we anticipate a significant improvement in the living conditions of both the relocated public institution employees and local residents through the provision of cultural and welfare services." He further emphasized, "We kindly request the enthusiastic participation of our citizens in this naming contest so that the center, in conjunction with nearby attractions such as the Dongsam Haejucheon waterfront cherry blossom path, can establish itself as a prominent landmark of Busan."

The Significance of the Dongsam Innovation District

The establishment of the multi-cultural complex is part of a broader national initiative, supported by national funding, to enhance the quality of life in innovation districts across South Korea. Busan specifically selected the Dongsam Innovation District as the site for this project to improve the settlement conditions for employees of public institutions that have relocated to the area and to provide essential cultural and welfare services to the local community.

The Dongsam Innovation District is strategically located in Yeongdo-gu, a historically significant island connected to the mainland by bridges. The district is home to several key public institutions, including the Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) and the Korea Maritime & Ocean University. The development of the cultural complex underscores the city's commitment to creating a vibrant and attractive environment for both professionals working in these institutions and the broader community.

Enhancing Busan's Cultural Landscape

Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is renowned for its dynamic culture, stunning coastal scenery, and thriving arts scene. The new multi-cultural complex in the Dongsam Innovation District is poised to become another significant addition to the city's cultural infrastructure. By offering a diverse range of facilities and programs, it aims to foster creativity, learning, and community engagement.

Similar cultural centers in Busan, such as the Busan Cinema Center (home of the Busan International Film Festival) and the Busan Cultural Center, serve as vibrant hubs for artistic expression and community gatherings. The new complex in Yeongdo is expected to complement these existing institutions, providing residents in the southern part of the city with greater access to cultural resources and opportunities. The inclusion of a specialized library focusing on art and design aligns with Busan's growing reputation as a center for creative industries.

The emphasis on marine-themed and healing content for the exhibition and performance hall is particularly relevant given Yeongdo's maritime heritage and Busan's coastal location. This focus could attract both local residents and tourists, further boosting the area's appeal. The outdoor stepped plaza also offers a versatile space for community events, performances, and simply enjoying the surrounding environment.

The naming contest itself is a significant step in fostering a sense of ownership and connection among Busan's citizens towards this new cultural landmark. By involving the public in the naming process, the city is ensuring that the center's identity resonates with the community it is designed to serve. The attractive prize money offered in the form of Dongbaekjeon cards, a local currency promoting regional economic activity, further incentivizes participation.

The Busan Complex Innovation Center in the Dongsam Innovation District represents a significant investment in the city's cultural and social fabric. It is anticipated to not only enhance the quality of life for residents and professionals in the area but also to contribute to Busan's reputation as a vibrant and culturally rich metropolis. The upcoming opening in September is eagerly awaited, and the chosen name, a result of citizen participation, will mark the beginning of its journey as a new cultural heart in Yeongdo.