At a dark tourism destination tracing Busan's modern and contemporary history, you'll uncover memories and relive history.
Amid the scars of war, we learn lessons and honor a past that must never be forgotten.

Ilgwang Mining Village

Visit ‘Ilgwang Mining Village,’ a site with a history of forced labor.

Ilgwang Mining Village carries the painful legacy of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period. The scars of this history remain visible today. In the 1930s, Japan's Sumitomo Metal Mining Co, Ltd. developed the Nikko Mine (Ilgwang Mine) to exploit Korea’s copper resources. Mining operations began in 1937, and the mine became one of the country’s top five copper producers. Starting in 1944, many Koreans were forcibly mobilized to work in copper mining and subjected to military training. The working conditions were extremely harsh, leading to immense suffering. As a result, Ilgwang Mining Village gained notoriety as a ‘hellhole workplace.’

At the entrance to the mine, you can still see remnants of the Japanese occupation, including the ruins of Japanese-style offices and houses once used by executives. Structures like laundries, wells, and communal toilets reflect the harsh conditions endured by forced laborers and offer a glimpse into their daily lives.
Although the village has declined over time following the mine’s closure, it retains much of its original character, providing insight into how our ancestors lived during the Japanese occupation.

Beyond its historical significance, the site is also a picturesque agricultural complex, adorned with pink muhly and silver grass that create a stunning view in every season. Experience the echoes of your ancestors’ footsteps in this mining town where history and nature intertwine.

Ilgwang Mining Village

• Address : 663-7, Won-ri, Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
• Direction : Exit 7, Gijang Station, Busan Metro Donghae Line→Bus No. 182 from Gijang Market Station→Get off at Jwacheon Elementary School Station →4-minute walk→Bus No. 8-1 from Gijang-gun 8-1 from Jwacheon Elementary School Station→Mining Village Entrance Station→8-minute walk
• Parking : Available – No designated parking space, parking along the road is possible
• Inquiries : +82-51-709-4000

Busan Port Pier 1

From the painful history of displaced people to the economic development of Busan, 'Busan Port Pier 1' symbolizes the beginning of reconstruction.

Busan Port Pier 1 has been a vital trade center since the Joseon Dynasty. Opened in 1876 under the Ganghwa Treaty, it gained historical significance alongside the development of Busan Port. During the Japanese colonial period, the completion of Pier 1 and the opening of the Gyeongbu Line Railway transformed it into a base for Japan's continental invasion and a hub for transporting military supplies.

During the Korean War, Pier 1 served as a vital passageway for evacuees, UN troops, and relief supplies. It became a symbol of hope for evacuees and a starting point for Busan’s rebuilding efforts. Additionally, it holds historical significance as a site for the transfer of North Korean and UN prisoners of war.

Today, Pier 1 is much more than a logistics port – it serves as a major hub for Korea's economic growth and a key link to the Busan New Port. The site, where the pain and hope of the past coexist, is gaining recognition as a cultural heritage site and is being considered for UNESCO listing. The large warehouses at Pier 1 also host international cultural events, such as the Busan International Photo Festival, enhancing its value as a space where tourism and culture converge.

Busan Port Pier 1 stands as a symbol of hope and reconstruction, shaping the city’s identity and development. Visit this historic site to experience its enduring legacy and reflect on its profound historical significance.

Busan Port Pier No. 1

• Address : 15-33, Jungang-dong 4-ga, Jung-gu, Busan
• Direction : 9-minute walk from Exit 2, Jungang Station, Busan Metro Line 1
• Parking : Available
• Inquiries : +82-51-600-4000

Busan Modern & Contemporary History Museum Annex

The area around Jung-gu, Busan, where the Gukje Market, the Bosu Book Alley, and the Provisional Capital Memorial Hall are located, is a living history textbook that fully embraces Busan's modern and contemporary history. In particular, the Busan Modern History Museum, which was used as the Mokpo Branch of the Oriental Development Company during the Japanese colonial period, is a symbolic space of Busan's modern and contemporary history and is the center of Busan's historical excursions.
So let's go to the annex of the Busan Modern & Contemporary History Museum, which has been transformed into a cultural complex.

The Busan Modern & Contemporary History Museum Annex is a revitalized historical space that tells the story of its journey from construction to the present. Originally built in 1929 as the Busan branch of the Dongyang Chucksik Corporation during the Japanese occupation, it began as the former Busan Modern History Museum. This Western-style building, featuring elements of early modernist architecture, was a hub for exploiting Busan's land, sea, and resources until Korea' liberation. After liberation, it served as accommodation for American troops.

Since the establishment of the Korean government, it has been used as the U.S. Cultural Center and suffered an arson incident during the democratization movement in the 1980s, becoming a living witness of Busan's modern and contemporary history. After the building was returned to citizens in 1999, it was reborn as the Busan Modern History Museum. And in 2023, it was transformed into a resting place for citizens and a cultural complex.

When you go up to the 'Daecheongmaru' on the 2nd floor, you will first encounter a small exhibition space that tells the history and structure of this building. A unique feature is the exposed ceiling which reveals the structure of the building can. You can see that three methods—reinforced concrete structures, steel frame structures, and steel frame reinforced concrete structures—were used in combination according to the technical and periodic conditions at the time of new construction.

The Busan Modern & Contemporary History Museum Annex is a cultural complex that combines various functions such as a library, archives, museum, and resting place. You can stop by and cool off while walking down the street. It is a good place to meet someone and sit by a sunny window and read books leisurely. It can also be used as a place of learning. People of all ages can enjoy the space the way they want.

Busan Modern & Contemporary History Museum Annex

• Address : 104, Daecheong-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
• Directions : Walk for 7 min from Exit 5 of Jungang Station on Busan Metro Line 1
• Parking : Yongdusan Park Parking Lot
• Opening hours : Tuesday–Sunday 09:00−18:00 (No admission allowed after 17:00)
• Closed days :January 1, Every Monday
• Website : Shortcut
• Inquiries : +82-51-607-8001

Busan Citizens Park History Museum

The Busan Citizen Park History Museum showcases the 100-year history of Busan Citizens Park through exhibits and videos. With a variety of exhibitions and programs, visitors can explore Busan's poignant modern history and experience a journey back in time.

The museum is divided into the Space of Memory and four exhibition halls. Explore the history of Busan in each hall and immerse yourself in the city’s past.

Space of Memory

The Space of Memory, a reinforced concrete building constructed in 1949, once served as a dining and banquet hall for the U.S. military officers. The markings and stars of the U.S. 8th Army on the ceiling vividly capture the atmosphere of that era. Today, it houses exhibition videos that explore the historical background of Busan Citizens Park.

Exhibition 1

Exhibition 1 highlights the transformation of farmland in Beomjeon-ri and Yeonji-ri, Busan, which was occupied by the Japanese during the Japanese colonial period. The Beomjeon-dong area was initially operated as a Seomyeon Racetrack for entertainment and military horse training, later becoming a Japanese military base and temporary training center. This exhibition offers insights into the area’s transformation and its historical significance.

Exhibition 2

Exhibition 2 focuses on the entry of U.S. forces into the Korean Peninsula after World War II and and the history of Camp Hialeah, which served as the Busan Base Command. Visitors can explore Camp Hialeah’s role as a military supply base through artifacts and models.

Exhibition 3

Exhibition 3 illustrates how a village south of Camp Hialeah was transformed by the presence of the U.S. military. It showcases the development of the town’s commercial district through its coexistence with the US military and provides a glimpse into the lives of residents during the boom years through detailed models.

Exhibition 4

Exhibition 4 explores the efforts of civic groups to reclaim the Camp Hialeah site and transform it into Busan Citizens Park. Through panels, videos, and interactive activities, visitors can learn about the actions taken to make this vision a reality.

Busan Citizens Park History Museum

• Address : 73, Simingongwon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
• Direction : Exit 2, Bujeon Station, Busan Metro Donghae Line -> 14- minute walk
• Parking : Parking at Busan Citizens Park
• Opening hours : Tuesday - Sunday 09:00~18:00
• Closed days : Every Monday
• Website : Shortcut
• Inquiries : +82-51-850-6061

United Nations Peace Memorial

Visit the United Nations Peace Memorial to delve deeper into the history of the Korean War.

The United Nations Peace Memorial explores a wide range of topics, including the causes and progression of the Korean War, the stories of the UN troops who fought in the conflict, and the United Nations’ vision today. It holds significant historical value, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the contributions of 26 allied countries and the veterans who worked for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Located in Busan, the memorial also features a section dedicated to the city’s role and significance as the ‘war capital.’

The first floor features exhibits detailing the unfolding of the Korean War, along with rooms showcasing preserved military items from the era. It offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the events of that time.

The exhibits on the second floor focus on the UN's role in the war and the remembrance of UN veterans. Items used by UN troops during the war are on display, offering visitors a chance to connect with and honor the veterans' legacy.
The magic art on the walls and floors, along with the Sibal car and the Retona - a real military vehicle model in the hallway - are particularly noteworthy, making history more engaging and accessible, especially for children.

The second floor also features the UN Kids Zone, where children can play with toys and read books, ensuring they stay entertained during their visit.

In addition, the museum features detailed exhibits on the meaning and significance of the UN, its current vision, and the role of UNICEF. Visitors can also explore the Peace Message Zone, where they can leave messages of gratitude to the veterans.

The United Nations Peace Memorial is located just a short distance from the UN Memorial Cemetery, making it easy to visit both. After exploring the exhibits at the United Nations Peace Memorial, take a moment to pay your respects to the fallen at the UN Memorial Cemetery.

United Nations Peace Memorial

• Address : 106, Honggok-ro 302beon-gil, Nam-gu, Busan
• Direction : Exit 5, Daeyeon Station, Busan Metro Line 2→Bus No. 138 from Daeyeon Station (Busan Bank)→Get off at UN Memorial Cemetery. Busan Cultural Center Station→10-minute walk
• Parking : Available - 3-level outdoor parking located uphill to the right of the memorial.
• Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00~18:00 (Last admission 17:30)
• Closed days: Every Monday (October 17 – December 31 Partially open due to renovations)
• Website: Shortcut
• Inquiries : +82-51-901-1400

UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK)

Visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the Korean War and a symbol of hope and peace. Every June, during Korea's Patriots and Veterans Month, flowers bloom here as a symbol of peace a call to end war. These flowers serve as a tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Korean War and a reminder of their sacrifice.
At first, 11,000 graves of the fallen soldiers and war veterans from 21 participating countries in the Korean War were located in this cemetery. However, after the remains of identified people returned to their home countries, there are 2,300 graves from 11 countries including Turkey and the UK.
The United Nations Command (UNC) first created the cemetery to bury the fallen. Later, remains which had been buried temporarily across the country were moved here. The Republic of Korea donated the cemetery to the United Nations in return for the sacrifices of the UN troops who had died far from their home countries.

In the middle of the cemetery is the UN Forces Memorial, with doves carved onto it. The Wall of Remembrance, completed in 2006, has the names of the United Nations casualties (killed and missing) inscribed on marble panels. A tribute to each of the inscribed names was paid, wishing the noble lives of the young men could rest in peace.

The Unknown Soldier’s Pathway, which leads to the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea, makes visitors feel grateful for their courage and sacrifice. The words inscribed onto the Monumental Tower for Honoring UN Participation in the Korean War convey our appreciation to them.
“Dedicated to the heroic, brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War for world peace and freedom in this country far from their homes.”

UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK)

• Address : 93, UN pyeonghwa-ro, Nam-gu, Busan
• Direction : Exit 5, Daeyeon Station, Busan Metro Line 2→ Bus No. 138 from Daeyeon Station (Busan Bank)→ Get off at UN Memorial Cemetery. Busan Cultural Center Station→3-minute walk
• Parking : parking available
• Inquiries : +82-51-625-0625