July 22, 2002

Gwangan Bridge to Open in September

After eight years of construction and a 790 billion won (US$678 million)
budget, the Gwangan Bridge is finally scheduled to open in mid-September. Traffic will be allowed on only part of the bridge until all lanes are made available in December. Construction has been delayed by several redesigns and the bankruptcy of one of the major construction contractors. Measuring 900 meters, it will be the longest marine bridge and the only two story bridge in Korea. Depending on who you ask, the bridge is either considered a marvelous addition to Busan's scenic beauty or an eyesore obscuring the view of the horizon from Gwanganli beach. Either way, it should help ease traffic in the area, allowing drivers to go directly from Haeundae to Daeyeondong, without having to pass through roads that have been a nightmare of traffic congestion for years. A variety of ceremonies and festivals are planned to celebrate the opening of the bridge, including a 1/2 marathon on September 15 that will cross the bridge.

Scandal Taints Mayor's Relection

Busan mayor Ahn Sang Yong, who was recently reelected to his third term by a landslide, has found himself embroiled in a Lewinsky-esque sex scandal. Only days before the June 13 election, opposition candidate Hun Ehun revealed that he had been approached by the husband of a woman who allegedly had a romantic affair with the mayor. Despite the revelation, Mayor Ahn was elected with 68% of the vote. Since then the husband has continued to make his claims to the press and has been joined by citizens groups and opposition parties in calling for the mayor's resignation. Mayor Ahn has vehemently denied the charges and threatened to sue the man for libel. The woman who was allegedly involved in the affair has remained silent and out of sight of the media.

Burying the Expressway?

In more mayoral related business, Mayor An is following through on his promise to protect Busan's environment and cultural heritage by convening a special "advisory committee" to examine the possibility of moving a portion of the Seoul-Busan expressway underground. The decision was made after a meeting with the Minister of Construction and Transportation on July 12. The stretch in question is located near Mr. Geumjeong and passes by some of the city's forest land and most famous temples. Some citizens are concerned that noise and pollution from the large volume of traffic that passes by are degrading Busan's precious cultural and natural endowments. The committee was scheduled to begin its work by holding a seminar and public hearing on July 25.

Survey of Subway Satisfation

Donga University recently conducted a survey rating commuters satisfaction with the new Line2 of Busan's subway system. They asked 400 regular users of the subway what their biggest complaints were. 73% of respondents mentioned the excessive noise. Line 2 is in fact louder than Line 1, reaching a peak of 80 db near Jigegol station. The government's safety limit on noise for factories is 75 db. Being exposed to noise levels beyond that can cause damage to hearing. 73% of respondents also complained about the confusing transfer situation at Seomyeon station. When transferring to the southbound portion of Line 1, commuters must use the far stairway and signs indicating such are indeed quite confusing. 71% of respondents felt that there were inadequate parking facilities near many Line2 stations while 60% of respondents also complained about long stairways at many stations. Although Line 2 stations are generally more accessible than Line 1 stations, several respondents were disappointed in access for the disabled. The most common praise for the new subway line related to the heating and air-conditioning systems. The next phase of Line 2 construction, which will extend the line to Haeundae is scheduled to be completed at the end of August.

Busan Battles Daegu Plans

A battle is brewing between Daegu and Busan over keeping the river they share, the Nakdong, clean. Daegu city officials have announced revised plans to build a major industrial complex along the Nakdong river. A few years ago, Daegu's plans to build a similar plant in Wichon were strongly opposed by Busan officials and citizens because of the pollution that waste materials that would drain into the river and drift down to Busan. At that time, Daegu bowed to the pressure from environmentalists who pointed out how polluted the Nakdong river had already become. Building an industrial complex alongside would only make matters worse. In the years since, the river has been significantly cleaned up. As a result, Daegu now claims that it would be acceptable to build an industrial complex in nearby Guji. Busan has once again protested this, claiming that this will reverse the progress made and leave Busan footing the environmental bill for Daegu's economic gain.

Translation Assistance provided by Ha Sun Ha.

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