Just a short walk from the neon buzz of Seomyeon, Busan Citizens Park (부산시민공원, Busan Simin Gongwon) is the kind of place that surprises first-time visitors. One minute you’re in the densest commercial heart of the city; the next you’re standing on a vast open lawn ringed by woodland, with children shrieking under cooling fountains and grey herons stalking the edge of a mirror-still pond. Opened in 2014 on the site of a former U.S. Army base, this is one of Busan’s largest urban parks — and it’s completely free. If you need a green break, a stroll, or somewhere to let the kids run wild, this guide covers the history, how to get there, and exactly what to do once you arrive.
A layered history: from racetrack to Camp Hialeah
Few parks in Korea carry such a heavy past. In 1930, this land became the Seomyeon Racecourse under Japanese colonial rule. After the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out in 1937, the Japanese military repurposed the grounds, and during World War II the site was reportedly used in connection with prisoner-of-war detention. Following liberation, U.S. forces took over the installation in September 1945, and it became known as Camp Hialeah — said to be named by an American serviceman after the Hialeah Park Race Track in Florida, a nod to its origins as a racetrack.
For some seven decades, Camp Hialeah served as a key logistical and staging base, playing an important role during the Korean War. The land was formally returned to Busan Metropolitan City in 2006, and after years of redevelopment, Busan Citizens Park opened on May 1, 2014. The designers kept the memory deliberately alive: the park is organized around five themes — Memory, Culture, Pleasure, Nature, and Participation — and you’ll spot the “Pillars of Memory,” sculptural columns recycled from wooden utility poles left behind by the U.S. Army, plus a century-old oak tree that has watched the whole transformation unfold.
How to get there
The park sits in Busanjin-gu at 73 Simingongwon-ro (시민공원로 73), wedged between the Bujeon and Busanjin station areas, just north of Seomyeon. The simplest route is the metro:
- Busan Metro Line 1 → Bujeon Station (부전역): leave via Exit 5 or 7 and walk roughly 800 m (about a 10–15 minute walk) to the park’s southern entrances. Signage varies, so it’s worth double-checking the current exit on official maps before you set off.
- By bus: several city routes stop near the park’s various gates; alight at the Busan Citizens Park stops for a short walk to the nearest entrance.
Because it’s so close to Seomyeon, many travelers simply fold the park into a half-day around that district. New to the metro? Our guide to using the Busan subway walks you through tickets, transfers, and etiquette. Paid parking is available on-site if you’re driving.
What to do: zones, fountains, history & woodland paths
The park is genuinely big, with multiple themed squares, play areas, cafés, and convenience stores spread across the grounds. Here’s where to focus your time.
Lawns, fountains & the water plaza
The centerpiece is a sweeping open lawn — often called the Hialeah Lawn — perfect for picnics, kites, and lazy afternoons. The park has several fountains, and in the warmer months the water plaza and play fountains become the star attraction, drawing crowds of delighted kids who splash through the jets to beat the summer heat. There’s also a man-made white-sand area near a fountain that gives a playful “urban beach” feel. Fountain and water-plaza schedules are seasonal and typically run on a fixed timetable during the summer (around July–August); times can change year to year, so check the latest schedule on official channels before you go and pack a towel and a change of clothes for little ones.
History Museum & the “Space of Memory”
To understand what you’re walking on, visit the Busan Citizens Park History Museum, which traces roughly 100 years of the site through exhibits and videos — from farmland and racecourse, through the Japanese and Camp Hialeah eras, to the citizens’ campaign that turned it into a park. Don’t miss the “Space of Memory,” a 1949 building that once served as a U.S. officers’ dining hall, where original U.S. Army markings are still visible on the ceiling. The museum generally opens Tuesday–Sunday (roughly 9:00–18:00); confirm current hours and any closures before visiting.
Walking, woodland & barefoot trails
Beyond the lawns, the park is laced with shaded woodland paths, ponds, and two ecological streams — the Bujeoncheon and Jeonpocheon — making it an easy, flat place to stroll or cycle. For something different, try the barefoot red-clay trail, with soft and firmer sections and foot-washing stations at the end. Birdlife is a quiet bonus: grey herons and other waterbirds are regularly seen around the reflective ponds.
Great for families & a green break near Seomyeon
This is one of the most family-friendly spots in central Busan. Between the summer play fountains, multiple playgrounds, wide safe lawns, and child-friendly facilities, kids can burn off energy for hours while parents relax with a coffee. It pairs naturally with a day in the city’s main shopping-and-dining hub — see our Seomyeon guide for what’s nearby, and our Busan with kids family guide for more stops that keep little travelers happy. If you’re plotting a wider itinerary, the park earns its place in our top 10 things to do in Busan roundup as the city’s best free green escape.
Best time to visit
Summer (June–August) is when the park is liveliest, thanks to the play fountains and water plaza — ideal if you’re traveling with children. That said, summer in Busan is hot and humid, so aim for late afternoon or early evening. Spring brings cherry blossoms (the park has lovely blossom trees), while autumn offers comfortable temperatures and golden foliage along the woodland paths — arguably the most pleasant seasons for a relaxed walk. The park is open daily and stays attractive year-round, with general hours running roughly 5:00 to midnight.
Tips for your visit
- It’s free. Entry to the park is free; only certain programs or parking may carry a charge.
- Pack for the fountains. In summer, bring a towel, swim-friendly clothes for kids, and water shoes.
- Wear comfy shoes. The grounds are large — expect plenty of walking between zones.
- Combine with Seomyeon. Eat or shop in Seomyeon, then walk over for a green wind-down.
- Check schedules first. Fountain times and museum hours are seasonal and can change — verify on official sources before you go.
- Bring sun protection for the open lawns, and a light layer for shaded, breezy stream-side paths.
Equal parts public park and living memorial, Busan Citizens Park is a rare spot where you can let the kids loose, learn a sobering slice of the city’s history, and breathe under the trees — all within a few minutes of downtown. It’s an easy, rewarding addition to any Busan itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Busan Citizens Park from Seomyeon?
Take Busan Metro Line 1 to Bujeon Station and exit at Exit 5 or 7, then walk roughly 800 meters (about 10–15 minutes) north toward the park's southern entrances. Since the park is very close to Seomyeon, many visitors combine it with shopping or dining in that district.
Is there an entrance fee to visit the park?
No, Busan Citizens Park is completely free to enter. There is paid parking available on-site if you're driving, but walking through the park itself costs nothing.
What's the best time to visit with kids?
The warmer months are ideal—the water plaza and play fountains become major attractions during this season, with kids splashing through jets to cool off. Check the official site for seasonal fountain schedules, as they typically operate on a fixed timetable during summer.
What can you actually do at the park?
The park features a large open lawn perfect for picnics and kites, multiple fountains and a water plaza, playground areas, themed walking paths through wooded zones, cafés, and convenience stores. You'll also find historical elements like the 'Pillars of Memory' (recycled from the old US Army base) and a century-old oak tree.
Why does the park have such an interesting history?
Built in 2014 on a former US Army base called Camp Hialeah, the site has layers of history: it was a Japanese racetrack (1930s), a WWII military installation, then a key US logistical base during the Korean War before being returned to Busan in 2006. The park's designers deliberately preserved this memory through five themed zones and historical monuments.