Lawmaker research group holds first policy forum on Dongcheon

'Beyond water management — toward waterfront tourism'

A Busan City Council lawmaker research group on Dongcheon stream water quality improvement and tourism promotion holds its first policy forum Thursday. [Busan City Council]
A Busan City Council lawmaker research group on Dongcheon stream water quality improvement and tourism promotion holds its first policy forum Thursday. [Busan City Council]

Amid growing concerns over foul odors, poor water quality, low flow and pollutant runoff in Busan's Dongcheon stream, a Busan City Council lawmaker research group dedicated to improving the stream's water quality and boosting tourism held its first policy forum Thursday and launched its formal research activities.

The group convened a discussion forum titled "Policy Agenda for Dongcheon Tourism Promotion" at a meeting room in the Busan City Council members' building, where participants exchanged views on the group's research plan and future direction.

The forum brought together Assembly member Jo Sang-jin of Nam-gu District 2, who leads the research group, along with fellow member lawmakers, Busan Tourism Organization President Lee Jeong-sil, Dongseo University Professor Lee Cheol-jin, Bae Jong-il of the civic group "Breathing Dongcheon," and relevant Busan city civil servants. Participants shared the current state of the stream and discussed priority policy tasks and avenues for inter-agency cooperation.

The group agreed that Dongcheon should be viewed not merely as a water management problem but as an opportunity — one that calls for improving water quality while also developing waterfront spaces and identifying new tourism content.

"This forum is the first step for our research group as we think together about improving Dongcheon's water quality and revitalizing tourism," Jo said. "We will continue our discussions and research so that Dongcheon becomes a more accessible space for residents and, in the long run, establishes itself as a new tourism asset for Busan."

Meanwhile, the research group on Dongcheon water quality improvement and tourism promotion comprises five lawmakers: Jo Sang-jin, Kim Jae-un of Busanjin-gu District 3, Park Jong-cheol of Gijang-gun, Kim Bo-eon of Suyeong-gu District 2, and Lee Sang-uk of Dong-gu District 1.


kaf2002@heraldcorp.com