Geumjeongsan was officially designated Korea’s first urban national park on March 3, about four months after approval by the National Park Committee last October.

Covering 66.85 square kilometers across six districts of Busan and parts of Yangsan, the mountain now becomes the country’s 24th national park.

New Rules and Stronger Protections

With its new status, significant changes are expected both in management and visitor behavior. Under the Natural Parks Act, cooking, camping, commercial activities, and the capture of wild plants and animals are prohibited. Smoking is restricted, and alcohol consumption is banned in areas or facilities designated by the Korea National Park Service.

Unauthorized restaurants and other informal commercial operations that once catered to hikers in parts of the mountain will no longer be permitted.

Authorities are also expected to address abandoned structures and waste left behind by such businesses.

Management authority, previously held by local governments, has now been transferred to the Korea National Park Service under the central government.

While enforcement of prohibited activities begins immediately, 2026 will serve primarily as a guidance period, with officials focusing on public awareness campaigns rather than strict crackdowns in order to minimize confusion during the transition.

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu