Busan's International Coffee Museum to close at year-end

The International Coffee Museum in Busan's Dong-gu district, a cultural hub showcasing rare coffee artifacts, will close its doors at the end of this year. The museum, which opened in April 2022 in the repurposed old Busan Jin Station, has become a popular destination, drawing over 76,300 visitors since its inception.

Visitors like Mr. Lee, 43, have expressed delight at the collection, which includes unique items such as a 19th-century German vacuum coffee extractor. "I'm very interested in coffee, and coming to the museum while traveling in Busan, I found many rare and unique instruments," he said, exploring the exhibits.

The museum's closure stems from a decision by the Supreme Court's Judicial Administration to use the historic Busan Jin Station building as a temporary site for the Maritime Arbitration Court. This designation means the museum must vacate the premises by December, despite its popularity and the efforts made to establish it as a significant cultural asset.

Community groups and academics are advocating for the museum's preservation and relocation. 'Citizens' Empathy for Preparing for the Future Society' recently held a policy forum urging the city and government to find a sustainable solution. Professor Lee Sang-gon of Busan Kyungsang University stressed the need for a task force and a public bidding process to facilitate the museum's move.

"It is the responsibility of the administration to responsibly inherit and develop cultural assets created through citizens' voluntary donations and public investment," stated Lee Ji-hoo, director of Citizens' Empathy. A Dong-gu official added that they are preparing an official proposal to the Busan Metropolitan City, emphasizing the museum's value as a public cultural asset and Busan's branding as a "coffee city."