Archive page 38

Busan, South Korea - Busan City is set to celebrate the arrival of 2025 with its cherished New Year’s bell-ringing ceremony, a tradition that will take place at Yongdusan Park as the clock strikes midnight on January 1. The event, which ushers in the Year of the Blue Snake, combines cultural reverence with modern community spirit, drawing thousands to participate in this iconic celebration. The ceremony, rooted in Korean tradition, holds deep symbolic meaning. For decades, the ringing of the be

Busan, South Korea - The City of Busan, in collaboration with the Busan Public Agency for Social Service (PASS), has unveiled South Korea’s first regional "Social Service Plan" for the years 2024 to 2028. As the first municipality to act on the national "Social Service Master Plan" released in late 2023, Busan is setting a bold precedent for localized, citizen-focused policy development. Under the slogan "15-Minute Happy City Busan, Accessible Social Services for All," the plan introduces a com

Changwon, Gyeognam - Gyeongnam Province has announced the continuation of its toll discount policies on the iconic Geogadaegyo Bridge into 2025. The decision, aimed at easing the financial burden on drivers and fostering tourism, underscores the province’s commitment to stimulating local economic growth. This initiative builds on the success of previous years, which saw a steady rise in bridge traffic and increased regional tourism. The Geogadaegyo Bridge, also known as the Busan–Geoje Fixed Li

Seoul, South Korea - South Korea has once again demonstrated its leadership in maritime innovation, with the Cabinet approving the enforcement decree for the 「Autonomous Ship Act」 on December 24, 2024. As the world’s first legislation dedicated to autonomous ships, this landmark decision paves the way for a future where intelligent, AI-driven vessels revolutionize global shipping. With the law taking effect on January 3, 2025, South Korea positions itself as a key player in the race to dominate

Busan, South Korea - Busan Metropolitan City is rapidly transforming into a hub of demographic change, with nearly one in four of its residents now aged 65 or older. Recent data from the Ministry of Interior and Safety reveals that Busan’s elderly population has surged to 23.87% of its total, far outpacing the national average of 20.00%. This rapid aging places Busan at a critical crossroads, presenting both significant challenges and new opportunities for its future development. According to r

Busan, South Korea – The City of Busan has announced that the Baekyang Tunnel will officially become toll-free on January 10, 2025. This decision follows the expiration of the current management contract with the private operator on January 9, 2025, marking the end of over two decades of toll collection. The Baekyang Tunnel, a vital route linking the western and central parts of Busan, has played a crucial role in alleviating traffic congestion on Gwanmun-daero since its opening in 2001. While

Busan, South Korea — The Busan city government has been recognized as a national leader in inclusive personnel management, receiving the prestigious Minister of Personnel Management Award at the 6th Integrated Personnel Performance Sharing Conference held on December 23 in Sejong City. This accolade highlights Busan’s sustained efforts to advance gender equality, inclusivity, and work-life balance in public service. The annual conference, organized by the Ministry of Personnel Management, showc

As South Korea faces the ripple effects of a global food crisis and mounting agricultural instability, Acting President Han Duck-soo’s veto of the Grain Management Act has thrust the nation into a pivotal debate. While the political spotlight is on Han’s rare intervention, the core issue is much larger: the future of South Korea’s food sovereignty. At a time when climate change, global supply disruptions, and rural decline threaten agricultural sustainability, the Grain Management Act offers mor