Busan Launches ‘Busan is Good’ App with Rewards

Busan, South Korea – On December 2, 2024, the City of Busan will unveil its rebranded and upgraded regional currency app, now called “Busan is Good, Dongbaekjeon.” This marks the first phase of an ambitious digital transformation initiative aimed at creating an all-in-one citizen platform that seamlessly integrates government services, community programs, and advanced technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI).

The platform, designed to enhance the daily lives of Busan residents, is a key component of the city’s broader vision to become a global leader in smart city innovation.

Since its inception, Dongbaekjeon has played a vital role in Busan’s local currency ecosystem, boosting regional commerce and fostering community well-being. The rebranding to “Busan is Good” reflects a broader mission: to integrate convenience, sustainability, and technology into everyday citizen experiences. The name itself underscores Busan’s vibrant identity and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The rebranded “Busan is Good, Dongbaekjeon” app introduces innovative features designed to transform how residents engage with public and private services. By consolidating key functions into a single platform, the app eliminates the need for multiple applications, providing a more streamlined and efficient user experience.

One of its standout features is the Happiness Mileage Program, which incentivizes users to adopt healthy lifestyles and participate in community activities. Through this program, residents can earn points by completing everyday tasks such as walking at least 8,000 steps daily (or 5,000 steps for seniors aged 65 and above), engaging in volunteer work, or visiting designated locations within Busan’s “15-minute city” zones. These accumulated points can be converted into Dongbaekjeon currency, which can then be spent like cash or used for discounts at participating businesses.

Additionally, the app boasts a redesigned user interface (UI) and improved user experience (UX), ensuring that navigation is intuitive and accessible to people of all ages. With these enhancements, the “Busan is Good, Dongbaekjeon” app sets a new standard for citizen-centered digital platforms, blending technology with community-driven values to enrich daily life for Busan residents.

The launch on December 2, 2024, represents the first step in a two-phase rollout of Busan’s ambitious citizen platform strategy. During the initial phase, the focus will be on introducing the new features and gathering citizen feedback through a pilot program. This pilot will run until April 2025, engaging up to 50,000 users.

Phase two, scheduled for January 2026, will incorporate further advancements, including full blockchain and AI integration, cementing the platform’s position as a cutting-edge digital tool.

Busan residents are encouraged to join this innovative initiative by downloading the “Busan is Good, Dongbaekjeon” app from app stores starting December 2. Enrollment in the Happiness Mileage Program is open to 50,000 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will gain exclusive access to rewards for completing simple, everyday activities that contribute to a healthier and more connected community.

For existing Dongbaekjeon users, the transition is seamless—simply update the app to access the new features. New users can install the app directly from app stores and register with ease.

With its rebranded app, the City of Busan is paving the way for smarter urban living, integrating financial, public, and private services under a single digital roof. This initiative not only simplifies access to essential services but also fosters a greater sense of community through programs like Happiness Mileage.