Busan to Host 2023 International Boat Show, Showcasing Eco-Friendly Marine Leisure Technologies

In collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Busan is set to hold the 2023 Busan International Boat Show at BEXCO and APEC Naru Park, taking place from April 21st to 23rd. This year's event marks the ninth installment since the boat show's launch in 2014.

The Busan International Boat Show is set to feature a diverse array of yachts and boats from the country's leading manufacturers. This year's event will showcase 906 booths from 107 companies, presenting eco-friendly yachts, boats, and newly developed green fuel propulsion systems, as well as electric marine leisure products.

Highlights of the exhibition include lightweight electric vessels made from carbon composite materials, innovative and stylish domestically-produced leisure speed boats, the first eco-friendly aluminum sail yacht, CNG/LPG outboard engines, and electric surfboards (efoil). Visitors can expect a feast of cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly marine leisure technology.

In order to assist participating companies in overcoming the challenges brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event will feature offline export consultation sessions. Over 20 official buyers from 11 countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, France, and Japan, will attend the boat show to engage in one-on-one consultations with local boat and marine leisure manufacturers. These consultations are expected to function as a vital platform for showcasing the superior quality of domestic marine leisure products and potentially leading to export agreements.

Furthermore, the event organizers intend to utilize popular YouTube channels to bolster product sales and promotional efforts for the participating companies. Influencers specializing in boat reviews and fishing reviews will attend the exhibition and document the vibrant atmosphere through video content. These videos will be broadcasted on the influencers' individual channels as well as the official Busan International Boat Show channel.

Various marine leisure activities will be available for attendees as well. Free boat rides will be offered at APEC Naru Park, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience sailing on catamarans and powerboats in the waters off Busan. The newly introduced "Busan Night View Yacht Tour" will provide a limited number of attendees the chance to enjoy the stunning night views of Haeundae Centum City and Gwangan Bridge aboard a yacht.

Visitors can also try out transparent canoes and stand-up paddleboards at the indoor experience pool, while children can enjoy electric bumper boats and other activities. The event will feature a range of family-friendly experiences, including safety bracelet making using paracord, children's fishing events, rowing machine races, and indoor surfing.

The boat show will also feature boat enthusiasts' meetup hub, a special hall for fishing gear, forums on marine leisure tourism, and more. Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon emphasized the importance of expanding the marine leisure industry as a core growth strategy for the city and pledged continued support and attention to making Busan a central hub in the industry's growth.

*Catamarans

A type of multi-hulled watercraft, typically consisting of two parallel hulls connected by a rigid framework. They are known for their stability, speed, and spaciousness compared to traditional single-hulled boats. Catamarans can be sailboats or motorboats and are used for various purposes, including leisure, racing, and transport. Their unique design offers improved stability and reduced water resistance, making them faster and more comfortable than their monohull counterparts.