Reporting, analysis, and commentary on busan news from Breeze in Busan.
Busan, South Korea - Once a city bustling with thriving markets, vibrant commercial districts, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Busan’s economy is now facing a deep crisis. A vicious cycle of population decline, shrinking consumer spending, and rising commercial vacancies has gripped the city, draining its once-vibrant energy. With a lack of quality job opportunities, the younger generation is rapidly leaving Busan in search of better prospects elsewhere, leaving behind an aging population reliant
Busan, South Korea - To enhance global urban collaboration, Busan’s Mayor Park Heong-joon hosted Jordi Vaquer, Secretary-General of the World Association of the Major Metropolises (Metropolis), at Busan City Hall on January 24, 2025. The meeting, held in the city’s international protocol office, underscored Busan’s commitment to addressing urban challenges through international cooperation and forward-looking policies. Metropolis, a global network of more than 140 major cities, has been a key p
Busan, South Korea -Busan is embarking on an ambitious journey to establish itself as a leading medical tourism hub. At the heart of this effort is the Global High Medi-hub Special Zone, an initiative launched in Seo-gu with the aim of leveraging the city’s advanced healthcare infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and address the pressing issue of population decline. Despite its promising potential, the project faces stiff competition and formidable challenges in carving out a space in the
Busan, South Korea - In a concerted effort to address regional disparities and foster sustainable growth, the leaders of Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam—collectively known as BuUlGyeong—came together on January 22, 2025, at KBS Busan Headquarters. The 2025 BuUlGyeong New Year Forum served as a platform for the region’s key stakeholders to discuss pressing economic and social challenges and explore collaborative solutions. Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom, and Gyeongnam Governor
Busan, South Korea -Busan has announced an initiative to prohibit the use of plastic flowers in public cemeteries starting in 2025. This measure is aimed at addressing environmental concerns related to plastic waste. As part of the initiative, the city recently conducted a cleanup effort, removing 7.1 tons of plastic flowers from Busan Yeongnak Park. The cleanup was carried out in collaboration with the Busan Facilities Corporation and senior job program participants. The use of artificial flow
Busan, South Korea - Hanwha Ocean has announced plans to establish the Busan Engineering Center (BEC) with a 10 billion KRW investment. The project is expected to create 500 new jobs in the ship design and marine engineering sectors by 2027. The announcement was made during a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing at Busan City Hall, attended by Mayor Park Heong-joon and Hanwha Ocean CEO Kim Hee-chul. The BEC initiative aligns with Busan’s efforts to enhance its position as a key maritime re
Busan, South Korea - To position itself as a global education hub, Busan Metropolitan City has unveiled a comprehensive support system aimed at enhancing the experience of international students. The initiative, set to roll out in 2025, seeks to attract and retain foreign talent by providing seamless support from the moment they arrive in the city until they transition into employment and long-term residency. The city government has set concrete targets to bring in 18,000 international student
Busan, South Korea - The City of Busan has strengthened its position as a key destination for international tourists, with the Visit Busan Pass gaining significant popularity. Launched in February 2023, the tourism card has been well-received, recording over 312,000 sales by the end of 2024. Offering affordability, convenience, and access to a variety of attractions, the pass has contributed to enhancing the visitor experience and supporting the local economy. The sales figures indicate steady
Busan, South Korea – The Busan Metropolitan Government has signed a revised implementation agreement with I-Park Marina Co., Ltd. to proceed with the redevelopment of the Suyeongman Bay Yachting Center. The signing ceremony, held today at City Hall’s International Protocol Room, marks a significant step in advancing the long-awaited project, which has faced delays since its initial agreement in 2014. Following extensive discussions and adjustments between the city and the private developer, the
Busan, South Korea – Busan is set to host the 2024 Food Culture Improvement Conference today at Domoheon in Suyeong-gu. The event will bring together over 100 participants, including city officials, district representatives, and food industry stakeholders, to review last year’s initiatives and discuss future plans aimed at enhancing the city’s food culture. The conference, organized by the Busan Metropolitan Government, will provide an opportunity to assess ongoing food culture improvement proj
Busan, South Korea - As Korea gears up to celebrate Seollal, the Lunar New Year, the city of Busan is taking steps to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for its international community. Among the many initiatives planned, a unique city tour has been designed to help international students experience the holiday’s cultural richness while exploring the city’s vibrant attractions. The “Busan City Tour Seollal Special Program,” set to take place on January 21, invites 50 international stud
Busan, South Korea - For decades, Busan’s universities have been anchors of education and innovation, shaping the future of one of South Korea’s most vibrant cities. But now, these institutions are battling to stay afloat, caught in the crosscurrents of financial strain, shrinking enrollment, and a policy environment that offers little reprieve. As classrooms empty and budgets tighten, the question looms: can Busan’s universities weather the storm, or will they sink under the weight of these mou