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Busan Desk

Busan News

Busan news, in-depth reporting, and editorial insights covering the city’s politics, economy, development, institutions, and social change.

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Reporting and analysis from Breeze in Busan

Desk Focus

This desk tracks Busan's politics, economy, civic institutions, and urban change, while connecting local developments to the wider newsroom file.

BuUlGyeong Leaders Unite to Drive Regional Development and Overcome Challenges
Busan newsJan 23, 2025

BuUlGyeong Leaders Unite to Drive Regional Development and Overcome Challenges

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 Implements Plastic Flower Ban in Cemeteries to Promote Sustainability
Busan newsJan 23, 2025

Busan Implements Plastic Flower Ban in Cemeteries to Promote Sustainability

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

Hanwha Ocean Expands to Busan with 10 Billion KRW Investment
Busan newsJan 23, 2025

Hanwha Ocean Expands to Busan with 10 Billion KRW Investment

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 City Introduces Comprehensive Support Plan to Attract International Students
Busan newsJan 22, 2025

Busan City Introduces Comprehensive Support Plan to Attract International Students

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

Visit Busan Pass Gains Traction, Enhancing City Tourism
Busan newsJan 21, 2025

Visit Busan Pass Gains Traction, Enhancing City Tourism

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 Signs Agreement for Redevelopment of Suyoungman Yacht Marina
Busan newsJan 20, 2025

Busan Signs Agreement for Redevelopment of Suyoungman Yacht Marina

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 Aims to Become a Global Culinary Hotspot with Food Culture Conference
Busan newsJan 20, 2025

Busan Aims to Become a Global Culinary Hotspot with Food Culture Conference

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 Welcomes International Students with a Special Seollal City Tour
Busan newsJan 19, 2025

Busan Welcomes International Students with a Special Seollal City Tour

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 Universities Grapple with Financial Woes as Enrollment Drops
Busan newsJan 19, 2025

Busan Universities Grapple with Financial Woes as Enrollment Drops

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

Overcrowding Crisis at Busan Detention Center Sparks Calls for Urgent Action
Busan newsJan 18, 2025

Overcrowding Crisis at Busan Detention Center Sparks Calls for Urgent Action

Busan, South Korea – The Busan Detention Center, an institution that has stood since 1973, is now facing a crisis of overcrowding that threatens to spiral into a systemic failure. Designed to house 1,480 inmates, the facility currently accommodates over 2,200 individuals, making it one of the most overcrowded correctional facilities in South Korea. With occupancy rates exceeding 150% for men and a staggering 200% for women, the center has become a glaring example of the country’s struggle to bal

Busan’s Small Business Crisis Deepens Amid Economic Downturn
Busan newsJan 17, 2025

Busan’s Small Business Crisis Deepens Amid Economic Downturn

Busan, South Korea - The streets of Busan, once bustling with small businesses catering to locals and tourists alike, are now witnessing an alarming rise in shuttered storefronts. The prolonged economic downturn has hit the city’s self-employed population harder than ever, with more than 60,000 businesses closing in 2024 alone. Despite government efforts to provide relief, questions are mounting about the effectiveness of current support measures as small business owners face mounting challenges

Busan Hosts the 26th International Robot Olympiad
Busan newsJan 17, 2025

Busan Hosts the 26th International Robot Olympiad

Busan, South Korea - Busan is playing host to the 26th International Robot Olympiad (IRO) from January 17 to 21, 2025, at the BEXCO convention center. The event, known for fostering global collaboration in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), has drawn more than 3,400 participants from 20 countries, making it the largest edition since its inception in 1999. The IRO has become a significant platform for nurturing young talent in robotics, providing participants with opportunities to compet

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