Busan News

Busan, South Korea - When Mayor Park Heong-joon introduced the 15-Minute City policy in 2021, it was lauded as a bold step toward creating accessible, sustainable neighborhoods. The promise was clear: to design urban spaces where healthcare, education, work, and recreation would be reachable within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. Over the years, the initiative gained international recognition, particularly for its design-focused projects like the award-winning wallscapes in Dangam-Gaegeum. Howev

Busan, South Korea – In response to the tragic Jeju Air crash that claimed 179 lives on December 29, Busan City has established a public memorial at City Hall to honor the victims. The crash, one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea’s history, has led to a nationwide period of mourning. Jeju Air Flight 2216, en route from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Muan International Airport, encountered mechanical failures, likely caused by a bird strike. The Boeing 737-800 attempted an em

Busan, South Korea - Busan City has announced the completion of a major infrastructure project aimed at transforming urban living standards. After more than three years of construction and a total investment of 1,087 billion KRW, the modernization of the city’s sewage treatment facilities has been finalized. Operations are scheduled to begin in January 2025, bringing long-awaited relief to local residents who have endured decades of challenges stemming from outdated infrastructure. The sewage t

Busan, South Korea - Busan City is poised to introduce 72 innovative policies and programs in 2025, covering six key areas: economy and youth employment, urban development and transportation, healthcare and welfare, women and childcare, safety and environmental sustainability, and culture and tourism. These changes reflect the city's ambition to enhance residents’ daily lives, address pressing societal needs, and pave the way for a prosperous future. Mayor Park Heong-joon described the initiati

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

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

Busan, South Korea - For years, the journey between Busan’s bustling cityscape and Geoje’s serene coastline has been one of patience and perseverance. Commuters, tourists, and workers navigating the winding routes and crowded highways have long sought a faster, more efficient connection between the two regions. Now, a new chapter is set to begin, as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport announces the introduction of a high-speed M-Bus service linking Busan and Geoje. This developme

Busan, South Korea – As Busan works to establish itself as a key player in the global economy, the city unveiled its 2025 administrative strategy during a comprehensive meeting held at city hall on Monday. The roadmap emphasizes economic revitalization, environmental sustainability, and citizen welfare, with plans across five critical sectors: logistics, digital innovation, green initiatives, welfare, and administrative reform. At the core of Busan’s strategy is its ambition to become a "global

Busan, South Korea - Gamcheon Culture Village, a vibrant hillside settlement in Busan, has become one of South Korea’s most iconic tourist destinations. Known for its colorful murals, narrow alleys, and panoramic views, the village attracts millions of visitors annually. However, this global recognition has come at a steep price for its residents. As Saha District unveils a comprehensive strategy to address the adverse impacts of over-tourism, Gamcheon faces a critical juncture in its transforma