Busan News

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

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, 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, 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

Busan, South Korea—A transformative step toward urban innovation and environmental sustainability was unveiled today as the modernized sewage treatment facility in Sasang District officially marked its completion. At a ceremony attended by Mayor Park Heong-joon, city officials, and over 200 stakeholders and residents, the project was celebrated as a cornerstone of the Sasang Dream Smart City initiative, setting the stage for the district's evolution into a cutting-edge urban hub. The upgraded f

Busan, South Korea - The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has set the stage for a landmark development in Gijang County, Busan, with its announcement of the Gijang-KBO Baseball Center. Aiming to commemorate Korean baseball’s century-long history while bolstering its future, this ambitious project will feature cutting-edge facilities designed to cater to fans, athletes, and the local community. At the heart of the development lies the Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame, scheduled for completion b

Busan, South Korea - Busan’s renowned International Rock Festival has once again proven its cultural and economic significance by earning the title of “2024 Best Cultural Tourism Festival” from South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. This accolade, which highlights excellence in audience engagement, cultural impact, and economic contribution, places the festival among the nation’s most prestigious events as it steps into 2025 with renewed momentum. Celebrating its 25th anniversa

Busan, South Korea - The Busan Duty-Free Shop Yongdusan Branch is defying odds in a struggling industry. Nestled in the iconic Yongdusan Park, the store has achieved a remarkable recovery, boasting a 24% increase in visitors in 2024 compared to the previous year. Even more impressively, its monthly revenue has bounced back to 96% of pre-pandemic levels, a rare feat in South Korea's embattled duty-free sector. This success stands in stark contrast to the broader challenges faced by duty-free ret