Busan News

Busan, South Korea - Beneath Busan’s vibrant urban landscape lies a housing market grappling with mounting pressures. Once regarded as a relatively stable and accessible sector, the city’s rental market is now defined by stark inequalities, rising fraud cases, and systemic vulnerabilities. From the widening gap in housing prices between affluent and struggling neighborhoods to the growing number of tenants filing leasehold registration orders to protect their rights, the challenges facing Busan’

Busan, South Korea - Busan Metropolitan City is launching an ambitious initiative to transform Dadaepo into a major marine tourism hub, with an investment of approximately 1 trillion KRW. This collaborative project between Busan City, Saha District, and private developer Eltn Construction is poised to create a "complex marine leisure tourism city," integrating luxury accommodations, recreational facilities, and eco-friendly developments to enhance the region’s global appeal. The project aligns

Busan, South Korea - As part of its commitment to inclusive and accessible public services, the city of Busan has announced the rollout of barrier-free self-service tax payment kiosks, starting January 7, 2025. These state-of-the-art kiosks aim to enhance the convenience of tax payments for all citizens, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and others who face challenges accessing information. This initiative represents a significant upgrade in user-centered design and accessibi

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