Busan News

Busan, a city that once stood at the forefront of South Korea’s industrial revolution, now faces a defining moment in its economic history. Beneath its reputation as a bustling maritime hub lies a deeper story of recurring challenges—cycles of growth overshadowed by stagnation and missed opportunities. From the labor-intensive industries of the 1970s to the pressing demands of the digital age in 2024, Busan’s economic narrative reflects its struggle to adapt to shifting global dynamics. In the

Busan, South Korea – In response to the martial law declaration on December 3, Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon and City Council Chair Ahn Seong-min held an emergency meeting on December 4 at 3:10 PM in Busan City Hall’s Protocol Room. The meeting aimed to address public concerns, minimize disruption to daily life, and outline immediate measures to stabilize the city’s economy and ensure public safety. The abrupt imposition of martial law sent shockwaves through South Korea, sparking widespread unea

Busan, South Korea - Busan City has announced plans to create a new Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall, a landmark project designed to commemorate the city’s role in Korea’s independence struggle and preserve this legacy for future generations. The memorial, scheduled for completion in 2026, will align with the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation in 2025, adding significant cultural and historical value to the region. The winning design for the memorial was submitted by HAEAHN Archite

Busan, South Korea - Busan is taking a giant leap forward in public transportation with the launch of the new city bus design, "BIG BUS," and the expanded integration of the "Dongbaek Pass," promising a more efficient, affordable, and visually appealing transit experience for its residents and visitors. These initiatives reflect Busan's ongoing efforts to enhance urban mobility and solidify its image as a forward-thinking city. For the first time in nine years, Busan has unveiled a redesigned c

Busan, South Korea - Busan is set to redefine its skyline and urban identity with the announcement of a groundbreaking development project. The city revealed plans for the "Busan Landmark Tower," a towering mixed-use complex in the North Port redevelopment area, a move that positions the city as a future hub for culture, tourism, and global business. The project, estimated to cost 4.5 trillion won ($3.4 billion), will feature three 88-story towers with an array of facilities, from high-end hote

Busan, South Korea - With Donald Trump set to return to the White House for a second term, the global economic landscape faces renewed uncertainty. In response, Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city and a vital hub of trade and industry, is taking proactive measures to shield its economy from potential turbulence. On December 2, Mayor Park Heong-joon hosted a meeting of public and private sector leaders to assess potential impacts and discuss strategies to navigate the shifting international

Busan, South Korea - The recent final approval of the Korean Air-Asiana Airlines merger by the European Commission (EC) marks a pivotal moment for the South Korean aviation industry. However, the merger has sparked significant regional concerns, particularly in Busan, where local stakeholders fear the potential loss of a regional hub airline could undermine economic and strategic interests. Korean Air’s announcement to acquire Asiana Airlines in November 2020 set in motion a complex merger proc

Busan, South Korea — Global superstar and BTS member Jimin has donated ₩30 million to support the "Busan Habitat Challenge," an initiative aimed at improving housing conditions for elderly residents in need. The donation ceremony was held on November 29 at Busan City Hall, with Jimin’s father attending on his behalf due to Jimin’s current military service. The "Busan Habitat Challenge" is a community-driven project designed to remodel homes for vulnerable elderly individuals, ensuring they have

Busan, South Korea - The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Busan has unveiled a landmark retrospective of Nam June Paik, the trailblazing pioneer of media art. Titled "Nam June Paik, Nam June Paik, and Nam June Paik," the exhibition runs from November 30, 2024, to March 16, 2025. This expansive showcase, the largest of its kind in South Korea, features over 160 works, including rare early pieces, multimedia installations, and archival materials that span the entirety of Paik’s groundbreaking car

Busan, South Korea - Small businesses that have operated for decades are closing their doors, downtown streets echo with the emptiness of shuttered shops, and even longstanding landmarks of the local economy are struggling to stay afloat. Citizens are expressing alarm over the rapid decline, pointing to visible signs of economic distress in their daily lives: restaurants closing early, retail spaces left vacant, and a general sense of uncertainty pervading the city. The situation is underlined

Busan, South Korea - On November 27, 2024, the City of Busan hosted the Global Startup Network at Startup Space 100 in Haeundae, bringing together international students and graduates with local startups to strengthen the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event, organized in collaboration with the Busan Global City Foundation and Busan Techno Park, emphasized the importance of supporting international talent to drive innovation and build global partnerships. A key highlight of the event was

Busan, South Korea - Busan has solidified its position as a global leader in innovation, technology, and business competitiveness by achieving 13th place in the 10th edition of the Smart Centres Index (SCI), a report published by the Z/Yen Group. The report evaluates the technological and economic competitiveness of 77 cities worldwide. Busan also emerged as Asia’s second-ranked city, trailing only Singapore, while surpassing Hong Kong and Seoul, reinforcing its status as a key player in the reg