Busan

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

Busan, South Korea - Busan has officially opened South Korea's first "Smart Aquaculture Cluster," signaling a significant step in modernizing the country’s fish farming industry. The facility, located at the Ocean Science Research Institute of the National Pukyong University in Gijang-gun, was inaugurated on December 20, 2024, in a ceremony attended by over 100 officials and industry leaders. The event underscored the city’s growing role in advancing sustainable and technologically integrated aq

Busan, South Korea - The Gadeokdo New Airport project, long envisioned as a transformative infrastructure initiative, has taken a major step forward. On December 20, in Busan, the city governments of Busan and Ulsan, the provincial government of Gyeongsangnam-do, and the Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Corporation signed a comprehensive agreement. This collaboration aims to establish the airport as a hub for logistics and economic revitalization in the southern region, marking a critical miles

Busan, South Korea - Busan is advancing its ambitious plan to establish itself as a pivotal hub in the global aerospace industry through the development of a Future Aviation Cluster near Gimhae Airport. On December 18, industry representatives, government officials, and academic experts convened at the Haeundae Homers Hotel for the “Busan Future Aviation Cluster Forum.” The event showcased the city’s efforts to foster innovation, strengthen global partnerships, and drive sustainable growth in th

Busan, South Korea - Busan’s iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge is set to introduce Korea’s first Smart Tolling System on a locally managed toll road starting February 1, 2025. The new system aims to eliminate the need for drivers to stop or slow down at toll gates, streamlining traffic flow and modernizing the toll collection process. The Smart Tolling System uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, which identifies vehicles by their license plates as they pass through designated to

Busan, South Korea -The Governors Association of the Republic of Korea (GAROK), chaired by Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, convened its 60th emergency meeting on December 17, 2024, in Seoul. The session brought together the mayors of metropolitan cities and governors of provincial governments to discuss urgent measures aimed at stabilizing citizens' livelihoods and revitalizing regional economies in the face of ongoing economic challenges and political uncertainty. The meeting was held amid concer

Busan, South Korea – The sharp rise in the U.S. dollar-South Korean won exchange rate has placed significant financial strain on businesses in Busan, particularly those heavily reliant on imported raw materials. According to a recent emergency survey conducted by the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, companies in the steel, food, and chemical sectors are facing increasing operational challenges as import costs escalate. With many commodities priced in USD, businesses are now paying substa

Busan, South Korea – Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon met with Romanian Ambassador to South Korea, Cezar Manole Armeanu, at Busan City Hall’s International Protocol Office to discuss potential avenues for collaboration between Busan and Romania's port city, Constanța. The meeting focused on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, including the possibility of a Sister City Agreement. During the meeting, Mayor Park and Ambassador Armeanu emphasized the shared roles of Busan and Constanț