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Busan Desk

Busan News

Busan news, in-depth reporting, and editorial insights covering the city’s politics, economy, development, institutions, and social change.

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Reporting and analysis from Breeze in Busan

Desk Focus

This desk tracks Busan's politics, economy, civic institutions, and urban change, while connecting local developments to the wider newsroom file.

Busan's Landmark Tower to Transform North Port into a Global Hub
Busan newsDec 3, 2024

Busan's Landmark Tower to Transform North Port into a Global Hub

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 Strengthens Economic Strategies Ahead of Trump’s Second Term
Busan newsDec 2, 2024

Busan Strengthens Economic Strategies Ahead of Trump’s Second Term

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

Air Busan’s Future in Question After Korean Air-Asiana Merger
Busan newsDec 2, 2024

Air Busan’s Future in Question After Korean Air-Asiana Merger

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

BTS's Jimin Donates ₩30 Million to Improve Elderly Housing in Busan
Busan newsDec 2, 2024

BTS's Jimin Donates ₩30 Million to Improve Elderly Housing in Busan

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

MOCA Busan Hosts Largest Ever Nam June Paik Retrospective
Busan newsDec 2, 2024

MOCA Busan Hosts Largest Ever Nam June Paik Retrospective

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

Economic Shadows Over Busan: A City Grappling with Decline
Busan newsNov 29, 2024

Economic Shadows Over Busan: A City Grappling with Decline

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 Hosts Global Startup Network to Empower Entrepreneurs
Busan newsNov 28, 2024

Busan Hosts Global Startup Network to Empower Entrepreneurs

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 Rises to 13th in Global Smart Centres Index
Busan newsNov 27, 2024

Busan Rises to 13th in Global Smart Centres Index

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

Geumjeongsan Mountain’s Journey to National Park Status
Busan newsNov 27, 2024

Geumjeongsan Mountain’s Journey to National Park Status

Busan, South Korea - On November 26, 2024, a step was taken towards the long-awaited designation of Geumjeongsan Mountain as a national park. Key stakeholders, including Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, Beomeosa’s head monk, Geumjeong District’s mayor, and representatives from the Geumjeongsan National Park Citizens’ Promotion Committee, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the historic Beomeosa Temple. This collaborative effort marks a critical milestone in balancing environmental conserva

Busan’s Environmental Innovations Shine at UNEP INC-5 Conference
Busan newsNov 27, 2024

Busan’s Environmental Innovations Shine at UNEP INC-5 Conference

Busan, South Korea - Busan recently hosted a pivotal meeting during the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (UNEP INC-5), further cementing its status as a global leader in sustainability. The conference, dedicated to establishing a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution, provided an ideal platform for showcasing the city’s groundbreaking environmental initiatives. Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing en

Busan Hosts Forum to Tackle Population Crisis with Regional Visa Proposal
Busan newsNov 26, 2024

Busan Hosts Forum to Tackle Population Crisis with Regional Visa Proposal

Busan, South Korea - On November 25, 2024, Busan took a bold step in addressing its demographic and economic challenges by hosting the "Foreign Policy Forum" at the Busan City Hotel. The forum brought together over 60 participants, including government officials, industry representatives, and policy experts, to discuss strategies for attracting foreign talent and fostering economic resilience. A key proposal emerging from the forum was the introduction of a groundbreaking "regional visa" initiat

Busan Launches Nation’s First Harbor Drone Delivery Service
Busan newsNov 25, 2024

Busan Launches Nation’s First Harbor Drone Delivery Service

Busan, South Korea —  To position the city as a leader in maritime logistics, Busan has launched South Korea's first-ever harbor drone delivery service. A live demonstration of the service, which leverages cutting-edge drone technology and the K-Drone Delivery Standard, will take place on November 26, 2024, at the Korea Maritime University Drone Delivery Hub. This innovative service sets a new benchmark for logistics, aiming to address logistical challenges in marine areas while enhancing the e

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