Busan News

Busan, South Korea - South Korea is at a critical juncture in its efforts to address demographic challenges, labor shortages, and global competitiveness. At the heart of this initiative is the plan to establish the country’s first-ever Immigration Office (이민청), which would centralize and streamline immigration services. While cities like Ansan, Incheon, and Gimpo are making strong cases to host this pivotal institution, Busan’s unique attributes make it a compelling and potentially overlooked ca

Busan, South Korea – On December 2, 2024, the City of Busan will unveil its rebranded and upgraded regional currency app, now called “Busan is Good, Dongbaekjeon.” This marks the first phase of an ambitious digital transformation initiative aimed at creating an all-in-one citizen platform that seamlessly integrates government services, community programs, and advanced technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). The platform, designed to enhance the daily lives of Busan res

On a chilly morning in January 2024, a jogger in Busan Citizen’s Park was startled by a growl from the bushes. Moments later, a feral dog lunged, leaving the jogger with serious injuries and raising alarms about the escalating issue of free-roaming dogs in the city. The incident is not an isolated one. Across Busan, from the wooded trails of Geumjeongsan to the bustling streets near Taejongdae, encounters with feral and stray dogs are becoming alarmingly common, endangering lives, livelihoods, a

Busan, South Korea—The Busan Modern & Contemporary History Museum (BMCHM) is set to unveil the Original Downtown Music Walk, a unique cultural experience that highlights the city’s rich musical and historical legacy. Scheduled for November 30 and December 1, 2024, this weekend event will combine guided tours, exhibitions, and live performances to celebrate Busan's vibrant role as a hub of Korean popular music. The Original Downtown Music Walk is part of BMCHM’s broader “Busan Walk” initiative,

Busan, South Korea – A recent press release from Busan Metropolitan City celebrates record highs in employment rates, with city officials pointing to a “historic low” in unemployment and a nine-month rise in manufacturing jobs. The city’s upbeat assessment, however, raises questions about the depth of these improvements. A closer analysis suggests that while some sectors indeed show signs of growth, critical challenges beneath these headlines signal potential issues with job quality, demographic

BUSAN, South Korea – In a world grappling with the environmental crisis of plastic pollution, the city of Busan is preparing to host a historic meeting that may redefine international plastic policies. From November 25 to December 1, 2024, the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) will be the site of the United Nations’ Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) on plastic pollution. This critical summit gathers over 4,000 leaders, including representatives fro

Busan, South Korea – Busan has announced the introduction of a new luxury hotel under the “Shilla Monogram” brand. The project, set within the Osiria Tourism Complex, involves a partnership between Busan City, Hotel Shilla, and East Bay Co., Ltd. With a groundbreaking expected in mid-2025, this high-end development aims to transform the city’s appeal among international tourists by offering world-class accommodations and amenities, underscoring Busan's vision to emerge as a global travel hub. I

Busan, South Korea - On Wednesday, Busan hosted a pivotal forum on reforming local governance structures, part of a nationwide effort led by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. With an eye toward building a more responsive and sustainable system, the Gyeongnam Region Forum for Future-Oriented Administrative System Reform brought together government officials, researchers, and citizens. These regional forums are the work of the Future-Oriented Administrative System Reform Advisory Committee,

Busan, South Korea – G-Star 2024, South Korea’s largest and most influential gaming exhibition, opens today at BEXCO in Busan. Marking its 20th anniversary, this year’s event celebrates two decades of gaming innovation and industry collaboration with the largest-ever international turnout, featuring over 1,375 game companies from 44 countries. The four-day event runs from November 14-17, drawing industry leaders, gamers, and developers from around the world to experience the latest in PC, consol

Busan, South Korea – Prestige Biopharma, a Singapore-based biopharmaceutical company, has launched its Innovative Discovery Center (IDC) in Busan, South Korea. The new facility is aimed at enhancing Prestige Biopharma’s capabilities in antibody drug research and development. Located in Busan’s Myungji R&D area, the IDC is set to support a range of initiatives in biopharmaceutical research, including drug discovery, clinical trials, and collaborations with local and international partners. Prest

Busan, South Korea – As Busan prepares for the launch of new high-speed rail links that will connect it directly to Gangwon and Gyeongbuk provinces, the city is unveiling an expansive tourism strategy to attract visitors and boost its appeal as a must-see destination in Korea. With the year-end opening of the Bujeon-Gangneung ITX and Bujeon-Cheongnyangni KTX routes, Busan City plans to draw on these new transport links to enhance access to its attractions, focusing on unique cultural experiences

Busan, South Korea - On November 11, the City of Busan announced its 2025 budget, totaling 16.7 trillion KRW, a 6.3% increase from the previous year. With a strategic emphasis on enhancing citizen welfare, supporting economic revitalization, and promoting sustainable urban growth, Busan aims to establish itself as a global hub city that prioritizes both citizen happiness and global competitiveness. Nearly half of the 2025 budget, approximately 8.2 trillion KRW, is dedicated to welfare and socia