Busan News

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

Busan, South Korea — Today, the 18th annual “Turn Toward Busan” ceremony will take place at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, South Korea, honoring United Nations soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. Under the theme “Turn Toward Busan,” this year’s event is expected to gather over 800 attendees, including veterans from 20 countries, their families, South Korean veterans, military leaders, and local citizens, who will come together in a powerful moment of remembrance and un

Busan, South Korea — Busan took another step forward in its mission to become a startup-friendly city today, as Mayor Park Heong-joon inaugurated the city’s third Startup Incubation center at Dong-eui University. The new center, part of the citywide “Startup Incubation” initiative, offers integrated work and living spaces designed to support young entrepreneurs in high-tech industries. This facility, which includes collaborative areas and networking lounges, is a key milestone in the city’s long

Busan, South Korea - In a landmark step toward greater regional autonomy, the cities of Busan and the neighboring province of Gyeongsangnam-do (Gyeongnam) unveiled a preliminary blueprint on November 8 for a proposed administrative integration. This initiative aims to transform Busan and Gyeongnam into a cohesive “regional economic capital” with expanded local control over finances, legislation, and public services. For South Korea, where administrative authority is highly centralized, the propo

Busan, South Korea – Busan’s small business sector is grappling with a critical downturn as restaurant closures surge and commercial vacancy rates climb across the city. More than 2,100 restaurants have closed their doors this year alone, representing a 75% increase compared to last year’s figures, leading to vacant storefronts in previously bustling districts. Recent data illustrates the sharp rise in both closures and vacancies. In Nampo-dong, one of Busan’s iconic shopping areas, the vacancy

Busan, South Korea - Busan is setting the stage for global recognition in the wellness and medical tourism industry with the 2024 Busan International Medical Tourism Convention, held at BEXCO from November 8 to November 9. This international convention, now in its 16th year, will welcome leaders and innovators from 18 countries, providing a platform to showcase Busan’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for wellness and medical services. The convention, jointly organized by the city o

Busan, South Korea — In a move poised to reshape the future of South Korea’s southeastern region, the city of Busan and Gyeongnam Province have formed a new Public Deliberation Committee to develop a roadmap for administrative integration centered on citizen input and collaborative governance. Launched with an official ceremony at the Gyeongnam Provincial Office, the initiative addresses the growing need for regional governments to streamline resources, enhance economic competitiveness, and impr

Busan, South Korea — A recent survey reveals that Busan's "Dongbaek Pass" initiative has led to a significant increase in public transit use among residents, with 76.5% of pass users reporting more frequent use of public transportation. The survey, conducted from October 15 to October 22, 2024, also shows high user satisfaction, with 92.5% of respondents expressing overall satisfaction with the program. Launched in August 2023, the Dongbaek Pass was designed to make public transportation more a

Busan, South Korea — At a pivotal forum held at the National Assembly on November 6, 2024, stakeholders from various sectors gathered to discuss establishing a maritime court in Busan. The forum, titled "The Role and Legislative Direction of a Maritime Court for Busan as a Global Hub," attracted attention from prominent figures in politics, the maritime industry, and academia. The discussion focused on the court's potential to bring specialized legal expertise to Busan, supporting the city’s amb

Busan, South Korea - Busan’s Hadan–Sasang Line, an urban railway project set to span 6.9 kilometers, is designed to connect the bustling areas of Hadan and Sasang. Currently, the project is approximately 68% complete, with a targeted opening date in late 2026. However, recent events have raised significant concerns about the project’s safety measures, accessibility, and demographic shifts, casting uncertainty on its completion and readiness to serve the residents of Busan effectively. A series

Busan, South Korea – Busan hosted the “2024 Busan World City Brand Forum” today at Nurimaru APEC House, bringing together global experts in city branding, marketing, and design to discuss strategies for positioning Busan as a "Global Hub City." Notable speakers included Simon Anholt, known for pioneering the concept of nation branding, and representatives from Kearney and the World Design Organization. Central to the forum was the introduction of the “Global Hub City Index,” a new tool unveiled

Busan, South Korea – As the crisp autumn air sets the perfect scene, Busan is ready to ignite the night sky with its 19th annual Busan Fireworks Festival on November 9, a dazzling celebration promising to captivate attendees and announce Busan’s ambitious stride towards becoming a global tourism hub. The festival, held at Gwangalli Beach, promises a fresh blend of visual artistry, intricate pyrotechnics, and community spirit, all designed to make an unforgettable impact. The event, which draws