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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 Accelerates Towards Global Hub Status with Comprehensive Innovation Agenda
Busan newsJul 16, 2024

Busan Accelerates Towards Global Hub Status with Comprehensive Innovation Agenda

Busan, South Korea - In a significant move to transform Busan into a global hub, Mayor Park Heong-joon convened the first expanded executive meeting of the second half of the 8th term. This meeting, held at 9:00 AM in the City Hall's main conference room, gathered over 60 high-ranking officials, including department heads, district and county deputy heads, and leaders of public corporations and institutions. The central theme of the meeting was the comprehensive promotion of Busan as a global h

Eco Delta City: A Dream of Modern Urban Living Faces Harsh Realities
Busan newsJul 15, 2024

Eco Delta City: A Dream of Modern Urban Living Faces Harsh Realities

Busan, South Korea - Eco Delta City, the ambitious urban development project in Busan's Gangseo-gu district, is grappling with a series of significant challenges. This sprawling smart city initiative, intended to be a paragon of futuristic urban planning, has encountered numerous obstacles that highlight broader issues in national urban development policies. One of the most pressing concerns is the severe soil and groundwater contamination discovered at the site. Investigations have revealed th

YK Steel's Relocation: A Catalyst for Economic Renewal in Western Busan
Busan newsJul 15, 2024

YK Steel's Relocation: A Catalyst for Economic Renewal in Western Busan

The announcement of YK Steel's relocation from Busan to Dangjin has sparked a wave of concern and speculation. While the immediate loss of approximately 1,000 jobs is significant, a broader perspective reveals an opportunity for revitalizing Western Busan, particularly Saha-gu. This move should be seen not just as a loss, but as a potential catalyst for addressing longstanding economic and social challenges in the region. Saha-gu, the home of YK Steel since 1966, has long been emblematic of Sou

Busan City Launches Pioneering ESG Job Creation Initiatives for Mid-life Citizens
Busan newsJul 11, 2024

Busan City Launches Pioneering ESG Job Creation Initiatives for Mid-life Citizens

Busan, South Korea - In a forward-thinking move to foster sustainable employment and stimulate the local economy, Busan City has officially launched the "Mid-life ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Job Creation Project." This initiative is designed to create environmentally friendly job opportunities and support regional development through partnerships with businesses and public institutions. The "Mid-life ESG Job Creation Project" will commence in the latter half of this year, aiming to

Busan's Apartment Market Faces Uncertainty Amid Economic Challenges
Busan newsJul 10, 2024

Busan's Apartment Market Faces Uncertainty Amid Economic Challenges

The apartment market in Busan is currently facing significant challenges, influenced by various economic, demographic, and social factors. Despite being a major commercial and cultural hub, Busan is experiencing difficulties in its housing market due to economic downturns and demographic shifts. In 2024, Busan plans to introduce 13 new apartment projects, totaling 11,637 units. However, the overall market sentiment remains cautious due to the broader economic conditions and previous years' tren

Busan City Hosts "International Organizations Career Fair" to Enhance Global Competency of Youth
Busan newsJul 10, 2024

Busan City Hosts "International Organizations Career Fair" to Enhance Global Competency of Youth

Busan City, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is set to host the "International Organizations Career Fair" on July 17, from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the Busan City Hall auditorium. This event is designed to provide local youth and university students with opportunities to pursue careers with international organizations and global companies. The career fair aims to bolster the global competencies of young professionals in the region by providing them with direct access to repre

Saha-gu Scenic Ordinance Revision: Enhancing Urban Landscape and Public Design
Busan newsJul 9, 2024

Saha-gu Scenic Ordinance Revision: Enhancing Urban Landscape and Public Design

Busan, South Korea - The Saha-gu District Office in Busan has introduced a comprehensive revision to its Scenic Ordinance, aiming to enhance the district's urban landscape and public design. This significant overhaul, guided by national legislation, brings forth updated regulations, streamlined processes, and new financial support mechanisms to foster a more aesthetically pleasing and functional urban environment. One of the primary updates in the revised ordinance is its alignment with the nat

Global Space Research Conference to be Hosted in Busan
Busan newsJul 8, 2024

Global Space Research Conference to be Hosted in Busan

Busan, South Korea - The city of Busan is set to host the 45th Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly, the largest international academic conference in the field of space science, from July 13 to 21, 2024. This marks the first time the event will be held in South Korea. The conference, to be held at BEXCO, will see participation from over 3,000 space development researchers and key industry figures from more than 60 countries. The event, themed "Team Spirit in Space Research,"

Busan to Launch Pilot Project for Garden-Type Urban Forests at BRT Stops
Busan newsJul 4, 2024

Busan to Launch Pilot Project for Garden-Type Urban Forests at BRT Stops

Busan, South Korea - The City of Busan has announced the initiation of a pilot project to create garden-type urban forests at select Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stops. This innovative project aims to enhance the environment and usability of BRT stations by addressing the challenges posed by extreme summer heat, ground heat, and fine dust. The pilot project will be implemented at four key BRT stops: Song Sang-hyeon Square, Gaya Station (Line 2), Centum Station (Donghae Line), and Choryang Station (C

Busan Achieves 6th Place in Asia in 2024 Global Liveability Index
Busan newsJul 3, 2024

Busan Achieves 6th Place in Asia in 2024 Global Liveability Index

Busan, South Korea - Busan has secured its position as the 6th most liveable city in Asia for the second consecutive year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) 2024 Global Liveability Index. This prestigious ranking underscores Busan's continued efforts to enhance its urban environment and improve the quality of life for its residents. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) is renowned for its comprehensive analysis and annual publication of the Global Liveability Index. This ind

Busan's Coffee Plan: Misguided Amid Youth Exodus and Decline
Busan newsJul 2, 2024

Busan's Coffee Plan: Misguided Amid Youth Exodus and Decline

Busan, South Korea – Amid the rapid decline of its traditional manufacturing base and an accelerating exodus of its young population, Busan has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform itself into a global coffee city. The "1st Basic Plan for Coffee Industry Promotion (2024-2026)" seeks to establish the city as a leader in the coffee industry. However, critics argue that this initiative, with its massive budget allocation of 34 billion KRW (approximately 26 million USD), might be an imprudent mov

Busan Faces Risk of Disappearance Amid Aging Population and Low Birth Rates
Busan newsJul 1, 2024

Busan Faces Risk of Disappearance Amid Aging Population and Low Birth Rates

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, has become the first major city classified as at risk of disappearing due to a rapidly aging population and declining birth rates. Recent analysis highlights the severity of the demographic crisis that Busan is confronting, raising alarm about the future sustainability of the city. As of March 2024, Busan’s extinction risk index stands at 0.490. This figure, below the critical threshold of 0.5, classifies it as a region at risk of disappearance. The cit

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