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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 Distinctive Path Among Asian Giants in World's Best Cities Report 2024
Busan newsDec 14, 2023

Busan's Distinctive Path Among Asian Giants in World's Best Cities Report 2024

Busan, South Korea - The World's Best Cities Report 2024 not only spotlights Busan's unique approach to urban development but also positions it within a broader context of Asian cities, each with its distinctive strengths and challenges. Busan, ranking 67th globally, stands out for its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sustainable urban growth. This ranking, impressive for its distinct approach, places Busan in an interesting juxtaposition with other Asian cities. Seoul, South Ko

Busan's Electoral Redistricting Stirs Controversy Ahead of 2024 National Assembly Elections
Busan newsDec 6, 2023

Busan's Electoral Redistricting Stirs Controversy Ahead of 2024 National Assembly Elections

As South Korea prepares for the 22nd National Assembly Elections in 2024, significant electoral changes are unfolding, particularly in Busan. The National Assembly Election Boundary Delimitation Commission (NAEBDC), responsible for delineating electoral districts, has submitted a contentious proposal to the National Assembly Speaker for reconfiguring constituencies in various regions, including Busan. The proposal details specific changes in Busan's districts. In Buk-gu and Gangseo-gu, the exis

Busan's Spectacular Fireworks Festival Lights Up Ahead of 2030 World Expo Decision
Busan newsOct 25, 2023

Busan's Spectacular Fireworks Festival Lights Up Ahead of 2030 World Expo Decision

BUSAN - In anticipation of the decision for the 2030 World Expo host city, Busan Metropolitan City prepares to dazzle the world with the 18th Busan Fireworks Festival on November 4th. The festival, set against the picturesque backdrops of Gwangalli Beach, Igidae Park, and Dongbaekseom Island, aims to showcase Busan's charm and its capability to host a safe and mesmerizing Expo. The event is expected to strengthen the city's bid fervor, rallying citizens behind the "Busan Is Ready" mantra. In t

Shifting Sands: Busan's Electoral Landscape in the Face of Demographic Changes
Busan newsOct 23, 2023

Shifting Sands: Busan's Electoral Landscape in the Face of Demographic Changes

Historically renowned as South Korea's maritime hub, Busan, the nation's second-largest city, now stands at a pivotal juncture. Significant population fluctuations post the 20th and 21st legislative elections are shaping not just its urban landscape but also its political dynamics. As certain locales witness noticeable depopulation, the burning question arises: how will this demographic evolution impact the city's political representation? Accurate political representation ensures that the conce

Busan Gears Up for the 17th World Ocean Forum: 'Bluetechnomy'
Busan newsOct 20, 2023

Busan Gears Up for the 17th World Ocean Forum: 'Bluetechnomy'

Busan – The global economy, historically dependent on fossil fuels, is at a precipice. With the climate crisis escalating, there's an urgent push towards sustainable energy solutions that have minimal environmental impact. For the Korean economy, this 'energy transition' poses both a challenge and a golden opportunity. To address these pressing issues, the 17th World Ocean Forum (WOF2023) has carefully chosen 'Bluetechnomy' as this year's focal theme. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic,

Busan's Grand Garden Expo 2023 Celebrates the Fusion of Light and Nature
Busan newsOct 13, 2023

Busan's Grand Garden Expo 2023 Celebrates the Fusion of Light and Nature

BUSAN – The bustling city of Busan has announced the commencement of the 2023 Busan Garden Expo, titled “Wandering in the Garden with the Glimmer of Water”. Set against the serene backdrop of Dadaepo Beach Park's Central Plaza, the expo will unfold from the 26th to the 29th of this month. Now in its ninth iteration, the Busan Garden Expo aims to serve as a nexus for companies and visitors to connect through diverse content. A celebration at its core, it hopes to amplify the garden landscaping i

Busan City's Strategic Conference on "15-Minute City" Development and Enhancement
Busan newsOct 12, 2023

Busan City's Strategic Conference on "15-Minute City" Development and Enhancement

BUSAN — Busan Metropolitan City announced that a strategic discussion for the enhancement of the "15-Minute City" initiative was convened at the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan. This meeting sought to strengthen and spread the "15-Minute City" concept, aiming for a balanced development, especially in the west of Busan. Key attendees for the conference included Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, Busan's vice mayors, Saha District mayor and around 25 experts and local officials, reflecting the signifi

Busan Aims for Global Status with the 61st Art Festival
Busan newsOct 6, 2023

Busan Aims for Global Status with the 61st Art Festival

BUSAN - In an effort to carve out a niche for itself as a global hub, the coastal city of Busan announced the grand opening of its 61st Art Festival today. The event, the city's premier comprehensive art festivity, is a testament to Busan's burgeoning cultural prowess. Hosted in collaboration between Busan City and the Federation Artistic & Cultural Organization of Busan (FACOB), the festival's grand opening is set to take place at 5 pm in the grand theater of the Busan Citizens' Hall. The ina

Busan Eyes World Expo to Cement Its Position as a Global City
Busan newsOct 4, 2023

Busan Eyes World Expo to Cement Its Position as a Global City

BUSAN - In a recent interview with CNBC, Busan Mayor shed light on the city's ambitious plans to host the World Expo, emphasizing its potential in propelling Busan to a global stage akin to Singapore. Drawing parallels with the island city-state renowned for its status as a global hub for logistics, finance, and digital innovations, the Mayor said, "We want Busan to become a global city... while also being a city of tourism and culture." Beyond the cultural and tourism benefits, the Mayor high

Busan Celebrates Autumn with a Medley of Festivals
Busan newsOct 4, 2023

Busan Celebrates Autumn with a Medley of Festivals

BUSAN - As autumn graces Busan, the coastal city is poised to burst into a kaleidoscope of festivities. Every corner of the city, from its expansive seas to the tranquil mountains and rivers, will echo with the jubilant spirit of weekly festivals this October. Busan City, in collaboration with various districts, has unveiled a month-long extravaganza. Ten distinct festivals will beckon residents and tourists, offering a vibrant medley of local delicacies, traditional performances, and contempor

Busan Solidifies its 'Glocal University' Vision to Enhance Regional Development
Busan newsOct 4, 2023

Busan Solidifies its 'Glocal University' Vision to Enhance Regional Development

BUSAN - As the South Korean Ministry of Education pushes the envelope of its 'Glocal University 30 Project', Busan strengthens its determination to play a pivotal role in this journey. Today, at the city hall, a comprehensive strategy for the city's involvement was unveiled. Central to this project is the idea of merging the global and the local - blurring boundaries within and outside universities while fostering national and international partnerships. The Ministry’s vision is to uplift 30 re

Busan and Ho Chi Minh City Mayors Discuss Further Cooperation and Exchange
Busan newsSep 27, 2023

Busan and Ho Chi Minh City Mayors Discuss Further Cooperation and Exchange

BUSAN — On September 26, Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon held a constructive meeting with Ho Chi Minh City Mayor Phan Van Mai at the Busan City Hall, outlining various avenues to enhance the bond between the two long-standing sister cities. "Busan and Ho Chi Minh City share a special relationship," remarked Mayor Park. He highlighted the significant presence of Busan-based companies, notably in the footwear industry, operating in Ho Chi Minh City. "Our cities have been actively collaborating across

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