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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.

The Dawn of the 'Dadaepo New Dream Plan'
Busan newsJun 8, 2023

The Dawn of the 'Dadaepo New Dream Plan'

The city of Busan is gaining momentum in its pursuit of balanced development, particularly through its 'Dadaepo New Dream Plan', a strategy aimed at revitalizing previously unused industrial sites. According to city and development sector sources, Sungchang Enterprise, a corporation that had previously been hesitant about redeveloping its 150,000 square meter property in Saha District, has recently started discussing potential development strategies with the city. This includes an intriguing pr

Busan Showcases Cultural Delights in Paris in a Bid to Secure Expo 2030
Busan newsJun 3, 2023

Busan Showcases Cultural Delights in Paris in a Bid to Secure Expo 2030

Busan Metropolitan City has partnered with the Korean Cultural Center in France to present the "2023 Korean Festival – Taste Korea! - Busan Special Event" in Paris from May 30 to September 16, 2023. The annual event, celebrating its fifth year, puts a spotlight on a chosen theme, presenting Korean cuisine and outstanding cultural and artistic content to the local Parisian audience. The objective is to elevate interest in Korean culture and tourism through this massive cultural event. With the

Seunghak Tunnel Project in Busan: Significant Step in Infrastructure Advancement
Busan newsJun 1, 2023

Seunghak Tunnel Project in Busan: Significant Step in Infrastructure Advancement

The City of Busan announced a signing ceremony for the 'Seunghak Tunnel Private Investment Project implementation agreement' in the City Hall. This ceremony signifies the endorsement of the Seunghak Tunnel project, marking a crucial step in its commencement. Both Mayor Park Heong-joon and President Yoon Young-joon of Hyundai Construction Co., Ltd. attended the event. With this agreement, the execution of the project, including the start of implementation design, will gain momentum. The 'Seungh

Busan's Buk-gu District Mayor Oh Tae-won to Lose Position After Violating Election Act
Busan newsMay 28, 2023

Busan's Buk-gu District Mayor Oh Tae-won to Lose Position After Violating Election Act

Busan's Buk-gu District Mayor, Oh Tae-won, faces significant political repercussions following the court's sentencing over violations of the Public Official Election Act. After a fine of KRW 1.5 million was imposed on Mayor Oh on May 25th by the Criminal Trial Division 1 of the Western Branch of the Busan District Court, his position in office now hangs in the balance. As per the Public Official Election Act, an election stands nullified if the sentence, once confirmed, includes a fine exceeding

Aging South Korean Workers Struggle With Economic Challenges and Limited Job Opportunities
Busan newsMay 24, 2023

Aging South Korean Workers Struggle With Economic Challenges and Limited Job Opportunities

A recent report indicates a growing trend of aging workers, particularly those in the 50-60 age bracket, enduring financial difficulties in retirement. Despite a desire to remain employed, the majority of jobs available to this age group are non-regular such as temporary or day labor jobs, which are lacking in job security and benefits. Experts argue that there is a pressing need to create high-quality job opportunities where this demographic can utilize their professional skills. According to

Busan Gears Up for ‘A Sneak Peek at the Busan International Art Center: Classic Park Concert’ on June 3-4"
Busan newsMay 17, 2023

Busan Gears Up for ‘A Sneak Peek at the Busan International Art Center: Classic Park Concert’ on June 3-4"

The bustling city of Busan is set to captivate its citizens with a riveting 'A Sneak Peek at the Busan International Art Center: Classic Park Concert'. The event is scheduled to take place at the picturesque Hayariya Lawn Square in the Busan Citizen Park, from 6:30 pm on June 3rd and 4th. This open-air classical concert is part of a strategic initiative to promote two of the city's upcoming cultural landmarks - the Busan International Art Center, which is expected to open its doors in 2025, and

Busan Content Market, a Gateway for Asian Digital Media, Set to Open on May 31st
Busan newsMay 15, 2023

Busan Content Market, a Gateway for Asian Digital Media, Set to Open on May 31st

The 17th Busan Content Market (BCM), an annual event that has been bridging Asian nations via new media and fostering fresh channels of communication, is slated to kick off in Busan on May 31st. Since its inception in 2007, the BCM has undergone significant growth, transforming into a comprehensive content bazaar where each year, transactions exceeding $100 million are conducted. The event has successfully drawn participation from over a thousand companies across 50 countries, underlining its g

Busan Showcases the 2030 World Expo at 2023 Korea Expo in Paris
Busan newsMay 12, 2023

Busan Showcases the 2030 World Expo at 2023 Korea Expo in Paris

Busan, South Korea - The city of Busan, in collaboration with the Korea Expo Organizing Committee, is set to operate a promotional booth for the 2030 Busan World Expo at the '2023 Korea Expo', from May 13 to 15 at the Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles in Paris, France. The '2023 Korea Expo' serves as a platform for over 200 South Korean companies to showcase their diverse K-industries, aimed at expanding their businesses in the European region. The 2030 Busan World Expo promotional booth

Gangseo-gu District Strongly Opposes Busan's Plan to Relocate Detention Center and Prison
Busan newsMay 12, 2023

Gangseo-gu District Strongly Opposes Busan's Plan to Relocate Detention Center and Prison

Busan, South Korea - The city of Busan recently announced the formation of a site selection committee tasked with determining the relocation of the aging Busan Detention Center and Prison. However, the Gangseo-gu District, one of the leading candidates for the relocation, has expressed strong opposition to the city's decision. In response to the announcement, Gangseo-gu District Mayor Kim Hyeong-chan and the Gangseo-gu District Council held a press conference at the Busan City Council briefing

A Hollow Promise: Busan's English-Friendly City Roadmap Falls Short
Busan newsMay 11, 2023

A Hollow Promise: Busan's English-Friendly City Roadmap Falls Short

In the bustling metropolis of Busan, South Korea, a city with aspirations of hosting the World Expo in 2030, an ambitious roadmap was unveiled to transform it into the country's first official English-friendly city. Yet, despite this grand vision, progress has been notably slow, and the city's commitment to the outlined initiatives remains in question. One could argue that the roadmap is overly ambitious, attempting to tackle too many issues at once without laying the necessary groundwork. Whil

Busan Mayor Park Spearheads Mission to Foster Stronger Ties with Tunisia and Africa
Busan newsMay 11, 2023

Busan Mayor Park Spearheads Mission to Foster Stronger Ties with Tunisia and Africa

Busan City Mayor Park Heong-joon embarked on a strategic visit to Tunisia from May 8 to 10, as part of South Korea's broader initiative to cultivate relationships with Africa. Tunisia, positioned at the nexus of North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between South Korea and the African continent. During the visit, Mayor Park led a high-level delegation, which included officials from Busan City, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the

Busan's Buk-gu District Mayor Oh Tae-won Fined for Violating Election Law
Busan newsMay 11, 2023

Busan's Buk-gu District Mayor Oh Tae-won Fined for Violating Election Law

Busan's Buk-gu District Mayor Oh Tae-won has been fined KRW 5 million by prosecutors on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act. If the court imposes a fine of KRW 1 million or more in the first trial, Mayor Oh's election will be nullified. Oh has denied the allegations, stating that the incident occurred due to staff errors and that there was no intent. Criminal Trial Division 1 of the Western Branch of Busan District Court held a sentencing hearing for Mayor Oh, who was charged

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