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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 Sees a Near Doubling of Employed Seniors Over the Past Decade
Busan newsMar 20, 2023

Busan Sees a Near Doubling of Employed Seniors Over the Past Decade

The number of employed individuals aged 60 and older in Busan has nearly doubled in the past 10 years, reflecting a nationwide trend in South Korea. According to data from Statistics Korea's National Statistics Portal (KOSIS), there were 396,000 people aged 60 and over employed in Busan last month, marking a significant increase compared to February 2013 (205,000) and February 2003 (106,000). Several factors contribute to this growing trend. Firstly, the aging population in South Korea has been

Busan's Nakdonggangbyeon Samsimni Cherry Blossom Festival Makes a Comeback After 4-Year Hiatus
Busan newsMar 20, 2023

Busan's Nakdonggangbyeon Samsimni Cherry Blossom Festival Makes a Comeback After 4-Year Hiatus

Busan's popular Nakdonggangbyeon Samsimni Cherry Blossom Festival is set to make a triumphant return after a four-year hiatus. The event, which celebrates the arrival of spring in Gangseo-gu, will be held from March 31 to April 2 at the picturesque Daejeo Ecological Park. The festival was first launched in 2015, quickly becoming Gangseo-gu's signature event. Visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscape featuring over 2,000 cherry blossom trees along the 12-kilometer Nakdong Riv

Busan Enhances Promotional Efforts to Attract Greater China Tourism as Market Rebounds
Busan newsMar 20, 2023

Busan Enhances Promotional Efforts to Attract Greater China Tourism as Market Rebounds

As the overseas tourism market shows signs of recovery, Busan is intensifying its promotional marketing efforts to attract tourists from Greater China. The city recently hosted a two-day familiarization tour for leading Chinese tourism companies and airlines from March 16 to 17, focusing on the development of local customized tourism products and strategies for attracting visitors. Throughout March, various online and offline events featuring Busan's spring flower theme are being held. The city

Busan to Decide on Relocation and Modernization of Detention Center and Prison
Busan newsMar 20, 2023

Busan to Decide on Relocation and Modernization of Detention Center and Prison

Busan, South Korea - The city of Busan is set to decide on the relocation and modernization of the long-debated Busan Detention Center and Busan Prison within the year. In order to address the need for modernization, the city will establish a site selection committee to determine the new location and proceed with the project in earnest next year. A recent 'Feasibility Study for the Development and Modernization Concept of Facilities Around the Busan Correctional Facility' was completed, which w

Preserving South Korea's Democratization Movement: Construction Starts on Busan Democracy Park Museum Annex
Busan newsMar 20, 2023

Preserving South Korea's Democratization Movement: Construction Starts on Busan Democracy Park Museum Annex

Busan City, South Korea, has announced the commencement of the 'Busan Democracy Park Museum Annex' construction project, a dedicated facility to systematically preserve, exhibit, research, and educate the public on materials related to the democratization movement. The project, which started in March this year, has a budget of 15.8 billion won ($13.1 million), with 6.9 billion won ($5.7 million) funded by the national government and 8.9 billion won ($7.4 million) provided by the city. The museu

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Gwangandaegyo Bridge Access Road Connection Project in Busan
Busan newsMar 20, 2023

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Gwangandaegyo Bridge Access Road Connection Project in Busan

The city of Busan is set to commence full-scale construction on the Gwangandaegyo Bridge Access Road Connection Project, aimed at resolving traffic difficulties in Haeundae-gu, Centum City, and the new downtown area. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on March 20 at Olympic Park in Haeundae-gu, Busan, with attendance by Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon and over 200 people, including local lawmakers, Haeundae-gu district mayor, city councilors, and residents. The project involves co

South Korea to Lift Mask Mandate for Public Transport as COVID-19 Cases Decline
Busan newsMar 18, 2023

South Korea to Lift Mask Mandate for Public Transport as COVID-19 Cases Decline

South Korea has announced the removal of the mask mandate for public transportation starting 20th March Monday, eliminating a COVID-19 preventative measure in place since 2020. The change applies to public buses, school buses, subways, KTX bullet trains, taxis, and airplanes. This marks one of the final COVID-19 restrictions in the country, with outdoor mask mandates lifted in May last year and indoor mandates ending in January. The decision comes as South Korea sees a downward trend in new COV

Hydrogen-Powered Trains to Revolutionize Busan's Transportation Ahead of 2030 World Expo
Busan newsMar 16, 2023

Hydrogen-Powered Trains to Revolutionize Busan's Transportation Ahead of 2030 World Expo

Busan-type Express Railroad (BuTX) project set to connect Gadeokdo New Airport with downtown Busan With the 2030 Busan World Expo on the horizon, the South Korean government is accelerating plans to open Gadeokdo New Airport in December 2029. A significant component of this development is the Busan-type Express Railroad (BuTX) project, an express railroad aimed at connecting the new airport with downtown Busan. The city is working to establish a commercialization strategy for BuTX by the end of

Busan City Signs Agreement with Saha-gu for Seobusan Medical Center Construction
Busan newsMar 15, 2023

Busan City Signs Agreement with Saha-gu for Seobusan Medical Center Construction

The Busan Metropolitan City has announced that it will be signing a business agreement with Saha-gu to ensure the early construction and successful operation of the Seobusan Medical Center. The agreement promises to provide mutual cooperation between the two entities for the smooth and timely construction of the medical center. The signing ceremony will be attended by Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon and Saha-gu district Mayor Lee Gap-jun. Once the agreement is signed, Busan City and Saha-gu Office

Apple Pay set to launch in South Korea on March 21
Busan newsMar 15, 2023

Apple Pay set to launch in South Korea on March 21

Apple and Hyundai Card have announced the upcoming launch of Apple Pay in South Korea on March 21, marking the tech giant's latest move into the competitive mobile payment service market. The launch comes a month and a half after Apple first announced its plans in early February, following a review by the Financial Services Commission (FSC), the regulatory body overseeing financial institutions and products in South Korea. Currently, only Hyundai Card users will be able to utilize Apple Pay in

Gadeokdo New Airport to Open Sooner with Innovative Landfill Construction Method
Busan newsMar 15, 2023

Gadeokdo New Airport to Open Sooner with Innovative Landfill Construction Method

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) is reportedly considering a new construction method for Gadeokdo New Airport that involves building the terminal and part of the runway on the island and constructing the airport in a landfill style that spans land and sea. The proposed method is expected to greatly reduce the amount of landfill required for the project compared to the existing maritime airport and could allow for the airport to open before 2030. The city of Busan has

Busan companies facing financial strain due to triple threat of inflation, exchange rate, and interest rates
Busan newsMar 14, 2023

Busan companies facing financial strain due to triple threat of inflation, exchange rate, and interest rates

The triple impact of inflation, a high exchange rate, and high-interest rates have put many companies in Busan under financial strain, with some facing short-term liquidity risks. Recently, the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) released the results of its 'Emergency Management Status' survey, targeting local listed companies in the manufacturing, service, and construction industries with sales of over 50 billion won. The survey revealed that 84.9% of respondents reported negative ef

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