News
- Direct flights from Busan to Bali and Jakarta Busan travelers will now be able to fly directly to more Asian destinations. On May 24, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport distributed transportation rights for 30 routes to 11 domestic airlines. As a result, passengers traveling through Gimhae International Airport can fly directly to Bali and Jakarta in Indonesia.Under the agreement, Air Busan will operate four flights a week from Busan to Bali.There will be seven flights a week from Busan to Jakarta; Jin Air will operate four flights, and Air Busan will operate three.This is welcome news for locals, as Indonesia is a popular leisure and business travel destinations. Passengers to these destinations will no longer be forced to fly through Incheon Airport.In addition, Gimhae was the only regional airport to secure two long-distance routes of over 5,000 kilometers. These routes should attract more inbound tourists and reinvigorate the local economy and tourism industry.The city will fully support the launch of safe and seamless operation of the new routes this year.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>destination: 목적지 distribute: 분배하다 agreement: 협정 operate: 운행하다 regional: 지역의 secure: 확보하다 inbound: 도시로 들어오는 reinvigorate: 활기를 불어넣다 launch: 출시 seamless: 매끄러운Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- Visit Busan Pass gets better and better Visit Busan Pass, offered by Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Tourism Organization, will provide more benefits to international visitors. The pass offers significant discounts on local tourist attractions and public transportation exclusively to foreign tourists in the city.With its high star rating and positive reviews, the Visit Busan Pass has become a favorite among international tourists. In response, Busan and the BTO are strategically expanding the Visit Busan Pass program, aiming to attract an even larger number of foreign visitors.First, the city will partner with foreign travel agencies to create itineraries for group tours, medical tourism, business travel and MICE tourism. Busan has already established partnerships with Japanese travel companies, and discussions with Chinese tour companies are underway.As part of its expansion, Visit Busan Pass is enhancing its online presence. In collaboration with the private sector, international visitors can now easily purchase a 24-hour Visit Pass, exchange currency for Korean Won and apply for tax refunds at smart kiosks located throughout the city. These kiosks will be conveniently placed at popular locations like Busan Station and the Nampodong area. The Pass will also be accessible via Busan Pay, a smartphone application designed specifically for foreign tourists. Busan Pay is part of the local Dongbaek Jeon financial system.Furthermore, global online tour agencies, including Trip.com, KKday, Klook Travel, Rakuten Travel and others, will offer special Visit Busan Pass promotions.Third, the number of Visit Busan Pass-affiliated businesses will be expanded. Starting June 1, local companies offering surfing classes, yacht tours, and Hanbok rentals will join the program. These businesses will join the 36 tourist attractions already offering exclusive discounts to foreign travelers. Finally, 160 shopping and dining establishments citywide will offer deals and benefits to Visit Busan Pass holders. These include Michelin-starred restaurants and Olive Young, Korea’s top health and beauty retail chain.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>attraction: 명소 exclusively: 독점적으로 strategically: 전략적으로 expand: 확대하다 accessible: 접근 가능한 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- City of champions Busan KCC Egis has been crowned the Korea Basketball League Champions. The championship caps off KCC Egis’ inaugural season in Busan, which moved here from Jeonju in 2023. The win over KT Sonicboom is also significant since the Sonicboom was based in Busan from 2003 to 2021.KCC Egis’ win marks a significant milestone in Busan’s sports history. This is the first time in 27 years that a Busan-based professional sports team has won a league championship. On Sunday, KCC Egis beat KT Sonicboom 88-70 in the fifth game of the 2023-24 KBL Championship to win the best-of-seven series 4-1. The club became the first team to claim the championship title after finishing the regular season in 5th place. This marks the team’s sixth title overall. KCC Egis last won the championship in the 2010-11 season. During the regular season, KCC struggled with the absence of star players due to injury, poor performance and conscription, which resulted in a disappointing 5th-place finish. However, the team pulled off a miracle thanks to charismatic head coach Jeon Chang-jin and his top players, like Heo Ung, Choi Jun-yong, Ra Gun-ah, Song Kyo-chang and Lee Seoung-hyun.Mayor Park Heong-joon, a noted big fan of basketball, congratulated the club and said, “The City of Busan will foster sports culture in the city by establishing policies related to sport. The citizens will have pride in the city as the city government is trying hard to make a city where people want to live generation after generation.”<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>inaugural: 첫 significant: 중요한 absence: 부재 injury: 부상 conscription: 병역 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
Enjoy Busan
- The 17th Busan Port Festival source: bfo.or.krThe 17th Busan Port Festival will take place on June 1 and 2. Events and activities will be held at the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal, Bukhang Munhwa Park, the Korea Coast Guard Station and its surrounding area.Festivalgoers can enjoy various programs, such as boat tours, a concert, a drone show, a fireworks show and more.One festival highlight is Global Port Park. Korea, Türkiye, Japan, and Thailand will offer cultural experiences in customized shipping containers, the symbol of Busan Port.At the Korea Coast Guard Busan Station in Yeongdo-gu District, visitors can participate in activities and experiences like the Ocean Mission Stamp Tour and Busan Port Cruise Tour. Guests can also board Navy and Coast Guard ships. Anyone can enjoy the boat trips by reserving seats via Yes24. To make a reservation, search “부산항축제” on the Yes24 website. All rides are free except for the Jagalchi Cruise, which costs 5,000 won per person.For more information, visit the festival website.※ 17th Busan Port Festival, June 1 to 2. ◎ Website: bfo.or.kr/festival_port/info/01.asp?MENUDIV=1 ◎ Busan Port International Passenger Terminal: 206 Chungjang-daero, Dong-gu ◎ Bukhang Munhwa Park: 1232 Choryang-dong, Dong-gu ◎ Korea Coast Guard Busan Station: 293 Haeyang-ro, Yeongdo-gu ◎ Tickets: ticket.yes24.com/ ◎ Jagalchi Cruise Tour Ticket: yes24.com/Product/Search?query=%EB%B6%80%EC%82%B0%ED%95%AD%EC%B6%95%EC%A0%9C<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>firework: 불꽃놀이 customized: 맞춤화 된 board: 탑승하다 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- 2024 Centum Beer Festival source: visitbusanThe 2024 Centum Beer Festival will take place from May 30 to June 9 at the Busan Cinema Center. The 11-year-old festival offers unlimited beer to beer lovers in the early summer night.From 6 to 10 p.m., festivalgoers can enjoy bottomless beer at the site. The first 1,000 visitors each day will receive a festival beer cup as a gift. Minors accompanied by adults can visit the festival, but tickets for minors should be purchased at the ticket box on-site.You can choose either a pass ticket for 20,000 won or a fast pass ticket for 40,000 won. Those who hold a fast pass ticket get two gift beer cups and souvenirs and can enter via the fast-track gate. Online tickets can be purchased until June 9, with a limit of four tickets per person.Various events, including dance performances, a musical gala show, and an EDM party, will be staged to boost the festive atmosphere during the festival period. For more information, visit the official website below.※ The 2024 Centum Beer Festival, May 30 to June 9 ◎ Website: http://www.beerfestival.co.kr/ ◎ Instagram: @centumbeer_official ◎ Busan Cinema Center: 120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu district<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>unlimited: 무제한의 souvenir: 기념품 boost: 끌어올리다 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- 2024 Global Yeongdo Coffee Festival source: visitbusanThe 2024 Global Yeongdo Coffee Festival occurs at Amir Park on Yeongdo Island from May 24 to 26. This year, 130 international and domestic coffee companies and 60 coffee experts from 60 countries are expected to participate in the event. The six-year-old festival showcases a variety of coffee culture content in one spot.The Yeongdo Pentagon Cup Tasting Championship (YCC), a coffee-tasting competition, will take place on the site. Hands-on activities such as coffee bean roasting and hand dripping will also be held. Coffee experts from home and abroad will share stories about specialty coffees and others. In the Cupping Room, Busan’s famous coffee houses will serve their special coffees as part of the Oma Cafe (“Omakase” and “café”) program.Free shuttle buses will be available for anyone visiting cafes and tourist spots in the area. Reservations are not required to visit the event site and enjoy a variety of events such as bean roasting, cupping, hand drip, coffee quiz show and more. For more information, check the festival website and social media channel below.※ 2024 Global Yeongdo Coffee Festival, May 24 to 26 ◎ Amir Park: 55 Haeyang-ro 301beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu ◎ Instagram: @yeongdo_coffeefestival ◎ Website: yeongdo.go.kr/yd_coffee_festival.web<Today's Voca- 오늘의 단어>domestic: 국내의 showcase: 선보이다 abroad: 해외의 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
Food
- A bowl of soup that mirrors its hometown history Unique bowls of dwaeji gukbap are found citywide. (top to bottom, 1. Anmok's soup does not require extra seasoning. 2. Namakzip's soup is light and nourishing. 3. Hapcheon Gukbapjip serves generous portions of meat.)In February, the Michelin Guide rated Busan restaurants for the first time. The city's 43 Michelin-recommended restaurants range from homestyle eateries to luxurious fine dining. Three places achieved rarefied star status: French spot Palate, Italian bistro Fiotto, and Japanese restaurant Mori each earned one star.In addition, Michelin rated 15 Busan establishments as Bib Gourmand, meaning they offer good food at moderate prices. With so many dining options, deciding where to eat can be a Paradox of Choice. Luckily, Busan is Good is here to ease your restaurant anxiety. Follow our recommendations and every meal can be one to remember.Traditional dish, modern sensibilityDo not trust a Busan food guide if it doesn't include an ode to "dwaeji gukbap," generous bowls of pork soup and rice that power the city's denizens. Born from the privation of war, dwaeji gukbap is not merely a hearty soup; it is a culinary symbol of Korea's modern history, of refugees fleeing violence, of survival during a war that tore the country in two.Such lofty meaning granted to a humble meal of pork, soup and rice may seem excessive, but for many Busanites, dwaeji gukbap is a reminder that no matter how hard life gets, comfort is just a bowl away. Plus, it is really, really good.Traditionally, dwaeji gukbap features a milky-white, rich stock. However, the versions Michelin recommends are lighter and cleaner, reflecting Korea's current food culture. Just as Busan is undergoing modernization, so too is its representative dish.□ Clear soup at Hapcheon Gukbapjip (Bib Gourmand selection)Hapcheon Gukbapjip serves dwaeji gukbap rooted in tradition and full of time-tested flavors. However, its soup has evolved with changing times and dietary trends.Here, the pork is repeatedly covered with broth and drained before it is served. This technique eliminates impurities and unpleasant odors while preserving the meat's rich flavor. Instead of milky-white stock, the meat sits in a pool of clear broth. Diners dive right in, delighting in the clean and light soup. The umami created by the luscious pork, savory soup and tender rice grains reverberates in the mind long after empty bowls clang upon tables.Diners also enjoy Hapcheon Gukbapjip's signature slices of boiled pork. Portions are limited, so arrive early. Solo eaters should avoid lunch.•Address: 235 Yongho-ro, Nam-gu•Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Break time from 2 to 2:30 p.m. •Price: ₩10,000 for gukbap, ₩35,000 for boiled pork slices□Defying expectations at Anmok (安木) (Bib Gourmand selection)For many people, eating dwaeji gukbap is a Proustian experience, with each bowl evoking warm memories of post-drinking camaraderie. Not at Anmok, however.Anmok's unconventional take on dwaeji gukbap defies any memories one might have of the dish. Diners seeking the greasy, unctuous flavors traditionally desired in pork-centric meals will be happily disappointed. The chefs at Anmok have done the impossible by creating a rich soup full of pork flavor without any greasiness. This magic is also displayed in servings of sliced pork, as each piece has a nice layer of meat and fat without a hint of grease. Despite its status as a supporting character, the rice at Anmok is hardly an afterthought. Each grain stays al dente even when submerged in the soup, providing a pleasing chew to contrast the succulent meat.Anmok also offers servings of pork ramen reminiscent of Japanese tonkotsu ramen.•Address: 3 Gwangnam-ro 22 beon-gil, 101ho, Suyeong-gu•Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Break time from 3 to 5 p.m. Closed on Wednesdays.•Price: ₩9,000 for gukbap, ₩9,000 for ramen □Vegetable-forward soup at Namakzip (Selected Restaurant)Michelin rates some establishments as "selected," which denotes restaurants that serve high-quality meals but not at star or Bib level. Busan boasts 25 Selected Restaurants.One such restaurant is Namakzip, which serves a unique take on dwaeji gukbap, right down to the serving ware. Traditionally, dwaeji gukbap is served in dark, heavy earthenware bowls that jump straight from the fire to the table. In contrast, Namakzip serves its version in a delicate, white ceramic lidded bowl, a stark visual distinction that previews the soup inside.Under the lid lies sliced pork and handfuls of finely chopped chives mounted in a very light broth. Namakzip states its broth is 90% vegetable-based, which results in a soup that tastes light and clean rather than heavy and rich. While this version is clearly a derivative of the Busan staple, it is different enough that the restaurant calls it "dwaeji gomtang." In Korean cuisine, gomtang refers to soups made by boiling meat only, without bones.In addition, the menu includes "kalguksu," or soup and hand-cut noodles, and grilled pork belly. •Address: #1068 A, W Square, 145 Bunpo-ro, Nam-gu•Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Break time from 3 to 5 p.m. •Price: ₩9,000 for dwaeji gomtang, ₩8,000 for kalguksuVocab Spotlightnourishing: 영양가 있는moderate: 보통의, 적당한denizens: 거주자lofty: 고상한excessive: 과도한impurities: 불순물odor: 냄새umami: 감칠맛luscious: 감미로운reverberate: 울려 퍼지다Defy: 저항하다, 거역하다Proustian experience: 프루스트 경험(후각의 경험을 매개로 해서 마음 깊은 곳에서 웅크려 잠자고 있는 기억을 깨어나게 해서 지금 이 순간 떠오르게 만드는 현상)unctuous: 불쾌한submerged: 잠긴earthenware: 토기lidded bowl: 뚜껑이 있는 그릇
- Busan's culinary coming out party has three stars Earlier this year, Busan debuted on the international culinary scene when it appeared as a Michelin Guide city for the first time. Of the 43 restaurants listed by Michelin, three received the coveted star status. Busan's three starred restaurants matches or exceeds the number in other cities, namely Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Izmir, Turkey, and Penang, Malaysia. The Michelin Guide began in 1889 when brothers Andrew and Edouard Michelin founded their eponymous tire company and were looking for a way to help motorists develop their trips; thereby boosting car sales and in turn, tire sales. The brothers developed a small guide filled with handy information for travelers, including how to change a tire and places where a weary driver could rest. Since then, the Michelin Guide has become one of the most reliable sources of information on restaurants around the world, and inclusion on its various lists confers unmatched prestige on an establishment. Each restaurant is assessed using the Michelin Guide's traditional and universal methodology, based on five criteria: The quality of the ingredients; the mastery of cooking; the harmony of flavors; the personality of the chef through the cuisine; and the consistency both over time and across the entire menu. Inspectors who have at least 10 years of experience in the industry evaluate restaurants by the Michelin Star rating system: One Star for a very good restaurant in its category; Two Stars for restaurants with excellent cooking and worth a detour; Three Stars for restaurants that offer exceptional cuisine and are worth a special journey. Busan is proud of its three One-Star restaurants: Palate, Mori and Fiotto.Busan's Michelin StarsPalate's Sea Bream Caper, served with a kelp puree and lemon coulis, is one of the restaurant's most popular dishes.■Palate (팔레트) Palate offers diners avant-garde French cuisine that reflects Chef Kim Jae-hoon's innovative approach. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Australia, Chef Kim enjoys an epicurean challenge that incorporates culinary experimentation and traditional techniques. The result is Palate's free-spirited and adventurous meals. Palate's views include Yonghoman Bay Wharf and Gwangandaegyo Bridge, creating an alluring vibe that serves as a fine companion during the meal. The restaurant offers a five-course lunch menu and a seven-course dinner menu.•Address: 66-30 Bunpo-ro, 3rd floor, Nam-gu•Hours: Open Wednesday to Sun-day, noon to 11 p.m. Break time from 3 to 6 p.m. •Price: 66,000 won for lunch course and 150,000 won for dinner course•Instagram: @palate.busan Ravioli filled with flounder meat, watermelon radish sprinkled with chamomile kombucha, and kale oil with a fresh scent are all handmade by the chefs at Fiotto.■Fiotto (피오또) Located on Dalmaji Hill, Fiotto is a cozy Italian pasta bistro that opened in 2021. It is run and owned by a chef couple. The restaurant's pasta-only courses feature homemade or directly sourced ingredients from the owners' family farm. When the chefs aren't serving fresh pasta dishes, they are on the farm actively growing and cultivating the ingredients they use in the kitchen. This farm-to-table ethos also earned Fiotto a Michelin Green Star, an annual award highlighting restaurants at the forefront of the industry regarding sustainable practices. •Address: 432 Jwadongsunhwan-ro, 2nd floor, Haeundae-gu•Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m.•Price: 75,000 won per person •Note: The restaurant will close from April 1 to 15. •instagram: @fiotto_busan Mori uses a charcoal grill to give dishes rich flavor and tender texture.■Mori (모리) Opened in 2020, Mori is a Japanese kaiseki restaurant co-owned by a Korean chef trained in Japan and his Japanese wife, whom the restaurant is named after. Chef Kim Wan-gyu crafts delicate and delightful dishes that perfectly harmonize Busan's bounty of fresh seafood and seasonal produce. The seafood in every dish comes from the local market every morning.•Address: 2-4 Pale de Cz, 24 Haeun-daehaebyeon-ro 298beon-gil, 2nd floor, Haeundae-gu•Hours: Open 7 to 11 p.m. on Tues-days, 6 to 11 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, and 5:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.•Price: 180,000 won per person •Instagram: @haeundae_mori ※ Menus, prices and/or hours may vary <Voca Spotlight>culinary: 요리exceed: 초과하다eponymous: 이름의 시조가 된inclusion: 포함, 포용methodology: 방법론Sea Bream: 도미(생선)kelp: 해조류, 다시마coulis: 쿨리(음식을 으깬 뒤 체에 걸러 만든 소스)avant-garde: 전위적인epicurean: 미식가, 식도락wharf: 부두alluring: 매혹적인Ravioli: 라비올리(얇은 반죽에 속을 채운 파스타의 일종)flounder: 가자미watermelon radish: 수박무kombucha: 콤부차(차를 우린 물을 발효시킨 음료)bistro: 비스트로(규모가 작은 식당)charcoal: 숯kaiseki: 가이세키(일본식 코스 요리)
- Gimbap is good for breakfast, lunch or dinner A roll of basic gimbap, filled with rice, carrots, spinach, egg, ham, pickled radish and fish cake, is a nutritious and complete meal. It is a staple in the diet of on-the-go Koreans. After three months of winter, spring is almost here. A picnic is an excellent way to enjoy the breezy, warm weather. For Koreans, no picnic feast is complete without "gimbap." A staple of quick and convenient meals, gimbap is made of rice, vegetables and proteins wrapped around dried sheets of seaweed. Cut up and served in bite-sized pieces, a single roll of gimbap is a nutritious and filling meal, perfect for any time of day and occasion. Like sandwiches, the virtue of gimbap is its versatility. Simple rolls can be a light snack eaten between meals, while rolls stuffed to the brim can feed multiple people at once. Standard gimbap is filled with carrots, pickled radishes, cucumbers, ham and eggs. Popular variations include tuna, cheese, pork cutlets and bulgogi. Given that most non-Koreans' favorite Korean food is bulgogi, bulgogi gimbap is an approachable way to enter the world of seaweed rice rolls. Tuna gimbap includes a savory and creamy combination of canned tuna and mayonnaise. It is a popular dish for home cooks and is also found at many convenience stores. Some variations include fresh perilla leaves to add an herbaceous and refreshing bite that perfectly complements the tuna. Another popular version is "donkatsu" gimbap, or gimbap made with fried pork cutlets, another favorite food for Koreans. Combining the cutlets with gimbap creates a sumptuous and delicious rice roll. The crisp seaweed, soft rice, crunchy pork and fresh vegetables form a winning combination. Richer versions of gimbap feature cheese, pork belly or Spam. Recently, fully frozen "yubu" gimbap, made with fried tofu, gained popularity among global customers keen on K-culture and a healthy diet.Keto gimbap, top, and chungmu gimbap are popular variations. If you love gimbap but are on a low-carb diet, try keto gimbap. Great for those who follow a ketogenic diet, the rice is replaced by thinly shredded fried eggs and can include high-protein ingredients like chicken breast. Finally, no gimbap bucket list is complete without "chungmu" gimbap. Originating from the seaside city of Chungmu, now called Tongyeong, chungmu gimbap features thinner rolls with an unseasoned surface filled only with rice. The rolls are served with spicy "ojingeo muchim," squid salad, and "seokbakji," radish kimchi. Chungmu gimbap is a local delicacy in Tongyeong and Gyeongsangnam-do Province. It was created to feed fishermen, whose stays at sea required filling and long-lasting meals.■ Enjoy various gimbap at Bujeon Market Bujeon Market Town, in Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu District, is one of the biggest traditional markets in the area. Its numerous pathways are filled with many amazing products and items, from meat, vegetables and seafood to herbal medicine, ginseng and even electronic devices. Recently, the market gained popularity among tourists thanks to its cheap but high-quality gimbap stalls. Picnic-goers visiting the nearby Busan Citizens Park should pick up a few rolls of pollack roe gimbap to enjoy out in the spring weather.•Address: 23 Jungang-daero 783beon-gil, Busanjin-gu•Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.<Voca Spotlight>spinach: 시금치nutritious: 영양가 있는versatility: 다용도성, 범용성savory: 감칠맛나는perilla leaf: 깻잎herbaceous: 풀 또는 풀잎의sumptuous: 호화로운
Life
- 2024 Busan Future Heritage Tour Busan Metropolitan City runs the Busan Future Heritage Tour six times from June 2 to October. Cultural commentators lead the tours to help participants understand the value of Busan’s cultural heritage and why it needs to be preserved and protected.There are six tour courses: Four cultural tours with cultural commentators and two tours with professional photographers.The four cultural courses cover Busan’s heritage through different lenses: 1) Provisional Capital, Busan: Gamcheon Culture Village, Choryang Ibagu-gil, Chang Kee-Ryo Memorial Hall and others2) Cultural City, Busan: F1968, Busan Citizens Park and Busan Pyeonghwa Market 3) The Flower of Resistance, Busan: Shanghai Street, Birth House of Patriot Park Cha-jeong and Democracy Park4) The City of Film, Busan: Joseon Kinema Cooperation, Gukje Market and othersPhotography enthusiasts may be interested in the two tours led by professional photographers. These tours are perfect for capturing unforgettable moments in iconic locations. Colorful City, Busan visits Gamcheon Culture Village and Jangnim Port. Quaint City, Busan covers Bosu Book Street and Yeongdo Port.Participation in the tour is free for all Busan citizens. The first three programs are already fully booked, but you can still reserve your spot for the next three programs, starting in September. Each tour can accommodate 20 people, and reservations for the next three programs will open in August. For more information and to make a reservation, please visit the websites listed below. ※ Busan Future Heritage Tour, June 2 to October. ◎ Reservations: https://www.busan.go.kr/futureheritage/simin02 ◎ Busan Future Heritage: https://www.busan.go.kr/futureheritage/index<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>heritage: 유산 preserve: 보존하다 provisional: 임시적인 resistance: 저항 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- Share your joy of becoming a new parent Busan Metropolitan City is running a campaign to celebrate new parents. “We Are Blessed With a Baby, Everyone Congratulates Us” (모두가 우리를 축하해) aims to tackle the low birthrate locally and nationwide by raising awareness of having a baby and encouraging more people to celebrate their pregnancy. Submissions are open until Sept. 30.Expecting couples can submit videos or photos of their pregnancy announcement or share their experiences before or during the pregnancy. The stories must include emotional moments from the pregnancy announcement and messages to the public about being parents. The messages will be streamed on the outdoor announcement board in front of City Hall.Every month, the best submission will receive a hotel voucher for a luxurious stay at one of Busan’s 5-star hotels. Additionally, throughout the campaign, 10 entries will win a gift package worth 100,000 won.Parents who gave birth within the last two years and parents-to-be living in Busan can apply to the campaign via the link below. International couples can participate if at least one person is legally registered as a Busan citizen.※ We Are Blessed With a Baby, Everyone Congratulates Us” (모두가 우리를 축하해), until Sept. 30. ◎ Submission Form: url.kr/jrcdv3<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>aim to: ~를 목표로 하다 tackle: 다루다 birthrate: 출산율 awareness: 인식 pregnancy: 임신 submission: 출품작 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- Lock and pop over to the 2024 Busan Step Up Dance Festival The 2024 Busan Step Up Dance Festival will take place from July 4 to 7 at the Busan Cinema Center and KT&G Sangsangmadang. Formerly known as the Busan Dance Festival, the annual event showcases Korea’s best street dancers. The festival is recruiting individual and team competitors via its official website until May 31.There will be three competitions during the festival. First, the World Street 1-on-1 Battle pits individual street dancers against one another for the chance to win 10 million won. The preliminary and final rounds will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on July 6 at the Cinema Center.Second, the Dance Performance World Championship features dance crews battling it out for a 15 million won prize. Teams will submit a performance video to be judged by a panel of experts. The top 30 to 40 teams will be invited to Busan to show off their skills in front of a live audience on July 7. The dance battle will be held at the Cinema Center from 3 to 7 p.m.The World Street 1-on-1 Battle and Dance Performance World Championship is open to dancers 18 to 39 years old.Finally, the new Junior (U-17) Street Championship invites dancers 17 or younger to compete. Teams of three or more people are invited to chase their dreams and win a 2 million won purse. The finals will occur from 2 to 4 p.m. on July 5 at the Cinema Center.All three competitions are open to anyone who wants to participate, regardless of region or nationality.The biggest names in street dancing will be on hand to judge the competitions. Performers will dance in front of Bada Lee, the charismatic leader of the dance crew Bebe, who won “Street Woman Fighter 2”; Vata, the leader of the dance crew We Dem Boyz, who won “Street Man Fighter”; and Waackxxxy, the first woman to win the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Championship (2023).In addition to thrilling dance moves, visitors can enjoy street food, a fashion market, the Global Street Dance Class and the Wannabe Talk Show and Networking Party.On the weekends leading up to the event, organizers will hold Random Play Dance at various locations citywide. During the program, citizens of all ages are encouraged to show off the K-pop dance moves they’ve worked so hard to master.For more information, visit the Busan Step Up Dance Festival’s official website and social media channels.※ 2024 Busan Step Up Dance Festival, July 4 to 7 ◎ Website: dance.busan.com ◎ Instagram: @busan_dance_festival ◎ Busan Cinema Center: 120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu ◎ KT&G Sangsangmadang: 39 Seomyeon-ro, Busanjin-gu<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>recruit: 모집하다 expert: 전문가 regardless of: ~와 관계없이 judge: 심사하다 show off: 뽐내다 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
Views
- Festivals to cure your spring fever May is "Festival Month" in Busan. Commemorate Buddha's Birthday at temples adorned with lanterns. Celebrate multiculturalism at parks. Appreciate artistic creativity at the city's beaches. Every weekend offers a festive atmosphere for you to enjoy the spring air. Busan is Good offers this handy guide so you can join the fun.Beomeosa Temple■ Busan Lotus Lantern Festival, until May 12The Busan Buddhist Association hosts the Busan Lotus Lantern Festival until May 12 at Songsanghyeon Square in Busanjin-gu District. The must-see lantern parade starts at 7:30 p.m. on May 11. It features 4,000 participants marching a 2.2-kilometer route between Busan Citizens Park and Songsanghyeon Square while carrying colorful lanterns of all shapes and sizes.While Busan's major temples-Samgwangsa Temple, Beomeosa Temple and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple-will showcase stunning lantern displays, small temples citywide will also be illuminated to celebrate the Buddha. Lanterns traditionally come down on May 15, Buddha's Birthday.website: http://www.bba48.or.krGwangalli Eobang Festival■ Gwangalli Eobang Festival, May 10 to 12Starting May 10, the Gwangalli Eobang Festival will take place for three days at Gwangalli Beach. This is one of Busan's representative festivals, a spirited celebration of traditional fishing culture from the Joseon dynasty. "Eobang" refers to the fishing community in Suyeong-gu District, where fishing has been active since ancient times. Visitors can enjoy the Gyeongsang Jwasusa Parade, held in honor of an ancient naval commander from this area. Highlights include a musical based on Eobang folklore and hands-on activities like bare-handed fishing. website: https://www.suyeong.go.kr/festival/index.suyeongGlobal Gathering■ Global Gathering 2024, May 18Global Gathering is Busan's largest multicultural festival, held to commemorate Together Day on May 20. Designated in 2007, Together Day is a national commemorative day to promote a society where Korean nationals and foreign residents respect each other's cultures and traditions while living together in harmony. This year's Global Gathering will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 18 at the Busan Cinema Center in Centum City. Festivalgoers can enjoy traditional performances, cultural experiences and artwork from different countries. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about other cultures and global citizenship through special film screenings. Enjoy English Week booths and programs will provide fun ways for visitors to learn and use English in their daily lives. In addition, the festival will feature a small crafts market for guests to buy interesting cultural trinkets.Finally, BeFM, Busan's English broadcasting station, will record a live show of "All-Star English" to be streamed on its YouTube channel.website: http://globalgathering.co.kr/2024/Haeundae Sand Festival■ Haeundae Sand Festival 2024, May 24 to 27Every spring, Busan's most popular beach transforms into a gallery of amazing and unique sand sculptures. Walking decks help viewers take in each sculpture's incredible complexity and intricate detail.Other programs include a crafts market and various activities. The sculptures will remain on display until June 6 for those who miss the festival period.instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandfestival_haeundae/■ Geumjeongsanseong Festival, May 24 to 26For a consecutive year, the Busan City Festival Promotion Committee selected the Geumjeongsanseong Fortress Festival as one of the best events on the city's calendar. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also lists it as a top attraction. The festival celebrates the cultural and historical heritage of Geumjeongsan Mountain and Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, the largest fortress in Korea.Festivalgoers can enjoy live performances, tours of the historic grounds, crafts making and cultural experiences. The area is also known for producing "Sanseong makgeolli," a milky and lightly sparkling Korean rice wine. Visitors will have ample opportunity to enjoy makgeolli and other local delicacies.website: http://www.gjfac.org/gjfac/template.php?midx=347&mode=view&intnum=104481 Vocab SpotlightCommemorate: 기념하다adorned: 장식된spirited: 활기찬Together Day: 세계인의 날sculpture: 조각ample: 충분한
- Take me out to the ball game New Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyoung has Giants fans rejoicing. Kim led his previous team, the Doosan Bears, to seven consecutive Korea Series appearances and three championships. Baseball is a BIG hit in Korea. In fact, it is Korea's most popular sport! From late March to early October, throngs of baseball fans fill stadiums to root for their favorite teams. In Busan, Sajik Baseball Stadium in Dongnae-gu District is ground zero for baseball fervor. Families, friends and couples enthusiastically fill the stands, cheering on the hometown Lotte Giants. The Lotte Giants were established in 1975 and were one of the original six founding franchises of the Korean Baseball Organization League in 1982. The Giants have called the 24,000-seat Sajik Baseball Stadium home since 1985. The stadium is, appropriately, located in the heart of Busan, accessed by metro line 3 via Sajik Station or Sports Complex Station. The Giants last won the Korean Series Championship in 1992 and have only made the playoffs once in the last decade. Despite the team regularly finishing at the bottom of the standings, Giants fans, affectionately called "Busan Seagulls," are arguably the most passionate fanbase on the peninsula. The Seagulls flock to Sajik on game days and create an atmosphere usually associated with college basketball in the United States or pro football in England. Giants fans cheer with a burning passion. For Busanites, there is no better place to shout or sing aloud than Sajik Stadium. It is a safe space to be rowdy and boisterous. Led by professional cheerleaders, the 24,000-strong fanbase scream with joy or groan in frustration with every pitch, hit, out or homerun. In between the action, fans encourage the team, with each player on the Giants roster showered with his own unique song or chant. For visitors and citizens, attending a game at Sajik Stadium is a worthwhile experience. Even if you do not enjoy sports, it is difficult not to get swept up in Giants fever. The energy, passion and camaraderie of the Seagulls is infectious. By the fourth inning, you will join the crowd as it screams, "Ma! Ma! Ma!" at opposing players. Plus, baseball is not the only offering at Sajik Stadium; an equally alluring draw is the food and drink. On game days, vendors inside and outside the stadium sell all manner of tasty treats, beyond peanuts and Cracker Jack. The crack of a bat and the pop of a mitt are just background music for a Korean soul food feast of fried chicken, gimbap, pizza and sweet and spicy tteokbokki. Stop by the Homeplus, a large retail market, near the stadium and stock up on snacks and plastic bottles of beer. KBO League games are played every day of the week except Monday, so there is a good chance the Giants will be home either during the week or on weekends through the beginning of October. Join the action and experience Busan's one-of-a-kind love for baseball. Warm sunshine. A cool breeze. Hot fried chicken. Ice-cold beer. Attending a Lotte Giants game at Sajik Stadium is a grand slam.■ Sajik Baseball Stadium• Address: 45 Sajik-ro, Dongnae-gu• Tickets: 3,000 won to 55,000 won• Website: giantsclub.com• Note: Glass bottles are not permitted inside the stadium. Up to 1L of plastic bottled beer is allowed per person.■ Upcoming games at Sajik Stadium <Voca Spotlight>rejoicing: 기뻐하다consecutive: 연속적인throngs: 군중affectionately: 애정 어린aloud: 큰 소리로rowdy: 소란스러운boisterous: 시끌벅적한groan: 신음소리
- No shoes? No problem! `Earthing' gains ground Next time you are out for a hike, don't be alarmed by people walking sans shoes. The practice, known as "earthing," is said to positively impact health. Ttangmoesan Red Clay Trail is popular with earthers. An increasing number of health-conscious individuals are walking barefoot outdoors, a practice known as "earthing" or "grounding." Practitioners believe doing so has several health benefits thanks to electrons that cover the ground. Adherents believe these electrons dissipate static electricity from the body, which has been linked to various health conditions. At the same time, the electrons spread over and into the body, where they can have antioxidant effects. Whether on grass, sand, or dirt, allowing your skin to touch the natural ground can provide grounding energy, which practitioners believe eases physical and emotional stress and pain. Advocates claim earthing is a "cure-all" remedy that provides enhanced immunity, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-aging effects, improved blood flow, acupressure effects, stronger foot muscles, better sleep and improved mental health. Some even believe earthing can cure cancer. The centuries-old practice of walking barefoot outside has gone viral as the latest wellness trend sweeping social media. In the never-ending quest for better physical and mental health, people have picked up earthing as an easy and effective way to practice self-care. Thanks to the city's mild weather, outdoor spaces and well-maintained walking trails, Busan is a haven to practice earthing year-round. However, before you kick off your socks and step outside, here are some tips to ensure your earthing experience is as pleasant as can be. Stick to safer surfaces, like mud or sand, to avoid unexpected hazards. Walking on forest trails, which might have sharp objects like rocks or broken glass, may lead to injury. Individuals with diabetes or foot wounds should consult their doctor before walking barefoot outdoors. Finally, socks with holes cut out of the bottom can provide the same benefits while keeping toes warm when earthing in the winter. ■ Where to go barefoot in BusanTtangmoesan Trail is part of the Galmaet-gil Trail network. ◎Ttangmoesan Red Clay Trail The 2-kilometer round-trip trail winds between a dense cypress forest and an endless clear lake, providing visitors with a beautiful landscape to enjoy while walking or earthing. No matter the weather, the trail's red clay soothes weary soles. The course also has foot-washing facilities and places to sit and relax. If 2 kilometers isn't enough, the trail is connected to Galmaet-gil Trail section 1 of course no. 8 to Millakgyo Bridge.• Address: 355-2, Oryun-dong, Geumjeong-guEarthers walking along the salty shores of Songjeong Beach. ◎Beaches across the city Busan's beaches are excellent places to go earthing. Ocean water is the best bet for successful grounding due to its high salt content. The salty water serves as an excellent conductor of electrons and helps the body become replenished with vital minerals. Plus, the serenity of the ocean and its idyllic scenery are sure to ease tension and take relaxation to the next level. Songjeong, Gwangalli and Dadaepo beaches offer feet-washing stations. If you want to continue walking the Galmaet-gil Trails, take course 1 from Songjeong, course 2 from Haeundae or Gwangalli and section 3 of course 4 from Dadaepo Beach. The sand field at Busan Citizens Park. ◎Busan Citizens Park Busan Citizens Park in Busanjin-gu District offers three earthing courses: A 300-meter clay road from South Gate 1 to North Gate 1, a 150-meter red clay forest path between North Gate 2 and South Gate, and a sandy path between the music fountain and water playground. All three earthing zones in the park provide feet-washing stations for visitor's convenience.•Address: 73 Simingongwon-ro Busanjin-gu<Voca Spotlight>sans shoes: 신발 없이barefoot: 맨발inflammatory: 염증acupressure: 지압Red Clay: 황토, 적토 replenish: 보충하다