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Busan climbs to 22nd in Global Financial Centres Index, a new high 　Busan placed 22nd of 117 cities in the Global Financial Centres Index, its highest ranking since joining the index in 2014.　The GFCI 40, published by U.K. consultancy Z/Yen, was announced Sept. 16 at the BIFC Global Finance Symposium.　The city rose from 23rd in March's GFCI 39, and its score climbed 11 points to 737. It has gained 15 places since March 2023 and has stayed in the global top 30 for six consecutive evaluations. In the Asia-Pacific region, it ranked ninth.　City officials attribute the rise to continued investment in financial infrastructure and growth in maritime and digital finance.Busan International Finance CenterBusan North Port 　Completion of Phase 3 of the Busan International Finance Center has expanded space for financial institutions, and the Munhyeon Financial District and North Port area have been designated Financial Opportunity Development Zones. The city is also building up policy funds for venture investment and industrial transition.　In maritime finance, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, HMM and other shipping-related institutions have relocated to Busan. Global shipbroker Clarksons Korea and maritime asset manager Waterline Partners have also established a presence in the city.　In digital finance, the KDX Consortium, which includes the Korea Exchange and financial IT firm Koscom, became the first in the country to receive preliminary approval for an over-the-counter exchange for fractional investment products. The city also operates the Busan Blockchain Regulation-Free Special Zone.　A Busan City official called the ranking "a meaningful accomplishment demonstrating the city's steady growth as a global financial center." He said Busan aims to rank among the world's top 20 financial centers and Asia's top five by 2030, with planned investment in ship finance, marine insurance and green shipping for the emerging Arctic route.
Summer swells: Busan’s beaches post record visitor numbers source: Busan Tourism ArchiveBusan’s beach season has officially ended, closing on a high note. Haeundae Beach, the last to close, ended its season Sept. 15, capping a summer that saw record-breaking visitor numbers.Seven of the city’s eight beaches, including Songjeong, closed Aug. 31. Haeundae remained open two additional weeks, running extra hands-on tourism programs that helped boost its numbers further. Haeundae and Songjeong had opened the season together on June 26, giving Busan’s coastline nearly three months in the summer spotlight.The result was a record 22.53 million beachgoers this year, up 2.54% from last year. This marks the second consecutive year that Busan’s beaches have surpassed 20 million visitors, underscoring the city’s continued appeal as a summer destination.Haeundae Beach accounted for much of that growth, drawing more than 10 million visitors on its own, a first for any beach in Korea.Songdo Beach also had a strong year, with visitors up 5.96% to 3.2 million. Located in western Busan, Songdo continues to attract domestic and international visitors, aided by nearby attractions such as the Busan Air Cruise cable car and Amnam Park’s coastal cliffs. The beach is emerging as a peer to Haeundae and Gwangalli among the city’s leading destinations.Safety remained a priority throughout the season. Electronic information boards, banners and regular announcements kept beachgoers informed of safety rules and crowd-control measures, while personnel patrolled every beach, with additional coverage during peak-risk hours. Multilingual announcements ensured international visitors received the same guidance.Although the official season has ended, safety measures will continue. Guidance staff will keep patrolling and inspecting the beaches, and visitors are advised to avoid entering the water now that the swimming season is over.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>consecutive: 연속되는 underscore: 분명히 보여주다 patrol: 순찰 돌다 guidance: 안내Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
Busan sets tourism records in consecutive months source: Busan Tourism ArchiveBusan welcomed 2,927,674 international visitors from January to July, putting the city on track to reach its goal of 4 million international visitors for the year. The figure represents a 46.1% year-over-year increase and already accounts for 73.2% of the city’s yearly target. Busan saw its highest monthly visitor total of the year in July, when 507,045 international tourists visited the city. This surpassed the previous monthly record of 484,057 visitors set in June, setting a new high for a consecutive month. With monthly visitor counts generally ranging between 400,000 and 500,000, Busan was expected to surpass the 3 million mark in early August, needing just over 72,000 more visitors to reach the milestone. Last year, the city passed the 3-million threshold for the first time in October, while this year, it was expected to reach the figure two months earlier. The city will release the official August figures at the end of September.In July alone, Taiwan ranked first with 128,000 visitors, followed by China with 125,000, Japan with 49,000 and the United States with 40,000. The latest figures also point to particularly strong growth from the U.S. market. From January to July, visitors from the United States rose 78.4% year over year, from 145,535 to 259,675. Given the current lack of direct flights between the two destinations, the sharp increase suggests that Busan is extending its reach beyond nearby Asian markets and gaining traction as a destination for long-haul travelers. The influx of international visitors is also driving higher spending in the city. International visitors’ card spending in Busan reached 742.3 billion won from January to July, up 50.8% from the same period last year. This put Busan second nationwide, behind Seoul. Medical tourism spending was particularly notable, soaring 118.4% year over year and giving Busan a 37% share of medical tourism spending outside Seoul. Building on this momentum, Busan plans to further strengthen its tourism sector through a series of major events and visitor-focused initiatives. Starting in September, “2026 Busan Global City Week” will bring together the city and its global partner cities to strengthen cooperation and expand international networks. October will also be packed with major international events, including Festival Shiwol, the Busan International Rock Festival, Busan UN Week, and the Global City Tourism Summit. The city is also rolling out measures to make travel more convenient for international visitors. Visit Busan Pass kiosks will be installed at Gimhae International Airport and Busan Station, allowing travelers to purchase the pass conveniently at major transportation hubs. Busan will also upgrade its tourism information systems at popular attractions across the city, making it easier for visitors to find the information they need and enjoy a more seamless travel experience. <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>surpass: 능가하다 consecutive: 연속되는 traction: 견인 strengthen: 강화하다 conveniently: 편리하게Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

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