Busan is good

News

• Busan on track to welcome 4 million international visitors source: Busan Tourism ArchiveBusan welcomed 2,420,629 international visitors in the first half of 2026, already achieving 60.5% of its annual target of 4 million international visitors. Compared with the same period last year, the number of international visitors rose 43.9% from 1,682,415. In June alone, Busan welcomed 484,057 international visitors, the highest monthly figure recorded this year.Taiwan remained Busan’s largest source market with 477,606 visitors, followed by China (468,876), Japan (291,141), the United States (219,147) and the Philippines (93,061). Visitor numbers from Taiwan increased 54% compared with the same period last year. The city also found that hosting major performances can serve as a major draw for international visitors. Using data from mobile carrier KT and credit card company BC, the analysis showed that the area within a 3-kilometer radius of Busan Asiad Main Stadium recorded approximately 730,000 visits by international visitors during the BTS concert week from June 8 to 14, up 341.9% from the previous week. Spending at nearby businesses also increased during the same period. Building on this momentum, Busan aims to focus on the quality of tourism by encouraging visitors to stay longer and return. To strengthen its identity as a maritime capital, Busan plans to introduce new marine transportation options, including an amphibious tour bus and water taxis. The city will also expand experiential tourism programs linked to major events such as the Busan Fireworks Festival and Starry Night in Busan: Night Festa. Busan will continue to make travel more convenient for international visitors by enhancing the Visit Busan Pass and expanding partnerships with global tourism platforms. <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>figure: 수치 compared with: ~ 와 비교해서 radius: 반경 momentum: 탄력 amphibious: 수륙 양용의Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• In the age of AI, the world's librarians convene in Busan  　The 90th World Library and Information Congress will take place from Aug. 10 to 13 at BEXCO. This world's largest gathering of library and information professionals returns to Korea for the first time since Seoul hosted the congress in 2006. The congress is expected to bring together library professionals, researchers and policymakers from around 150 countries to exchange ideas, discuss trends and strengthen international collaboration. 　As libraries and information services continue to adapt to digital transformation and advances in artificial intelligence, this year's congress will explore the evolving role of libraries and the new approaches to information and media literacy in the age of AI-generated content. The program features a wide range of events, from keynote speeches and discussions covering diverse topics to visits to libraries across Busan, allowing participants to experience the city's library services firsthand.WLIC Home: Click
• All hands on deck in Korea's maritime capital  Busan New Port in Gangseo-gu District is poised to become a global shipping and logistics hub for the emerging era of Arctic shipping, with plans to supply carbon-free and low-carbon fuels.　Busan is strengthening its maritime identity, anchored by one of the world's busiest ports and a growing network of maritime industries and public institutions.Busan moved record volumes of cargo in 2025.　This identity is founded on Busan Port, the world's seventh-largest container port and second-largest transshipment hub. In 2025, the port handled a record 24.88 million TEUs - the standard unit for measuring container cargo - a 2% increase over the previous year. Transshipment cargo, which accounted for 14.1 million TEUs, or 57% of the total, continues to anchor Busan's role as Northeast Asia's premier logistics gateway.　The city is also drawing major shipping companies to its shores. SK Shipping and H-Line Shipping announced the relocation of their head offices to Busan in December 2025, followed by HMM, Korea's largest container carrier, which registered its new headquarters in Busan in May 2026. Heung-A Shipping confirmed its own relocation in July. Together, these moves are expected to strengthen shipping, port operations, ship management and maritime brokerage in the city while drawing skilled professionals to the region.　Busan's administrative and research capabilities are expanding alongside its private sector. Following the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' relocation to Busan in December 2025, the city is now home to several of Korea's key maritime institutions, including the Busan Port Authority, the Korea Ocean Business Corporation, the Korea Maritime Institute, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology and the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency - creating a more integrated ecosystem linking policy, business support and research.Interview with a lawyer about the BMICC (Click to watch)　The city's legal infrastructure is also developing. The Busan Maritime and International Commercial Court is scheduled to open in March 2028 at the Dong-gu Cultural Platform. Once established, the court will specialize in maritime and international commercial disputes, thereby reinforcing Busan's role as a hub for dispute resolution.The BusanSat satellite measures fine dust.　Busan has also started space-based ocean observation. BusanSat, Korea's first municipal nanosatellite dedicated to ocean monitoring, launched successfully into orbit in May. The satellite will spend about a year tracking ocean surface conditions and fine particulate matter across Busan Port, the Yellow Sea and parts of the Pacific.

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Enjoy Busan

• Waves of laughter at the Busan International Comedy Festival  The 14th Busan International Comedy Festival will take place from Aug. 21 to 30 at BEXCO and venues across the city.Billed as Asia’s first international comedy festival, this year’s lineup brings together 52 teams from nine countries for performances that transcend language barriers. The opening ceremony is at 7 p.m. on Aug. 21 at the BEXCO Auditorium, hosted by entertainer Seok-jin Jee. The program features the “Malja Show & Gag Concert Gala Show,” spotlighting stars from KBS 2TV’s “Gag Concert,” the beloved comedy series that has entertained audiences since 1999.Throughout the festival, audiences can discover comedy styles from around the world. French visual comedian Patrik Cottet-Moine brings his acclaimed solo show "MIME DE RIEN" to Busan — a wordless performance blending mime and physical comedy to bring a colorful cast of characters to life.A collaborative magic show, "Double," rounds out the international lineup. It stars FISM World Champion Norbert Ferré, European Magic Champion Charlie Mag and Korean comedy magician Min-hyung Kim, teaming up for a mix of magic and lighthearted comedy.The festival wraps with "I Am Comedian Singer," a music-comedy show blending witty banter, live performances and a star-studded cast. Beloved Korean entertainers Dae-hee Kim, Hye-ryun Cho, Se-young Lee, Young-gi, Ji-yo Lee and Bong-won Lee take the stage for a lively finale of music and comedy.※ 14th Busan International Comedy Festival, Aug. 21 to 30◎ Website: bicf.kr  <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>transcend: 초월하다 audience: 관중 discover: 발견하다 collaborative: 협동적인Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• Where the City meets the Sea: North Port Waterfront Park source: Busan Tourism ArchiveVisitors arriving at Busan Station can head to North Port Waterfront Park, located just behind the station. Just a short walk over the pedestrian bridge from Exit 9 on the station's second floor, the park offers a peaceful natural setting in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy strolls along tranquil waterways that extend toward the open sea.At sunset, colorful lights illuminate the paths and waterways, blending with the lights of Busanhangdaegyo Bridge and the harbor for a romantic night view. Scattered observation points and sculptures make it a popular photo spot, while the cool sea breeze invites locals for evening walks or jogs. ✨ Attractions near Busan Stationsource: Busan Tourism ArchiveBukdu-chilseong Library is a cultural space featuring seven circular bookshelves and the Book Climbing Plaza, a tiered reading area.  source: Busan Tourism ArchiveBusan Chinatown's streets glow with red lanterns and serve up Chinese, Russian and Central Asian cuisine.  <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>pedestrian: 보행자 illumitate: 불을 밝히다 scattered: 흩어진 observation: 관찰 sculpture: 조각Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• Where the City meets the Sea: North Port Waterfront Park 　Visitors arriving at Busan Station can head to North Port Waterfront Park, located just behind the station. Just a short walk over the pedestrian bridge from Exit 9 on the station's second floor, the park offers a peaceful natural setting in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy strolls along tranquil waterways that extend toward the open sea.　At sunset, colorful lights illuminate the paths and waterways, blending with the lights of Busanhangdaegyo Bridge and the harbor for a romantic night view. Scattered observation points and sculptures make it a popular photo spot, while the cool sea breeze invites locals for evening walks or jogs.Busan North Port Waterfront Park is one of the city's most iconic nighttime attractions, where the dazzling city skyline meets open sea views. Illuminated by Busanhangdaegyo Bridge, the park offers a delightful setting for an evening stroll.  View of Busanhangdaegyo BridgeFountain at North Port Waterfront Park<Attractions near Busan Station>Bukdu-chilseong Library is a cultural space featuring seven circular bookshelves and the Book Climbing Plaza, a tiered reading area.Busan Chinatown's streets glow with red lanterns and serve up Chinese, Russian and Central Asian cuisine.Google Maps: Click

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Food

• A sweet escape: Busan's best bingsu source: Busan Tourism ArchiveFew things offer a sweeter escape from Korea's hot, humid summer than a bowl of bingsu. Made with ice shaved as fine and light as fresh snow, Korea's signature summer dessert comes in countless varieties - from timeless classics topped with sweet red beans, condensed milk and chewy injeolmi rice cakes to modern creations featuring fresh seasonal fruit, rich matcha and silky cream.Sampling different styles is part of the fun for locals and visitors alike, and bingsu's eye-catching presentation makes each bowl as enjoyable to photograph as it is to eat.To help readers find some of Busan's best bingsu, the Blue Ribbon Survey - Korea's first restaurant guide - recommends nine establishments known for their distinctive takes on the dessert. Head out and grab a bowl or two. After all, the hotter the summer gets, the more refreshing every spoonful becomes.🍨 Bingsu Eateries in Busan : Click <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>escape: 도피 variety: 다양한 종류 recommend: 추천하다 establishment: 시설 distinctive: 특별한 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• A sweet escape: Busan's best bingsu 　Few things offer a sweeter escape from Korea's hot, humid summer than a bowl of bingsu. Made with ice shaved as fine and light as fresh snow, Korea's signature summer dessert comes in countless varieties - from timeless classics topped with sweet red beans, condensed milk and chewy injeolmi rice cakes to modern creations featuring fresh seasonal fruit, rich matcha and silky cream.　Sampling different styles is part of the fun for locals and visitors alike, and bingsu's eye-catching presentation makes each bowl as enjoyable to photograph as it is to eat.　To help readers find some of Busan's best bingsu, the Blue Ribbon Survey - Korea's first restaurant guide - recommends nine establishments known for their distinctive takes on the dessert. Head out and grab a bowl or two. After all, the hotter the summer gets, the more refreshing every spoonful becomes.Namcheon Nokcha Patbingsu in Suyeong-gu is best known for its signature Boseong green tea patbingsu. The dessert features sweet red beans and green tea powder over finely shaved ice.Peach Bingsu at DADAE DE LAMugwort Rice Cake Bingsu (left) and Blueberry Bingsu (right) at GojaeClassic Patbingsu at Baekro AnggeumGoogle Maps: Click
• Taste Busan 　Briny, freshly caught seafood served raw or grilled over a smoky fire. Sweet and spicy rice cakes, bubbling away in busy alleys. Tangy rice wine, flavored by the effort of a mountain hike and centuries of tradition. Buttery pastries and strong coffee, enjoyed slowly at a seaside cafe.　The flavors of Busan are as diverse as its landscapes. Check out restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide Busan and eateries recommended by Taste of Busan, the city's official gourmet guidebook.

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Life

• Busan and Lee Jaemo Pizza create a signature pie  Busan is celebrating its design identity one slice at a time. To mark the first anniversary of the city's designation as the 2028 World Design Capital (WDC), Busan has partnered with Lee Jaemo Pizza — a beloved local pizzeria with more than three decades of history — to launch the Busan Sea Pizza.The Busan Sea Pizza blends Busan's maritime culture with one of the city's best-known restaurant brands, capturing the city's identity in every bite.Lee Jaemo Pizza’s first-ever seafood signature dish is topped with premium pollock fish cake from Goraesa Eomuk, Busan's homegrown fish cake company. It also has shrimp, octopus, salted pollock roe sauce and green onions from Gijang.Lee Jaemo also offers the WDC Midnight Purple, a new beverage that reflects the official brand color of the World Design Capital campaign. The drink blends red, symbolizing the passion of Busan's citizens, with blue, representing openness and connection — together forming the campaign's signature color.To celebrate the new dishes, the city is running a social media giveaway for residents and visitors alike. Through Aug. 31, anyone who buys a Busan Sea Pizza and posts a photo on Instagram tagging the official World Design Capital Busan account will be entered into a drawing. Fifty winners will receive a voucher for a large Busan Sea Pizza.The collaboration is part of the city's broader push to expand public-private partnerships that pair design with leading local brands.◎ World Design Capital Busan Instagram:  @worlddesigncapitalbusan2028<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>identity: 정체성 blend: 혼합하다 symbolizing: 상징하는 collaboration: 협업Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• Get free insurance for your recently adopted dog  Busan is offering one year of free pet insurance for dogs adopted in 2026. Launched in 2023, the initiative is designed to ease the financial burden of medical care in the early stages of adoption. The insurance covers 70% of expenses for surgery, hospitalization or medical treatment, subject to coverage limits and benefit caps. It also includes liability coverage of up to 10 million won if a dog causes harm to a person or another animal. To qualify, adopters must meet the following conditions:- Adopt a stray dog in 2026 from one of Busan’s five participating animal protection centers or two dedicated adoption centers.- Ensure the dog is microchipped for identification.Eligible adopters can register for the city’s free pet insurance program through the adoption center where they adopted their dog. If you were not registered at the time of adoption, you can still enroll by visiting the adoption center or calling the hotline below.  Coverage lasts for one year. For more information, including coverage details, please contact the hotline below.🐾Participating Animal Protection Centers- 부산동물보호센터/ Busan Animal Protection Center- (사)유기동물 및 동물보호관리협회/ Association for Stray Animal and Animal Protection Management- (사)동부유기동물보호협회/ Dongbu Stray Animal Protection Association- 청조동물병원/ Cheongjo Animal Hospital- 동구종합동물병원/ Dong-gu General Animal Hospital🐾Dedicated Stray Animal Adoption Centers- 부산시 반려동물 복지문화센터/ Busan Companion Animal Welfare and Culture Center- 해운대구 유기동물입양센터/ Haeundae-gu Stray Animal Adoption Center◎ Pet Insurance Hotline: 1660-1602<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>insurance: 보험 burden: 부담 expense: 비용 surgery: 수술 hospitaliization: 입원Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• Pitch your big idea at FLY ASIA 2026 source: BGCFGot a big idea? The 2026 Busan International Students Startup Idea Competition is now accepting submissions through Aug. 21.Tied to FLY ASIA 2026 — Asia's largest startup expo, set for Oct. 7-8 at BEXCO — the competition gives international students a chance to pitch their business ideas on a global stage, backed by hands-on support for aspiring entrepreneurs.This year's theme, "Startup ideas discovered by international students," welcomes concepts from any field. Extra weight goes to pitches tied to Busan's key industries: maritime, logistics, tourism and AI.Individual entries and teams of up to five are both welcome, though each team must have at least one international student. To qualify, international applicants must be currently enrolled at a Busan university or be local graduates holding a D-10 visa.🔍How to enterHopefuls can submit required documents by email (busanglobalstartup@gmail.com). Here's the timeline:-Aug. 21: Submission deadline-Aug. 25: First-round document screening ends. -Aug. 28: First-round results are announced; 15 teams advance.-Sept. 5-20: Selected teams join a two-week capacity-building program covering business planning and strategy to sharpen their pitches.-Sept. 23: Second round — an investor-relations pitching session.-Oct. 8: Eight finalists take the stage at FLY ASIA 2026, each with an eight-minute presentation and a five-minute Q&A. Five winners are announced that same day at the award ceremony.A combined 5 million won in prize money is on the line: 2 million won for the Grand Prize, 1.2 million won for the Excellence Award, 800,000 won for the Merit Award, and 500,000 won each for two Encouragement Award winners. All winners also receive certificates from the Busan Global City Foundation.For full details, see the notice linked below.Recruitment for the 2026 Busan International Students Startup Idea Competition, until Aug. 21◎ Notice: Click ◎ Email for submissions: busanglobalstartup@gmail.com<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>aspiring: 장차 ~가 될 entrepreneur: 사업가 logistic: 물류 pitch: 발표 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

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Views

• Busan hosts largest UNESCO heritage gathering ever 　The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, concluded successfully as the first edition hosted in Korea. A record 3,111 participants from 162 countries attended, the largest gathering in the committee's history. The sprawling Korea Pavilion at BEXCO drew more than 10,000 visitors daily, while merchandise sales topped 100 million won within five days.An installation inspired by the 19th-century painting "Gangsan Mujindo"(Rivers and Mountains Without End).Exhibition space inspired by "Seowon," the Confucian academies of the Joseon Dynasty.A child experiencing the "Yeongsanjae," a ritual that reenacts Buddha delivering the Lotus Sutra.Posters depicting Korea's cultural heritage.Children's drawings of Busan's national heritage.Media art combines the glow of ancient tombs with the melodies of the gayageum."Gakjajang," traditional calligraphic engraving."Geobukseon," Korea's iconic Turtle Ship.Busan Pavilion.
• What to do in May May is one of the best months to visit Busan. Festivals take over the city's most iconic settings - beaches, temples, and hillside neighborhoods - turning familiar landmarks into something worth seeing all over again. Lotus lanterns float above temple courtyards, sand sculptures rise along Haeundae's shore and the smell of fresh coffee drifts through the streets. Whether you're drawn by the food, the art or simply the energy of a city in full spring bloom, May is an exciting time to be in Busan.■ Busan Lotus Lantern Festival 부산연등회◎Date: May 1 to 17◎Location: Song Sanghyeon Square, Busan Citizens Park 　In celebration of Buddha's birthday on May 24, various lotus lanterns will color Song Sanghyeon Square with an enchanting display. Wishing for good fortune, citizens can enjoy a delightful stroll among delicate lights featuring unique designs that capture the eye. On May 16, a street parade will take place at Busan Citizens Park, inviting people to hold lanterns and march together. ■ Global Yeong-do Coffee Festival 영도 커피페스티벌◎Date: May 15 to 17◎Location: Amir Park　This vibrant festival has returned to brew Yeong-do into a hot spot! As the region rises as a home to numerous charming cafes, the event offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy unique coffees from around the world and experience themed activities such as roasting beans and making pour over coffee. ■ Haeundae Sand Festival 해운대모래축제◎Date: May 15 to 18◎Location: Haeundae Beach　Witness the magical transformation of sand at Haeundae Beach! Eleven professional sculptors from Korea, China and France will turn ordinary sand into massive, meticulous art pieces under the theme of "Time Travel in Busan." While the festival runs for three days, the majestic sand sculptures will remain on display until June 14 for all to enjoy. ■ Centum Beer Festival 센텀맥주축제◎Date: May 22 to 31◎Location: Busan Cinema Center　Enjoy ice-cold, all-you-can-drink beer with a single admission ticket! This year, the festival has enhanced its appeal by expanding its food zone and participatory activities. While the core identity remains focused on high-quality beer, each day will feature new entertainment themes, ranging from costumes and tango to retro nights.■ Busan Global Citizen Festival 부산세계시민축제◎Date: May 23◎Location: North Port Waterfront Park (Chinsu Park)　North Port will become a cultural hub where K-culture and global traditions converge. The Busan Global Citizen Festival invites you to experience cultures from around the world. While enjoying international delicacies, charming performances and engaging programs, you will find yourself feeling closer to the world and to our international neighbors. More events: Click
• [SNAPSHOT BUSAN] Busan's first night market, Bupyeong Kkangtong Market 　While Busan is a global hub of commerce, culture and technology, it is also a city where ordinary people live out their daily lives. Away from the glitz and glamour, people chase dreams, spend time with loved ones and experience the highs and lows of a life well lived. Snapshot Busan captures these quiet moments and shows the beauty in daily routines.　This edition covers Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, Busan's first permanent night market. Here, footsteps slow at the sight of tempting snacks, from familiar Korean staples to street food from around the world. As visitors taste the delicacies, delight spreads across their faces, offering a glimpse into an ordinary day in Busan, a city that every foodie has on their map.Every night from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, Bupyeong Kkangtong Market comes alive. Visitors crowd around food stalls to eat local delicacies and iconic street foods from around the world.A simple recipe for a fun night: Close friends and great street food.Grilled hagfish delivers a smoky aroma and sizziling visual that beckon passersby.

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