Busan is good

News

• Busan to provide free childcare for kids aged 3 to 5 Newly allocated funding will allow more children to participate in cultural experiences for free.　Starting in 2026, Busan will introduce free childcare for children ages 3 to 5. To prepare, the city has increased its 2026 nursery operation subsidy by an additional 40,000 won per child per month, strengthening the foundation for an entirely free early childhood education system.　This funding is a core aspect of Busan's 'Dangsincheoreom Aeji-jungji' Program, the nation's first integrated "edu-care" system, launched in 2024 to expand public education and childcare services. The program initially offered a monthly allowance of 80,000 won for extracurricular activities, and 17,000 won for field trips to children ages 3 to 5 enrolled in daycare centers. 　Since January, eligibility has expanded to include two-year-olds, while an additional 10,000-won subsidy has offset required parent contributions for five-year-old children since last July. In 2026, support for event-related parental contributions will extend to children aged 3 and 4.　Furthermore, monthly meal and snack subsidies for infants aged 0 to 2 will be increased to 12,000 won, up from 8,000 won. The city will also provide 30,000 won per child aged 3 to 5 to cover expenses for special curricula and enrichment programs outside the nationally mandated childcare framework.　In total, Busan is allocating roughly 100,000 won more per month per child registered in nurseries in 2026 to achieve free childcare for kids ages 3 to 5.　Busan will additionally expand flexible childcare options. The number of 365 Open Hourly Childcare Centers will increase from 10 to 13 this year, and hourly childcare institutions will add 10 more sessions to provide more tailored support to parents. Two new Cooperative Workplace Daycare Center branches will open in March, bringing the total to seven citywide.　To better support its international community, Busan will begin offering a 100,000-won monthly childcare subsidy in 2026 to children of foreign nationals. The subsidy will cover children ages 3 to 5. Until now, government-funded childcare assistance has been limited to Korean children, leaving foreign families to cover the full costs of childcare. Which ranges from 280,000 won to 567,000 won per month.　By expanding the 'Dangsincheoreom Aeji-jungji' Program's budget and reach, the city aims to significantly improve the quality of life for international residents.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>core aspect: 핵심 요소  subsidy: 보조금  special curricula: 특별 교육과정 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• 'Fun City Busan' targets 5M foreign tourists New nighttime events have attracted foreign tourists.　Busan is emerging as a premier destination for fun and engaging travel experiences, attracting travelers from around the globe with its diverse and vibrant charms. From January to October 2025, the city welcomed 3,019,164 international visitors, marking the first time Busan has surpassed the 3-million threshold in a single year. 　This growth represents a remarkable 20% year-on-year increase in tourists from several key markets, including Chinese-speaking regions, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Russia and the United Kingdom. Alongside the rise in arrivals, international tourist spending reached 859.2 billion won as of October 2024, a 31.5% increase compared to the previous year and the fastest growth rate in the country.　City officials attribute the surge to inbound tourism strategies, including developing experience-based travel content, hosting major cultural events and strengthening offerings in gastronomy and cruise tourism. Looking ahead, Busan aims to attract 5 million international visitors and generate 1.5 trillion won in annual tourism spending by 2028. 　To achieve these goals, the city will focus on elevating its global branding and competitiveness as a premier tourism hub. Plans include expanding the city's tourism footprint and enhancing cultural content, as well as developing high-value, purpose-based travel programs. Furthermore, Busan plans to implement a range of measures, from infrastructure innovation to developing integrated tourism routes linking Busan to other major cities in the southern region. <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>premier: 최고 수준의, 선도적인  vibrant: 활기찬, 생동감 있는  threshold: 기준(점), 문턱  compared to: ~와 비교하면  gastronomy: 미식(학), 요리 문화  implement: 시행하다, 도입하다Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• Website revamp makes Life in Busan better The new site is packed with information for international students.　Busan's international residents will have easier access to information with the launch of newly upgraded services on Life in Busan, the city's one-stop support platform for foreign residents. The platform's new name will be unveiled soon.　Operated by the Busan Global City Foundation since its launch in 2024, Life in Busan provides essential information to help foreign residents and international students settle in the city. The platform offers content in 57 languages, including local news, visa guidance, job information, medical and emergency resources and details on public support programs.　The latest renewal focuses on improving usability and accessibility. Updates include a redesigned page layout, streamlined category structure and expanded use of dual-language titles for notices. Content has also been enhanced to better reflect the practical needs of the international community.　One of the most notable additions is the new "Study in Busan" section, created specifically for international students. The category spotlights essential academic and daily-life information, including profiles of universities and colleges across the city, details on scholarship and campus support programs and guidance on student life in Busan.　Further improvements are planned to strengthen the platform's role as a comprehensive, customized service hub for foreign residents. The Busan Global City Foundation said it will continue refining content and features by actively incorporating feedback from the international community.※New platform: https://lifeinbusan.kr/kr/

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Enjoy Busan

• For a winter escape, head east ② While Busan is the nation's most popular summer vacation destination, winter in the city is quietly captivating. As the crowds thin and the air turns crisp, the city reveals a calmer, more intimate side, where ocean views, hot springs and neighborhood streets come into focus. This week, the spotlight turns to the eastern districts, where modern cityscapes meet the sea and local life unfolds at a leisurely pace.Jeonpo Cafe Street☕ Busanjin-gu & Dongnae-gu:  Cafes, hot springs and history　Jeonpo Cafe Street in Busanjin-gu District feels especially welcoming in winter. Its narrow alleys are filled with distinctive cafes, eateries and boutique shops, each offering a warm retreat from the cold. The neighborhood buzzes with a cozy, local charm that makes it easy to linger.a free outdoor footbath　For a deeper sense of tradition, Dongnae-gu District offers a classic Busan experience. Near Oncheonjang Station, a free outdoor footbath uses the mineral-rich hot spring water that has defined the area for centuries. Locals gather here to unwind, making it a simple yet authentic way to connect with everyday life in the city.Dongnae Eupseong Fortress　Nearby, Dongnae Eupseong Fortress invites a quiet walk through history. Once a key defensive site during the Joseon Dynasty, its stone walls now frame a peaceful path where past and present blend, far from the city's bustle.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>distinctive: 독특한, 특색 있는 cozy: 아늑한, 포근한 authentic: 진정한, 진짜의, 정통의 bustle: 북적임, 분주함 (사람·활기가 많은 상태)Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• For a winter escape, head east source: visit busanWhile Busan is the nation's most popular summer vacation destination, winter in the city is quietly captivating. As the crowds thin and the air turns crisp, the city reveals a calmer, more intimate side, where ocean views, hot springs and neighborhood streets come into focus. This week, the spotlight turns to the eastern districts, where modern cityscapes meet the sea and local life unfolds at a leisurely pace.🌊 Haeundae－gu & Gijang－gun: Winter waves and seaside thrillsHaeundae Beach may be famous for summer, but winter brings its own kind of magic. Quiet walks along pale sands, vivid blue waters and the steady rhythm of waves create a soothing escape. The colder air sharpens the colors, making the scenery feel almost cinematic.Just north, Songjeong Beach comes alive as a winter surf haven. Surfers in thick wetsuits ride the seasonal swells, often surprised by how inviting the water feels. Cozy cafes line the shore, offering warm drinks and panoramic ocean views, perfect for a relaxed winter break.For all-in-one fun, the Osiria Tourist Complex in Gijang delivers. Lotte World Adventure Busan and Skyline Luge keep the energy high despite the cold, while Gijang Premium Outlets invite visitors to beat the winter blues with retail therapy. A short drive away, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple crowns the rocky coastline, its elegant structures overlooking the clear winter sea, a must-see in any season.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>unfold: 펼쳐지다 steady: 꾸준한 shore: 해안가 coastline: 해안선Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• For a winter escape, head east 　While Busan is the nation's most popular summer vacation destination, winter in the city is quietly captivating. As the crowds thin and the air turns crisp, the city reveals a calmer, more intimate side, where ocean views, hot springs and neighborhood streets come into focus. In this edition of Busan Is Good, the spotlight turns to the eastern districts, where modern cityscapes meet the sea and local life unfolds at a leisurely pace.Unlike in summer, Haeundae Beach in winter captivates visitors with its quiet and leisurely atmosphere. It's the perfect place to stroll with the sound of waves in the background while gazing at the Haeundae Light Festival installations.Sunrise surfing at Songjeong BeachHaedong Yonggungsa Temple in Gijang-gun■ Haeundae－gu & Gijang－gun: Winter waves and seaside thrills　Haeundae Beach may be famous for summer, but winter brings its own kind of magic. Quiet walks along pale sands, vivid blue waters and the steady rhythm of waves create a soothing escape. The colder air sharpens the colors, making the scenery feel almost cinematic.　Just north, Songjeong Beach comes alive as a winter surf haven. Surfers in thick wetsuits ride the seasonal swells, often surprised by how inviting the water feels. Cozy cafes line the shore, offering warm drinks and panoramic ocean views, perfect for a relaxed winter break.　For all-in-one fun, the Osiria Tourist Complex in Gijang delivers. Lotte World Adventure Busan and Skyline Luge keep the energy high despite the cold, while Gijang Premium Outlets invite visitors to beat the winter blues with retail therapy. A short drive away, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple crowns the rocky coastline, its elegant structures overlooking the clear winter sea, a must-see in any season. There's a store for every taste on Jeonpo Cafe Street.Dongnae Free Foot BathDongnae Eupseong Fortress■ Busanjin－gu & Dongnae－gu: Cafes, hot springs and history　Jeonpo Cafe Street in Busanjin-gu District feels especially welcoming in winter. Its narrow alleys are filled with distinctive cafes, eateries and boutique shops, each offering a warm retreat from the cold. The neighborhood buzzes with a cozy, local charm that makes it easy to linger.　For a deeper sense of tradition, Dongnae-gu District offers a classic Busan experience. Near Oncheonjang Station, a free outdoor footbath uses the mineral-rich hot spring water that has defined the area for centuries. Locals gather here to unwind, making it a simple yet authentic way to connect with everyday life in the city.　Nearby, Dongnae Eupseong Fortress invites a quiet walk through history. Once a key defensive site during the Joseon Dynasty, its stone walls now frame a peaceful path where past and present blend, far from the city's bustle. Millac the Market is a popular, year-round destination for people of all ages.A night view from Uam-dong Urban ForestYongho Starlight Park■ Suyeong－gu & Nam－gu: Nighttime views　Millac The Market in Suyeong-gu District is a standout indoor destination year-round. The cultural complex combines restaurants, lounges, and specialty shops under one roof. Large windows open to ocean views, making it a favorite gathering place, especially on cold days.　As night falls, Nam-gu offers some of Busan's most striking winter views. From Uam-dong Urban Forest, the illuminated Busanhangdaegyo Bridge glows against the harbor, its warm lights contrasting with the crisp night air. Nearby, Yongho Starlight Park provides an unobstructed view of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge from a fresh angle. Converted from an old pier, this quiet waterfront park is ideal for a peaceful evening stroll away from the crowds.

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Food

• Nine Busan restaurants added to Michelin Guide for 2026 　Ahead of the official release of this year's guidebook, the Michelin Guide has unveiled nine newly selected restaurants in Busan on its website. These latest Michelin selections offer a range of diverse eating experiences, from familiar Korean staples to unique bites created by chefs pushing culinary boundaries. ① Songheonjip (송헌집)* Specialty: Tteokgalbi* Address: 18 Millak-ro 19 beon-gil, Suyeong-gu* Hours: Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 8 p.m. for dinner. Closed on Wednesdays. ② Pyeongyangjip (평양집)* Specialty: Mandu* Address: 21 Geumgok-daero 20beon-gil, Buk-gu* Hours: Open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed on Sundays. ③ 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu (1969 부원동칼국수)* Specialty: Kalguksu* Address: 3 Gudeok-ro 22 beon-gil, Jung-gu* Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ④ Meerok Super (미락슈퍼)* Specialty: Korean omakase* Address: 46 Millakbondong-ro 31beon-gil, Suyeong-gu* Hours: Open daily. Offers seatings at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 6 and 8 p.m. on weekends, and 12:30, 6 and 8 p.m. on weekdays. Reserve via Catch Table. ⑤ Tooru (토오루)* Specialty: Seafood omakase* Address: 38-1 Dongseong-ro 49 beon-gil, Busanjin-gu* Hours: Open daily with seatings at 1, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Reserve via Catch Table. ⑥ Matsuzaki (마츠자키)* Specialty: Authentic kaiseki* Address: 10 Suyeong-ro 582beon-gil, Suyeong-gu* Hours: Offers seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. via Catch Table.  Closed on Sundays. ⑦ Zandunga (잔둔가)* Specialty: Mexican* Address: 41 Dongcheon-ro 108 beon-gil, Busanjin-gu* Hours: Open from noon to 3:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Reserve via Catch Table. ⑧ IAan (이안)* Specialty: Korean contemporary* Address: 88 Dalmaji-gil 65beon-gil, Haeundae-gu* Hours: Offers seatings at 12:30, 6 and 7 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Reserve via Catch Table. ⑨ Ultra Bite (울트라 바이트)* Specialty: Contemporary* Address: 28 Millak-ro 14beon-gil, Suyeong-gu* Hours: Open from 6 p.m. to midnight. Closed on Tuesdays. Reserve via Catch Table.Michelin Guide: Click
• Nine Busan restaurants added to Michelin Guide for 2026  Ahead of the official release of this year’s guidebook, the Michelin Guide has unveiled nine newly selected restaurants in Busan on its website. The list spans a broad spectrum of cuisines, from familiar Korean staples such as “tteokgalbi” and dumplings to international and contemporary offerings, including Japanese, Mexican and modern fusion cuisine.Bringing together tradition and experimentation, everyday comfort and culinary creativity, the update previews the guidebook’s evolving direction and sets a higher bar for local food enthusiasts. 1. Songheonjip (송헌집)-Specialty: Tteokgalbi-Address: 18 Millak-ro 19 beon-gil, Suyeong-gu-Hours: Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 8 p.m. for dinner. Closed on Wednesdays.-Naver Map: Click  2. Pyeongyangjip (평양집)-Specialty: Mandu-Address: 21 Geumgok-daero 20beon-gil, Buk-gu-Hours: Open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed on Sundays.-Naver Map: Click 3. 1969 Buwondong Kalguksu (1969 부원동칼국수)-Specialty: Kalguksu-Address: 3 Gudeok-ro 22 beon-gil, Jung-gu-Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.-Naver Map: Click  4. Meerok Super (미락슈퍼)-Specialty: Korean omakase-Address: 46 Millakbondong-ro 31beon-gil, Suyeong-gu-Hours: Open daily. Offers seatings at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 6 and 8 p.m. on weekends, and 12:30, 6 and 8 p.m. on weekdays.-Naver Map: Click *Reservations can be made via the Catch Table app. 5. Tooru (토오루)-Specialty: Seafood omakase-Address: 38-1 Dongseong-ro 49 beon-gil, Busanjin-gu-Hours: Open daily with seatings at 1, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.-Naver Map: Click *Reservations can be made via the Catch Table app. 6. Matsuzaki (마츠자키)-Specialty: Authentic kaiseki-Address: 143-1 Gwangan-dong, Suyeong-gu-Hours: Offers two seatings at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Closed on Sundays.-Naver Map: Click  *Reservations can be made via the Catch Table app. 7. Zandunga (잔둔가)-Specialty: Mexican-Address: 41 Dongcheon-ro 108 beon-gil, Busanjin-gu-Hours: Open from noon to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.-Naver Map: Click *Reservations can be made via the Catch Table app. 8. IAán (이안)-Specialty: Korean contemporary-Address: 88 Dalmaji-gil 65beon-gil, Haeundae-gu-Hours: Offers seatings at 12:30, 6 and 7 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.-Naver Map: Click *Reservations can be made via the Catch Table app. 9. Ultra Bite (울트라 바이트)-Specialty: Contemporary-Address: 28 Millak-ro 14beon-gil, Suyeong-gu-Hours: Open from 6 p.m. to midnight. Closed on Tuesdays.-Naver Map: Click *Reservations can be made via the Catch Table app.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>release: 발표 unveil: 드러내다 span: ~에 걸치다 tradition: 전통 experimentation: 시험Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• Bite Into Busan ⑥ Contemporary Cuisine  For its final installment, "Bite Into Busan" highlights two standout restaurants that blend artistry, innovation and local flavor. Each stop appears in both the Michelin Guide and Taste of Busan, and is known for signature dishes that showcase the city's evolving culinary identity.This finale explores contemporary cuisine, a style that reinvents tradition through creative technique. Chefs build on familiar flavors while pushing boundaries with bold ideas, inventive pairings and elegant, often dramatic plating. The result is a multisensory experience that honors heritage while embracing modern expression.🍝 Palate (팔레트)At Palate, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant atop Dalmaji-gil, Chef Jae-hoon Kim applies his classic French training and global perspective to local ingredients.Kim's menu showcases the abundance of Busan's high-quality ingredients; local kelp flavors his butter and ice cream, the seafood is from the ocean outside Palate's windows and his signature duck is sourced from a farm in nearby Gimhae.* Address: 3F, 154 Dalmaji-gil 65beon-gil, Haeundae-gu* Hours: Open for lunch, noon to 3 p.m. Open for dinner, 6 to 10 p.m. Last order at 7 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.* Menu: Lunch Course 88,000 won; Dinner Course 200,000 won🍝 Le Dorer (르도헤)Le Dorer presents a modern take on Korean contemporary cuisine, using Busan's local ingredients as the foundation for its distinctive courses. Each dish reflects the city's flavors through an inventive, chef-driven perspective.* Address: 2F, 37 Marine City 3-ro, Haeundae-gu* Hours: Open for lunch, noon to 2:30 p.m. Open for dinner, 6 to 10 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.* Menu: Lunch Course 120,000 won; Dinner Course 210,000 won<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>standout: 뛰어난 innovation: 혁신 contemporary: 현대의 ingredient: 재료 abundance: 풍요Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

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Life

• Sustainability is a significant focus for Busan MOCA in 2026 Busan Museum of Contemporary ArtOn Jan. 12, the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art unveiled its 2026 exhibition plan. Centered on profound discourses related to ecological values and a sustainable future, the museum will curate distinctive artworks to highlight the social role and responsibilities of public museums. In addition, its rooftop restaurant will finally welcome diners in February after two years of construction. Through thoughtfully organized exhibitions, visitors can experience the museum’s enhanced “green” identity this year. The exhibition titled “Commission Project Ⅰ·Ⅱ” features Berlin-based media artist Marco Barotti and Korean painter Yujeong Eom. Drawing inspiration from the ecological charm of Eulsukdo Island, the two artists will showcase new drawings and sound art representing the region’s flora and fauna. By blurring the boundaries between outdoor and indoor spaces, they transform the museum into an amorphous space that awakens the senses. Toward the end of the year, the museum will host its signature special exhibition, “2026 Busan MoCA Platform: Symbiotic Couture.” This will explore futuristic clothing made with sustainable materials and produced ethically.Unique exhibitions focusing on the human body will also invite visitors to gain a new understanding of their own physical existence. From April to June, the performing arts exhibition “Body Under Experiment” will present a mix of video, installation, sound and performance in a “laboratory” format. Artists Geumhyung Jeong, Hoonida Kim and Byungjun Kwon will each showcase their work monthly, ensuring a multisensory experience that transcends fixed genres. From late March through mid-July, the collection exhibition “Embodied Testimony” features three artists—Soungui Kim, Ana Mendieta and Chris Burden—who have conducted unique experiments with the body. The exhibition delivers a profound message: the body is not merely a medium for representation, but the fundamental unit through which art appears and sustains itself. In autumn, Junseub Sim’s “Circulation of Organs” will offer the perfect opportunity to focus on the soothing yet eerily captivating sounds our bodies produce. Inspired by the artist’s experience with tinnitus, Sim captures bodily sounds, such as breathing and heartbeats, and integrates them with interactive technology. The exhibition gives these sounds physical form by transforming the rhythm of a heartbeat into an interconnected system of pipes, expanding the auditory work into a multisensory experience with striking visual appeal. Meanwhile, the rooftop restaurant slated to open next month is expected to become a new cultural space where art and daily life naturally mingle. Overlooking the Nakdonggang River and the scenic landscape of the Eulsukdo area, the restaurant will be accessible via a dedicated elevator even after the museum closes. Additionally, the observatory in front of the restaurant will serve as an open space for everyone to enjoy the calming views and fresh air.※ Busan Museum of Contemporary Art◎ Address: 1191, Nakdongnam-ro, Saha-gu ◎ Website: https://www.busan.go.kr/moca_en/index◎ Naver Map: https://naver.me/Fuz5Lxqk<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>profound: 깊은, 심오한  flora and fauna: 동식물  fundamental: 근본적인, 기본적인Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• Vienna New Year Week brings renowned musicians to BCH source: classicbusanThis winter. The Busan Concert Hall is hosting Vienna New Year Week, featuring world-class musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic lineage, with the Philharmonic Ensemble performing on Jan. 31 and the Philharmonic Brass on Feb. 3.Founded in 2013 by a violinist from the legendary Vienna Philharmonic, the Philharmonic Ensemble will immerse the audience in a rich, cultural experience deeply rooted in European musical heritage. Meanwhile, the Philharmonic Brass, comprising brass musicians from both the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonic orchestras, offers local residents a rare opportunity to experience a world-class performance without leaving the city.The Philharmonic Ensemble’s repertoire features timeless masterpieces that have captivated audiences throughout history. The program includes works by iconic composers such as Strauss, Lehar and Bizet.Adding a contemporary flair, the Philharmonic Brass will present a diverse program spanning classical opera and beloved cinematic scores from global franchises such as “Harry Potter,” “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars.”Tickets are available exclusively via the Busan Concert Hall’s official website. For more details, please visit the link provided below. ※ Vienna New Year Week at Busan Concert Hall◎ Philharmonic Ensemble at 5 p.m. on Jan. 31 Price: 30,000 won to 70,000 wonTickets: Click ◎ Philharmonic Brass at 7:30 p.m. on Feb 3Price: 30,000 won to 70,000 wonTickets: Click <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>legendary: 전설적인 immerse: 몰입하다 heritage: 유산 composer: 작곡가Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• The Nakdong Art Center establishes a cultural touchstone in Western Busan source: bsgangseo.go.krThe Nakdong Art Center will officially open its doors on Jan. 10. The occasion will be marked by a grand opening festival running through March 5. Over nearly two months, the festival will feature 27 performances across 20 distinctive works, spanning genres from opera and ballet to theater and jazz.The opening ceremony runs from Jan. 10 to 11 and features performances deeply rooted in local identity, highlighting the unique charm and potential of Busan’s arts scene. The festival will premiere “Nakdonggang Fanfare,” an original symphony composed by Soo-ran Jeong, a professor at Pusan National University. The piece reflects the profound history and ecological significance of the Nakdonggang River. Following this is Mahler’s iconic “Symphony of a Thousand,” renowned for its massive scale and dramatic, magnificent sound. Marking its first-ever performance outside the Seoul metropolitan area, the production features 330 musicians and choir members, including the Nakdong Art Center Festival Orchestra and local performers from Busan and its neighboring cities.Beyond serving as a performance venue, the Nakdong Art Center also showcases its appeal as a comprehensive arts institution with a strong focus on in-house production. A highlight of the festival is the opera “Aida.” From directing and production to stage technology and casting, the Nakdong Art Center managed the entire creative process to stage this masterpiece.The festival will conclude in March with performances by world-renowned musicians. Along with the enchanting melodies of Germany’s WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne, the British a cappella ensemble The King’s Singers will bring musical euphoria to western Busan. For more details on the festival and ticket purchases, please visit the Nakdong Art Center's official website. ※ Nakdong Art Center Grand Opening Festival, Jan. 10 to March 5◎ Address: 141, Myeongjigukje 1-ro, Gangseo-gu◎ Website: Click ◎ Naver Map: Click <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>officially: 공식적으로 identity: 정체성 profound: 깊은 massive: 거대한Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

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• Going the extra mile to understand Busan 　The Busan Galmaetgil is a sweeping walking trail that traces the city's natural outline, gradually connecting Busan into a single vibrant loop. Stretching about 279 kilometers, the route is divided into nine main courses and 23 sections, designed to showcase the city's exceptional natural assets and modern urban charm. Along the way, dramatic seascapes meet lush green mountains, while soaring cityscapes blend effortlessly with the warmth of intimate communities.　Walking the Galmaetgil offers an immediate sense of Busan's rhythm. The trail moves from the steady crash of waves to forested slopes, then slips into quiet alleys where everyday life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Rather than presenting the city as a series of landmarks, the path reveals how Busan is shaped and lived in, step by step.　Accessibility is one of Galmaetgil's strongest features. Many sections begin near subway stations or bus stops, making it easy to choose routes that match different schedules and energy levels. The thoughtful design allows walkers of varying abilities to enjoy the experience comfortably, whether for a short stroll or a full-day hike.　More than a sightseeing route, the Galmaetgil invites understanding. It passes fishing villages, harbors and timeworn streets, offering an honest look at daily life. By following these paths, visitors gain a clear sense of Busan's character and the places that shape the people who live here.Orangdae (Route 1-2) Dongbaekseom Island (Route 2-1) Yeongdo Sky Observatory (Route 3-3) Dudo Observatory (Route 4-1) Yeondae Peak (Route 5-2) Samnak Ecological Park Lotus Complex (Route 6-1) Seongjigok Reservoir Cypress Forest Trail (Route 7-1) Hoedong-dong Suyeong Riverside Trail (Route 8-1) Yongso Well-Being Park (Route 9-2) <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>Accessibility: 접근성 Sightseeing: 관광 Cityscape: 도시 풍경Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• Going the extra mile to understand Busan Orangdae (Route 1-2) Dongbaekseom Island (Route 2-1) Yeongdo Sky Observatory (Route 3-3) Dudo Observatory (Route 4-1) Yeondae Peak (Route 5-2) Samnak Ecological Park Lotus Complex (Route 6-1) Seongjigok Reservoir Cypress Forest Trail (Route 7-1) Hoedong-dong Suyeong Riverside Trail (Route 8-1) Yongso Well-Being Park (Route 9-2) 　The Busan Galmaetgil is a sweeping walking trail that traces the city's natural outline, gradually connecting Busan into a single vibrant loop. Stretching about 279 kilometers, the route is divided into nine main courses and 23 sections, designed to showcase the city's exceptional natural assets and modern urban charm. Along the way, dramatic seascapes meet lush green mountains, while soaring cityscapes blend effortlessly with the warmth of intimate communities.　Walking the Galmaetgil offers an immediate sense of Busan's rhythm. The trail moves from the steady crash of waves to forested slopes, then slips into quiet alleys where everyday life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Rather than presenting the city as a series of landmarks, the path reveals how Busan is shaped and lived in, step by step.　Accessibility is one of Galmaetgil's strongest features. Many sections begin near subway stations or bus stops, making it easy to choose routes that match different schedules and energy levels. The thoughtful design allows walkers of varying abilities to enjoy the experience comfortably, whether for a short stroll or a full-day hike.　More than a sightseeing route, the Galmaetgil invites understanding. It passes fishing villages, harbors and timeworn streets, offering an honest look at daily life. By following these paths, visitors gain a clear sense of Busan's character and the places that shape the people who live here.Website: Click
• The pleasures of life by a riverside YOLO Galmaetgil Route 9 runs through Samnak Eco Park, which best exemplifies Busan's desire to build a city where humans and nature coexist.Samnak Eco Park boasts several fields for various sports.The park's wide open fields offer plenty of space for dogs and their owners to run around.Busan citizens are among the happiest in the nation thanks to ample green spaces that allow families to spend time outdoors.The park is also a wildlife refuge for migratory birds.■ YOLO Route 9　YOLO Galmaetgil Route 9, known as "Samnakgil Pleasures of Life," offers a refreshing look at western Busan as it traces the peaceful Nakdonggang River through Samnak Eco Park. Starting at Gwaebeop Renecite Station on the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit, the 8.7-kilometer trail heads south toward the lotus fields before looping north through the park's spacious riverside grounds.　Even in late autumn, the park stays lively with locals exercising, cycling or enjoying a stroll. The cool air and gentle sunlight create an inviting atmosphere, and the landscape feels open and generous. Covering nearly five square kilometers, Samnak Eco Park features extensive outdoor sports facilities, from soccer and baseball fields to tennis courts and park golf courses, as well as areas for archery, rugby and inline skating.　Near Samnak Riverside Sports Park, the Lawn Square spreads out in a sweeping patch of green － soft, wide, and perfect for dogs to run freely. To the north, golden reed fields line the riverbank, swaying like a quiet forest and drawing couples in search of cinematic wedding photos.　The route also offers regular encounters with migratory birds resting in ponds and marshes. Each winter, species such as spot-billed ducks, bean geese, swans and slender-billed gulls return to nest, adding a peaceful rhythm to the walk. Visitors are encouraged to admire the birds from a respectful distance.YOLO Guide: Click

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