Daily Busan
Culture, sports and design drive Busan’s rise as a global hub
source: visitbusan
Over the past four years, Busan City has achieved notable progress in strengthening its global reputation and enriching its cultural environment. A key milestone was the opening of the Busan Concert Hall on June 20, the city’s first venue dedicated exclusively to classical music.
This cultural expansion will continue with the opening of the Nakdong Art Center in western Busan in January 2026. Plans are also advancing to redevelop Igidae Park in Nam-gu District into a world-class art park, capitalizing on its natural scenery. Busan has further enhanced its appeal through its vibrant culinary scene, earning recognition in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years. The 2026 edition features 56 local restaurants.
Busan has also strengthened its position as a major sports city by expanding athletic infrastructure and attracting professional teams. At the 106th National Sports Festival, the city placed second overall. In 2023, Busan welcomed the Korean Basketball League’s KCC Egis, which won the league championship that same year. Additionally, with the OK Savings Bank Okman Volleyball Club now calling Busan home, the city will host professional teams in baseball, soccer, basketball and volleyball.
The city’s international standing has continued to rise. In September, Busan was selected as the 2028 World Design Capital. The designation recognizes cities that use design to improve the economic, social, cultural and environmental quality of life. Busan also ranked 24th in the Global Financial Centres Index, its highest position to date.
Beyond showcasing the city’s competencies on the global stage, Busan has taken decisive steps to ensure the health and well-being of its youngest citizens. The city launched Deullak Nallak, a network of children’s centers that offer play-based educational opportunities. With 108 centers currently operating, the city plans to expand the network to 200 by 2026. These efforts were reflected in the 2024 Child Well-Being Index, published by Save the Children and the Institute of Social Welfare at Seoul National University, which ranked Busan highest in overall quality of life for children among major cities.
Looking ahead, Busan remains committed to its transformation into a vibrant global city, and its progress across various sectors shows no sign of slowing.
<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>
achieve: 성취하다 notable: 주목할만한 culinary: 요리의 recognition: 인식 competency: 경쟁력
Editor: Song Soomi
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