Life
Say 'Hi' to Busan with HiBA
The way travelers explore Busan is steadily transforming. Beyond traditional sightseeing at major attractions, travelers now seek more intimate ways to mingle with others and share moments. HiBA, short for Hidden Busan Adventure, is at the forefront of this trend. HiBA brings international and domestic residents together through various activities, helping them forge deep connections with one another and with Busan.
HiBA founder Chris Park describes Busan as a city where people can build lasting bonds far beyond just simple tourism. In this edition, Busan is Good spoke with Mr. Park to learn about his vision and journey.
HiBA founder Chris Park
Q. What motivated you to start HiBA?
A. The other day, a traveler joined our community for a run. He left with much more than that: a unique running experience, a reason to return and a book filled with insights about the city. This is exactly the kind of change HiBA aims to inspire. While many visit Busan, they often don't truly engage with it. In my opinion, the core of tourism has shifted from locations to people. I founded HiBA to serve as a bridge that connects individuals through the city.
Q. How does HiBA work?
A. Think of HiBA as a community rather than a fixed program. Participants, both local and international, engage in activities such as walking, surfing and climbing. Our signature activity is the Busan Run Club (BRC). Every Saturday morning, we run together against the iconic backdrop of Haeundae and enjoy a coffee break afterward. I believe it's not just about the activity itself; it's about how you spend time with others. Relationships are built through these repeated, shared experiences.
Q. When do you think people truly connect with the city?
A. Those connections are made in small, everyday moments, not necessarily at famous landmarks. Whether it's running together, waiting for the right wave or chatting around a table after the day is done-that's when Busan extends beyond a tourism destination and becomes a place you can personally relate to. In these ordinary moments, the city's charm appears more vividly. By moving and talking together, you will experience new things and witness the many diverse layers of Busan.
Q. What is HiBA's long-term vision?
A. HiBA aims to deepen its identity by transforming visitors into active participants and evolving simple experiences into lasting relationships. Once this community model is firmly established in Busan, I want to expand this logic to other regions. In a similar vein, I've shared HiBA's journey in my book, "Just Say, Hi Busan," which helps readers learn about the city and guides them to create their own unique experience.
Q. Do you have any final words?
A. HiBA starts with the simplest word: "Hi." But that brief greeting can work like magic, turning tourists into people who stay.
HiBA members quickly became close even though they met for the first time during the event.
On April 18, Busan is Good met with various participants at HiBA's yacht event.
① Abo (English teacher from South Africa)
I joined HiBA a year ago at a friend's recommendation, and now I often participate in its activities. I love discovering hidden gems in Busan that I never knew about, and the new activities are always exciting.
② Captain (International student from Uzbekistan, nearing graduation)
This is my first time joining a HiBA event and also my first yachting experience. It's truly impressive that I can have an experience like this right here in Busan.
③ Mia (Korean-American, participating with her daughter, Katelyn)
I joined for the first time on a friend's recommendation, and I really liked the vibrant energy. Spending time with people from so many different countries is a meaningful experience, and I think it will be a wonderful memory for my daughter as well.