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HIBA connects Busan with int'l residents
HiBA members explore tourist attractions in Busan and the surrounding areas.
HiBA members are all smiles after taking taekwondo lessons.
Since its launch in April, Hidden Busan Adventures for Foreigners, or HiBA, has emerged as a vibrant platform for international residents to explore the city and build meaningful connections.
Founded by Chris Park, senior deputy director at the Korea Tourism Organization's Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do Office, HiBA blends cultural discovery with active community engagement.
As of November, the group has grown to about 195 members, representing countries such as Israel, the United States, Russia, Belarus, Sri Lanka, and China. Most of the members are in their 20s and 30s. The community is open to foreigners and Koreans interested in global exchange. Members can join through the app Meetup or HiBA's KakaoTalk channel. Gatherings are held on the third Saturday of each month.
The group's activities began with a trek along the Igidae Coastal Trail in April and have since featured a mix of cultural and recreational experiences, including plogging at Songjeong Beach and stand-up paddleboarding at Gwangalli Beach.
In October, HiBA hosted a special outing in Gyeongju, the site of the APEC 2025 summit, featuring a hike up Namsan Mountain. November's event offers horseback riding in Gijang-gun County.