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For Busan's mayor, citizens' happiness is always top of mind
During the interview, Busan Mayor Park spoke about his achievements over the past two years and his vision for the future.
It's been two years since Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon took office. He recently sat down with Busan is Good to discuss his achievements.
During the interview, Mayor Park showed confidence in the changes made during his tenure and how those changes will be the foundation for future progress and innovation in the city.
Q. It's been two years since you were elected. What do you think of your administration's achievements, and what are your plans for the next two years?
A. The last two years have been spent laying the foundation for change and innovation in Busan.
Starting construction on the Gadeokdo New Airport fulfills a 30-year wish for the city. Busan is also innovating the economic ecosystem. This includes relocating the Korea Development Bank, establishing a blockchain special zone and a next-generation marine mobility innovation zone, and investing in special complexes for power semiconductors.
We've also implemented new policies to improve citizens' daily lives, such as the 15-Minute City initiative and Busan-style welfare. We've promoted close collaboration between local industry and academia. We've innovated public transportation and other sectors. These achievements confirm Busan's potential and instill hope in the city's future.
Q. Busan lawmakers proposed the Special Act on the Establishment of Busan as a Global Hub City. What are its prospects of being passed by the National Assembly?
A. Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to all of the Busan ruling and opposition party lawmakers for unanimously proposing the special law. The act is the foundation for Busan to become a global business city on par with cities like Singapore and Hong Kong.
The key is ensuring Busan grows into an innovative hub in the Southern region, dramatically increasing Korea's overall balanced development and national competitiveness. We hope that the bill can be passed as soon as possible.
Q. Expectations are high for relocating the Korea Development Bank to Busan. What are the chances of this move being made?
A. The relocation of the Korea Development Bank is a national priority for President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration. The relocation will proceed quickly if the National Assembly amends the law that requires the Korea Development Bank to be located in Seoul.
We asked lawmakers to amend the law and cooperate with the relocation. Although the opposition party holds a majority, we will try our best to pass the law revision within this year. The relocation will help Busan leap forward as a global financial city and create new growth engines for future development.
Q. Gadeokdo New Airport is scheduled to open in December 2029. What role does the new airport have in the strategy to revitalize Busan?
A. Gadeokdo New Airport is a core component that helps Busan leap forward as a global hub city. The necessity and purpose of opening the airport as soon as possible are clear.
I know there are concerns that the construction period is short. Still, we believe there is enough time to safely build the facility if we work with the private sector. Korea's experience building world-class airports should allow the project to be completed safely within the given period.
Befitting the significance of this undertaking, we will also acquire long-distance routes to Europe and the Americas. Also, the new airport will boost Busan's value as a logistics hub. Along with Busan New Port, Gadeokdo New Airport will anchor a tri-port system and transform the region into an global logistics hub capable of handling aviation, maritime, railway and roadway transportation.
Investment in Busan by domestic and foreign companies is increasing, with reports indicating that investments have hit record highs under your watch.
The city is making concerted efforts to attract investment. Over the past two years, over 8.4 trillion won has been invested, 10 times more than any other period in history.
Busan has a strong foundation in the automobile, shipbuilding and marine industries. However, it is very encouraging that much of the new investment is in innovative fields such as AI, big data and finance.
Busan will revitalize its economy by strengthening traditional industries while reforming our regional infrastructure to focus on high-technology, future-oriented fields.
Q. Do you have a message you want to share with Busan citizens?
A. For the last two years, my administration has worked tirelessly to give Busan citizens better lives. It is our dream and promise to create a city where every citizen is happy.
The support of Busan citizens is our greatest source of strength and energy. We will work harder and harder for our fellow citizens.