Busan is good

News

• Busan on track to welcome 4 million international visitors source: Busan Tourism ArchiveBusan welcomed 2,420,629 international visitors in the first half of 2026, already achieving 60.5% of its annual target of 4 million international visitors. Compared with the same period last year, the number of international visitors rose 43.9% from 1,682,415. In June alone, Busan welcomed 484,057 international visitors, the highest monthly figure recorded this year.Taiwan remained Busan’s largest source market with 477,606 visitors, followed by China (468,876), Japan (291,141), the United States (219,147) and the Philippines (93,061). Visitor numbers from Taiwan increased 54% compared with the same period last year. The city also found that hosting major performances can serve as a major draw for international visitors. Using data from mobile carrier KT and credit card company BC, the analysis showed that the area within a 3-kilometer radius of Busan Asiad Main Stadium recorded approximately 730,000 visits by international visitors during the BTS concert week from June 8 to 14, up 341.9% from the previous week. Spending at nearby businesses also increased during the same period. Building on this momentum, Busan aims to focus on the quality of tourism by encouraging visitors to stay longer and return. To strengthen its identity as a maritime capital, Busan plans to introduce new marine transportation options, including an amphibious tour bus and water taxis. The city will also expand experiential tourism programs linked to major events such as the Busan Fireworks Festival and Starry Night in Busan: Night Festa. Busan will continue to make travel more convenient for international visitors by enhancing the Visit Busan Pass and expanding partnerships with global tourism platforms. <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>figure: 수치 compared with: ~ 와 비교해서 radius: 반경 momentum: 탄력 amphibious: 수륙 양용의Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• In the age of AI, the world's librarians convene in Busan  　The 90th World Library and Information Congress will take place from Aug. 10 to 13 at BEXCO. This world's largest gathering of library and information professionals returns to Korea for the first time since Seoul hosted the congress in 2006. The congress is expected to bring together library professionals, researchers and policymakers from around 150 countries to exchange ideas, discuss trends and strengthen international collaboration. 　As libraries and information services continue to adapt to digital transformation and advances in artificial intelligence, this year's congress will explore the evolving role of libraries and the new approaches to information and media literacy in the age of AI-generated content. The program features a wide range of events, from keynote speeches and discussions covering diverse topics to visits to libraries across Busan, allowing participants to experience the city's library services firsthand.WLIC Home: Click
• All hands on deck in Korea's maritime capital  Busan New Port in Gangseo-gu District is poised to become a global shipping and logistics hub for the emerging era of Arctic shipping, with plans to supply carbon-free and low-carbon fuels.　Busan is strengthening its maritime identity, anchored by one of the world's busiest ports and a growing network of maritime industries and public institutions.Busan moved record volumes of cargo in 2025.　This identity is founded on Busan Port, the world's seventh-largest container port and second-largest transshipment hub. In 2025, the port handled a record 24.88 million TEUs - the standard unit for measuring container cargo - a 2% increase over the previous year. Transshipment cargo, which accounted for 14.1 million TEUs, or 57% of the total, continues to anchor Busan's role as Northeast Asia's premier logistics gateway.　The city is also drawing major shipping companies to its shores. SK Shipping and H-Line Shipping announced the relocation of their head offices to Busan in December 2025, followed by HMM, Korea's largest container carrier, which registered its new headquarters in Busan in May 2026. Heung-A Shipping confirmed its own relocation in July. Together, these moves are expected to strengthen shipping, port operations, ship management and maritime brokerage in the city while drawing skilled professionals to the region.　Busan's administrative and research capabilities are expanding alongside its private sector. Following the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' relocation to Busan in December 2025, the city is now home to several of Korea's key maritime institutions, including the Busan Port Authority, the Korea Ocean Business Corporation, the Korea Maritime Institute, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology and the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency - creating a more integrated ecosystem linking policy, business support and research.Interview with a lawyer about the BMICC (Click to watch)　The city's legal infrastructure is also developing. The Busan Maritime and International Commercial Court is scheduled to open in March 2028 at the Dong-gu Cultural Platform. Once established, the court will specialize in maritime and international commercial disputes, thereby reinforcing Busan's role as a hub for dispute resolution.The BusanSat satellite measures fine dust.　Busan has also started space-based ocean observation. BusanSat, Korea's first municipal nanosatellite dedicated to ocean monitoring, launched successfully into orbit in May. The satellite will spend about a year tracking ocean surface conditions and fine particulate matter across Busan Port, the Yellow Sea and parts of the Pacific.

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Enjoy Busan

• Where the City meets the Sea: North Port Waterfront Park 　Visitors arriving at Busan Station can head to North Port Waterfront Park, located just behind the station. Just a short walk over the pedestrian bridge from Exit 9 on the station's second floor, the park offers a peaceful natural setting in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy strolls along tranquil waterways that extend toward the open sea.　At sunset, colorful lights illuminate the paths and waterways, blending with the lights of Busanhangdaegyo Bridge and the harbor for a romantic night view. Scattered observation points and sculptures make it a popular photo spot, while the cool sea breeze invites locals for evening walks or jogs.Busan North Port Waterfront Park is one of the city's most iconic nighttime attractions, where the dazzling city skyline meets open sea views. Illuminated by Busanhangdaegyo Bridge, the park offers a delightful setting for an evening stroll.  View of Busanhangdaegyo BridgeFountain at North Port Waterfront Park<Attractions near Busan Station>Bukdu-chilseong Library is a cultural space featuring seven circular bookshelves and the Book Climbing Plaza, a tiered reading area.Busan Chinatown's streets glow with red lanterns and serve up Chinese, Russian and Central Asian cuisine.Google Maps: Click
• Paddle, party, repeat: SUP FESTA takes over North Port  The 2026 North Port SUP FESTA rides into Busan from July 31 to Aug. 9, bringing watersports, live music and cultural programs to North Port Waterfront Park and the North Port Landmark Site.This year's festival is bigger than ever, marking the 150th anniversary of Busan Port's opening and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' move to the city. Events run daily from 4 to 9 p.m. across three themed zones: the Maritime Leisure Zone, the Healing Culture & Performance Zone, and the Food, Exhibition & Market Zone.The Maritime Leisure Zone puts visitors right in the action, with sunset and nighttime views over North Port as the backdrop. Beyond the festival's signature stand-up paddleboarding, guests can hop aboard moon-shaped and UFO boats, or try kayaking and hydrobikes. Pre-registration is required on the festival's official website.The Healing Culture & Performance Zone keeps Busan's midsummer nights lively. A DJ set kicks off every evening at 7 p.m. (except Aug. 1), while the four-night Night of the North Port series brings indie bands, jazz and “fusion gugak,” a modern take on traditional Korean music, to the stage. Buskers at the park's stepped square add to the waterfront buzz.Over at the North Port Landmark Site, the Food, Exhibition & Market Zone serves up food trucks, a craft market and hands-on fun, including keyring and keycap customization workshops, games and photo zones.A few extras round out the lineup. The Luminous Run, an evening run through the park, takes place Aug. 1 and 8. The lawn square hosts the HeumSUP Show, a splashy performance built to cool down hot summer nights. A meditation program arrives Aug. 1, and the North Port Open Cinema screens the Irish musical film "Once" on Aug. 7, set against the glittering nighttime skyline of North Port.Full schedules and registration are available on the festival's official website.※ North Port SUP Festa, July 31 to Aug. 9◎ North Port Waterfront Park: 164 Yi Sun-shin-daero, Dong-gu◎ Google Maps: Click ◎ Website: Click <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>anniversary: 기념일 run: 운영하다 meditation: 명상Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• Life's a beach in Busan source: Busan Tourism Archive🥽 Ilgwang BeachSlow down and savor a peaceful walk by the seaIlgwang Beach offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. Visitors can unwind with a stroll along the coastal trails and soak in the soothing scenery. source: Busan Tourism Archive🌊 Imnang BeachA peaceful retreat on Busan's eastern coastTucked away on the eastern edge of Busan, Imnang Beach reveals a quieter side of the city's coastline. Its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque seaside scenery make it an ideal place to slow down and unwind. Early risers can often spot anglers casting their lines against the calm morning sea, adding to the beach's laid-back charm.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>escape: 도피 unwind: 긴장을 풀다 stroll: 산책 soak: 흠뻑 젖다 ideal: 이상적인 angler: 낚시꾼Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

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Food

• A sweet escape: Busan's best bingsu source: Busan Tourism ArchiveFew things offer a sweeter escape from Korea's hot, humid summer than a bowl of bingsu. Made with ice shaved as fine and light as fresh snow, Korea's signature summer dessert comes in countless varieties - from timeless classics topped with sweet red beans, condensed milk and chewy injeolmi rice cakes to modern creations featuring fresh seasonal fruit, rich matcha and silky cream.Sampling different styles is part of the fun for locals and visitors alike, and bingsu's eye-catching presentation makes each bowl as enjoyable to photograph as it is to eat.To help readers find some of Busan's best bingsu, the Blue Ribbon Survey - Korea's first restaurant guide - recommends nine establishments known for their distinctive takes on the dessert. Head out and grab a bowl or two. After all, the hotter the summer gets, the more refreshing every spoonful becomes.🍨 Bingsu Eateries in Busan : Click <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>escape: 도피 variety: 다양한 종류 recommend: 추천하다 establishment: 시설 distinctive: 특별한 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• A sweet escape: Busan's best bingsu 　Few things offer a sweeter escape from Korea's hot, humid summer than a bowl of bingsu. Made with ice shaved as fine and light as fresh snow, Korea's signature summer dessert comes in countless varieties - from timeless classics topped with sweet red beans, condensed milk and chewy injeolmi rice cakes to modern creations featuring fresh seasonal fruit, rich matcha and silky cream.　Sampling different styles is part of the fun for locals and visitors alike, and bingsu's eye-catching presentation makes each bowl as enjoyable to photograph as it is to eat.　To help readers find some of Busan's best bingsu, the Blue Ribbon Survey - Korea's first restaurant guide - recommends nine establishments known for their distinctive takes on the dessert. Head out and grab a bowl or two. After all, the hotter the summer gets, the more refreshing every spoonful becomes.Namcheon Nokcha Patbingsu in Suyeong-gu is best known for its signature Boseong green tea patbingsu. The dessert features sweet red beans and green tea powder over finely shaved ice.Peach Bingsu at DADAE DE LAMugwort Rice Cake Bingsu (left) and Blueberry Bingsu (right) at GojaeClassic Patbingsu at Baekro AnggeumGoogle Maps: Click
• Taste Busan 　Briny, freshly caught seafood served raw or grilled over a smoky fire. Sweet and spicy rice cakes, bubbling away in busy alleys. Tangy rice wine, flavored by the effort of a mountain hike and centuries of tradition. Buttery pastries and strong coffee, enjoyed slowly at a seaside cafe.　The flavors of Busan are as diverse as its landscapes. Check out restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide Busan and eateries recommended by Taste of Busan, the city's official gourmet guidebook.

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Life

• Pitch your big idea at FLY ASIA 2026 source: BGCFGot a big idea? The 2026 Busan International Students Startup Idea Competition is now accepting submissions through Aug. 21.Tied to FLY ASIA 2026 — Asia's largest startup expo, set for Oct. 7-8 at BEXCO — the competition gives international students a chance to pitch their business ideas on a global stage, backed by hands-on support for aspiring entrepreneurs.This year's theme, "Startup ideas discovered by international students," welcomes concepts from any field. Extra weight goes to pitches tied to Busan's key industries: maritime, logistics, tourism and AI.Individual entries and teams of up to five are both welcome, though each team must have at least one international student. To qualify, international applicants must be currently enrolled at a Busan university or be local graduates holding a D-10 visa.🔍How to enterHopefuls can submit required documents by email (busanglobalstartup@gmail.com). Here's the timeline:-Aug. 21: Submission deadline-Aug. 25: First-round document screening ends. -Aug. 28: First-round results are announced; 15 teams advance.-Sept. 5-20: Selected teams join a two-week capacity-building program covering business planning and strategy to sharpen their pitches.-Sept. 23: Second round — an investor-relations pitching session.-Oct. 8: Eight finalists take the stage at FLY ASIA 2026, each with an eight-minute presentation and a five-minute Q&A. Five winners are announced that same day at the award ceremony.A combined 5 million won in prize money is on the line: 2 million won for the Grand Prize, 1.2 million won for the Excellence Award, 800,000 won for the Merit Award, and 500,000 won each for two Encouragement Award winners. All winners also receive certificates from the Busan Global City Foundation.For full details, see the notice linked below.Recruitment for the 2026 Busan International Students Startup Idea Competition, until Aug. 21◎ Notice: Click ◎ Email for submissions: busanglobalstartup@gmail.com<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>aspiring: 장차 ~가 될 entrepreneur: 사업가 logistic: 물류 pitch: 발표 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• Feel safe in any situation with the Emergency Ready App  With the Emergency Ready App, international residents in Korea no longer need to worry about missing critical emergency alerts, such as during earthquakes or typhoons.Developed and operated by Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the app is specifically designed for international residents and visitors. It serves as the international counterpart to the domestic “Anjeon Didimdol” app, translated as Safety Stepping Stone. That app has become an essential resource for disaster and safety information in Korea. The Emergency Ready App is likewise expected to become an indispensable tool for ensuring the safety of international residents.The app provides access to 36 key services, including real-time emergency alerts, evacuation procedures, shelter locations and embassy contacts. It also offers safety guidelines, such as CPR instructions for both adults and children, first-aid for burns and directions on how to use a fire extinguisher. Available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai, the Emergency Ready App ensures that international residents can receive the latest updates and details in their preferred language. The app can be downloaded for free from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. ※ Emergency Ready App◎ Google Play Store: Click ◎ Apple App Store: Click <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>resident: 주민 earthquake: 지진 typhoon: 태풍 counterpart: 대응 indispensable: 필수적인 evacuation: 대피 extinguisher: 소화기Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• Upcoming Events [Festival]30th Busan Sea Festival*Location: Dadaepo Beach*Date: Aug. 7 to 13*Programs: Fireworks, Beach Club and more[Festival]Busan Indie Connect Festival 2026*Location: BEXCO*Date: Aug. 14 to 16*Online from Aug. 7 to 28[Exhibition]Seed Stories*Location: GoEun Museum of Photography*Date & Time: Until Aug. 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.[Cinema]Millak Ocean Cinema*Location: Millak Waterfront Park *Date & Time: Fridays & Saturdays 8 p.m.More events: Click※ Events are subject to change, postponement or cancellation.

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Views

• Busan hosts largest UNESCO heritage gathering ever 　The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, concluded successfully as the first edition hosted in Korea. A record 3,111 participants from 162 countries attended, the largest gathering in the committee's history. The sprawling Korea Pavilion at BEXCO drew more than 10,000 visitors daily, while merchandise sales topped 100 million won within five days.An installation inspired by the 19th-century painting "Gangsan Mujindo"(Rivers and Mountains Without End).Exhibition space inspired by "Seowon," the Confucian academies of the Joseon Dynasty.A child experiencing the "Yeongsanjae," a ritual that reenacts Buddha delivering the Lotus Sutra.Posters depicting Korea's cultural heritage.Children's drawings of Busan's national heritage.Media art combines the glow of ancient tombs with the melodies of the gayageum."Gakjajang," traditional calligraphic engraving."Geobukseon," Korea's iconic Turtle Ship.Busan Pavilion.
• What to do in May May is one of the best months to visit Busan. Festivals take over the city's most iconic settings - beaches, temples, and hillside neighborhoods - turning familiar landmarks into something worth seeing all over again. Lotus lanterns float above temple courtyards, sand sculptures rise along Haeundae's shore and the smell of fresh coffee drifts through the streets. Whether you're drawn by the food, the art or simply the energy of a city in full spring bloom, May is an exciting time to be in Busan.■ Busan Lotus Lantern Festival 부산연등회◎Date: May 1 to 17◎Location: Song Sanghyeon Square, Busan Citizens Park 　In celebration of Buddha's birthday on May 24, various lotus lanterns will color Song Sanghyeon Square with an enchanting display. Wishing for good fortune, citizens can enjoy a delightful stroll among delicate lights featuring unique designs that capture the eye. On May 16, a street parade will take place at Busan Citizens Park, inviting people to hold lanterns and march together. ■ Global Yeong-do Coffee Festival 영도 커피페스티벌◎Date: May 15 to 17◎Location: Amir Park　This vibrant festival has returned to brew Yeong-do into a hot spot! As the region rises as a home to numerous charming cafes, the event offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy unique coffees from around the world and experience themed activities such as roasting beans and making pour over coffee. ■ Haeundae Sand Festival 해운대모래축제◎Date: May 15 to 18◎Location: Haeundae Beach　Witness the magical transformation of sand at Haeundae Beach! Eleven professional sculptors from Korea, China and France will turn ordinary sand into massive, meticulous art pieces under the theme of "Time Travel in Busan." While the festival runs for three days, the majestic sand sculptures will remain on display until June 14 for all to enjoy. ■ Centum Beer Festival 센텀맥주축제◎Date: May 22 to 31◎Location: Busan Cinema Center　Enjoy ice-cold, all-you-can-drink beer with a single admission ticket! This year, the festival has enhanced its appeal by expanding its food zone and participatory activities. While the core identity remains focused on high-quality beer, each day will feature new entertainment themes, ranging from costumes and tango to retro nights.■ Busan Global Citizen Festival 부산세계시민축제◎Date: May 23◎Location: North Port Waterfront Park (Chinsu Park)　North Port will become a cultural hub where K-culture and global traditions converge. The Busan Global Citizen Festival invites you to experience cultures from around the world. While enjoying international delicacies, charming performances and engaging programs, you will find yourself feeling closer to the world and to our international neighbors. More events: Click
• [SNAPSHOT BUSAN] Busan's first night market, Bupyeong Kkangtong Market 　While Busan is a global hub of commerce, culture and technology, it is also a city where ordinary people live out their daily lives. Away from the glitz and glamour, people chase dreams, spend time with loved ones and experience the highs and lows of a life well lived. Snapshot Busan captures these quiet moments and shows the beauty in daily routines.　This edition covers Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, Busan's first permanent night market. Here, footsteps slow at the sight of tempting snacks, from familiar Korean staples to street food from around the world. As visitors taste the delicacies, delight spreads across their faces, offering a glimpse into an ordinary day in Busan, a city that every foodie has on their map.Every night from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, Bupyeong Kkangtong Market comes alive. Visitors crowd around food stalls to eat local delicacies and iconic street foods from around the world.A simple recipe for a fun night: Close friends and great street food.Grilled hagfish delivers a smoky aroma and sizziling visual that beckon passersby.

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