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Stay informed with city's latest
Since Jan. 26, Dynamic Busan, Busan Metropolitan City's English newspaper, has embarked on a new project, "Daily News." Daily News covers many topics, including general information, city policies and projects, must-watch cultural exhibitions and performances, local tourist spots and valuable tips for daily life in Busan. The articles will be posted on several places online, such as the city's official English website (busan.go.kr/eng), Dynamic Busan (busan.go.kr/dynamic) and the new Busan English Media Hub (busan.go.kr/eng/media-hub). "Busan English Media Hub" is a one-stop platform to find Busan information in English from various media sources. Dynamic Busan, Busan English Broadcasting (BEFM) and Busan Foundation for International Cooperation (BFIC) are some of the organizations featured on the new platform. The new media hub gathers several types of information from multiple sources in one place:News: News, notices and information about city projectsEvents and exhibits: Details about ongoing events and exhibitions in BusanTravel: Tips, tricks and advice on travel and introductions to local attractionSocial: Links to valuable websites and articles※ Daily Busan link: Click※ Busan English Media Hub link: Click
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All you need, Visit Busan Pass
From the beginning of February, Busan Metropolitan City's new "Visit Busan Pass," has been in a six-month trial, during which it provides significant discounts on local tourism attractions and public transportation. Two options are available, a 24-hour pass for 49,000 won and a 48-hour pass for 69,000 won. So far, the former provides up to 70% off admission to five tourist attractions and city tours. For a designated period, the pass provides free access to 30 paid facilities, such as BUSAN X the Sky, the Haeundae Blueline park beach train, Lotte World Adventure, Skyline Luge, the city tour bus and more. Also, it offers discounts at 77 stores, including the Dongbaek shop and Busan Duty-Free and can be used as a rechargeable transportation card. The Visit Busan Pass can be bought at the promotional space on the second floor of Busan Station, tourist information centers, 10 popular hotels and more. For added convenience, they are also through the website and travel agencies like KKday, KLook and Trip.com for pickup at offline locations. The website is available in English, Japanese and Chinese. The service will officially launch in August after the six-month trial period ends and evaluation of the service is comp-leted. To commemorate the release, the 24-hour and 48-hour pass cards will get precharged with 4,500 won and 6,000 won, accordingly for use on Busan public transportation.※ Visit Busan Pass website: visitbusanpass.com
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City Hall improves quality of life
Asti Hotel's center, featuring real plants and floor-to-ceiling windows, is on floor 24 of the hotel. New workplace trends, such as "working from home" and "remote work," have become commonplace due to COVID-19. Recently, an additional trend that has grown in popularity is "workation" or "workcation," a portmanteau of "work" and "vacation." This neologism refers to the practice of working flexibly from a location traditionally associated with leisure. Since last year, the Busan Metropolitan City has been working toward its workcation initiative to strengthen the city's position as a leader in work-life balance. To support this project, the City Hall invested 2.5 billion won last year and 3.5 billion won this year. The initiative focuses on three designated areas with declining populations, Dong-gu (district), Seo-gu, and Yeongdo-gu and two districts of interest to the Ministry of Security and Public Administration, Jung-gu and Geumjeong-gu. Last month, Busan opened the base center at Asti Hotel, located near Busan Station and additional satellite locales at Preferred Korea, THE HYUIL on Yeongdo Island and pathfinder (PATHFINDER) in Geumjeong-gu. Mayor Park Heong-joon and participants from various companies around the world, including Google Korea, Slack Korea, MediaZen, and Megazone Cloud, attended the opening ceremony. The 708.5-square-meter center at Asti Hotel consists of several spaces, including individual workspaces, conference-style seating areas, private phone booths, conference rooms and event lounges. In addition to these workspaces and trial programs, the city plans to operate customized support programs that include accommodation costs and workspaces for companies looking to relocate their headquarters or establish branches in Busan. The base and satellite centers are open weekdays from 8. a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed on weekends and holidays. More information about Busan-based workcation locales and reservations, are available online (busaness.com).Base center interior.Busan Workcation Base Center at Asti HotelAddress: 7-8, Jungang-daero 214beon-gil, Dong-guPhone: 051-749-8996
Enjoy Busan
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Eat, drink and browse Yeongdo
Should you find yourself on the hunt for perfect pics, the best brew or a serene space, then venture to the record-breaking P.ARK for one-of-a-kind open layouts and multitiered architecture. As spring begins, discover the newly transformed Yeongdo Island, now dubbed the "Coffee Island." The region is blooming with new unique and eye-catching cafes, many of which you can visit to witness a multitude of coffee processes. Experience a range of styles and find the perfect one to suit your tastes, from small cozy interiors to the country's largest cafe, immersing yourself in the coffee culture of Busan's Yeongdo Island.Coffee in Korea, beans in Busan According to a 2018 survey, Korea's annual average coffee consumption per capita was 353 cups, more than double the global average of 132 cups. Over the years, these numbers have increased, and interest in coffee culture followed suit. Busan, a global hub in its own right, has also became the country's coffee hub, supplying 95% of its coffee beans. Yeongdo Island, once a maritime industrial center, is becoming a frequented travel destination and the core of the city's coffee culture. From under 10 cafes in 2012 to having over 200, it earned the nickname "Coffee Island." Piles of coffee beans welcome guests to the beginning of the brewing process. Customers have the rare opportunity to be served by award-winning baristas. Momos Roastery & Coffee Bar (모모스 로스터리 & 커피 바) From humble beginnings in 2007, Momos Coffee has grown into one of the biggest specialty coffee brands in the country. In December 2021, Momos Coffee opened "Momos Roastery & Coffee Bar" on Yeongdo Island. Keeping with the island's roots, the new locale's interior retains its previous warehouse-like feel with its open floor plan, high ceilings and industrial decor. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite visitors to experience the coffee brewing process, from bean storage to packaging or drinking. At this branch, you can find world-class competition winners serving coffee, including current co-head of Momos Coffee Jeon Joo-yeon, the first Korean to win the World Barista Championship in 2019 and Charlie Chu Kyoung-ha, winner of the 2021 World Cup Tasters Championship. Also, once customers order they are able to recieve one on one barista service, complete with a detailed explanation of the coffee, as they watch their beverage being prepared.※ Address: 160 Bongnaenaru-ro, Yeongdo-gu※ Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.※ Website: momos.co.krTake a seat to soak in the blend of modern and retro ambiance.Cotton Diary (무명일기) Recently converted from an abandoned 1950s warehouse sits Cotton Diary, a new cultural space. Below the original ceilings stand contemporary-esque white walls around luxurious wooden tables. During the day, skylights help illuminate the interior and steam from the coffee machines, creating a dreamlike experience. This multifaceted spot also offers a unique selection of goods for sale, such as clothes, diffusers and beer. Sometimes, the space plays host to events such as garage sales and concerts. One of the signature menus at the cafe is the Yeongdo-soban, a Korean-style brunch platter filled with the island's specialties. It consists of a croquette made with sweet potatoes from Jonaegi (said to be location of Korea's first attempt at cultivating the root vegetable), a salad with vegetables from Bongnaesan Mountain, pesto made with gamtae (bright green regional specific seaweed [Ulva prolifera]) and rice balls. Reservations are highly recommended.※ Address: 178 Bongnaenaru-ro, Yeongdo-gu※ Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. every day.※ Website: cottondiary.krA dynamically stunning culture complex sits atop a former shipyard.P.ARK (피아크) The largest cafe in Yeongdo and all of Korea is the 1,693 square-meter cultural space entitled "P.ARK," which is meant to represent a "Platform of Ark for Creators." After its opening in May 2021, the structure's unique exterior and square footage have made this locale a Yeongdo landmark. On the first floor, customers can visit the P.ARK bread factory, where 30 patissiers diligently bake fresh pastries and desserts. An outdoor garden on the second floor provides greenery and a place to enjoy a wonderful time with your loved ones on the picnic mat when the weather is allowed. The P.ARK Cafe & Bakery, located on the fourth floor, serves a wide selection of pastries and desserts, sweet and savory. The interior was curated to bring the outer scenery in through the use of strategically placed large windows, giving guests easy access to overlook the sea. At night, visitors can enjoy the unforgettable night view of Busan Harbor Bridge's LED lights.※ Address: 180 Haeyang-ro 195beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu※ Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.※ Website: p-ark.kr
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Cutting edge media art
In February, the coldest month in Korea, people want to find indoor places to relax. Why not spend some of your leisure time at museums that feature various media art exhibitions?Sit back, relax and dive into a sea of tranquility to experience the endless waves of relaxation in the main hall of MUSEUM 1's breathtaking media art installation, on display till May 7MUSEUM 1 simultaneously provides movement and mirrors.Alternately, bask in contrasting dark walls and dynamic media.Museum-goers get to be surrounded by cats without pesky fur. MUSEUM 1, media art museum White light pours in behind large installations as red, blue and yellow lights cover the ceiling and floor. Soon after, they change to pale oranges, dark blues and various purples. Cheerful music floods the wide space as constantly changing images, such as water and leaves, rotate on the massive screens. In 2019, the Kunst1 group established "Museum DAH." The two-story 2,314-square-meter building is the first media art exhibition center in Korea. Around this time last year, it was reborn as "MUSEUM 1," a locale that introduces art in diverse medi-ums, including video, installation, paintings, sculptures and more. To commemorate the reopening, the "Healing Technology" exhibition was added to the 80 million LED light-emitting diodes installed on the existing museum's floor, ceiling and walls. Located on the first floor in the main hall is "Miracle Garden," the focus piece. It consists of a 6,000-inch super-large LED panel that screens media art. Museum officials hope it provides visitors with a fantasy escape from reality. With a total running time of 58 minutes, the background of the space changes sequentially as the glass floor creates the illusion of interdimensional transport. Two other popular pieces are "Individual Sky," where visitors can see leaves surround the sky and "Someday I'll Fly," which features a school of fish spinning towards the sea. On the second floor is a lounge complete with a cafe offering coffee and tea. Venture around the museum to find other exhibits, installations and displays. The current "Healing Technology" exhibition is on display until May 7 and is recommended for those in need of comfort and relaxation. Contrary to many other museums, visitors are welcome to sit wherever they please; chairs and couches are even available throughout for guests to use. While they explore the hall, museum-goers can delve into the artists' thoughts and ideas behind their creations. In the main hall, media arts are on constant display, featuring 16 different videos with themes ranging from the sky to the ocean. Experience new-age media art on a whole new level at MUSEUM 1 located behind the Busan Cinema Center in Centum City, Haeundae. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and national holidays.Tickets: 18,000 won for adults, 15,000 won for adolescents aged 14 to 19, 13,000 won for children aged 48 months to 13 years and free for children under 48 months.How to get there: Centum City Station (metro line 2), exit 6 or 8. Walk toward Busan Cinema Center for about five minutes.Website: kunst1.co.kr/museumone MUSEUM 1 etiquette ★ Preschoolers and elementary school students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. ★ Tripods, backpacks, food and beverages must be left outside the exhibition hall.★ The floor is mirrored, so you may want to consider this when choosing your outfit. ★ Please avoid making excessive noise and talking loudly. ★ Running, pushing, and roughhousing are not allowed in the museum.Vines envelop the public MOCA Busan. (Source: Visit Busan)Head Eulsukdo Island to come face to face with modern art.Certain exhibits are interactive as much as they are speculative.Enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to attend and enjoy. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Busan Inaugurated in June 2018, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Busan on Eulsukdo Island has since introduced interesting and experimental art spanning nature, humanity and new media themes. Enter the unique and captivating museum after gazing upon the creative exterior, resembling a box wrapped in greenery. The collection of varied plants covering the museum's exterior is art itself. "Vertical Garden" by botanist and artist Patrick Blanc is home to over 175 plants, including 30 Indigenous species, which change colors and shapes at varying times through the seasons, providing a new view for onlookers. Unlike its natural first impression, the inside is full of artificial beauty. The two-story building stretches over 5,000 square meters, equipped with five main exhibition spaces, a lecture room, a children's art museum and a cafeteria. MOCA displays a range of various installation art incorporating elements such as video, sound and light. Currently, three exhibitions await visitors "Whose Story Is This," "The Uncanny World," and "The Postmodern Child." "Whose Story Is This" proposes solutions and practices about various societal issues, including the environment, human rights and gender equality. The exhibition is named after the book "Whose story is this?" written by Rebecca Solnit, a social activist and cultural critic. Several types of art by artists spanning genders and generations are presented. One such piece is Hong Soun's "Memoriscape," an installation made of objects the artist found where the incidents took place, for example, the oil spill in the Yeosu, a city to the south of Busan. "The Uncanny World" focuses on everyday anxiety, specifically that which is based on Sigmund Freud and Martin Heidegger's theories. The feeling of being anxious is often considered a harmful and unwanted emotion. However, the exhibition highlights it as a core sense of humanity that helps us recognize unfamiliar things. The exhibition is composed of works by 11 artists from Korea, Thailand, the U.S. and the U.K. A unique piece featured is "Cooperating Machines" by Jinah Roh, an interactive AI robot head aiming to insight "uncanny" feelings. The exhibition runs till March 26. "The Postmodern Child" argues that the reason the state of existence of being a child is inevitably defined as one of discipline. The exhibition consists of 130 pieces presented in a way a child could easily understand. Young visitors are encouraged to focus their thoughts as they walk around. Footstep guide marks on the floor are installed to help children venture around the artwork. The free exhibition will end April 26 and the second part of this will open this May.Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed on Mondays and national holidays.How to get there: Hadan Station (metro line 1), exit 3. Take bus 168, 3, 520 55, 58, 58-1, 58-2 or 221.Website: busan.go.kr/moca
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Hot spots to keep warm in winter
After overcoming the past year's hardships, we can leave our homes with hope for a better year. However, it's still winter, so even if our mind is warm, the weather is not. If you don't want to spend the beginning of the new year at home, why not enjoy unique indoor attractions? ▲ An exploded Y-Wing Starfighter is part of the "Death Star Trench Run" by "OliveSeon," a team led by Wani Kim, Korea's first LEGO-certified professional. Brick art theme park, "Brick Campus Busan" Everything you can use to make plastic brick models can be found at Brick Campuses. After opening on Jeju Island in December 2017, chains in major Korean tourism cities such as Seoul, Changwon and Gangneung followed. The latest one, "Brick Campus Busan," opened in Osiria Tourism Complex, Gijang-gun (county). Spanning approximately 1,700 square meters, by mixing brick art artworks, space direction and media art, the campus has more advanced exhibitions than any other campus. The bountiful displays include brick artwork of the only two certified lego artists in Korea and Asia's largest diorama work. ▲ Brick Campus hopes to reach audiences spanning the globe and generations. Brick Campus Busan, a paradise for brick lovers, is home to statues of Super Mario, the Marvel characters and animals of Korean mythology made out of plastic bricks. There are also reproductions of famous artworks such as "The Creation of Adam" by Michelangelo and the "Venus de Milo." Familiar movies are also reproduced in brick. Nestled within the campus walls lie the brightly lit King's Cross Station and darkened exhibition halls with Hogwarts Castle highlighting the juxtaposition between the real and magical worlds. More than 200 LED lights are installed in the castle, making the creation spooky. While peaking inside, visitors can find movie scenes, including one featuring a Quidditch match. For sci-fi fans, more than 80,000 bricks recreate some of the most famous genre-related scenes, such as the "Trench Run" of "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" with intricate details of the Death Star and the X-wing Starfighter fleeing from three TIE Fighters. In addition, replicas of Korean treasures, such as Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple and K-POP group SEVENTEEN's performance are displayed with additional brick sculptures and more. Upon exiting, a colorful brick-filled playground awaits. Create a design of your own or admire works by others. ▲ Experience zones follow Brick Campus' motto, "Everyone is an artist".※ Brick Campus BusanAddress: 8, Dongbusangwangwang-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, the first floor of Lotte Mall MAISON DONGBUSAN Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Thursday (last admission 7 p.m.). 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, weekends and holidays (last admission 7:30 p.m.).How to get there: Osiria Station (Donghae line), exit 1. Walk for about 15 minutes toward Lotte Outlet.Admission: 16,000 won for adults, teenagers and children. Free for those under three years old.Website: brickcampus.com ▲Relax at the cafe, have a drink at the pub or explore the nooks and crannies of the giant bookstore inside F1963.Cultural complex "F1963" There are two places people tend not to want to leave, under a warm blanket in winter and "F1963." Originally built as a wire production factory in 1963, which ceased operation in 2008, the space was transformed in 2016. Situated in Suyeong-gu (district), the cultural complex F1963 is named after the letter `F' from the word factory and the year it was built. Inside the free cultural space, there is plenty to enjoy. Korea's largest secondhand bookstore, "YES24@F1963," spanning 1,700 square meters, features a unique interior and a wide variety of books, including e-books. Props and other goods decorate the interior and facilitate an enticing atmosphere.▲ Cafe Terarosa's uniquely designed interior has plenty of seating alongside a wall of windows. Next to the bookstore is a cafe called "Terarosa." Factory materials, generators that powered the factory and bobbins that wound the wires are used as part of the interior decor and furnishings. Coffee from various regions, freshly baked naturally fermented bread and other treats are available. ▲ Praha 993's beer recipe closely resembles a 1,000-year-old Czech recipe. "Praha 993" is a craft beer pub between the bookstore and the cafe. As the name suggests, the beer is brewed similarly to the way it was first brewed in 993 A.D. at the Brevnov Monastery in the Czech Republic. Visitors can have similarly brewed beer and look around the neighboring contemporary art gallery. For those interested in design, we recommend visiting the on-site "Hyundai Motor Studio." Since April 2021, it has showcased designs based on the concept of "Design to live by." Seasonally themed exhibitions include works from around the world in addition to designs and concept cars from Hyundai Motor's design center. The studio is a rectangular four-story building. The first floor features a creative LED digital media art wall. On the second floor, there is an exhibition and related shop, which you can look down upon from the third floor. The fourth floor is host to a collection of design books and diverse programs such as workshops for children. Should being inside get a little stuffy, head to the middle of F1963, where "F1963 square" sits. The open-air design hosts various cultural events and multiple sides of the building feature large gardens. The factory's backyard was remodeled into a "moonlight garden," highlighting the country's four seasons' beauty. Beside the garden sits a glass greenhouse and a gardening shop called "Hwasumok." The store even holds classes on how to grow plants and tend gardens. A must-see outdoor spot at F1963 is "Sori Trail." The calming sound of swaying trees and crunching leaves of the bamboo give the trail its name. Repurposed machine parts create the path's structure and factory floor concrete was used to make the steppingstones. ※ F1963Address: 20, Gurak-ro 123beon-gil, Suyeong-guHours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Particular store hours may vary.How to get there: Mangmi Station (metro line 3), exit 4. Take Suyeong-gu village bus 2 and get off at Sanjeong Apartment bus stop.Website: f1963.org
Food
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Uncovering Osaka's iconic food
Customize your okonomiyaki and takoyaki with innumerable options. Gourmet World Expo Cities:① Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan World Expos are classified as International Registered Exhibitions, the biggest global gatherings. History, culture, cutting-edge technology and certainly attract a lot of people, but, let's not one of the most attractive factors, food. Join Dynamic Busan on a gastronomic adventure, around World Expo host cities, starting with the 2025 host, Osaka, Kansai in Japan.Yumeshima is the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai venue. In 1970 Osaka became the first East Asian city to host the World Expo is now scheduled to host it again 55 years later. The number of spectators of World Expo 1970 Osaka reached 64.2 million, the largest number before the Expo 2010 Shanghai, China. Soon Osaka will jump back into its host position, via the World Expo in 2025, under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." Yumeshima, an artificial island located on the waterfront in Osaka City, will be the location of the 155-hectare venue of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Other expos have been held on islands, but Yumeshima is the first artificial island to host one. Like Busan, Osaka has ideal geographical characteristics for international influence and collaboration. With its unique food culture, the city attracts people from across the country and is often referred to as "The Nation's Kitchen." Countless choices are up for grabs in Osaka, but okonomiyaki and takoyaki are among the most popular.Top your okonomiyaki with some mayonnaise and bonito flakes.Okonomiyaki, a variety of ingredients grilled to your likingOkonomiyaki is a savory version of a Japanese pancake, made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage and a choice of ingredients such as pork, squid or shrimp and topped with a variety of sauces and dried seaweed or bonito flakes. Typically, the pancake is two centimeters thick and cooked on a hot plate, making it both crunchy and tender. The possibilities are endless, which is why this dish in Japanese translates to "grilled as you like it" - okonomi (as you like it) yaki (grill). ■ Our okonomiyaki choice - 'Osaka (오사카)'Aptly named Osaka, this restaurant is owned by a couple from its namesake. They serve traditional Japanese cuisine, including okonomiyaki, Japanese hamburger steak and ramen. A popular fixture for over 15 years, this spot has okonomiyaki for 6,000 won and Japanese hamburger steak for 8,800 won.Address: 2 Nakdong-daero 324, Saha-guHours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a break from 3 to 5 p.m. Closed every Monday.Takoyaki is delicately assembled and baked in the same pan.Takoyaki, a bite of street food you can't pass upTakoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack. Octopus and tempura scraps are covered with a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special molded pan. For a touch of flavor, people often garnish them similarly to okonomiyaki. These balls are of the most well-known street foods in Japan and were said to be created by a merchant named Tomekichi Endo in 1936 Osaka. The baked snack mixes sweet and salty flavors with crispy and soft textures to create a balanced treat. Though, be warned, takoyaki is usually served piping hot! So be sure to give it time to cool down.■ Our takoyaki choice - Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market (부평깡통야시장)In October 2013 the Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market opened, becoming the first daily night market in Korea. It showcases unique accessories and handmade products, but it is also popular for its vendor carts and tents, serving freshly baked takoyaki.Address: 48 Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-guHours: 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day.
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Clams, a late-winter estuary luxury
This time of year is when hen clams are said to be ripe for the picking and the tastiest. (Source: Visit Busan) The fastest way to journey from Gimhae International Airport to Busan Metropolitan City is by crossing Korea's longest river, the 517-kilometer Nakdonggang River. Countless creatures are drawn to the estuary, where freshwater collides with seawater, creating an ideal locale for ingredient harvesting. A popular pick for the area's cuisine are hen clams. In the southern region of Korea, they are called galmi jogae (seagull clams) nicknamed for their galmaegi or seagull beak-like appearance.Tis the season (for fresh clams) Korean hen clams have different names according to their regions along the shore. They are referred to as Myeongju jogae (silk clam) in the east region and norang jogae (yellow clam) in the west region. They are also called Myeongji jogae, after the region where they are often and easily caught near the mouth of the Nakdonggang River. Hen clams enter breeding season around February each year when their flavor is at its peak. That's what the estuary delicacy is known for, its unique taste. The best place for seasonal hen clams is Myeongji Seonchang Hoe Town (명지선창회타운), located in Ganseo-gu (district). Currently, fresh hen clams are often delivered to restaurants next to the Nakdonggang Estuary. Some say that about two decades ago, one of the restaurants in the area introduced the now-popular hen clam dishes.Shabu shabu and pork belly dishes get a whole new twist to their look and flavor when hen clams are added. (Source; Visit Busan)Shabu shabu and more Many enjoy the clams with shabu shabu, where a cornucopia of vegetables is boiled in a soup broth. When the pot is bubbling, hen clams are added from a strainer. By doing so, none of the meat will be forgotten; many claim it is the best way to enjoy the clam's chewy texture and light taste. After all the meat is gone, add some ramen or udon (thick white wheat noodles) for further enjoyment. Galsam gui (grilled pork belly and hen clams) is a harmony between the two types of meat. First, the pork, kimchi, mushroom and bean sprouts are put on the grill. Then, after the grill heats up, the hen clams are placed atop the bean sprouts to steam. The cooking process was developed to address the softness of the clams, and the heat makes the flesh harder. The thinly sliced pork is served simult-aneously, making it the best time for grilling. Then, you can wrap the cooked clams and roasted pork in sesame leaves or pickled radish. After eating all of the meat, people often stir-fry rice with vegetables in the pan.Local restaurantManho-galmi Shabu Shabu (만호갈미샤브샤브) This eatery serves various dishes. It's particularly famous for its shabu shabu, which is reflected in its very name. The restaurant also offers galsam gui and you can choose to have either dish accompanied by either grilled or steamed hen clams. Dishes range from 40,000 to 80,000 won. It's important to note that they are closed on the second and fourth Monday of every month.Address: 602 Renault Samsung-daero, Gangseo-guHours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
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Garaetteok for good luck and glorious recipes
▲ Sometimes the famed garaetteok is slightly grilled and served with honey for dipping and coffee for sipping. This year Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) is about two weeks earlier than last year. No matter the day, a staple dish of the holiday is garaetteok (rice cake stick). It is a long thin white rice cake. Due to its shape, it has often been considered a dish that brings luck and longevity, similar to the long noodles eaten in China and Japan. When locals hear the word "rice cake," they automatically think about garaetteok, as it's considered one of the most popular and common rice cakes in Korea. Due to its versatility, many recipes include this Korean delicacy. Dynamic Busan is here to introduce you to three such recipes.▲ The oval slices of rice cake are tender and chewy.Tteokguk There is a national tradition to have tteokguk (sliced rice cake soup) on Korean Lunar New Year. The custom is derived from the belief that eating the soup makes you one year older. The dish is made by slicing the rice cake and boiling it in broth until soft. The broth varies according to region. Overall, it is light and savory, making it different from many other Korean soups, which tend to be on the spicy side. ※ Ingredients (two servings) garaetteok, beef bone stock, one egg, soy sauce, salt, sesame oil and garnish (optional) 1. Soak the rice cakes in cool water for about 25 minutes 2. Bring beef stock to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan 3. While the broth is boiling, add the rice cakes 4. Turn off the heat and season to taste with soy sauce or salt 5. Gently break a raw egg into the soup 6. As the egg cooks, add a dash of sesame oil and garnish ▲ Enjoy the snack with chilli sauce, ketchup or mustard. Sotteoksotteok The garaetteok itself tastes bland because it is made of only rice and salt. The simple components make it the perfect ingredient for multiple dishes. Sotteoksotteok (sausage and rice cake skewers) packs a punch. The "so" sound stands for "sausage" and the "tteok" is for the "garaetteok." The treat is popular among kids and teens for its complementary textures and versatility, when it comes to dipping sauce options. ※ Ingredients (one serving) garaetteok, sausages, oil, red pepper paste, corn syrup, minced garlic, ketchup and soy sauce 1. Boil the rice cakes and sausages in water for one to two minutes 2. Once finished, layer them on a wooden skewer 3. Sear the skewers in a pan with oil 4. Once browned, remove them from the pan and let them sit 5. Lightly stir-fry the red pepper paste, syrup, garlic, ketchup and soy sauce with the leftover oil 6. Apply the mixture to the skewers and enjoy▲ Multteok is an easy yet tasty.Multteok During winter, you may find the local multteok (rice cake in broth) along the streets of Busan. Multteok is considered one of the easiest foods to make with garaetteok. This elongated type of rice cake is found in many local dishes, but it is not easy to find in other cities. When they are found, they are most commonly sitting in broth beside eomuk (fish cake) skewers at street stalls and tents. ※ Ingredients (two servings) garaetteok, fishcakes, anchovies, green onions, radishes and soy sauce (optional) 1. Make the broth by bringing a mixture of water, anchovies, green onions and radishes to a boil 2. Place the rice cakes and fish-cakes on different skewers and add them to the soup 3. Bring the dish to a simmer 4. Once fully cooked, dip the skewered cakes into a sauce of your preference (soy sauce is most commonly used)
Life
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[For Your Information] Citizen safety insurance coverage
Last April, a child was injured in a traffic accident while crossing a crosswalk in a school zone and their family received 4 million won in medical expense coverage. In Oct-ober, a man fell while loading his luggage on a subway car and was granted approximately 2 million won in insurance compensation. Busan's citizen safety insurance covered those two cases, a system in which the cases were settled through the Citizen Safety Insurance program. The city directly contracts with an insurance company and covers citizens and families of those who have died, suffered or been injured due to accidents or natural disasters. First introduced at the end of 2022, the program has covered 23 cases amounting to approximately 150 million won. The 2023 Busan Citizen Safety Insurance period is from February 2023 to January 2024 and the coverage renews annually. All individuals who reside in Busan, including foreign nationals with legal residency status, are automatically registered to receive the coverage listed below. Also, those with other insurance plans are available for dual coverage. Coverage may be claimed up to three years from the incident date or form when the aftereffects are officially recognized. Please note that Busan Citizen Safety Insurance coverage varies, by category, for incidents occurring abroad. Busan districts and county operate separate and additional coverage benefits and regulations. For detailed information, please consult the corresponding areas' official websites, as coverage may vary. Call the integrated consulting center (82-1522-3556) for additional questions, concerns or information.＊According to Article 732 of the Commercial Insurance Act, individuals who are under 15 years old will not be covered in the event of death.**Injury grade refers to the degree of injury caused by a traffic accident.
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[INTERVIEW] BFIC offers free Korean classes
In 2006, Busan Foundation for International Cooperation (BFIC) established classes aimed at teaching Korean language and culture to international Busan residents to improve communication with local Busanites. Every year, approximately 500 people take the spring and fall courses. Dynamic Busan interviewed Morgan Curry and Daniel Mena from last year's student body. Former students Morgan Curry and Daniel Mena recommend others to take BFIC Korean classes.Q. Please introduce yourself. Curry: Hello! My name is Morgan Curry. I'm a middle school English teacher here in Busan. Originally, I am from the United States and I arrived in Korea in February 2020. Daniel: I'm Daniel Mena from Costa Rica. I'm a Biomedical Engineering graduate student at Pusan National University and I'm currently working as a research assistant at the Neuro and Bio Electronics Laboratory.Q. What prompted you to sign-up for BFIC Korean classes? Curry: Before I came to Korea, I had already learned to read Hangul (the Korean writing system) along with some basics in Korean through self-study. I knew that my experience and opportunities in Korea could be much more fulfilling if I had a grasp of the language. It could help me connect with my students, my coworkers, and in daily life situations. Through a friend, I learned about free classes at BFIC that could help me learn in a classroom environment with students from all over the world to keep me motivated and engaged. So, I took the placement test online and began my Korean learning journey. Daniel: My Korean skills are still lacking, and I knew that I had to improve by taking classes and studying hard, so I started looking for some options on the internet, and I came across the Korean class at BFIC. I decided to give it a go, and thankfully I got a spot for the class last semester.Q. What did you learn from the BFIC Korean classes? Curry: The classes offered a good mixture of listening, reading, writing, and speaking. We focused on using the Seoul University Korean student books and workbooks as an outline. And as I mentioned before, the classes are only taught in Korean, and since students come from around the world with different native languages, Korean is the language that connects you all. It really helped my confidence to be surrounded by and use the language constantly and made me less nervous about making mistakes since we were all learning new things together. Daniel: The part I liked the most was learning interesting cultural differences and facts about Korea that the professor used to better understand what we were learning. This helped to integrate the new concepts and grammar with daily life events.Q. Do you think the BFIC Korean class would help foreign residents living in Busan? Curry: I really think it would. If you are motivated to learn Korean, this class will definitely help you. The workbooks are well planned out and are focused on different topics that can help you in many situations, from filling out forms in Korean, to post office visits to casual conversations. You also learn about Korean culture with each topic along the way. With this layout, you can expand your vocabulary and grammar and are given a safe space to practice with your classmates and teacher. I know that sometimes it can be a little overwhelming with your regular job or school schedule and Korean classes on top of that but try to do your best. Be sure to speak to your classmates a lot so you can build a good classroom community and practice what you learned together. And of course, don't be afraid to make mistakes, because that is the best way to learn! Daniel: Definitely! It really helped me to gain more confidence while speaking and widen my comprehension of Korean culture. I also made new foreign friends, and knowing that they are also learning the language gives me extra courage and motivation to keep studying and improving. Don't be afraid to speak in Korean. I recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to learn as much as possible from your professor, classmates and Korean friends.
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Traditional performances every Saturday continue
Traditional fan dances are often performed at BNGC. (Source: Busan National Gugak Center) The Busan National Gugak Center (BNGC) hosts "Saturday Performance of Korean Traditional Music & Dance," its weekly concert featuring aspects of gugak (Korean traditional music, dance and songs), Saturdays at 3 p.m. Almost every Saturday since May 2009, the program has been performed by BNGC's professional artists to engage people in traditional culture during their leisure time. This year, the performances will deliver the elegance of traditional Korean art to audiences by introducing specialized repertoires of orchestral music, pansori (epic chant), buchaechum (traditional fan dance) and more. The cyclical performances are divided into five themes with 36 pieces. They also highlight various regions, such as Dongnae Hakchum (crane dance) and the Jinju Geommu (sword dance). The series will be suspended during regular BNGC performances and the Yeongnam Dance Festival period during the summer. Tickets are available online and on-site up to one hour before the show begins.Website: busan.gugak.go.kr
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Sail around, monorail bound
Busan is known for its stunning oceanic views, but over 45% of the city is also covered by mountains, giving rise to iconic landscapes such as Sanbok Road (Mountainside Road) and Daldongnea (hillside moon village). These areas are not just picturesque; they once provided refuge to individuals during the Korean War, creating villages that still stand today. Join Dynamic Busan as we explore these areas, now made more accessible by monorails.Vivid colors of the monorail and its surrounding set the scene for its unique design.Stairs of Wishes' monorail The Stairs of Wishes (Somang), located in Dongdasin-dong (neighborhood) Seo-gu (district), it has 192 steps stretching from Mangyang-ro (road) to Junganggongwon-ro. In Korean, "Somang" translates to "wishes." The name came from an anecdote that suggests anyone who climbs the stairs would have their wish granted. In July 2022, the locale's monorail opened and became the first of its kind, a vehicle suspended from a fixed track in Korea. The 1.5-meter wide and 1.1-meter-high jade green vehicle with wooden bench provides a classic and comfortable experience while the vehicle encourage passengers to sightsee as they take the scenic six-minute ride up the 90-meter tracks. Various spots around the entrance are intricately designed and decorated. Many are enticed to use the red postbox-shaped sign and vast murals as photo backdrops for their social media posts.Typically, only two passengers are permitted per car.※ Address: 54 Junganggongwon-ro, Seo-gu※ Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.※ Ticket: Free※ How to get there: Dongdaesin Station (metro line 1), exit 3. Take Jung-gu 1 neighborhood bus. Get off at the Hanguk Villa bus stop and walk for about three minutes.Panoramic views are easy to find, with windows on all sides.168 Stairs' monorail The 168 Stairs embraces the historic joy and sorrow of Choryang-dong. During the Korean War, many refugees fled to this area for safety but had to regularly make the trek to get sustenance and work at the harbor or railroad. The 45-degree-steep staircase is said to be as tall as a six-story building, no doubt a challenge to climb. Even residents who spend most of their lives in the area need at least one or two short breaks while making their ascent. However, going down is much more dangerous. While traversing the 168 stairs, bear in mind that one minor stumble can cause permanent injury or even death, so it's important not to run. Don't fret, the monorail was installed in June 2016. This 60-meter-long straddle-type monorail tilts about 33 degrees as it climbs 35 meters per minute. The vivid red vehicle, capable of carrying seven adults at once, surprises many with its sophisticated and modern design and size. While aboard, witness the magnificent ocean scenery and the old downtown area from a whole new perspective. Upon arrival at the top, an observatory featuring a panoramic view of Busan Port awaits.※ Address: 8-1, 191, Yeongcho-gil, Dong-gu※ Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. ※ Ticket: Free ※ How to get there: Busan Station (metro line 1), exit 5. People often ride this monorail on their daily commute.Yeongju-dong Trail's monorail The Yeongju-dong Trail monorail commenced operation in June 2014, the first at its height. The monorail service was initially installed to make the area more convenient for older residents. Now it provides both a unique experience for visitors and efficient transport for locals. The shiny orange monorail, with seating to accommodate four adults moves about 60 meters per minute, tilted at an approximate 33 degree angle. Along the 70-meter-long tracks lies a gallery zone depicting the district's development. During the week, around 800 people use the monorail per day. On the weekend, that number rises to more than 1,000. Safety guards at the boarding stations help prevent unexpected accidents. Visitors often make a point to explore nearby attractions. The Park Ki-jong Memorial Hall is one such place, which offers insights into the history of Busan railways and the area. Another highly recommended destination in the area is Democracy Park, created to commemorate the revolution of 1960, just a short distance away.※ Address: 17 Yeongju-ro, Jung-gu※ Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.※ Ticket: Free※ How to get there: Busan Station (metro line 1), exit 7. Take bus 86 or 186 at Standard Chartered Bank and get off at Busan Digital High School bus stop.
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Travel through over 150 years of expo history
Visitors can lounge on comfortable bean bags to journey "through time" via the approximate five-minute media art display. If you're still unsure about what the World Expo is, it's time to visit Busan City Hall in Yeonje-gu (district). A World Expo 2030 promotional space has recently opened on the first floor of the Busan Dream Space, located inside City Hall. The space provides fun and engaging opportunities for people of all ages to learn about the World Expo that Korea hopes to host. It simultaneously features the 172-year history of the large international event and what is yet to come.Sign your name to join the BTS autograph wall. One of the first things visitors will see is the wall-covering autograph display. Next up on the adventure is an informative stop by actor Lee Jung-jae followed by an engaging video. Let's delve deeper. BTS's autograph wall The entrance is eye-catching, thanks to the back wall, made of tempered glass, which measures 2.8 meters in length and 6.4 meters in width and features the signatures of the members of BTS, an honorary ambassador for the World Expo 2030 Busan. The members of BTS provided their signatures during their appointment ceremony. Visitors can write their signatures next to BTS' and become honorary ambassadors themselves.Lee guides visitors to further details, just through the curtain. Honorary Ambassador guides visitors As visitors enter, they will be transported to a spacecraft-lik room that will "travel" through time from the first World Expo in 1851 through the present day and onto 2030. While on their journey, guests can find an abundance of World Expo 2030 Busan information. The expo's themes, sub-themes and purpose are displayed using state-of-the-art infographics so anyone can quickly understand. Lee Jung-jae, the first honorary ambassador, guides guests to the next area of the hall. Time-traveling promotional film After learning about the expo, the "time machine" doors will open. Then, a 30 to 40-second introduction video will start playing on a 14-meter wide and 4.2-meter tall 173-degree curved panoramic screen. The short display shows the logs of World Expo 2030 Busan, embodying humanity, cooperation, harmony and innovation through media art. The following immersive video takes visitors on a journey through the history of the World Expo, from the first one in London in 1851 to Chicago, Osaka, Shanghai and finally to Busan's North Port, the venue of the World Expo in 2030, should Korea's bid succeed. The film's full-color 3D graphics and dynamic camera work are provided alongside Korean and English audio narration. Animated characters introduce inventions In the distance, visitors will see a black-and-white video that turns into a cute animation with vibrant colors when they stand in front of it. The attraction also presents various inventions introduced at previous expos, such as toilet pans, black-and-white TV and touch screens. A one-of-a-kind experience awaits guests. Quizzes and crafts Before leaving the promotional space, don't forget to stop by the kiosk next to the entrance; there are participatory quiz questions and crafts. Those who score more than three points on the quizzes can receive unique gifts, such as eco-friendly pencils that are made from coffee grounds. Visitors can also enjoy making crafts, such as a customized poster posing similarly to Lee Jung-jae or cards with Boogi featuring the city mascot.Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. How to get there: City Hall Station (metro line 1), exit 3.
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Impressive nocturnal tourist locale in Nampo
▲ Yongdusan Park's illuminated patio welcomes guests visiting the Diamond Tower (Busan Tower) and the newly opened Yongdusan Village. Yongdusan Park, situated in Gwangbok-dong (neighborhood), Jung-gu (district), is a representative Busan tourist attraction. In the heart of the park lies the 120-meter-tall Busan Tower, a graceful octagonal pavilion and a flower-decorated clock. Last September, unique spots surrounding the tower appeared to create "Yongdusan Village." ◎ Hours: 6 to 11 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday. ◎ How to get there: Nampo Station (metro line 1), exit 7. Walk about five minutes to the escalator at the entry gate on the right side of the main road. ◎ Website: bisco.or.kr/yongdusanpark▲ Legend of Dragon Valley's exterior. ■ Haunted house "Legend of Dragon Valley" The entrance of the haunted house is designed in the traditional hanok (traditional Korean house) style with a bloodstained sign and arrow-studded roof, lending to the building's eerie atmosphere. Teams of four to five people are allowed in at a time. The group enters almost complete darkness, with only a single flashlight guiding the way. As the light moves across the house, screaming can be heard and figures can be seen in the distance.Hours: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday.Admission: 9,000 won on weekdays and 11,000 won on weekends. ■ Craft beer "Dduyong Beer" "Dduyong Beer," a pub within the park, features three specialty craft beers: "Surleim," a sweet and sour ale with notes of lemon and hops, "Surfing High," a fresh lager packed with sweet honey flavor and "Railroad Porter," a dark brew that combines hints of sweet dark chocolate with a hazelnut coffee scent. The pub also sells well-paired accompaniments such as made-to-order ramen and varieties of tteokbokki (rice cake and fish cake in a spicy sauce).Beer: 6,000 wonAccompaniments: 4,000 to 6,500 won▲ Fares at Yongdu Myeonggwa. ■ "Yongdu Myeonggwa" Next to Dduyong Beer is "Yongdu Myeonggwa," a souvenir shop that sells all kinds of snacks, including baked sweet potatoes. A sought-after treat is "Dduyongee bread," named after "Dduyong," the flying turquoise dragon who serves as a mascot of the village. ■ More At the hanbok experience booth, guests can rent hanboks and related accessories. There is a garden in front with various activities guests can enjoy while wearing the Korean traditional clothing. At 7 p.m. every Saturday, busk-ing is scheduled near the square. Other amenities, such as a flea market, are also available during village hours. Yongdusan Village closes at the end of the month.