News
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Toll exemption to keep money in citizens’ pockets source: visitbusanThis November, tolls on the Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge and Sanseong Tunnel will be exempt during rush hour. The measure will take effect on Nov. 3, at the onset of the Monday commute.Drivers commuting between 6 and 9 a.m. and 5 and 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, will no longer have to pay when crossing the roads. Tolls will be lifted for all vehicles during the designated times, so registration or other formalities are not required.Tolls will remain in place on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.After reviewing the impact of this measure, Busan plans to expand the exemption to the other five toll roads in the city: Sujeongsan Tunnel, Geoga Expressway, Busanhangdaegyo Bridge, Cheonma Tunnel and Gwangan Expressway.Eulsukdodaegyo Bridge and Sanseong Tunnel will receive the toll exemption first, as they are key corridors between areas with limited access to public transportation.Additionally, in celebration of the upcoming Chuseok holiday, tolls will be waived at all seven toll roads from Oct. 4 to 7.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>exempt: 면제하다 measure: 조치 commute: 통근하다 corridor: 통로 waive: 감면하다Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
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Domoheon marks first anniversary with 300,000 visitors source: visitbusanDomoheon, Busan’s former mayoral residence turned cultural hub, is celebrating its first anniversary with remarkable success. Since opening to the public on Sept. 24, 2024, the venue has welcomed more than 300,000 visitors, far surpassing the city’s initial target of 200,000 annual visits. On average, about 1,300 people explore the space each day.The two-story complex, set within 2.5 million square meters of landscaped grounds, combines history with modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy tranquil gardens, a café, a lecture hall and welcoming lounges, making it both a cultural attraction and a place for relaxation.At the heart of its appeal is the Sosopung Garden, a green oasis in the heart of the city. Divided into four themed areas — Lawn, Pond, Participation, and Sculptural Pine — it features 252 species and nearly 48,000 plants. From vibrant flowers to elegant pine groves, the garden offers a refreshing escape in the city center.Domoheon has also established itself as a must-visit venue for cultural enrichment. Events such as the Sosopung Festival, the Love & Peace furniture exhibition and Art Busan have drawn enthusiastic audiences. Two ongoing programs are quite popular: “Busan Story,” where leading figures share their personal success stories, and “Busan School,” a series of lectures exploring the meaning of life. Free exhibitions are also available throughout the venue and grounds.Looking ahead, Busan plans to expand Domoheon’s offerings with a media façade, a new garden lounge, special lectures and celebrations for the 400,000th visitor, ensuring the site continues to thrive as a premier cultural destination.※ Domoheon◎ Address: 60 Hwangnyeongsan-ro 7beon-gil, Suyeong-gu◎ Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. Open until 9 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.◎ Admission: Free (Ticket purchase may be required depending on the event).◎ Parking: Free on-site parking available◎ Website: busan.go.kr/domoheon/index<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>remarkable: 주목할만한 annual: 연간 tranquil: 고요한 enrichment: 풍부함 enthisiastic: 열정적인 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
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Festival Shiwol drove tourism and economic growth in Busan 2024 Shiwol Village at BEXCO An official analysis by the Industry-Academy Cooperation Foundation at Youngsan University confirms that Festival Shiwol delivered a major economic and tourism boost to Busan in 2024, drawing 391,592 attendees - a 33% increase over the combined turnout of separately held events in 2023. Festival Shiwol unites previously independent events, including the Busan International Film Festival, the Busan International Rock Festival and other arts, technology, business, and food conferences, under a single brand. International tourism surged as Busan welcomed 146,257 overseas visitors during the festival period, up 77% from the previous year. Spending rose in step, with international credit card expenditures increasing by 6.8 billion won, lifting Busan's share of total foreign tourist spending in Korea to 21%, double its usual level. Survey results highlight the festival's long-term potential: 84% of foreign and local participants expressed interest in returning for the 2025 edition. 한국어로 읽기(Read in Korean) ‘페스티벌 시월’, 부산 관광·경제 성장 견인 영산대학교 산학협력단의 공식 분석에 따르면, 2024년 열린 ‘페스티벌 시월’은 부산에 큰 경제·관광 효과를 가져왔다. 총 관람객은 39만1,592명으로, 2023년 개별 개최 행사들의 합산 대비 33% 증가했다. 시월은 부산국제영화제, 부산국제록페스티벌 등 기존 독립 행사와 예술·기술·비즈니스·음식 관련 컨퍼런스를 하나의 브랜드 아래 통합한 축제다. 특히 외국인 관광객 유입이 두드러졌다. 축제 기간 해외 방문객은 14만6,257명으로 전년 대비 77% 늘었다. 국제 신용카드 사용액도 68억 원 증가해, 한국 내 외국인 관광 소비에서 부산의 비중은 평소의 두 배인 21%에 달했다. 설문조사 결과, 국내외 참가자의 84%가 2025년 행사에도 다시 참여 의향을 밝히며 시월의 장기적 성장 가능성을 입증했다.
Enjoy Busan
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The 2025 Sea Art Festival returns to Dadaepo Beach source: visitbusanDadaepo Beach has been transformed into an open-air art exhibition, thanks to the 2025 Sea Art Festival. The festival runs until Nov. 2.Now in its 39th year, the Sea Art Festival is returning to Dadeapo Beach after a six-year hiatus, and the setting adds significant meaning to this year’s theme, “Undercurrents: Waves Walking on the Water.” Dadaepo’s unique coastal geography, where the Nakdonggang River meets the sea, is defined by the constant collision and merging of waters with different densities. The setting asks visitors to reflect on coexistence and survival, on how the shifting rhythms of the sea intersect with our daily lives. Co-directed by Keum-hwa Kim and Bernard Vienat, this year’s edition features 46 works from 17 countries. In addition to the exhibition, the festival offers a wide range of engaging programs. Children can join outdoor workshops designed to spark a vivid connection to the planet through art, while other creative sessions invite participants to experience nature and art firsthand. Admission is free. For details and program registration, please visit the official website. ※ 2025 Sea Art Festival, until Nov. 2◎ Dadaepo Beach: 14 Morundae 1-gil, Saha-gu◎ Website: saf2025.org<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>transform: 변화하다 collision: 충돌 density: 밀도 coexistence: 공존 engage: 참여하다 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
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Local tastes and global flavors at the Busan International Food Expo Busan is cooking up a feast from this Friday through the weekend! From Sept. 26 to 28, two culinary events will showcase Busan’s appeal as an authentic gourmet destination. The 22nd Busan International Food Expo and the 8th Busan Marina Chef Challenge will be held simultaneously at BEXCO in Haeundae-gu District.This year’s highlights at BIFE include the “Chef Special Cooking Show,” featuring acclaimed chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants and the Netflix smash hit “Culinary Class Wars.” There will be three shows, each spotlighting celebrated chefs and their special dishes:• “Michelin-collaboration Cooking Show” (Sept. 26): Two celebrated chefs, Fabrizio Ferrari and Kuyjin Lee, come together to present comforting Italian-style home cooking and a savory French-style meat pie. Fabrizio Ferrari, known as Fabri in Korea, is a popular content creator and chef-owner of Fabri Kitchen in Seoul. Before coming to Korea, his family's restaurant in Italy held a Michelin star for 15 years.Kyujin Lee is the executive chef at Ramsey, a Michelin-selected French bistro in Busan.• “Culinary Class Wars Cooking Show” (Sept. 27): Special guests Eunyoung Park and Namno Yoon, fan favorites from Netflix’s cooking competition “Culinary Class Wars,” will make dishes highlighting green tangerines.• “Korean Master Chef Cooking Show” (Sept. 28): Two master chefs officially recognized by the president of Korea will demonstrate their unrivaled artistry. Highlights include tuna susahi from Yu-seong Ahn and a Korean seafood salad from Jeong-hee Seo.On Sept. 27, international residents can also try their hand at making gimbap. Pre-registration is available online, but on-site entry is also acceptable from 2:30 p.m. Every participant will receive a small souvenir, with special prizes awarded to two winners. Visitors can also explore booths from popular local food establishments.Celebrating its 8th anniversary, the Busan Marina Chef Challenge invites both professional chefs and culinary students to put their skills to the test in real-time competitions. This year, 490 participants from Korea and abroad are expected to compete. Admission to BIFE is 5,000 won, but those who pre-register online by Sept. 25 can enter for free. For details on the events and registration, visit the official websites linked below. ※ The 22nd Busan International Food Exhibition and the 8th Busan Marina Chef Challenge, Sept. 26 to 28 ◎ BEXCO: 55 APEC-ro, Haeundae-gu◎ Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.◎ Admission: 5,000 won for adults. Free entry is available through pre-registration until Sept. 25.◎ BIFE: bife.kr◎ BMCC: busanmcc.com<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>culinary: 요리의 authentic: 정통의 present: 선보이다 demonstrate: 시연하다 competition: 경연 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
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Meet your favorite influencers at the 2025 World Creator Festival The 2025 World Creator Festival will take place on Sept. 27 and 28. Come and see your favorite YouTube, Instagram and TikTok stars live in person as they tour around Busan. The event is part of Festival Shiwol, the city’s signature convergence festival.To promote the World Creator Festival, Busan released two episodes of a web variety show in July and August, produced by broadcaster and creator Dex and webtoon artist and entertainer Kian84, centered on touring around Busan.Over 80 Korean and international creators will participate. Fans can witness their favorite creators produce content at Busan’s popular attractions, including Beomeosa Temple, as well as Songdo and Haeundae beaches.In addition, fan meetings will be held at the Lotte Department Store, Busan Main Branch, featuring creators such as Chengdamunni, Today’s Family, Koreanosh and heychambo.Finally, the WCF Awards ceremony will take place at Lotte Hotel Busan on Sept. 28.For the full lineup of participating creators and events, visit the World Creator Festival’s official website and Instagram.※ World Creator Festival, Sept. 27 to 28◎ Lotte Department Store, Busan Main Branch: 772 Gaya-daero, Busanjin-gu◎ Website: wcfbusan.kr◎ Instagram: @wcfbusan<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>convergence: 융합 release: 공개하다 branch: 지점Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
Food
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Bite Into Busan ③ Noodles source: Taste of Busan"Bite Into Busan" is a monthly celebration of the city's restaurants. Each featured spot is listed in the Michelin Guide and Taste of Busan, the city's official gourmet guidebook, and is known for its signature dishes. This month, we take a long look at noodles. Across East Asia, they have evolved from humble, post-war staples to icons of cultural identity. Whether it's icy Korean naengmyeon, savory Japanese ramen or nourishing Taiwanese beef noodle soup, these dishes remind us how strands of dough can carry stories across borders and bring people together, one bowl at a time.🍜 Buda Myeonoak 부다면옥This Pyongyang naengmyeon specialty spot is known for its clean, refreshing flavors. Korean beef shank and fresh vegetables are boiled separately, then cooled the traditional way to create a deeply flavorful broth.*Address: 2F, 36 Jungdong1-ro, Haeundae-gu*Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last order at 7:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.*Menu: Naengmyeon ₩12,000🍜 100.1.Pyeongnaeng 백일평냉True to the craft of traditional cold noodle makers, this restaurant serves authentic Pyongyang naengmyeon with beef broth, salt, and 80% buckwheat noodles. The menu also features homemade North Korean dumpling soup and bulgogi.*Address: 1F, 29 Namcheonbada-ro 10beon-gil, Suyeong-gu*Hours: Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 to 9 p.m. for dinner. Last order at 8 p.m.*Menu: Pyongyang/Bibim naengmyeon ₩13,000*Available: Takeout🍜 Bao Haus 바오하우스A casual spot serving Taiwanese comfort food with a twist. Try their bao and signature beef noodle soup, both served with quick and friendly service. This popular eatery is housed in a compact space, so waiting times can be long without a reservation.*Address: 62-9 Seojeon-ro 38beon-gil, Busanjin-gu*Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Breaktime from 3 to 5 p.m. No breaktime on weekends.*Menu: Beef noodle soup ₩12,500*Available: Parking, takeout, foreign language menus🍜 Nagahama Mangetsu 나가하마 만게츠Located in the buzzy Haeridan-gil neighborhood, this "ramenya" is the first Korean branch of a popular ramen shop from Fukuoka, Japan. The restaurant's signature Nagahama Ramen draws long lines of diners, who covet the rich, milky, savory broth and thin noodles. *Address: 1F, Daeyeong Building, 57 Udong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu*Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. for dinner. Last order is 30 minutes before closing. Closed on public holidays.*Menu: Nagahama Ramen ₩11,000<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>humble: 검소한 flavorful: 풍미 있는 broth: 육수 buzzy: 활기 넘치는Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
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Long strands of tradition "Bite Into Busan" is a monthly celebration of the city's restaurants. Each featured spot is listed in the Michelin Guide and Taste of Busan, the city's official gourmet guidebook, and is known for its signature dishes. This month, we take a long look at noodles. Across East Asia, they have evolved from humble, post-war staples to icons of cultural identity. Whether it's icy Korean naengmyeon, savory Japanese ramen or nourishing Taiwanese beef noodle soup, these dishes remind us how strands of dough can carry stories across borders and bring people together, one bowl at a time.A bowl of naengmyeon at Buda Myeonoak.■Buda Myeonoak 부다면옥 This Pyongyang naengmyeon specialty spot is known for its clean, refreshing flavors. Korean beef shank and fresh vegetables are boiled separately, then cooled the traditional way to create a deeply flavorful broth.*Address: 2F, 36 Jungdong1-ro, Haeundae-gu*Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last order at 7:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.*Menu: Naengmyeon ₩12,000*Google Map: ClickChoose between naengmyeon in cold broth or sweet and spicy bibim naengmyeon at 100.1.Pyeongnaeng.■100.1.Pyeongnaeng 백일평냉 True to the craft of traditional cold noodle makers, this restaurant serves authentic Pyongyang naengmyeon with beef broth, salt, and 80% buckwheat noodles. The menu also features homemade North Korean dumpling soup and bulgogi.*Address: 1F, 29 Namcheonbada-ro 10beon-gil, Suyeong-gu*Hours: Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 to 9 p.m. for dinner. Last order at 8 p.m.*Menu: Pyongyang/Bibim naengmyeon ₩13,000*Available: Takeout*Google Map: ClickThe beef noodle soup at Bao Haus.Dan dan noodles at Bao Haus.■Bao Haus 바오하우스 A casual spot serving Taiwanese comfort food with a twist. Try their bao and signature beef noodle soup, both served with quick and friendly service. This popular eatery is housed in a compact space, so waiting times can be long without a reservation.*Address: 62-9 Seojeon-ro 38beon-gil, Busanjin-gu*Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Breaktime from 3 to 5 p.m. No breaktime on weekends.*Menu: Beef noodle soup ₩12,500*Available: Parking, takeout, foreign language menus*Google Map: ClickTonkotsu ramen at Nagahama Mangetsu.■Nagahama Mangetsu 나가하마 만게츠 Located in the buzzy Haeridan-gil neighborhood, this "ramenya" is the first Korean branch of a popular ramen shop from Fukuoka, Japan. The restaurant's signature Nagahama Ramen draws long lines of diners, who covet the rich, milky, savory broth and thin noodles. *Address: 1F, Daeyeong Building, 57 Udong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu*Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. for dinner. Last order is 30 minutes before closing. Closed on public holidays.*Menu: Nagahama Ramen ₩11,000*Google Map: Click
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Bite Into Busan ② Puffer Fish and Eel "Bite Into Busan" is a monthly celebration of the city's restaurants. Each featured spot is listed in the Michelin Guide and Taste of Busan, the city's official gourmet guidebook, and is known for its signature dishes. In this edition, we dive into the best dishes to eat to stay energized during Busan's hot and humid summer. A nutrient-rich meal can make all the difference when the heat wears you down. Rebuild your stamina with local favorites like "bokguk," or puffer fish soup, and savory grilled freshwater eel, foods known for their revitalizing power. 🐡 Kumsu Bokguk, Haeundae Main Branch 금수복국해운대본점For over half a century, Kumsu Bokguk in Haeundae-gu District has set the gold standard for puffer fish cuisine. As the flagship location of a renowned chain with outposts nationwide, this legendary eatery has built its reputation on tradition, quality and safety. ○Address: 23 Jungdong 1-ro 43beon-gil, Haeundae-gu○Hours: Open 24 hours every day.○Menu: Eunbokguk (silver puffer fish soup) clear/spicy broth ₩15,000/₩16,000. Milbokguk (green puffer fish soup) clear/spicy broth ₩20,000/₩21,000.○Available: Parking, takeout, foreign language menus.🍱 Tokyo Babsang 동경밥상At Tokyo Babsang, Chef-owner Tae-woo Kim brings a refined vision of Japanese grilled eel to the shores of Gwangalli Beach. After years of training at Jubako, an esteemed Tokyo restaurant founded in 1790, Kim returned to Korea to open this intimate eatery dedicated to the art of eel. His dedication shows in every bite, from the meticulous charcoal grilling to the silky glaze of sweet soy sauce.The restaurant's signature dishes, "unaju" and "hitsumabushi," showcase regional eel traditions from Tokyo and Nagoya. Whether you choose unaju, with whole fillets served over rice, or hitsumabushi, which is enjoyed in multiple stages with different toppings and broth, each dish offers a harmonious balance of textures - crispy on the outside, tender and juicy within.○Address: 34-6 Namcheonbada-ro, Suyeong-gu○Hours: Open daily 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 to 9 p.m. for dinner. Last order is 30 minutes before closing. ○Menu: Unaju ₩43,000. Hitsumabushi ₩38,000.○Available: Parking, takeout, foreign language menus🐟 Shunsai Kubo 슌사이쿠보 Shunsai Kubo is a popular destination for hitsumabushi, the beloved Nagoya-style grilled eel rice bowl. Japan-trained Chef Jae-wook Lee carefully grills each piece of fish over charcoal while brushing them with a house-made sauce that enhances eel's natural richness. The restaurant is also popular with families as it offers a dedicated children's menu.○Address: 17 Yangdal-ro 4beon-gil, Buk-gu○Hours: Open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 to 9 p.m. for dinner. Last order is 40 minutes before closing. Closed on Mondays.○Menu: Hitsumabushi ₩39,000, Salmon rice bowl ₩17,500○Available: Parking, takeout, foreign language menus<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>nutrient-rich: 영양소가 풍부한 puffer fish: 복어 eel: 장어 revitalize: 재활성화하다 flagship: 본점 reputation: 명성 intimate: 친숙한 crispy: 바삭바삭한 tender: 부드러운 enhance: 강화하다 richness: 풍부함Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
Life
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Gather with family at Domoheon during Chuseok While celebrating Chuseok, why not enjoy a therapeutic autumn stroll at Domoheon? From Oct. 5 to 9, this iconic cultural hub will open its doors to welcome visitors spending the holiday in Busan. Located in the heart of the city, Domoheon invites people to enjoy a laid-back moment and discover the site’s unique charm.During this special opening period, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors can explore the main building, welcoming lounges and the tranquil Sosopung Garden, Busan’s first living garden and one of Domoheon’s signature attractions. Free exhibitions are also available in the lounges, along with access to the café. Come and immerse yourself in the site’s serene landscape and soothing atmosphere.Please note that no additional events or programs will be held during this period. In addition, the Deullak Nallak Children’s Library near the entrance will also remain closed.For easier access and greater convenience, Domoheon provides shuttle buses and free parking. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes from Exit 1 of Namcheon Station (Line 2). For more details, please visit Domoheon’s official website. ※ Domoheon’s Special Chuseok Opening, Oct. 5 to 9◎ Address: 60 Hwangnyeongsan-ro 7beon-gil, Suyeong-gu◎ Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>celebrate: 기념하다 stroll: 산책 immerse: 몰입하다 landscape: 풍경 atmosphere: 분위기 convenience: 편의 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
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Feel safe in any situation with the Emergency Ready App image source: getty imageWith 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
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Busan celebrates September Reading Month with author talks and more source: getty imageThe Busan Metropolitan Library is turning September into a month-long celebration of reading, culture, and community. With author talks, themed lectures, exhibitions and hands-on activities, the program invites citizens of all ages to discover the joy of books.Highlights include special lectures from acclaimed writers. On Sept. 17, novelist Tak-hwan Kim will explore the intersection of literature and art in a talk inspired by his novel “It Was Really Good” (2024), which is based on the life of artist Jung-seob Lee. On Sept. 20, poet and webtoon author In-hye Hong will share insights with teens in a lecture titled “Sentences That Kept Me Alive.” On Sept. 26, award-winning writer Hae-sol Kim, author of “The Juniper Tree,” will reveal tips for uncovering extraordinary stories in everyday life.Families can also look forward to the Book Play Festival on Sept. 27 at the Plaza of Wisdom, featuring creative playgrounds, balloon art and outdoor reading spaces. Additional programs include audiobook screenings, themed exhibitions and more.Full details and registration are available at (library.busan.go.kr/busanlibrary) and on the library’s official Instagram.※ September Reading Month◎ Busan Metropolitan Library: 33 Sasang-ro 310beongil, Sasang-gu◎ Website: library.busan.go.kr/busanlibrary◎ Instagram: @busanlibrary◎ Inquiries: 051-310-5446<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>novelist: 소설가 intersection: 교차점 insight: 견해 exhibition: 전시Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
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Lights! Coastline! Action! Busan's YOLO Galmaetgil Trails invite visitors to enjoy life through scenic hikes along the city's natural and cultural resources. "YOLO" reflects both "you only live once" and the local dialect for "come here," blending global and regional meaning. Taken together, YOLO is an invitation for visitors to experience the joie de vivre locals have: Come to Busan and enjoy life.Grab a blanket and enjoy a free movie on Gwangan Beach.The iconic nightscape of Marine City.Fun photo opportunities await on Haeundae Cine Road.Movie screenings at Millak Ocean Cinema cost ₩3,000.Millak Waterside Park is a hot place to enjoy a cool evening.■ YOLO Route 4 Busan's YOLO Galmaetgil Route 4 offers trekkers a cinematic landscape befitting its "Centum Movie Night" nickname. Stretching 4.5 kilometers along the coast, the trail is best enjoyed at night when the city, sea and sky create the perfect mise-en-scene. The plot begins at The Bay 101, where Marine City's skyscrapers glow in mirrored reflections on the water to create an iconic nightscape. From there, the path leads to Haeundae Cine Road, an open-air gallery celebrating Korean cinema with film-inspired art and photographs. Continuing past the Suyeongman Bay Yachting Center, walkers arrive at Millak Waterside Park, a popular spot to relax and view the Gwangandaegyo Bridge. Here, Millak Ocean Cinema stages outdoor movie screenings on weekends, with a floating screen set against the bridge's dazzling backdrop. Nearby, Gwangalli Beach Cinema offers free Friday night films by the sea.Learn more : Click
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Seaside serenity on the Blue Line Busan's YOLO Galmaetgil Trails are beloved hiking routes that showcase the city's natural resources and cultural offerings. YOLO has two sources of inspiration. First, from "you only live once," the acronym that describes the mindset that life should be enjoyed; second, from the phrase "come here" as pronounced in the local dialect. Taken together, YOLO invites visitors to experience the joie de vivre locals have: Come to Busan and enjoy life.A retro train, lush forest and ocean views can be found on YOLO Galmaetgil Route 3.Songjeong Beach is the birthplace of Korea's surf culture.A wooden deck runs along Busan돴s eastern coast, side-by-side with trains from the Haeundae Blue Line.Haewol Observatory.Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory.■ YOLO Route 3 For a refreshing seaside stroll with sweeping ocean views, YOLO Galmaetgil Route 3 offers one of Busan's most picturesque escapes. This scenic 5.8-kilometer route stretches from Songjeong Station to Mipo Station, hugging the city's eastern coastline. A 10-minute walk from Songjeong Station leads to Songjeong Beach. This sandy playground is a favorite year-round, but it buzzes in August with sunseekers and surfers alike. From the beach, trekkers follow a wooden deck that winds along the coast. With brilliant blue water on one side and lush greenery on the other, it's easy to appreciate this urban paradise. Midway through, take a breather at the Cheongsapo Daritdol or Haewol observatories. Their reinforced glass floors offer a heart-pounding view of the waves crashing below. With the sea swirling beneath your feet, either place offers a memorable spot to take a picture and rest before finishing the trail.YOLO Guide : Click
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Life inside a painting Busan's YOLO Galmaetgil Trails are beloved hiking routes that showcase the city's natural resources and cultural offerings. YOLO has two sources of inspiration. First, from "you only live once," the acronym that describes the mindset that life should be enjoyed; second, from the phrase "come here" as pronounced in the local dialect. Taken together, YOLO invites visitors to experience the joie de vivre locals have: Come to Busan and enjoy life.Golden light pours into the sea at Dadaepo Beach, turning sunsets and sunrises into breathtaking natural masterpieces. Saha-Gu District Office■ YOLO Route 7 Every sunset paints a picture, but summer sunsets stir something deeper. The sun lingers, reluctant to hand the sky over to the moon. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of colors - an Impressionist masterpiece in motion. Summer is nature's showiest season, saturating the world in color and overwhelming the senses with dazzling skies. There is science behind this beauty; the warm, moisture-rich air scatters sunlight more dramatically, producing deeper, more vibrant hues. One of the best places to witness this evening spectacle is along YOLO Galmaetgil Route 7, on the western edge of Busan. The trail's riverside setting offers uninterrupted views of the sun sinking into the Nakdonggang River. Reflections shimmer on the water as the sky above shifts through a kaleidoscope of colors, making the entire walk feel like a living painting. The 7-kilometer path is smooth and well-maintained, with restrooms and rest stops along the way. It takes about an hour and 40 minutes to complete. The trail is ideal for a sunset stroll or a breezy bike ride. Highlights include Jangnim Port, where brightly painted buildings evoke the canals of Venice, earning it the nickname "Bunezia," a playful mash-up of "Busan" and "Venezia." Before reaching Dadaepo Beach, follow a short uphill path to Amisan Observatory. From this vantage point, the river, sea and sandbanks stretch out in a breathtaking panorama. Affectionately known as the "Sunset Picnic," YOLO Galmaetgil Route 7 captures the magic of summer in Busan. It's a reminder that the city offers more than vibrant markets and ocean views - it's also a place where the sky puts on a show.A Venice-like harborfront right here in Busan.The riverside path leading to Goninaru Rest Area.The incredible view from Amisan Observatory.YOLO Guide : https://www.busan.go.kr/galmaetgil_eng/trip0207Editor: Ji Minkyeom, Song SoomiCopy Editors: Anton J. Mapoy, Ryu Hyoseung