News
- Gimhae International Airport gets an upgrade After five years of construction, the Gimhae International Airport unveiled a second expansion of its international terminal on April 26. The first expansion was completed in 2016. However, the number of international passengers surpassed 10 million in 2018 and 2019. The insufficient capacity resulted in long wait times for ticketing, baggage claims and immigration.With this second expansion, the terminal can now comfortably accommodate 8.3 million passengers annually, a substantial increase of 31.7 percent from the previous capacity of 6.3 million. This means shorter wait times and a more pleasant travel experience for all. The expansion includes 11 new immigration checkpoints and two additional baggage claims to reduce congestion at the arrival areas. The changes help Gimhae International Airport better serve passengers until the forthcoming Gadeokdo New Airport is completed in 2029, which is expected to handle all inbound and outbound international travel in the region.In addition, Busan is actively pursuing additional air routes. In February, Korea and Indonesia agreed to expand the number of flights between their airports, paving the way for more travel opportunities between the countries.Busan is also anticipating opening direct flights to North America and Europe.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>construction: 공사 unveil: 공개하다 expansion: 확장 passenger: 승객 insufficient: 불충분한 capacity: 수용력 accommodate: 수용하다 substantial: 상당한 forthcoming: 다가오는 pursue: 힘쓰다Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- F-2-R visa application for international students is now open Busan is accepting applications from international students for its F-2-R regional specialized residency visa until May 10. The F-2-R visa, implemented by the Ministry of Justice, enables foreigners to live in Korea for five years, provided they work and reside in government-designated areas. Busan has been allocated 120 visas, 40 each for Seo-gu District, Dong-gu District and Yeongdo-gu District. The city will initiate a second round of applications if the quota remains unfilled.The visa program encourages foreign nationals and their families to settle in depopulated areas to address labor shortages in local industries, boost the economy and reverse negative population trends.Eligible applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university based in Busan or be in their final semester with an expected graduation date.F-2-R visa holders must also live in the designated area for at least two years after receiving the visa and are then free to live in other districts in the region that are designated as at risk of population decline. In principle, applicants must live and work in the designated area, but there are four types of exceptions:Type A: live in the designated area and be able to get a job in other parts of the city.Type B: live in the designated area with family members and be able to get a job in other parts of the cityType C: live in the other parts of the city and be employed in the designated area Type D: live in other parts of the city and start a business in the designated area.Applicants must also demonstrate Korean proficiency at TOPIK level 3 or higher or have completed level 3 or higher in the Korea Immigration and Integration Program. Those intending to apply must also submit a letter of recommendation from their university and meet other requirements mandated by the district office having jurisdiction over the applicant's residence and/or company.All application materials must be submitted by 6 p.m. on May 10. Results will be sent individually via text message on May 24. For details, check the official announcement on City Hall’s homepage. ◎Announcement: Click here<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>regional: 지역의 residency: 거주 allocate: 할당하다 initiate: 착수하다 quota: 할당량 settle in: 정착하다 designated: 지정된 demonstrate: 발휘하다Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- Busan creates a 'village' to reverse low fertility rate On March 13, Mayor Park visited a local elementary school and met children participating in new afterschool programs. Korea's total fertility rate-the average number of children born to a woman during her reproductive years-fell to 0.72 last year, breaking its record for the lowest fertility rate in the world. The figure marks eight straight years of decline. This demographic crisis is felt most keenly in Busan, where the fertility rate stands at 0.66, the second lowest among major metropolitan areas nationwide. The declining fertility rate goes hand-in-hand with a marked increase in the proportion of elderly citizens. The city passed the threshold of a "super-aged" society in 2021, when people aged 65 and older made up 21% of the population. These factors, along with migration that sees young adults flock to Seoul in search of better jobs, mean the city's population is shrinking and aging at an alarming rate. The trend does not appear to be abating soon. Births in Busan have declined by 50% in a decade. Last year, 12,900 babies were born in the city, a record-low figure since data tracking began in 1981. City Hall is tackling the demographic problem head-on. Officials are working to enhance the quality of life for families. To do this, Busan is ensuring parents have the means and support to raise children. Under the ethos of "it takes a village to raise a child," the city is promoting the "Aeji-jungji" campaign. Translated as "Caring for your child as you do," it reflects Busan's commitment to caring for children the moment they are born. When introducing this new campaign, Mayor Park Heong-joon said, "I will raise our Busan children with the same care as I would my own children." Under Aeji-jungji, City Hall and the Busan Office of Education have developed an "edu-care" system to expand and enhance public childcare and education. The city's daycare centers and kindergartens will open until 8 p.m. or later. The city will also operate 24-hour emergency childcare facilities. Elementary schools will extend their afterschool programs. In collaboration with local universities, these programs will develop students' physical, mental and emotional health and expose them to enriching educational opportunities. Additionally, Busan will help pay childcare expenses. Parents will no longer bear the additional costs of special activities. Multichild families will also receive support through the Dongbaekjeon financial system. Finally, Busan will revolutionize it's education infrastructure. From elementary school to university, students will have access to the skills required to advance key industries and compete in the global economy. By providing better education, jobs, and childcare services, Busan expects to reverse the negative demographic trends plaguing the city. Mayor Park summed up the need for action, "To tackle the decreased population, we need to recognize the underlying issues and find the practical countermeasures. We will make Busan a good place to have and raise children."<Voca Spotlight>fertility rate: 출산율demographic: 인구통계, 인구통계학적인keenly: 예리하게proportion: 비율threshold: 임계치, 임계값flock to: ~에 몰려들다
Enjoy Busan
- BOF Park Concert reveals lineup Busan One Asia Festival has released the lineup for the “Park Concert,” which will take place on June 9 at Hwamyeong Ecological Park in Buk-gu District.The “Park Concert” is an outdoor music festival that is free for anyone to attend. Bring a picnic mat and treat yourself to live music in early summer.This year’s headline performer is MeloMance, the acclaimed folk duo known for hits like “Gift” and “Love, Maybe.”Paul Kim will also perform. The singer-songwriter has chart-topping hits, including “Me After You” and “Every Day, Every Moment.”Popular artist Jukjae will also perform. The singer and guitarist has a passionate following thanks to his song “Let’s Go See the Stars.”Lim Han-byul will also take the stage. Better known by his stage name Onestar, the singer is known for songs “The Way to Say Goodbye” and “Because I Don’t Love You.”Rapper and record producer Peakboy will also entertain the audience.Finally, local musicians will feature at the festival.Head to BOF’s official website and social media channels for more information.※ 2024 Busan One Asia Festival, June 8 to 9 ◎ BOF: bof.or.kr ◎ Instagram: @bof_official_kr @bof.en @bof.tw @bof.jp ◎ Facebook: facebook.com/BusanOneAsiaFestival ◎ Busan Asiad Main Stadium: 344 World cup-daero, Yeonje-gu ◎ Hwamyeong Ecological Park: 1718-17 Hwamyeong-dong, Buk-gu<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>lineup: 출연진 perform: 공연하다 passionate: 열정적인 entertain: 즐겁게하다Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- The 41st Busan International Short Film Festival opens April 25 Busan International Short Film Festival will take place from April 25 to 30 at the Busan Cinema Center and BNK Busan Bank Art Cinema Corner Theater. Busan has been designated as the UNESCO Creative City of Film since 2014. The festival’s theme is "Cinema & Reality." It features films that explore whether cinema can connect with audiences in a continuously changing reality and whether films can examine reality from an alternative angle. Three-dimension films, experimental films and interactive films will be presented. This year's BISFF will kick off with a dynamic showcase of three opening-day films: the Italian movie “Dive,” the Filipino movie “Cross My Heart and Hope to Die,” and the Korean movie “My Mother’s Story.” The opening ceremony will occur at 7 p.m. on April 25 at the Busan Cinema Center. Before the opening ceremony, the special drone show named “Drone Drawing Performance Concert,” featuring a bandonion performance, will be presented to boost the festive atmosphere. The “Cine Concert” by Italian pianist Giuseppina Torre will amuse movie enthusiasts. This year marks 140 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Italy. That is why the “Guest Country” of the 2024 BISFF is Italy. Italy’s new short films will be premiered in the Guest Country section, offering festival attendees a chance to experience the strengths of Italian cinema. Other than that, short films around the world will be presented and the exhibition booths will showcase new media programs to visitors.For movie schedules and information, visit the official website of the BISFF below. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket box or the website of the Busan Cinema Center.※ The 41st Busan International Short Film Festival, April 25 to 30 ◎ The Busan Cinema Center: 120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu district ◎ BNK Busan Bank Art Cinema Corner Theater: 3 floor, 13 Gwangbokjungang-ro, Jung-gu ◎ Time table: BISFF (bisff.org) ◎ Tickets: Busan Cinema Center (dureraum.org)<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>explore: 탐험하다 audience: 관객 continuously: 지속적으로 examine: 검토하다 alternative: 대체적인 atmosphere: 분위기Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- The 2024 Busan One Asia Festival kicks off June 8 Korea’s biggest annual K-pop concert is back! The Busan One Asia Festival will take place over two days at two separate venues; the “Big Concert” will be held on June 8 at Busan Asian Main Stadium in Yeonje-gu District, while the “Park Concert” will take place on June 9 at Hwamyeong Ecological Park in Buk-gu District.The initial lineup of the “Big Concert” is headlined by K-pop legends g.o.d, one of the best-selling musical acts in Korean history. The group is celebrated for its touching lyrics about love, family, and friendship, which comfort and encourage fans of all ages.The second group is Super Junior-D&E, a sub-unit of the boy band Super Junior featuring members Donghae and Eunhyuk. The duo’s first studio album, “Countdown,” topped iTunes Top Albums charts in 22 countries when it was released in 2021.Zero Base One, a music group formed through television channel Mnet’s reality competition program “Boys Planet,” will perform at BOF for a consecutive year. Zero Base One’s performance is highly anticipated since it will showcase the group’s new songs, which are scheduled to be released in May.Other confirmed acts include Billie, H1-Key, BoyNextDoor, Lun8, n.SSign and Nowadays.Ticket sales for the concert open on April 19 via Yes24. For more information, visit BOF’s official website and social media channels.※ 2024 Busan One Asia Festival, June 8 to 9 ◎ BOF: bof.or.kr ◎ Instagram: @bof_official_kr @bof.en @bof.tw @bof.jp ◎ Facebook: facebook.com/BusanOneAsiaFestival ◎ Tickets: ticket.yes24.com/ ◎ Busan Asiad Main Stadium: 344 World cup-daero, Yeonje-gu ◎ Hwamyeong Ecological Park: 1718-17 Hwamyeong-dong, Buk-gu<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>separate: 분리된 venue: 장소 encourage: 용기를 주다 competition: 경쟁 consecutive: 연속된 release: 공개하다 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
Food
- Busan's culinary coming out party has three stars Earlier this year, Busan debuted on the international culinary scene when it appeared as a Michelin Guide city for the first time. Of the 43 restaurants listed by Michelin, three received the coveted star status. Busan's three starred restaurants matches or exceeds the number in other cities, namely Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Izmir, Turkey, and Penang, Malaysia. The Michelin Guide began in 1889 when brothers Andrew and Edouard Michelin founded their eponymous tire company and were looking for a way to help motorists develop their trips; thereby boosting car sales and in turn, tire sales. The brothers developed a small guide filled with handy information for travelers, including how to change a tire and places where a weary driver could rest. Since then, the Michelin Guide has become one of the most reliable sources of information on restaurants around the world, and inclusion on its various lists confers unmatched prestige on an establishment. Each restaurant is assessed using the Michelin Guide's traditional and universal methodology, based on five criteria: The quality of the ingredients; the mastery of cooking; the harmony of flavors; the personality of the chef through the cuisine; and the consistency both over time and across the entire menu. Inspectors who have at least 10 years of experience in the industry evaluate restaurants by the Michelin Star rating system: One Star for a very good restaurant in its category; Two Stars for restaurants with excellent cooking and worth a detour; Three Stars for restaurants that offer exceptional cuisine and are worth a special journey. Busan is proud of its three One-Star restaurants: Palate, Mori and Fiotto.Busan's Michelin StarsPalate's Sea Bream Caper, served with a kelp puree and lemon coulis, is one of the restaurant's most popular dishes.■Palate (팔레트) Palate offers diners avant-garde French cuisine that reflects Chef Kim Jae-hoon's innovative approach. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Australia, Chef Kim enjoys an epicurean challenge that incorporates culinary experimentation and traditional techniques. The result is Palate's free-spirited and adventurous meals. Palate's views include Yonghoman Bay Wharf and Gwangandaegyo Bridge, creating an alluring vibe that serves as a fine companion during the meal. The restaurant offers a five-course lunch menu and a seven-course dinner menu.•Address: 66-30 Bunpo-ro, 3rd floor, Nam-gu•Hours: Open Wednesday to Sun-day, noon to 11 p.m. Break time from 3 to 6 p.m. •Price: 66,000 won for lunch course and 150,000 won for dinner course•Instagram: @palate.busan Ravioli filled with flounder meat, watermelon radish sprinkled with chamomile kombucha, and kale oil with a fresh scent are all handmade by the chefs at Fiotto.■Fiotto (피오또) Located on Dalmaji Hill, Fiotto is a cozy Italian pasta bistro that opened in 2021. It is run and owned by a chef couple. The restaurant's pasta-only courses feature homemade or directly sourced ingredients from the owners' family farm. When the chefs aren't serving fresh pasta dishes, they are on the farm actively growing and cultivating the ingredients they use in the kitchen. This farm-to-table ethos also earned Fiotto a Michelin Green Star, an annual award highlighting restaurants at the forefront of the industry regarding sustainable practices. •Address: 432 Jwadongsunhwan-ro, 2nd floor, Haeundae-gu•Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m.•Price: 75,000 won per person •Note: The restaurant will close from April 1 to 15. •instagram: @fiotto_busan Mori uses a charcoal grill to give dishes rich flavor and tender texture.■Mori (모리) Opened in 2020, Mori is a Japanese kaiseki restaurant co-owned by a Korean chef trained in Japan and his Japanese wife, whom the restaurant is named after. Chef Kim Wan-gyu crafts delicate and delightful dishes that perfectly harmonize Busan's bounty of fresh seafood and seasonal produce. The seafood in every dish comes from the local market every morning.•Address: 2-4 Pale de Cz, 24 Haeun-daehaebyeon-ro 298beon-gil, 2nd floor, Haeundae-gu•Hours: Open 7 to 11 p.m. on Tues-days, 6 to 11 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, and 5:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.•Price: 180,000 won per person •Instagram: @haeundae_mori ※ Menus, prices and/or hours may vary <Voca Spotlight>culinary: 요리exceed: 초과하다eponymous: 이름의 시조가 된inclusion: 포함, 포용methodology: 방법론Sea Bream: 도미(생선)kelp: 해조류, 다시마coulis: 쿨리(음식을 으깬 뒤 체에 걸러 만든 소스)avant-garde: 전위적인epicurean: 미식가, 식도락wharf: 부두alluring: 매혹적인Ravioli: 라비올리(얇은 반죽에 속을 채운 파스타의 일종)flounder: 가자미watermelon radish: 수박무kombucha: 콤부차(차를 우린 물을 발효시킨 음료)bistro: 비스트로(규모가 작은 식당)charcoal: 숯kaiseki: 가이세키(일본식 코스 요리)
- Gimbap is good for breakfast, lunch or dinner A roll of basic gimbap, filled with rice, carrots, spinach, egg, ham, pickled radish and fish cake, is a nutritious and complete meal. It is a staple in the diet of on-the-go Koreans. After three months of winter, spring is almost here. A picnic is an excellent way to enjoy the breezy, warm weather. For Koreans, no picnic feast is complete without "gimbap." A staple of quick and convenient meals, gimbap is made of rice, vegetables and proteins wrapped around dried sheets of seaweed. Cut up and served in bite-sized pieces, a single roll of gimbap is a nutritious and filling meal, perfect for any time of day and occasion. Like sandwiches, the virtue of gimbap is its versatility. Simple rolls can be a light snack eaten between meals, while rolls stuffed to the brim can feed multiple people at once. Standard gimbap is filled with carrots, pickled radishes, cucumbers, ham and eggs. Popular variations include tuna, cheese, pork cutlets and bulgogi. Given that most non-Koreans' favorite Korean food is bulgogi, bulgogi gimbap is an approachable way to enter the world of seaweed rice rolls. Tuna gimbap includes a savory and creamy combination of canned tuna and mayonnaise. It is a popular dish for home cooks and is also found at many convenience stores. Some variations include fresh perilla leaves to add an herbaceous and refreshing bite that perfectly complements the tuna. Another popular version is "donkatsu" gimbap, or gimbap made with fried pork cutlets, another favorite food for Koreans. Combining the cutlets with gimbap creates a sumptuous and delicious rice roll. The crisp seaweed, soft rice, crunchy pork and fresh vegetables form a winning combination. Richer versions of gimbap feature cheese, pork belly or Spam. Recently, fully frozen "yubu" gimbap, made with fried tofu, gained popularity among global customers keen on K-culture and a healthy diet.Keto gimbap, top, and chungmu gimbap are popular variations. If you love gimbap but are on a low-carb diet, try keto gimbap. Great for those who follow a ketogenic diet, the rice is replaced by thinly shredded fried eggs and can include high-protein ingredients like chicken breast. Finally, no gimbap bucket list is complete without "chungmu" gimbap. Originating from the seaside city of Chungmu, now called Tongyeong, chungmu gimbap features thinner rolls with an unseasoned surface filled only with rice. The rolls are served with spicy "ojingeo muchim," squid salad, and "seokbakji," radish kimchi. Chungmu gimbap is a local delicacy in Tongyeong and Gyeongsangnam-do Province. It was created to feed fishermen, whose stays at sea required filling and long-lasting meals.■ Enjoy various gimbap at Bujeon Market Bujeon Market Town, in Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu District, is one of the biggest traditional markets in the area. Its numerous pathways are filled with many amazing products and items, from meat, vegetables and seafood to herbal medicine, ginseng and even electronic devices. Recently, the market gained popularity among tourists thanks to its cheap but high-quality gimbap stalls. Picnic-goers visiting the nearby Busan Citizens Park should pick up a few rolls of pollack roe gimbap to enjoy out in the spring weather.•Address: 23 Jungang-daero 783beon-gil, Busanjin-gu•Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.<Voca Spotlight>spinach: 시금치nutritious: 영양가 있는versatility: 다용도성, 범용성savory: 감칠맛나는perilla leaf: 깻잎herbaceous: 풀 또는 풀잎의sumptuous: 호화로운
- Busan’s Michelin Star restaurants Busan debuted in Michelin’s culinary coverage at the end of February. Of the 43 restaurants included in the Michelin Guide, three received the coveted star status. Busan’s three one-star restaurants top a list that includes 15 Bib Gourmand and 25 selected restaurants. Daily Busan proudly introduces Busan’s Michelin stars. The entire restaurant listing can be found on the Michelin Guide’s official website and their free app.★ Palate(팔레트) source: guide.michelin.com Palate offers diners avant-garde French cuisine that reflects Chef Kim Jae-hoon’s innovative approach. Chef Kim enjoys an epicurean challenge that incorporates culinary experimentation and traditional dishes. The result is Palate’s free-spirited, adventurous and luscious meals. Palate’s views include Yonghoman Bay Wharf and Gwangandaegyo Bridge, creating an alluring vibe that serves as a fine companion during the meal. The restaurant offers a five-course lunch menu and a seven-course dinner menu.• Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 11 p.m. Break time from 3 to 6 p.m. • Address: 66-30 Bunpo-ro, 3rd floor, Nam-gu ★ Mori(모리) source: guide.michelin.com Mori is a Japanese kaiseki restaurant co-owned by a Korean chef trained in Japan and his Japanese wife. Chef Kim Wan-gyu crafts delicate and delightful dishes that perfectly harmonize Busan’s bounty of fresh seafood and seasonal produce.•Hours: Open 7 to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, 6 to 11 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, and 5:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.•Address: 2-4 Pale de Cz, 24 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 298beon-gil, 2nd floor, Haeundae-gu★ Fiotto(피오또) source: guide.michelin.com Fiotto is a cozy Italian pasta bistro run by a chef couple. The restaurant’s pasta-only courses feature homemade or directly sourced ingredients from the owners’ family farm. When the chefs aren’t serving fresh pasta dishes, they are on the farm actively growing and cultivating the ingredients they use in the kitchen. You can select wines or kombucha to pair with the meal. The restaurant is also recognized as a Michelin Green Star, an annual award highlighting restaurants at the forefront of the industry regarding sustainable practices.•Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m.•Address: 432 Jwadongsunhwan-ro, 4th floor, Haeundae-gu◎ Michelin Guide Busan 2024: guide.michelin.com/kr/ko/busan-region/busan_1025838/restaurants?sort=distance<Today's Voca- 오늘의 단어>culinary: 요리의 coveted:탐내는 innovative: 혁신적인 incorporate: 포함하다 experimentation: 실험 luscious: 감미로운 delicate: 섬세한 ingredient: 재료Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
Life
- Learn how you can work abroad at Busan Global Job Matching Day Busan Global Job Matching Day, a unique job fair for local talents interested in working in Japan and Singapore, will be held from May 28 to 29 at the Busan Eurasia Platform in Busan Station. The event is designed to introduce job opportunities to those who aspire to work overseas.A total of 31 companies, 30 from Japan and one from Singapore, will join the job fair, and 200 jobs will be open to future employees in 30 industries, including IT and hospitality. Applicants should submit their resumes to the overseas companies they are interested in before May 20 via the World Job Plus website. After the screening selection, which includes document evaluation and an interview, you might be the next employee to work abroad.The Human Resources Development Service of Korea and overseas employment consultation companies, such as Conexus Medstaff from the U.S. and KOREC in Japan, will provide counseling during the job fair. However, applicants must make a reservation on the WJP website to secure a spot. Ahead of the job fair, virtual lectures will help applicants better understand the participating companies and the jobs they offer. The lectures, which run until May 10, will also introduce information about getting jobs and settlement subsidies in Japan. In addition, an HR representative from each company will hold virtual information sessions until May 8.For details, visit the World Job Plus or Busan Job Net. ※ Busan Global Job Matching Day, May 28 to 29 ◎ Where to apply: worldjob.or.kr/jobfair/jobfairRecruit.do?joExpoNo=231◎ World Job Plus (International Integrated Information Network): worldjob.or.kr◎ Busan Job Net: busanjob.net◎ BE Platform: 210 Jungang-daero Dong-gu<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>talent: 인재 aspire: 열망하다 resume: 이력서 evaluation: 평가 abroad: 해외의 settlement: 정착 subsidy:보조금 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- Children’s Day events around town May 5 is Children's Day in Korea, a holiday to honor and celebrate children. It champions children's rights, promotes togetherness and awareness amongst all children and improves child welfare.Daily Busan walks you through the city’s Children’s Day celebrations, where you and your family can make unforgettable memories.■ 2024 Baby Shark Busan Festival: Hello, Busan! (May 4 to 6)The event will occur at Hayaria Lawn Square in Busan Citizens Park from May 4 to 6, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A grand 13-meter Baby Shark balloon will be installed inside the park. Joyful moments are on tap as kids can play on bounce castles and draw and color Baby Shark characters. In addition, Pierrot, the clown, will make an appearance and make balloons for kids.Families can also enjoy a magic show, bubble show, quiz show and performances by Pink Fong and Baby Shark. For details, check out the Visit Busan website and official social media channels of Busan Metropolitan City and PinkFong.◎Busan Citizens Park: 73 Simingongwon-ro, Busanjin-gu◎Visit Busan: www.visitbusan.net◎Busan Metropolitan City Instagram: @busancity◎Pinkfong Instagram: @pinkfong.ko■ Deullak Nallak at City Hall (May 4)The Deullak Nallak kids’ space in City Hall will host cultural events for kids from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 4.Watch the “Bubble Magic Show” and then participate in hands-on activities like making keyrings, learning calligraphy and more.Reservations are not needed except for the “Bubble Magic Show” and to make keyrings. To make reservations, go to the official website of the Deullak Nallak in City Hall below.◎ Deullak Nallak at City Hall: 1001 Jungang-daero, Yeonje-gu◎ Reservation: https://library.busan.go.kr/openlib/module/teach/index.do?menu_idx=80&searchCate1=17■ 51st Children's Day Festival (May 5)The 51st Children's Day Festival will be held on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Busan Cinema Center. Nine performances, including a kids' EDM Party, a magic show and children's song busking, will boost the festive atmosphere. Fun activities like a bounce castle, crafts making and a global experience zone will be ready for kids to enjoy.◎Busan Cinema Center: 120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu◎51st Children's Day Festival: kids.busan.com<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>champion: ~를 옹호하다 welfare: 복지 unforgettable: 잊을 수 없는 atmosphere: 분위기 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
- Join the 2024 Foreign Busan Traveler Contest source: bto.or.krThe Busan Tourism Organization is recruiting applicants for the 2024 Foreign Busan Traveler Contest until May 11. Any foreigner who can legally stay in Korea until Sept. 30 this year may apply.Participants are required to share their experiences traveling throughout Busan on Instagram. The content can be created in the participants’ native language. Each traveler will receive 150,000 won for travel expenses and a Visit Busan Pass Big 3 Card. The top five participants will be honored at an awards ceremony in September.The BTO will award the best traveler an iPhone 15 Pro, luxury hotel vouchers for the two best influencers and a 48-hour Visit Busan Pass for the two best creators.To apply, fill out and submit the Google Form below. Selected applicants will be announced on May 14. Participants will attend an orientation session on May 17. If you have any inquiries, email the Busan Traveler office below.※ Announcement for the 2024 Foreign Busan Traveler Contest ◎ Announcement: visitbusan.net/board/view.do?boardId=BBS_0000003&menuCd=DOM_000000304001000000&startPage=1&dataSid=3154 ◎ Submission: https://bit.ly/3JrqOWb ◎ Inquiry: busantraveler@koreatraveleasy.com <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>applicant: 참여자 native language: 모국어 award: 상을 주다 attend: 참석하다Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy
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- Take me out to the ball game New Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyoung has Giants fans rejoicing. Kim led his previous team, the Doosan Bears, to seven consecutive Korea Series appearances and three championships. Baseball is a BIG hit in Korea. In fact, it is Korea's most popular sport! From late March to early October, throngs of baseball fans fill stadiums to root for their favorite teams. In Busan, Sajik Baseball Stadium in Dongnae-gu District is ground zero for baseball fervor. Families, friends and couples enthusiastically fill the stands, cheering on the hometown Lotte Giants. The Lotte Giants were established in 1975 and were one of the original six founding franchises of the Korean Baseball Organization League in 1982. The Giants have called the 24,000-seat Sajik Baseball Stadium home since 1985. The stadium is, appropriately, located in the heart of Busan, accessed by metro line 3 via Sajik Station or Sports Complex Station. The Giants last won the Korean Series Championship in 1992 and have only made the playoffs once in the last decade. Despite the team regularly finishing at the bottom of the standings, Giants fans, affectionately called "Busan Seagulls," are arguably the most passionate fanbase on the peninsula. The Seagulls flock to Sajik on game days and create an atmosphere usually associated with college basketball in the United States or pro football in England. Giants fans cheer with a burning passion. For Busanites, there is no better place to shout or sing aloud than Sajik Stadium. It is a safe space to be rowdy and boisterous. Led by professional cheerleaders, the 24,000-strong fanbase scream with joy or groan in frustration with every pitch, hit, out or homerun. In between the action, fans encourage the team, with each player on the Giants roster showered with his own unique song or chant. For visitors and citizens, attending a game at Sajik Stadium is a worthwhile experience. Even if you do not enjoy sports, it is difficult not to get swept up in Giants fever. The energy, passion and camaraderie of the Seagulls is infectious. By the fourth inning, you will join the crowd as it screams, "Ma! Ma! Ma!" at opposing players. Plus, baseball is not the only offering at Sajik Stadium; an equally alluring draw is the food and drink. On game days, vendors inside and outside the stadium sell all manner of tasty treats, beyond peanuts and Cracker Jack. The crack of a bat and the pop of a mitt are just background music for a Korean soul food feast of fried chicken, gimbap, pizza and sweet and spicy tteokbokki. Stop by the Homeplus, a large retail market, near the stadium and stock up on snacks and plastic bottles of beer. KBO League games are played every day of the week except Monday, so there is a good chance the Giants will be home either during the week or on weekends through the beginning of October. Join the action and experience Busan's one-of-a-kind love for baseball. Warm sunshine. A cool breeze. Hot fried chicken. Ice-cold beer. Attending a Lotte Giants game at Sajik Stadium is a grand slam.■ Sajik Baseball Stadium• Address: 45 Sajik-ro, Dongnae-gu• Tickets: 3,000 won to 55,000 won• Website: giantsclub.com• Note: Glass bottles are not permitted inside the stadium. Up to 1L of plastic bottled beer is allowed per person.■ Upcoming games at Sajik Stadium <Voca Spotlight>rejoicing: 기뻐하다consecutive: 연속적인throngs: 군중affectionately: 애정 어린aloud: 큰 소리로rowdy: 소란스러운boisterous: 시끌벅적한groan: 신음소리
- No shoes? No problem! `Earthing' gains ground Next time you are out for a hike, don't be alarmed by people walking sans shoes. The practice, known as "earthing," is said to positively impact health. Ttangmoesan Red Clay Trail is popular with earthers. An increasing number of health-conscious individuals are walking barefoot outdoors, a practice known as "earthing" or "grounding." Practitioners believe doing so has several health benefits thanks to electrons that cover the ground. Adherents believe these electrons dissipate static electricity from the body, which has been linked to various health conditions. At the same time, the electrons spread over and into the body, where they can have antioxidant effects. Whether on grass, sand, or dirt, allowing your skin to touch the natural ground can provide grounding energy, which practitioners believe eases physical and emotional stress and pain. Advocates claim earthing is a "cure-all" remedy that provides enhanced immunity, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-aging effects, improved blood flow, acupressure effects, stronger foot muscles, better sleep and improved mental health. Some even believe earthing can cure cancer. The centuries-old practice of walking barefoot outside has gone viral as the latest wellness trend sweeping social media. In the never-ending quest for better physical and mental health, people have picked up earthing as an easy and effective way to practice self-care. Thanks to the city's mild weather, outdoor spaces and well-maintained walking trails, Busan is a haven to practice earthing year-round. However, before you kick off your socks and step outside, here are some tips to ensure your earthing experience is as pleasant as can be. Stick to safer surfaces, like mud or sand, to avoid unexpected hazards. Walking on forest trails, which might have sharp objects like rocks or broken glass, may lead to injury. Individuals with diabetes or foot wounds should consult their doctor before walking barefoot outdoors. Finally, socks with holes cut out of the bottom can provide the same benefits while keeping toes warm when earthing in the winter. ■ Where to go barefoot in BusanTtangmoesan Trail is part of the Galmaet-gil Trail network. ◎Ttangmoesan Red Clay Trail The 2-kilometer round-trip trail winds between a dense cypress forest and an endless clear lake, providing visitors with a beautiful landscape to enjoy while walking or earthing. No matter the weather, the trail's red clay soothes weary soles. The course also has foot-washing facilities and places to sit and relax. If 2 kilometers isn't enough, the trail is connected to Galmaet-gil Trail section 1 of course no. 8 to Millakgyo Bridge.• Address: 355-2, Oryun-dong, Geumjeong-guEarthers walking along the salty shores of Songjeong Beach. ◎Beaches across the city Busan's beaches are excellent places to go earthing. Ocean water is the best bet for successful grounding due to its high salt content. The salty water serves as an excellent conductor of electrons and helps the body become replenished with vital minerals. Plus, the serenity of the ocean and its idyllic scenery are sure to ease tension and take relaxation to the next level. Songjeong, Gwangalli and Dadaepo beaches offer feet-washing stations. If you want to continue walking the Galmaet-gil Trails, take course 1 from Songjeong, course 2 from Haeundae or Gwangalli and section 3 of course 4 from Dadaepo Beach. The sand field at Busan Citizens Park. ◎Busan Citizens Park Busan Citizens Park in Busanjin-gu District offers three earthing courses: A 300-meter clay road from South Gate 1 to North Gate 1, a 150-meter red clay forest path between North Gate 2 and South Gate, and a sandy path between the music fountain and water playground. All three earthing zones in the park provide feet-washing stations for visitor's convenience.•Address: 73 Simingongwon-ro Busanjin-gu<Voca Spotlight>sans shoes: 신발 없이barefoot: 맨발inflammatory: 염증acupressure: 지압Red Clay: 황토, 적토 replenish: 보충하다
- The perfect winter getaway is a luxurious oasis The main atrium at Spa Land has large windows that allow sunshine to warm the room throughout the day. "Jjimjilbangs," traditional bathhouses, are beloved hideaways for Koreans during the winter. Most neighborhoods have a jjimjilbang, offering residents a family-friendly, one-stop leisure facility with baths, saunas, steam rooms and ample space to socialize or sleep. Donning an oversized t-shirt and shorts and stepping into an overly warm chamber is a sure panacea to the winter blues. In 1994, the first multipurpose jjimjilbangs were introduced in Busan. In addition to a hot soak and warm bath, these facilities offered comforting meals, exercise equipment, aesthetic treatments and various entertainment options. Spa Land in the Shinsegae Department Store, Centum City, is the ultimate expression of the modern jjimjilbang, a luxurious, sprawling oasis built for one reason: Your relaxation. When Shinsegae broke ground on its flagship store in Centum City, hot springs were discovered at the construction site. The hot springs, which lie 1000 meters underground, are the foundation of Spa Land's temple to self-care. The spring water is sterilized 36 times a day as it is pumped into various pools and baths. Two types of spring water were discovered: Calcium chloride and sodium chloride. Calcium chloride baths promote healthy skin and shiny hair, as the water removes dead skin cells and releases fatigue. On the other hand, sodium chloride baths revitalize you from the inside, as the water enhances blood circulation and aids in pain relief. A long soak in both types will boost your energy levels and refresh your body before returning to your daily routine. Spa Land offers 18 hot spring baths, ranging from extremely cold to extremely hot temperatures, with each offering different health benefits. After bathing, two floors of relaxation and entertainment amenities await. On the first floor, visitors can avail themselves of 13 distinctly themed saunas. The Finnish Sauna is a popular way activate metabolism and relax achy muscles and joints. The Roman Steam Room helps with detoxification and clearing congestion. Others might prefer the Salt Room, which promotes healthy skin and boosts immunity, or the Wave Dream Room, which helps calm a racing mind through sensory immersion and meditation. For those in need of universal healing, the Pyramid Room's walls are set at 52 degrees, the ideal angle for maximizing the absorption of cosmic energy. Or, one could just enjoy some fresh air at the open-air foot spa. For more earthly needs, the second floor features a cafe, restaurant, and entertainment zone with recliners and personal television screens. Patrons can spend a maximum of four hours inside Spa Land when paying the entry fee; however, individuals who spend 10,000 won or more inside will get an extra 2 hours added on for free.Try the inconic jjimjilbang "sheep head" look as you relax. The open-air foot spa is a must-visit spot for couples. Walls in the Pyramid Room are ideal for taking in cosmic energy. ■ Spa Land• Address: 1st floor, Shinsegae Department Store, Centum City, 35 Centumnam-daero, Haeundae-gu • Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Last admission at 10 p.m.•Admission: 23,000 won for adults, 20,000 for minors. Children aged 7 and under are not permitted. A single-entry fee covers four hours of usage, and an additional charge of 5,000 won will apply for each extra hour.• Website: url.kr/ykmgaz<Voca Spotlight>bathhouse: 목욕탕hideaway:은신처donning: 착용temple: 신전sterilize: 살균하다Calcium chloride: 염화칼슘sodium chloride: 염화나트륨fatigue: 피로achy: 아픈congestion: 정체, 급체immersion: 몰입absorption: 흡수