Busan is good

Two nights, two masters at Busan Concert Hall

source: gettyimageThis August, the Busan Concert Hall invites classical music lovers to indulge in “A Midsummer Piano Feast,” a two-part recital series that highlights the rare musical connection between mentor and protégé.Pianist Saehyun Kim, fresh off his victory at the 2025 Long-Thibaud Competition, will grace the stage. On the eve of his 18th birthday this past March, Kim won the First Grand Prize, the Audience Prize and the Press Jury Prize at the prestigious Paris-based competition.On Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m., the teenage prodigy will grace the BCH stage with his immeasurable talent. Praised for his dynamic and emotional performances, Kim promises to captivate audiences with renditions of the works of Mozart, Faure and Chopin.Then, on Aug. 7 at 7:30 p.m., Kim’s mentor and internationally acclaimed pianist HaeSun Paik will return to Busan with a deeply personal recital. Titled “Homage to My Homeland,” her performance celebrates the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.Paik, a revered figure in global piano circles and a longtime faculty member at the New England Conservatory in Boston, will present Beethoven’s “Les Aieux,” Juri Seo’s “La Primavera,” and selections from Bartok and Schumann.Tickets can be purchased through the official BCH website until three hours before each performance. ※ Piano Recitals at Busan Concert Hall, Aug. 5 and 7◎ Busan Concert Hall: 250 Dongpyeong-ro, Busanjin-gu◎ Tickets:- Pianist Saehyun Kim: Click - Pianist Haesun Paik: Click ◎ Inquiries: 051-640-8822<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>indulge: 탐닉하다 recital: 리사이틀(발표회) protégé: 후배, 제자 grace: ~을 빛내다 immeasurable: 헤아릴 수 없는 captivate: 마음을 사로잡다 rendition: 연주 revered: 존경받는 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

Autonomous Bus Launch Ceremony on July 10… Operations to Start in Full This September

Autonomous Bus Launch Ceremony on July 10… Operations to Start in Full This September□ On July 10, 2025, at 11:00, Busan Metropolitan City held a launch ceremony for its autonomous bus system at Osiria Station Plaza on the Donghae Line.□ The ceremony aimed to introduce the forthcoming autonomous bus deployment planned for the Osiria Tourism Complex and raise awareness about self-driving technology.□ From September, autonomous buses will serve as part of the local mass transit network.○ They will navigate mixed traffic alongside conventional vehicles, utilizing Level 3 autonomy*. A safety driver will remain on board to assume control if necessary.*Conditional automation in which a vehicle performs all driving tasks under defined situations, such as on highways, without driver input○ Trial runs within the Osiria Tourism Complex area will continue through August, with general passenger service commencing in September.□ During the ceremony, Mayor Park Heong-joon remarked, “Our first-ever autonomous bus program marks a significant step toward AI-powered mobility into daily life.”□ He further emphasized, “Artificial intelligence is the key to enhancing living standards and propelling societal progress. We are committed to accelerating innovation to embed AI not only in transportation but also across industry, the economy, culture, administration, and education—paving the way for a future-ready community where everyone benefits from AI.”

2025 Starry Night in BUSAN

2025 Starry Night in BUSAN□ Busan Metropolitan City, in cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization and the Busan Tourism Organization, will stage the 2025 Starry Night in BUSAN from July 4 through October.○ Launched in 2022, the Starry Night in BUSAN has steadily grown into a hallmark of the city’s after-dark tourism—particularly following its designation in 2023 as part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports Tourism’s Night Tourism City Initiative.○ Spanning the peak of summer vacation (July–August) and the bustling fall festival season (September–October), this four-month celebration promises exciting entertainment under the stars for attendees from home and abroad.□ This year’s edition showcases nine electrifying sessions. For example: ▲ Science Magic Night Playground; ▲ Music Campnic Travel Show, a heartfelt picnic set against the Dadaepo Beach sunset; ▲ Yongdusan Park Night Pop-up; and ▲ Night Market, framed by the scenic Geumbitnoeul Bridge and Hwamyeong Ecological Park.○ [Science Magic Night Playground]This brand-new collaboration with the Busan National Science Museum presents twilight science activities, magic shows, and more, giving families the chance to create unforgettable memories.○ [Music Campnic* Travel Show]In partnership with Saha-gu, this event returns to Dadaepo Beach Park with a broader range of performances and attractions compared to last year, including promotional booths for emerging tourism startups based in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region.* Campnic: A coined term combining ‘camping’ and ‘picnic’ to describe a casual, one-day outdoor leisure experience○ [Yongdusan Park Night Pop-up]Held in Yongdusan Park in the historic downtown area of Busan, it caters to Millennials and Gen Z with trendy stalls carrying emojis, character goods, and branded merchandise.○ [Night Market]This flagship nighttime content pairs the evening glow and natural charm of the Nakdong River with pop-up tastings of traditiona