Busan is good

Busan City Launches “Zero Disposable, Eco-Friendly Festival Support Project” to Promote Sustainable Local Events

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The City of Busan (Mayor Park Heong-joon) has announced the launch of the “Zero Disposable, Eco-Friendly Festival Support Project” this April and is accepting applications from local district offices until April 14.

The project encourages districts to utilize reusable and recyclable items, such as multi-use containers, at local festivals to reduce carbon emissions and eliminate festival-related waste. Through this initiative, the city aims to promote sustainable, ESG-aligned events while responding to the climate crisis.

In January 2025, the city identified “Zero Waste Festivals” and the transition to eco-friendly local festivals as key priorities to strengthen its image as a global leader in carbon neutrality. This project is being promptly implemented with climate response funding to reflect its urgency.

Up to 10 districts (gu/gun) will be selected based on evaluations of feasibility and need, and will receive funding to:

• ●Introduce reusable containers at festival venues

• ●Incentivize citizens who bring and use their own reusable items (e.g., tumblers)

As a leading example, Busan will implement reusable containers at its “2025 Busan Wheat Festival”, to be held May 5–6 at Hwamyeong Eco Park. The event, known for generating significant disposable waste, will become a model eco-friendly venue.

The Busan Wheat Festival, hosted by the city, is a culinary festival where visitors can experience diverse wheat-based dishes. The transition to reusable containers is expected to significantly reduce waste.

Kim Hyun-jae, Director of the Busan Tourism and MICE Bureau, stated:

“While local festivals greatly contribute to regional tourism and economic revitalization, they also create environmental challenges, especially due to excessive disposable product use.”
“It’s time to prioritize sustainability. Eco-friendly festivals not only elevate the quality and distinction of local events but also position Busan as a responsible global city in the carbon-neutral era. We ask for citizens’ cooperation in using reusable items at festival sites.”

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[Appendix 1] Project Overview

Legal Basis:

• ●Article 4, Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth

• ●Article 3, Busan Ordinance on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth

• ●Article 12, Busan Ordinance on the Promotion and Support of Festivals

Project Summary:

• ●Objective: Promote sustainable ESG festivals and reduce carbon emissions through the use of reusable items such as multi-use containers

• ●Period: April – December 2025

• ●Scope: ~10 local festivals hosted by district governments

• ●Budget: KRW 200 million (climate response fund)

• ●Selection Method: Evaluation of business plans submitted by all 16 districts

Funding Categories:

Category	Details
Introduction of Reusables	Rental and cleaning services for reusable containers at festival sites
Reusables Promotion	Incentive support for citizens using personal reusable items (e.g., tumblers)