Busan is good

Tracing the Origins of Korea’s Economic Development in Busan – "MADE IN BUSAN" Special Exhibition Opens

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The Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum (hereafter referred to as "the Museum") announced that it will hold the 2025 Thematic Exchange Exhibition "MADE IN BUSAN" from today (April 29) through August 31, at the Special Exhibition Hall on the second floor of the Main Building.

• ●This exhibition presents a unique perspective on Busan’s industrial history through commercial advertising photography.
  Busan, as a symbol of Korea’s economic advancement, served as the birthplace of industrialization, the cradle of major corporations, and the frontline of the export economy, driving the nation’s rapid growth.

• ●The late Hwang Seong-jun (1935–2017) was a first-generation commercial photographer based in Busan, who captured the city's industrial era through advertising photography.
  Thanks to the meaningful donation of his works by his student, photographer Kim Jin-cheol, in 2024, these valuable pieces are now being showcased to the public.
  The exhibition mainly features about 200 works from the 1960s and 1970s.

The exhibition sheds light on Busan’s vibrant industrial scenes centered around Dongcheon Stream, highlighting "Made in Busan" products through a fresh historical lens.

• ●After the Korean War, Busan overcame its dependency on foreign aid and established a manufacturing base centered around Dongcheon Stream, transforming into an industrial hub.
  Busan Port served as the primary gateway for Korea’s exports, and goods produced in Busan expanded beyond Korea to the global market.

• ●The camera of the late Hwang Seong-jun captured not only the industrial landscapes of Busan but also a wide range of products such as plywood and shoes that were manufactured there.
  His black-and-white film advertising photographs go beyond promoting products—they are invaluable historical records, vividly documenting the passion and efforts of Busan’s people who laid the foundation of Korea’s industrialization.

The exhibition is organized into three sections:
▲ Part 1: The Beginning of Korea’s Industrial History
▲ Part 2: The Driving Force Behind Economic Growth
▲ Part 3: The New Protagonists of the Future

• ●Part 1: "The Beginning of Korea’s Industrial History"
  This section explores the factories along Dongcheon Stream, the overseas trade that blossomed through Busan Port, and the rise of local department stores, showcasing Busan’s dynamic transformation during the era of rapid economic growth.

• ●Part 2: "The Driving Force Behind Economic Growth"
  This section highlights industries and businesses such as plywood, textiles, footwear, steel, and shipbuilding.
  The colorful advertising photographs provide a vivid glimpse into the industrial and corporate history of Busan, offering a fresh perspective.

• ●Part 3: "The New Protagonists of the Future"
  This section focuses on the hardworking people in Busan’s industrial sites who poured their sweat and effort into building Korea’s economy.
  They are recognized as the true protagonists of Busan’s proud history and Korea’s industrialization.

• ●A small corner of the exhibition will introduce the late Hwang Seong-jun and showcase various techniques used in photography and editing during the pre-digital era.
  Visitors can enjoy discovering the fascinating production processes of vintage advertising photography from his work archives.

Additionally, in June, the Museum will host a special program titled "Conversation with the Curator," offering guided tours led by the exhibition planner.

• ●Curator Yeonhwa Cho, who planned this exhibition, will personally explain the exhibition's themes and contents.
  This program will be held twice during the exhibition period and is open to the public through advance registration on a first-come, first-served basis.

• ●For detailed information about the exhibition and the program, please visit the Museum’s website (busan.go.kr/mmch) or contact the Exhibition Team at 051-607-8041.

Kim Gi-yong, Director of the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum, stated,
"We hope this exhibition provides Busan citizens with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the proud history that Busan built while leading Korea’s industrial development, and to envision the city’s bright future."

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[Reference 1] Exhibition Poster

[Reference 2] Key Photographs

• ●Dongmyung Lumber (Yongdang-dong), 1971

• ●Lucky Oil (Yeonji-dong), 1970

• ●Dongmyung Lumber's wood processing, 1970s

• ●Dongyang Rubber shoe advertisement, 1972

• ●Jogwang Trading Company dress shirt advertisement, 1971

• ●Steel company worksite, 1970s

• ●Daedong Shipbuilding ship launching ceremony, 1970s

• ●Goldstar "Nobility" radio, 1960s

• ●National Plastic transport, 1972

• ●Kukje Industrial "Apis" fountain pen, 1972

• ●"Kkangkkangi" welding work (Chosun Welding Materials Co.), 1970s

• ●Jogwang Trading Company’s dress shirt sewing operation, 1970s