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Busan Gathers Institutional Support for the Creation of a “British Cultural Village” in Myeongji International New City

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The Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of the “British Cultural Village” will be signed at 11:00 AM today (May 7) in the International Protocol Room at City Hall. The MOU will be signed by the City of Busan, the British Embassy in Korea, the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority (BJFEZ), and the Royal Russell School Busan Campus Establishment Task Force.

○ Attendees will include Mayor Park Heong-joon; British Ambassador to Korea, Colin Crooks; BJFEZ Commissioner, Park Seong-ho; Head of the Royal Russell Task Force, Ronald Haddon; and Chairperson of the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea, Lucinda Walker.

This initiative is a tangible outcome of the MOU signed in February 2023 between the Busan Metropolitan City and the British Embassy in Korea to develop areas of mutual interest. The project has progressed with active support from both the British Embassy and the Royal Russell School.

The British Cultural Village will be a mixed-use cultural and educational complex modeled in British architectural style, located in Myeongji International New City. It will go beyond a residential complex for foreign nationals to become a hub for global cultural exchange and international education—proposing a new model for urban development.

This MOU is particularly meaningful as it reflects a shared commitment to the successful establishment of the ongoing “Myeongji Global Campus” and enhancing the city's international brand value through the development of the British Cultural Village.

○ Further discussions will follow regarding site selection and development details.

<Overview of the British Cultural Village Project> 

- Location: Myeongji District, Gangseo-gu 

- Method: Establishment of a Special Purpose Company (SPC) to implement as a private investment project 

- Timeline: To be developed in parallel with or following the opening of Myeongji Global Campus (scheduled for August 2028) 

- Contents: British architectural design, foreign resident housing, cultural experience zones ▹ Residential, cultural, and commercial facilities

Through this agreement, the city expects to enhance not only the settlement environment for foreigners but also global cultural exchange and international education infrastructure—further strengthening its global competitiveness.

○ In particular, the Myeongji International New City is expected to develop into a high-quality, residential community that fosters international talent and encourages long-term settlement.

British Ambassador Colin Crooks commented, “Busan is a special city with a long-standing history of exchange with the UK. The British Cultural Village will deepen cultural and educational cooperation between our countries, and the UK will actively support Busan’s rise as a global city.”

Mayor Park stated, “The creation of the British Cultural Village is more than just the development of a space—it symbolizes meaningful collaboration between Korea and the UK. It will play a key role in building an international educational foundation for future generations. The City of Busan will provide full administrative and institutional support to ensure the success of this project.”

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Appendix: MOU Overview

• ●Date/Time: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 11:00 AM

• ●Location: International Protocol Room, 7F, Busan City Hall

• ●Parties to the MOU:

• ○Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor)

• ○British Embassy in Korea (Ambassador)

• ○Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authority (Commissioner)

• ○Royal Russell School Busan Campus Establishment Task Force (Head)

• ●Attendees:

• ○[Busan City] Mayor, Ambassador for International Relations, Director of the Digital Economy Bureau, Director of Culture & Arts Division

• ○[British Embassy] Ambassador, Chairperson of the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea

• ○[BJFEZ] Commissioner, Director General of Investment, Director of Investment Promotion Team 1

• ○[Royal Russell Task Force] Head (Ronald Haddon), Secretary-General

• ●Purpose: Multi-agency cooperation to establish the “British Cultural Village” in Myeongji International New City

Project Details:

• ●Location: Myeongji District, Gangseo-gu (to be negotiated with LH)

• ●Method: Implementation via SPC and private investment

• ●Timeline: Around the time of Myeongji Global Campus opening (August 2028)

• ●Scope:

• ○Residential: British-style villa community

• ○Cultural: British-style streets, cultural facilities

• ○Commercial: Services including foreigner-friendly medical care

Tentative Ceremony Program:

Time	Content	Notes
11:00–11:05 (5’)	Opening & Introduction of Attendees	–
11:05–11:20 (15’)	Greetings by Mayor, Ambassador, BJFEZ Commissioner, Royal Russell Head, BCCK Chairperson	–
11:20–11:25 (5’)	Signing of the MOU (4 copies)	–
11:25–11:29 (4’)	Commemorative Photo	–
11:29–11:30 (1’)	Closing