Busan is good

Celebration Ceremony for Busan’s Selection as the World Design Capital (WDC) 2028 Mayor Park Heong-joon: “Let’s Create Change Through Design Thinking”

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it held the November 2025 Regular Staff Assembly at 9:00 a.m. today (Nov. 3) in the City Hall Grand Auditorium. Approximately 700 participants attended, including city executives, deputy heads of districts and counties, representatives of public corporations and affiliated institutions, and city employees.

This month’s assembly was organized to recognize the dedication of city officials who have worked hard for municipal administration throughout the year and to promote a design-oriented mindset among all staff members following Busan’s selection as the World Design Capital (WDC) 2028.

The event consisted of the National Pledge of Allegiance, award presentations such as the National Local Government Job Award, the screening of the World Design Capital (WDC) promotional video, and a special lecture delivered by Mayor Park on the significance of Busan’s designation as the WDC 2028 and the city’s role in it.

※ (Program Order)
• Opening → National Pledge of Allegiance → Awards → Promotional Video → Special Lecture → Closing

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During his special lecture, Mayor Park emphasized, “Under the slogan ‘Every Employee Is a Designer,’ we must apply Design Thinking to administration and bring about changes that citizens can truly feel.”

He highlighted that the selection as the World Design Capital (WDC) is “not merely a city branding title, but a significant turning point for redefining Busan’s new identity and future vision,” and added, “We must work together to find the answers to what changes will take place before and after Busan becomes the World Design Capital.”

He went on to explain, “Design is not the exclusive domain of professionals; it is a tool to make citizens’ lives better. Transportation policy is about designing the travel experience; welfare policy is about designing services rooted in respect and inclusion; and safety policy is about designing environments where citizens feel secure.”
He continued, “True innovation in Busan will be achieved when every public official sees themselves as a designer who shapes the lives of citizens.”

In conclusion, Mayor Park stated, “Small ideas and initiatives have the power to change Busan’s tomorrow. The city’s transformation begins with each public servant’s change in attitude.”
He urged the staff, “Now that Busan has been chosen as the World Design Capital, let us incorporate design-oriented perspectives throughout the entire municipal administration and create a city transformation that citizens can truly experience.”