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Busan Metropolitan City to Host “2025 Busan Trade Day,” a Celebration of Export Business Leaders

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon), together with the Busan Regional Headquarters of the Korea International Trade Association (President Kwon Do-gyeom), announced that it will host the “2025 Busan Trade Day” event today (the 12th) at 5:00 p.m. at Paradise Hotel Busan.

The “Busan Trade Day” event, now in its 27th year, is held in commemoration of Trade Day (December 5), a nationally designated day. It is designed to boost morale among Busan-based export companies and export-related professionals who have contributed to the development of the local economy and the promotion of exports despite challenging domestic and international conditions, while also fostering a positive atmosphere that encourages exports.

The event will be attended by approximately 250 participants, including Mayor Park Heong-joon; Lee Soo-tae, Chair of the Busan Business Association; representatives and individuals recognized for their contributions to exports; and officials from export-related organizations.

At the event, Mayor Park will personally present and confer government and mayoral awards to a total of 163 leading export business leaders who have contributed to strengthening Busan’s export competitiveness. In particular, this year saw the number of recipients of industrial orders and medals for contributions to industrial development increase to five (from two in 2024), and the number of companies achieving exports of USD 50 million or more expand to seven, underscoring the continued growth of the region’s export foundation.

This year’s Busan Export Grand Prize was awarded to NK Co., Ltd., a distinguished local company of Busan, represented by Park Je-wan. Excellence Awards were presented to IEN Hanchang Co., Ltd. (represented by Jang Yeon-deok), DK Ostec Co., Ltd. (represented by Kim Hak-gyu), and Care Plus One Co., Ltd. (represented by Kim Do-hyung).

In terms of individual recognitions, a total of 13 recipients were selected, including 10 individuals recognized for export contributions—among them Kim Seung-hwan, Section Chief at IEN Hanchang Co., Ltd.—and three individuals recognized for contributions to trade promotion.

In addition, 44 business leaders who contributed to increasing exports in the Busan region will receive government commendations, 97 companies with outstanding export performance will be awarded the “Export Tower,” and five companies will receive commendations from the Chair of the Korea International Trade Association.

Meanwhile, amid complex trade challenges such as rising U.S.-led tariff pressures this year, Busan Metropolitan City was selected as the “Best Metropolitan Government for Export Contributions” in recognition of proactive public-private cooperation. The City received an institutional commendation (Prime Minister’s Award) at the 62nd Trade Day.

As of October this year, Busan’s exports totaled USD 11.7 billion, representing a 2.6 percent decrease compared to the previous year. However, exports rebounded in the third quarter with a 5.4 percent increase, showing signs of recovery, while the effects of various export support policies are becoming evident and the overall trend is gradually improving.

Since the beginning of this year, the City has operated a “Trade Response Task Force,” continuously gathering feedback from businesses through tariff response briefings, consultations, and on-site visits. It has also focused on minimizing corporate losses by establishing a rapid response system, including emergency financial support for companies affected by tariffs, expanded support for logistics costs and export vouchers, and increased assistance with export credit guarantee fees.

In addition, next year the City plans to make every effort to provide more comprehensive export support by diversifying export markets and responding promptly and proactively to changes in the global trade environment.

Mayor Park stated, “Despite the unprecedented challenges brought about by multiple adverse factors in the global economy this year, I extend my sincere gratitude to the business leaders who have steadfastly supported the Busan regional economy.” He added, “Busan Metropolitan City will continue to closely attend to the difficulties faced by businesses and spare no effort in supporting them so that they can remain focused on exports without disruption, even amid a changing global trade environment. I ask for your continued interest and support so that Busan can grow into a world-class city that leads global trade beyond Korea.”