Busan is good

Seeking Those Who Elevated Busan’s Standing and Prestige: Public Call for Nominations for 2026 Honorary Citizens of Busan Metropolitan City

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Busan Metropolitan City Mayor Park Heong-joon announced that the City will conduct the “2026 Honorary Citizens of Busan Metropolitan City Nomination Call” from today (the 4th) through March 18, in order to identify individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of city administration out of affection for Busan and to recognize them as honored citizens of Busan Metropolitan City.

The Honorary Citizen program of Busan Metropolitan City has been in operation since 1966. It selects Korean and international individuals who are not Busan residents and who have enhanced Busan’s honor and contributed to the development of city administration in a wide range of fields such as the economy, science, culture, technology, and sports, thereby expressing gratitude and promoting continued exchange and cooperation.

Applications are accepted through nominations. Eligible nominators include the Chairperson of the City Council, heads of district offices and county offices, heads of related institutions and organizations, or at least 30 citizens through a joint petition.

Candidates will be finally selected as honorary citizens through procedures including deliberation by the selection committee in April and approval by the City Council.

Those selected as honorary citizens will receive an honorary citizenship certificate (plaque), commemorative gifts, business cards, and major City publications, and will be accorded courtesies such as invitations to major festivals and events hosted by the City.

Further details regarding nominations can be found in the City’s official website under Public Notices (www.busan.go.kr/nbgosi).

As of last year, a total of 282 individuals have been selected as honorary citizens of Busan Metropolitan City, comprising figures from diverse fields including public officials, cultural and arts figures, and business leaders.

Last year, honorary citizenship was conferred on Neil Koprowski, who served as Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea, and Axel Timmermann, Director of the Climate Physics Research Group at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Pusan National University.

Other honorary citizens include former national team head coach Guus Hiddink (2003), film actor Tom Cruise (2013), LPGA golfer Danielle Kang (2019), and Darcy Paquet, the English subtitle translator for the film Parasite (2020).

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “Honoring those who have devoted themselves to Busan’s development and prestige as ‘Honorary Citizens’ is the highest courtesy in recognition of their contributions, and a meaningful beginning that signifies our commitment to continuing our journey together with Busan.” He added, “I ask for the strong interest and active nominations of our citizens so that we may welcome as ‘Honorary Citizens’ individuals who have elevated Busan’s standing and enhanced the city’s prestige in their respective fields.”