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Direct Flights Bring Busan and Almaty Closer, Connecting People and the Future: 2026 Eurasia City Diplomacy Delegation Builds Ties in Almaty

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, and the Busan Global City Foundation announced that the 2026 Eurasia City Diplomacy Delegation carried out a diverse range of city diplomacy activities in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from August 27 to 28, strengthening practical cooperation between the two cities and fostering exchanges among young people, ethnic Koreans, and local citizens.

Almaty, Busan’s first friendship and cooperation city in Central Asia, has been visited by the delegation for five consecutive years through this year. In particular, since direct flights between Busan and Almaty began operating twice a week on May 1, the two cities have become closer in terms of travel time while further expanding cooperation in the economic, cultural, tourism, and educational sectors.

On the afternoon of August 27, a Korea (Busan) Visa Information Session was held at the Korean Education Center in Almaty.

For an audience of approximately 100 people, including local Korean-language students, Hur Uk, a visiting professor at Kyungsung University and former visa expert at the Ministry of Justice, and a consul in charge of visas at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Almaty provided information on visas and study in Korea and answered questions. Busan Metropolitan City also introduced the support system offered by “Study Destination Busan,” covering Korean-language education, adjustment to daily life, and career exploration, as well as job searching, employment, and settlement after graduation.

Youth cultural exchange activities followed, including performances of Beokku Dance, taekwondo, and K-pop by members of the Busan youth delegation, as well as quizzes. Five local young people recommended by Ablai Khan University were appointed honorary “Almaty Global Youth Ambassadors.” They will serve as civilian diplomatic bridges, promoting Busan and connecting young people in the two cities.

Beokku Dance is a traditional Korean folk dance performed while wearing and playing a small traditional percussion drum called a beokku in rhythm with the music.

On the morning of August 28, Oh Seok-keun, Busan’s Deputy Mayor for Future Innovation, and Olzhas Smagulov, Almaty’s Deputy Mayor for Economy and Business, held a bilateral meeting at Almaty City Hall.

The two cities have steadily built mutual trust since signing a friendship and cooperation agreement in 2022. In particular, they discussed ways to further expand exchanges in tourism, the economy, culture, and healthcare following the launch of direct flights.

The two sides also agreed to cooperate for the successful 2026 Almaty Busan Medical Tourism Consultation Meeting, scheduled to take place in Almaty from September 8 to 11, and explored concrete measures to ensure that exchanges involving businesses, tourists, and international students develop into sustainable initiatives.

That afternoon, an Intergenerational Cultural Exchange between Youth and Ethnic Koreans was held at the Koryoin Roots Education Korean Language School.

Approximately 50 participants, including members of the Busan youth delegation, ethnic Korean compatriots, and their descendants, took part in letter readings, communication activities, choral singing, and the sharing of reflections, providing an opportunity to understand one another’s lives across generations and cultures. The young participants learned about the history of migration and settlement among ethnic Koreans and gained a deeper appreciation of how they have preserved the language and culture of the Korean people, strengthening bonds of friendship between Busan and Almaty.

The Almaty itinerary culminated with “Busan Day in Almaty,” held at Almaty International Airport at 8:00 p.m. on August 28.

Celebrating the meeting of Busan, the “City of the Sea,” and Almaty, the “City of the Mountains,” the event featured booths promoting Busan tourism, opportunities to experience Korean culture, and displays introducing local companies. Members of the Busan youth delegation performed Beokku Dance and a flash mob, while the dance troupe of the Almaty Korean Theatre presented a traditional performance. A commemorative event was also held for passengers traveling on the direct flight, vividly showcasing Busan’s appeal and the newly shortened distance between the two cities to Almaty residents and travelers from around the world.

Oh Seok-keun, Busan’s Deputy Mayor for Future Innovation, said, “With the launch of direct flights, people have grown closer, cultures have grown closer, and new opportunities have come within closer reach.”

“I hope this visit to Almaty will mark a new starting point for supporting young people’s dreams from studying abroad through employment and settlement, strengthening warm solidarity with ethnic Korean compatriots, and jointly advancing future industries and exchanges among citizens,” he added.