Busan is good

Busan Pavilion Accomplishes Record Performance at CES 2026: Exhibitors Shine in AI, Semiconductors, and Smart Ports

Busan Pavilion Accomplishes Record Performance at CES 2026: Exhibitors Shine in AI, Semiconductors, and Smart Ports□ Busan Metropolitan City’s presence at the world’s premier electronics trade show, CES 2026, held in Las Vegas, the United States, from January 6 to 9, 2026 (local time), yielded remarkable results in underpinning local companies’ penetration of global markets, investment connections, and technological cooperation.○ Through the Busan Pavilion, a total of 443 export consultations, $28.67 million in projected contract negotiations (to be finalized within the year), and 65 one-on-one meetings with investors and buyers were conducted, signaling robust competitiveness and keen interest worldwide.□ At the Hyundai Motor Group booth, Mayor Park Heong-joon observed service robots and AI-powered future mobility and reviewed the feasibility of alliances and pilot projects in fields the city is actively supporting.○ Given its diverse testing environments in ports, logistics, and urban infrastructure, Busan plans to foster an ecosystem centered on the demonstration and practical application of robotics and AI integration, together with multinational enterprises.□ Busan companies unveiled their products along with core technologies and deployment potential within the city’s priority sectors—▲ Artificial intelligence, ▲ semiconductors, and ▲ smart ports—drawing heightened international attention. The professionalism of on-site briefings and the probability of successful deals also increased compared with previous years.○ Represented corporations attained meaningful outcomes in funding attraction, global business engagements, proofs of concept, and export consultations.○ ▲ O2 Lab (human balance measurement and AI platform) is seeking an investment of approximately 1 billion won with two investors. ▲ Korea LFP (AI-based battery management) signed a $3 million investment agreement with Coinvest.○ ▲ Tiger A.I. (AI-driven motion rec

Start of Friendship City Relationship with Anchorage, Alaska: Inaugural Partnership with Arctic North America

Start of Friendship City Relationship with Anchorage, Alaska: Inaugural Partnership with Arctic North America□ On January 5, 2026, at 10:30 local time at Anchorage City Hall, Busan Metropolitan City concluded a friendship city agreement with Anchorage, Alaska’s largest port city.○ The visit aligned with Busan’s efforts to position itself as a global center by strengthening networks with North America and establishing functional exchange mechanisms with Alaska, a pivotal node for Arctic-based maritime transportation.□ Mayor Park Hyeong-joon and Mayor Suzanne LaFrance signed the agreement.○ The two leaders pledged cooperation across multiple fields—logistics, tourism, culture, energy, and workforce—leveraging mutual geographical and industrial advantages.□ Anchorage is Busan’s first friendship city in the North American Arctic region and is expected to act as a stepping stone for extending its diplomatic and economic footprint in the northern United States.○ The pact with Anchorage, a flagship cargo and flight base bridging North America and Asia, is significant in bolstering ties between Busan Port and the Don Young Port of Alaska (formerly the Port of Anchorage)*, including prospective Arctic route development.* Originally the Port of Anchorage, the facility was rebranded as the Port of Alaska in 2020 to underscore its role in Alaska’s supply chain and economy. In 2024, it was renamed the Don Young Port of Alaska to honor Don Young, the state’s longest-serving representative.□ At the Alaska Government Office, the Busan delegation also met with Governor Mike Dunleavy.○ Mayor Park shared Busan’s vision as a global hub, and both parties confirmed common interests in areas such as energy, natural resources, and Arctic shipping preparation.○ Dialogues covered combined endeavors, like organizing Arctic Port forums and promoting policy and private-sector engagements between Busan and Alaska.□ Mayor Park commented, “Anchorage is North A

Domoheon Media Façade Exhibition

 Through the end of February, Domoheon invites visitors to experience the allure of splendid illumination and captivating visuals. The Domoheon Media Façade Exhibition takes place every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the tranquil Sosopung Garden, Busan’s first living garden and one of the venue’s signature attractions.Under the theme “Memories, Transformation and Harmony of Domoheon,” the exhibition projects vibrant video works onto the building’s exterior. By creatively blending the boundaries of light, visual imagery and music, it offers a fresh, multisensory cultural experience that goes beyond conventional nighttime lighting. By imprinting new perspectives on the former mayor’s residency and infusing it with cultural value, the building itself has evolved into a piece of cultural content. There are high expectations that Domoheon and its surroundings will expand their identity as a nighttime cultural landmark in the heart of Busan. The show features approximately 10 minutes of media content, screened three times consecutively. Although the outdoor show ends at 7 p.m., a variety of engaging programs follow immediately at the Dahal Lecture Hall in the main building. Visitors can stay warm and cozy indoors while enjoying festive cultural programs, including music performances, magic shows and recreational activities. Please note that programs may vary by date.The admission to the exhibition is free. Although pre-registration is already closed, on-site admission is still available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, please visit the Domoheon website at the link below. ※ 2026 Domoheon Media Facade Exhibition Event◎ Address: 60 Hwangnyeongsan-ro 7beon-gil, Suyeong-gu◎ Schedule: Every Saturday until the end of February, 6:30 p.m.◎ Admission: Free ◎ Website: busan.go.kr/domoheon◎ Naver Map: https://naver.me/xv3DdPZj<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>Façade: 외관, 정면, 겉모습  tranquil: 고요한, 평온한  conventional: 전통적인, 관습적인  consecutively: 연속해서, 잇따라Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

Find warmth on a chilly evening at Busan Jazz Port

Every Saturday until the end of March, the rich, rhythmical melodies of jazz drift through the air of Busan Port. The beloved jazz series, “Busan Jazz Port,” has made its return to Space One Z, a spacious warehouse-turned-café in Yeongdo-gu District. This unique program harmonizes the soulful allure of jazz with the city’s distinctive landscape, where rugged ocean beauty meets modern urban charm.Starting at 6 p.m. each Saturday, captivating performances by talented local musicians immerse visitors in a romantic ambiance against the nostalgic nighttime backdrop of the port. For those planning a visit, reservations for performances from Jan. 31 to Feb. 21 are now open via Naver, with bookings for the remaining dates becoming available at 5 p.m. on Feb. 7. While admission to the concert is free, please note that a meal order is required. Seating is assigned randomly, and doors open at 5 p.m.On a chilly Saturday evening, Space One Z offers the perfect winter sanctuary. Here, you can escape the harsh cold and lose yourself in live jazz, the splendid scenery beyond the window and delightful dishes. ※ Busan Jazz Port◎ Space One Z: 214 Bongnaenaru-ro, Yeongdo-gu◎ Schedule: Every Saturday until the end of March, 6 p.m.◎ Admission: Free (Meal order is required)◎ Inquiries: 0507-1355-4500◎ Naver Map: https://naver.me/5FmSc49K◎ Reservations: https://m.booking.naver.com/booking/6/bizes/1041832/items/7316063?area=pll&lang=ko&startDate=2026-01-31&theme=place<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>spacious: 널찍한, 공간이 여유로운  harmonize: 조화를 이루다, 어우러지다  allure: 매력, 유혹하다 / 매혹하다  immerse: (무엇에) 몰두하다, 흠뻑 빠지다Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy