Busan is good

2025 Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival

2025 Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree FestivalPeriod: December 5, 2025 – February 22, 2026Venue: Gwangbok-ro area, Jung-gu, Busan Metropolitan CityHosted by: Jung-gu OfficeHighlightsPhoto zones featuring carriages, gift boxes, snowmen, hearts, and more throughout Gwangbok-roDistinct overhead light installations in each section of the street inspired by K-cultureMedia pole at the entrance of Gwangbok-ro (NEW)A large main tree showcasing dynamic lighting effects and stunning visual imagery that changes from moment to momentPerformances and hands-on experience programs held every weekendView Photos from the 2025 Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festivalhttps://blog.naver.com/bsjunggu/224110717259

Busan Ranks 8th Globally and 2nd in Asia on the Path to a World-Renowned Innovation Hub

Busan Ranks 8th Globally and 2nd in Asia on the Path to a World-Renowned Innovation Hub□ Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) has secured the 8th spot worldwide and 2nd in Asia as a smart city, underpinned by its unwavering commitment to the digital transformation.○ This latest evaluation reaffirms that Busan remains a smart leader on the global stage.□ Busan came in 8th out of 77 major cities in the Smart Centres Index 12, issued by Z/Yen in the United Kingdom.○ The Smart Centres Index assesses competitiveness across three dimensions, grounded in 134 authoritative datasets from reputable entities such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Bank, alongside consultations with specialists from around the globe.Overview- (Name) The Smart Centres Index ※ ‘Centre’ refers to cities or hubs.- (Publication Frequency) Twice annually ▸ Commenced in July 2020; currently in its 12th edition- (Publisher) Z/Yen, a London-based consultancy founded in 1994- (Methodology) Analysis of 134 statistical indicators and expert surveys□ Since the city’s debut in 2021 at the 62nd spot, Busan has steadily climbed the list, reaching 8th in the latter half of 2025.○ Busan has claimed the 2nd position in the Asia-Pacific region three times consecutively, solidifying its smart city credentials.Performance Trend3rd Edition (June 2021, first entry): 62nd → 4th Edition (November 2021): 41st → 5th Edition (May 2022): 27th → 6th Edition (November 2022): 22nd → 7th Edition (May 2023): 19th → 8th Edition (November 2023): 15th → 9th Edition (May 2024): 14th → 10th Edition (November 2024): 13th → 11th Edition (May 2025): 12th → 12th Edition (December 2025): 8th□ Busan fell within the top 15 in all six areas of Competitiveness: ▲ Technology Factors, ▲ Business Environment, ▲ Human Capital, ▲ Infrastructure, ▲ Financial Services, and ▲ Reputational.○ ▲ Technology Factors: 11th, ▲ Business Environment

2,500 drones to light up Gwangalli Beach on New Year’s Eve

source: visitbusanRing in the new year at Gwangalli Beach. On Dec. 31, the Gwangalli M Drone Light Show will stage a special countdown performance, lighting up the night with 2,500 synchronized drones as Busan says goodbye to 2025 and welcomes 2026.The show begins at 11:56 p.m., with drones taking off from Gwangalli Beach and building toward a stunning New Year’s countdown moment. This performance will be held only once, making it a must-see event for residents and visitors alike.To ensure safety and smooth operation, traffic restrictions will be in place from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, covering the area from the Gwangalli SUP Zone intersection to Millak Hoe Town. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and use public transportation when possible.Additionally, because the drones use frequency bands similar to Wi-Fi, free public Wi-Fi and mobile carrier Wi-Fi services will be temporarily suspended from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. To help maintain stable drone flights, attendees are also advised to turn off Wi-Fi on their mobile devices during the event.In the event of technical issues, organizers will assess the situation and decide within 30 minutes whether to proceed with the main show or switch to an alternative program.With the sea as its backdrop and the night sky as its stage, the Gwangalli M Drone Light Show promises a memorable way for Busan citizens to welcome 2026 together.※ Gwangalli Marvelous Drone Light Show: Countdown to 2026 ◎ Time: 11:56 p.m. on Dec. 31◎ Watch live on YouTube: @suyeongguTV <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>ensure: 보장하다 smooth: 부드러운 operation: 운영 restriction: 제한 temporarily: 일시적으로 suspend: 중단하다 alternative: 대체의 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

Exploring YOLO Galmaetgil ⑩ YOLO Route 9

 Busan's YOLO Galmaetgil Trails are beloved hiking routes that showcase scenic beachside walks and gentle mountain climbs with various cultural experiences.YOLO has two sources of inspiration. First, from "you only live once," the acronym that describes the mindset that life should be enjoyed; second, from the phrase "come here" as pronounced in the local dialect. Taken together, YOLO invites visitors to experience the joie de vivre locals have: Come to Busan and enjoy life.🏃🏻‍♂️ YOLO Route 9YOLO Galmaetgil Route 9, known as "Samnakgil Pleasures of Life," offers a refreshing look at western Busan as it traces the peaceful Nakdonggang River through Samnak Eco Park. Starting at Gwaebeop Renecite Station on the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit, the 8.7-kilometer trail heads south toward the lotus fields before looping north through the park's spacious riverside grounds.Even in late autumn, the park stays lively with locals exercising, cycling or enjoying a stroll. The cool air and gentle sunlight create an inviting atmosphere, and the landscape feels open and generous. Covering nearly five square kilometers, Samnak Eco Park features extensive outdoor sports facilities, from soccer and baseball fields to tennis courts and park golf courses, as well as areas for archery, rugby and inline skating.Near Samnak Riverside Sports Park, the Lawn Square spreads out in a sweeping patch of green － soft, wide, and perfect for dogs to run freely. To the north, golden reed fields line the riverbank, swaying like a quiet forest and drawing couples in search of cinematic wedding photos.The route also offers regular encounters with migratory birds resting in ponds and marshes. Each winter, species such as spot-billed ducks, bean geese, swans and slender-billed gulls return to nest, adding a peaceful rhythm to the walk. Visitors are encouraged to admire the birds from a respectful distance.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>spacious: 넓은 stroll: 산책 facility: 시설 migratory bird: 철새  Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy