Busan is good

Busan Museum Brings Cultural Heritage into Everyday Life via Museum Shop

Busan Museum Brings Cultural Heritage into Everyday Life via Museum Shop□ Since launching its Museum Shop on May 16, 2026, the Busan Museum has received an enthusiastic response to its branded merchandise.□ The Museum Shop presents a variety of merchandise inspired by the museum’s collection and characters, extending the museum experience beyond the visit.○ The Museum Shop is located in the first-floor lobby of the Busan Exhibition Hall and is open daily from 09:30 to 17:30, except on museum closure days and during the lunch break (12:00–13:00). Only credit card payments are accepted.□ The collection-based goods capture the beauty and symbolism of Busan's legacy through a contemporary visual language.○ Signature items include the white porcelain mirror vase and the tiger mother and cub keyring, both originating from the 2025 Busan Public Sector Asset Merchandise Development Project—organized by the City Design Policy Division (City Brand Team)—as well as floral and bird painting L-folder files, notebooks, and miniature replicas of the gilt-bronze standing bodhisattva, among a rich selection of other curated product offerings.□ The museum's characters, Heunggu and Maegi—developed in collaboration with Hozo (Kwon Soon-ho), the mind behind Kakao Friends—are also incorporated into merchandise and are gaining popularity.○ Heunggu is inspired by a tiger painting exported to Japan through the Choryang Waegwan during the late Joseon Dynasty. Grounded in the traditional belief that tigers and leopards were regarded as a single mythical animal, it is distinguished by leopard-patterned spots on the face and tail and tiger stripes across the body.○ Maegi is drawn from a hawk painting that was likewise exported to Japan during the same period. Together, Heunggu and Maegi embody Busan's unique historical and cultural narrative.○ Pouches, stationery, and drinking glasses that change color when filled with cold beverages—all featuring Heunggu and Mae

Busan Ranks 22nd Globally and 7th in Asia for Hosting International Meetings in UIA Rankings

Busan Ranks 22nd Globally and 7th in Asia for Hosting International Meetings in UIA Rankings□ Thanks to a unified marketing approach jointly implemented with the Busan Tourism Organization, Busan Metropolitan City ranked 22nd in the world and 7th in Asia in the 2025 International Meetings Statistics Report released by the Union of International Associations (UIA), reaffirming its status as a top-tier MICE hub.○ In addition, Busan achieved its highest-ever position in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)** Statistics Report, placing 49th in the world and 12th in Asia.* An institution that collects and analyzes data on non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations worldwide** A leading global authority on MICE statistics□ This accomplishment reflects the robust partnership between Busan and the Busan Tourism Organization amid intense competition to attract international gatherings in the post-pandemic era.○ From the initial bidding process through on-site presentations and final negotiations, the two entities have worked hand in hand to secure prominent events for Busan.□ Strong synergy between BEXCO, a premier convention center in Busan, and the city’s extensive infrastructure, including accommodations, shopping, and cultural resources, is another major advantage.○ Its distinctive MICE ecosystem, which combines comprehensive facilities and excellent visitor services, has earned broad recognition.○ Professional support from the Busan MICE Alliance, alongside public-private cooperation, continues to play an important role in the rapidly growing global convention market.○ Building on their outstanding performance in the UIA and ICCA rankings, Busan and the Busan Tourism Organization are committed to further enhancing customized incentive initiatives with regional industry stakeholders to welcome more prestigious multilateral conferences and large-scale academic forums.

Ahead of World Heritage Committee session, Busan museum spotlights city's wartime capital legacy

 The Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum has a new exhibition on Busan’s role as the nation’s provisional seat of government during the Korean War.“Heritage of Busan as the Wartime Capital” presents 11 sites that were important to maintaining national functions, sheltering refugees and coordinating international cooperation under wartime conditions.The exhibition commemorates the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, which Busan will host from July 19 to 29. This is the first time Korea has hosted the committee since joining the World Heritage Convention in 1988.The WHC is an integral arm of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; it is responsible for preserving and promoting properties of significance that transcend national borders and matter to humanity as a whole.The 11 sites, collectively known as “Heritage of Busan as the Wartime Capital,” are being considered for inscription on the World Heritage List. The designation would bring the sites under international oversight and protection. Inscription also functions as a powerful branding that increases international recognition and drives tourism.With WHC officials descending on the city, the exhibition frames the 11 sites through a World Heritage lens, demonstrating how the collection meets the “outstanding universal value” required for inscription.“Heritage of Busan as the Wartime Capital” is organized into three sections.Section one, “The Last City of the Korean War,” focuses on the administrative and political centers that sustained the nation’s functions amid the devastation of war.Section two, “A City that Survived Amid the Ruins,” sheds light on the experiences of refugees who poured into Busan from across the country, while highlighting the city’s resilience in facing the sudden influx of displaced migrants.Section three, “A City Protected by the World,” focuses on the sites tied to international solidarity and humanitarian aid during the war, underscoring the value of cooperation and peace.※ Heritage of Busan as the Wartime Capital, until Sept. 27◎ Busan Museum of Modern and Contemporary History: 112, Daecheong-ro, Jung-gu◎ Google Maps: Click ◎ Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last entry at 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays. ◎ Admission: free◎ Homepage: Click <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>provisional: 임시의 refugee: 피난민 coordinate: 조정하다 commemorate: 기념하다 preserve: 보존하다 collectively: 통틀어 administrative: 행정적인 devastation: 황폐 resilience: 회복력 solidarity: 연대 humanitarian: 인도주의적인Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

Busan Classic Ritual pairs concert hall performances with gourmet wine dinners

source: getty imageBusan Classic Ritual: Classic Wine Salon pairs world-class performances at the Busan Concert Hall with gourmet wine experiences. Nine events will take place between July and October, each promising “a classic concert, fine wine and a beautiful night in Busan.”Guests receive one S-seat ticket to a Busan Concert Hall performance, plus a wine-pairing dinner at Climat, a wine shop and bar at W Square in Nam-gu District. Optional transportation is offered between the concert hall and W Square.The evening opens with concerts by musicians like organist Benjamin Righetti, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic.At Climat, a sommelier presents wines selected to complement the mood of the evening’s performance, explaining the connections between wine and music throughout the meal. Diners receive three glasses of wine, bread, cheese, salad and a main dish.Seating is limited to 30 participants. While many of the events are already sold out, a second ticketing window for performances in September and October will open at 5 p.m. on July 17.Tickets for Busan Classic Ritual: Classic Wine Salon are offered through Greenear Korea, a platform specializing in cultural experiences and performances nationwide.※ Busan Classic Ritual: Classic Wine Salon ◎ Reservations: Click ◎ Instagram: @greenear_korea<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>gourmet: 미식의 complement: 보완하다 connection: 연결고리 nationwide: 전국적으로Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy