Busan is good

A conversation with Sonoka, an international student at PKNU

 Busan has launched a new video series on its official YouTube Channel, BusanTube, showcasing the city’s distinctive charms through the eyes of international residents. Titled “If I Were Reborn, I Would Live in Busan Too,” the series features people from various countries and backgrounds as they share their everyday lives and personal experiences in Busan. The videos offer a fresh glimpse into what life in Busan is like for non-Koreans, often capturing details that even locals might overlook. For this edition, we spoke with Sonoka, a featured guest from the very first episode. A student from Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan, she shares her journey of studying and living in Busan. Q. Please introduce yourself.My name is Sonoka, and I transferred to Pukyong National University from Kanagawa, Japan. I’ve always been naturally curious, which makes me eager to try new things. I believe it’s that curiosity that has helped me grow and enjoy life here in Busan. Q. What inspired you to major in tourism management, and why did you choose to study in Busan?One practical reason is that the tuition here is more affordable than in Seoul. However, the biggest draw is the proximity of the campus to the ocean. Since I’m interested in working in the tourism industry and want to promote Busan as a travel destination, studying tourism management here felt like the perfect fit. Q. Some people believe the best parts of college happen outside the classroom. I've heard you're involved in many activities. Could you share any memorable experiences?I completely agree with that belief. I really value learning experiences through a variety of off-campus activities. I usually take part in tourism-related programs, and one of the most unforgettable moments was being selected as one of the 2025 Busan Media Members and filming for the city’s official YouTube channel. I appeared in the first episode of the “If I Were Reborn, I Would Live in Busan Too” series, which is now available to view on BusanTube. It was such a meaningful opportunity to share my honest thoughts about Busan as an international student living here. Q. While participating in cultural exchange activities, have you noticed any similarities or differences between Korea and Japan?I think both cultures place a high value on politeness, respect for others, strong family ties and honoring tradition. But I’ve noticed differences in communication styles. Japanese people tend to be more indirect and reserved, whereas Koreans are generally more direct and expressive. I also feel a contrast in lifestyle rhythms: Korea feels dynamic and fast-paced with constant change, whereas Japan tends to emphasize order and stability. I believe that recognizing and appreciating these differences helps build deep connections between people from both countries. Q. As a tourism management student, what do you consider Busan’s strengths as a tourist destination?Busan’s biggest strength is its coastal appeal. The city is rich with marine attractions, from famous beaches like Haeundae to fun experiences like yacht rides and cable cars. I think Busan has strong potential to become a hub for marine tourism. That said, there’s still room to improve the experience for international visitors. Expanding multilingual services and signage would make a big difference.Q. From your perspective as a Japanese person, what aspects of Busan might be especially appealing to Japanese tourists? Busan is very accessible from Japan, which is a huge plus. And fresh seafood, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere are Busan’s unique charms.  Places like Haeundae or Gwangalli offer that relaxed, resort-like vibe, but with a uniquely Korean twist. I often visit Yeongdo Island and love soaking in the ocean view while enjoying a coffee at a seaside cafe. However, my favorite place is Taejongdae Park. I enjoy taking the Danubi Train through the park and appreciating the hydrangeas and the lush greenery all around.Q. How has studying abroad in Busan influenced your values or career goals? My time in Busan has shaped me both personally and professionally. Meeting people from different cultures has helped me become more open-minded and adaptable. Through social networks and various activities, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with people from different generations and perspectives, which has broadened my worldview. Alongside learning the theories of tourism management, I’ve also gained hands-on experiences that helped clarify my career path. In the future, I hope to contribute to the development of medical and wellness tourism in Busan, utilizing the city’s natural and cultural assets. While helping create a more sustainable tourism industry, I want to become a professional who can plan strategically and take action to attract visitors who value health and well-being. Q. Lastly, do you have any advice for international students considering studying in Busan?If there’s something you want to try, don’t hesitate. Just go for it. Stepping into a new environment can be a bit scary, but the experiences you gain will be truly valuable and help you grow. Enjoy your study abroad journey in Busan, a city full of vivid charm!<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>launch: 출시하다 showcase: 선보이다 resident: 주민 overlook: 간과하다 transfer: 편입하다 naturally: 자연스럽게 curious: 호기심이 많은 practical: 실용적인 affordable: 감당 할 수 있는 draw: 끌어당기는 요인 proximity: 근접 appear: 출연하다 politeness: 예의 differences: 차이점 indirect: 간접적인 reserved: 보수적인 expressive: 표현력이 있는 emphasize: 강조하다 order: 질서 stability: 안정성 coastal: 해안의 room: 여지 multilingual: 다국어의 hydrangea: 수국 adaptable: 수용할 수 있는 utilize: 활용하다 sustainable: 지속할 수 있는 strategically: 전략적으로 hesitate: 망설이다Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

Autonomous Bus Launch Ceremony on July 10… Operations to Start in Full This September

Autonomous Bus Launch Ceremony on July 10… Operations to Start in Full This September□ On July 10, 2025, at 11:00, Busan Metropolitan City held a launch ceremony for its autonomous bus system at Osiria Station Plaza on the Donghae Line.□ The ceremony aimed to introduce the forthcoming autonomous bus deployment planned for the Osiria Tourism Complex and raise awareness about self-driving technology.□ From September, autonomous buses will serve as part of the local mass transit network.○ They will navigate mixed traffic alongside conventional vehicles, utilizing Level 3 autonomy*. A safety driver will remain on board to assume control if necessary.*Conditional automation in which a vehicle performs all driving tasks under defined situations, such as on highways, without driver input○ Trial runs within the Osiria Tourism Complex area will continue through August, with general passenger service commencing in September.□ During the ceremony, Mayor Park Heong-joon remarked, “Our first-ever autonomous bus program marks a significant step toward AI-powered mobility into daily life.”□ He further emphasized, “Artificial intelligence is the key to enhancing living standards and propelling societal progress. We are committed to accelerating innovation to embed AI not only in transportation but also across industry, the economy, culture, administration, and education—paving the way for a future-ready community where everyone benefits from AI.”

2025 Starry Night in BUSAN

2025 Starry Night in BUSAN□ Busan Metropolitan City, in cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization and the Busan Tourism Organization, will stage the 2025 Starry Night in BUSAN from July 4 through October.○ Launched in 2022, the Starry Night in BUSAN has steadily grown into a hallmark of the city’s after-dark tourism—particularly following its designation in 2023 as part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports Tourism’s Night Tourism City Initiative.○ Spanning the peak of summer vacation (July–August) and the bustling fall festival season (September–October), this four-month celebration promises exciting entertainment under the stars for attendees from home and abroad.□ This year’s edition showcases nine electrifying sessions. For example: ▲ Science Magic Night Playground; ▲ Music Campnic Travel Show, a heartfelt picnic set against the Dadaepo Beach sunset; ▲ Yongdusan Park Night Pop-up; and ▲ Night Market, framed by the scenic Geumbitnoeul Bridge and Hwamyeong Ecological Park.○ [Science Magic Night Playground]This brand-new collaboration with the Busan National Science Museum presents twilight science activities, magic shows, and more, giving families the chance to create unforgettable memories.○ [Music Campnic* Travel Show]In partnership with Saha-gu, this event returns to Dadaepo Beach Park with a broader range of performances and attractions compared to last year, including promotional booths for emerging tourism startups based in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region.* Campnic: A coined term combining ‘camping’ and ‘picnic’ to describe a casual, one-day outdoor leisure experience○ [Yongdusan Park Night Pop-up]Held in Yongdusan Park in the historic downtown area of Busan, it caters to Millennials and Gen Z with trendy stalls carrying emojis, character goods, and branded merchandise.○ [Night Market]This flagship nighttime content pairs the evening glow and natural charm of the Nakdong River with pop-up tastings of traditiona