2026-09-03
Tourists love Busan. They'd just like more trash bins
source: getty imageBusan City interviewed 34 international tourists at major attractions last month to better understand visitor experiences and respond more quickly to problems.The one-on-one interviews took place from Aug. 22 to 24 at sites including Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village and Yongdusan Park, with each session running about 30 minutes. Of the 34 participants, 21 came from China, Taiwan and Japan, and 13 from Europe and North America, including Germany, France, Italy and Canada.Participants across all nationalities praised Busan's natural setting where mountains meet the sea, its lively urban atmosphere and its food scene. Many singled out the friendliness of Busan residents as a key reason they would return.Visitors also pointed to areas for improvement, most often a shortage of public trash bins and difficulty paying by card at some businesses, particularly in traditional markets. Feedback also varied by nationality, which the city said points to a need for more tailored approaches.Busan City plans to share the results with relevant departments and district offices, including those responsible for transportation, the environment, and the local economy. The city said it will pursue improvements visitors can notice directly, while reviewing longer-term issues with the departments involved.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>attraction: 관광 명소 praise: 칭찬하다 friendliness: 친근함 improvement: 개선 tailored: 맞춤형의 approach: 접근Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
