Busan is good

Two-child households can now receive a 50% discount on tolls

source: visitbusanStarting May 15, Busan City is expanding toll benefits on Gwangandaegyo Bridge to include families with two children. Households with three or more children will continue to enjoy a full toll exemption, while two-child families will now receive a 50% discount, bringing the toll from 1,000 won to 500 won. In addition, Hi-Pass users can receive an extra 100 won discount, bringing the total toll to 400 won. An estimated 120,000 families are expected to benefit.The discount applies to non-commercial vehicles: Standard passenger cars, vans with up to 12 seats and small trucks under 1 ton. Vehicles owned or leased by corporations, organizations or businesses are not eligible. Rental or leased vehicles qualify if the contract is under the name of any family member.How to Apply:1.Obtain a vehicle sticker: Visit your local Administrative Welfare Center wth your ID card, vehicle registration certificate and Family Love Card. Don’t have a Family Love Card yet? Apply for one through the Dongbaek Jeon app.2.Register online: Once you have the sticker, register your license plate number and Hi-Pass Card information on the Gwangandaegyo Bridge website.3.The discount will apply automatically the day after registration is completed.A few notes:1.If you cross the bridge without the sticker or registering online, standard tolls will apply. 2.Rechargeable Hi-Pass users should also register a refund account to ensure any missed discounts are refunded. 3.This benefit cannot be stacked with other discounts, such as light-vehicle or continuous-toll discounts.◎ Gwangandaegyo Bridge website: Click<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>include: 포함하다 exemption: 면제 corporation: 기업 obtain: 얻다 automatically: 자동적으로 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy   

Haeundae Sand Festival Takes Visitors on a Time Journey Through Busan

Haeundae Sand Festival Takes Visitors on a Time Journey Through BusanHaeundae-gu District held the “2026 Haeundae Sand Festival” from May 15 to 18 under the theme “A Time Journey Through Busan in Sand.” Now in its 21st year, the Haeundae Sand Festival has grown into the largest sand festival in Korea since it was first launched in 2005 to commemorate the APEC Summit.During the festival, a media façade show titled “100 Years of Haeundae” was screened every evening, using sand sculptures as projection screens. Although the festival itself has ended, the exhibition of 17 sand artworks showcasing Busan’s history, charm, and landmarks will continue until June 14.A total of 11 sand sculptors from countries including Korea, Canada, China, France, and Taiwan participated in the exhibition. The works depict Busan’s historical milestones such as the Joseon Tongsinsa (diplomatic envoys sent to Japan during the Joseon Dynasty), its role as a temporary capital during the Korean War, and Busan Port, as well as its vibrant present featuring the Busan International Film Festival, passionate baseball cheering culture, and activities like surfing and hot springs.They also present the city’s future vision, including plans for a new airport and an opera house, expressed through both free-standing and relief sculptures. The main sculpture departs from the traditional pyramid style and instead adopts a panoramic design that captures the full view of Haeundae, offering a fresh visual appeal.Haeundae Sand Festival○ Period: May 15-18, 2026The sand sculptures will be displayed until June 14, 2026.○ Venue: Haeundae Beach, around Haeundae Square○ Hosted by: Haeundae-gu Office○ For more info: 051)749-4064○ Website: Haeundae-gu (Korean)Source: Haeundae City News (May 2026)

Busan Riding the Wave of K-Pop at 2026 BOF with NOL

Busan Riding the Wave of K-Pop at 2026 BOF with NOL□ The 2026 Busan One Asia Festival (BOF) with NOL unveils additional stars for its BIG Concert.○ With AKMU, Haechan from NCT, and EVAN newly joining, the 10th-anniversary celebration becomes even more dynamic and sparks worldwide interest.□ BIG Concert is slated for June 27–28, 2026, at Busan Asiad Main Stadium. Artists from K-pop, hip-hop, RB, and other musical styles will ignite excitement and enthusiasm.○ Extended standing sections and immersive stage production will maximize attendee engagement. The upgraded roster will offer a premium experience distinct from previous years.□ On the first day, AKMU presents their much-loved, emotionally resonant songs.□ Haechan from NCT is expected to further energize the atmosphere, supported by his dedicated following.□ EVAN’s appearance on the second day is drawing significant attention as well.□ A broader range of K-culture-based exhibitions and activities aims to deliver a higher level of satisfaction.○ Entry time is moved earlier to 13:00. Pop-ups are set up near Busan Asiad Main Stadium and Haneul-gil. Exhibitions and activities connect not only to the performances but also to regional brands that reflect Busan’s unique lifestyle culture.□ At the Busan Port International Exhibition Convention Center, BIG Talk is scheduled for June 9 at 14:00, under the theme: 10-Million-Strong K-Pop Fandom Explores Busan’s K-Content Business.○ It comprises a keynote speech by SM CC and discussions with experts from NOL Universe (cultural tourism), The Founders (beauty), ESteem (fashion), and Delivered Korea (logistics), sharing diverse case studies.□ Official ticket sales open on May 12 at 20:00 via NOL and NOL Ticket.2026 BOF with NOLㅇPeriodPark: Saturday, June 20, 2026Main: Saturday, June 27 – Sunday, June 28, 2026ㅇVenues: Busan Asiad Main Stadium, Hwamyeong Ecological Park (Soccer Fields AB)ㅇHighlights: K-pop concert, Park Concert, K-culture exh