Busan is good

[Interview] `Believe in yourself and be curious …Trust the process'

 The Korean Heart to Heart program brings local government officials from abroad to work alongside their Korean counterparts, gaining direct exposure to Korea's public sector while sharing governance experience from their own countries.Through this unique program, Busan City recently welcomed Simon Klose from Hamburg, Germany. Mr. Klose sat down with Busan is Good to share his impressions of the city and discuss the potential for deeper cooperation between Busan and Hamburg.Q. Could you introduce yourself?My name is Simon Klose. I have just turned 28, and I am from the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, a city-state in Northern Germany. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication/Advertising from Boston University in 2021. Then, I completed a year and a Master's program each in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Milan, Italy. My desire to serve the greater good, grasp complex issues and apply my experiences in a field with limitless opportunities led me to apply for Hamburg's 18-month young leadership program in city-state administration when I returned to my hometown in 2025. I plan to remain curious, challenge myself regularly and take responsibility for Hamburg's future to the best of my abilities.Q. What brought you from Hamburg to Busan? Could you share a bit about your current role?I am currently on a six-month rotation within the Hamburg program, after having been selected by the Hamburg Senate Chancellery to represent it at the 2026 Korea Heart to Heart program. The goal of the K2H is to strengthen international relationships between Korean local governments and strategic partnership cities. My ambition for the chapter in Busan is to familiarize Busan City Hall's public officials with Hamburg, its characteristics, values, procedures, current developments and the similarities and differences between the two cities, thereby fostering engaging conversations and novel insights on both sides.Q. What stands out about the work culture at Busan City Hall?Busan City Hall administers a fully in-person model. On the other hand, the city of Hamburg has a hybrid attendance model that allows you to work from home for 2-3 days a week. In addition, the organization of Hamburg's and Busan's City Halls are strikingly distinct. While Busan's building unites all divisions and fields of administration under one roof, Hamburg's houses the state parliament and state government chambers, committee and reception rooms and halls, and offices for a small part of the Senate Chancellery officials, including those working closest to the mayor. Hamburg's government is spread across the entire city, with each of its ministries occupying its own address and set of divisions. Q. Hamburg and Busan are both their country's largest port city. What similarities and differences stand out to you?Both Hamburg and Busan occupy remarkably similar positions within their respective countries. They are economic gateways and places with strong local identities that differ somewhat from the capitals, Berlin and Seoul. In both cities, shipping, logistics, international trade and port-related industries play a major role in the local economy. Neither city is the political capital. Yet both Hamburg and Busan are often viewed as the country's most internationally connected city after the capital, with strong economic influence and distinct regional pride.A strong unifying characteristic that both cities share is a large expatriate community, as well as foreign businesses from all corners of the world, and both are committed to offering a high quality of life for nationals and non-nationals alike.  Q. What advice would you give to a colleague relocating to Busan for this program?Believe in yourself and be curious, rather than shying away in an entirely novel environment. Leaving what you are used to and diving into the unknown is always challenging and will naturally come with insecurities and doubts. Still, in almost any case, personal growth and positive experiences will outweigh those challenges. Trust the process.  Q. How do you unwind after work?I enjoy samgyeopsal, especially the culture of cooking the food yourself. As such, samgyeopsal has been and will continue to be a great dinner opportunity here in Busan. It brings me a lot of joy and relaxation. Q. What is your main goal, or what do you hope to achieve during your time here?From a young age, I have had a particular interest in languages. Korean is the most difficult one I have put my head to, thus far. However, I believe I am making good progress. In addition, I aim to see and experience as much as possible of what Busan has to offer, without being limited to anything specific. Cuisine, nature, events, sports, you name it. When I leave for Germany, I want to be able to say that I have a much better idea as to how the clocks tick in Busan, what its citizens have to say about past, current and future developments, what they love about the city and how they go about their lives.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>government official: 정부 공무원 grasp: 다루다 administration: 행정 strengthen: 강화하다 strategic: 전략적인 characteristic: 성격 procedure: 절차 foster: 양성하다 strikingly: 현저히 distinct: 구별되다 insecurity: 불안정Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

[Saha-gu] Dadaepo Beach Kicks Off Summer Season

[Saha-gu] Dadaepo Beach Kicks Off Summer SeasonDadaepo West Beach and East Beach entered the 2026 summer schedule on July 1 and will continue through August 31.This year, Dadaepo Beach boasts upgraded facilities, greater comfort and safety, and internationally recognized environmental credentials.● Blue Flag AwardDadaepo West Beach has once again demonstrated its environmental excellence by earning a Blue Flag certification ahead of the beach opening.The Blue Flag is a globally renowned eco-certification initiative led by the Foundation for Environmental Education, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is granted to beaches that meet rigorous criteria for water purity, nature conservation efforts, and safe conditions.Dadaepo West Beach first received the Blue Flag certification in 2021. Today, Blue Flag-certified beaches and marinas can be found in approximately 50 countries, with over 5,000 participating sites.Dadaepo Beach Park has renewed its Green Key certification, an eco-label emphasizing sustainable stewardship and management in the hospitality industry. The park persists as the only urban park in Korea to hold this certification.● Elevated FacilitiesThe relocation of the drainage pipeline at East Beach has been completed, contributing to a more orderly and pleasant shoreline.Supporting facilities have also been significantly enhanced: three parking lots with 771 spaces; three pay-per-use showers and two shower rooms; five foot-washing stations; two free changing rooms; 250 parasols; and eight restrooms.Two watchtowers and seven observation platforms further strengthen accident control.Dadaepo West Beach is one of Busan’s most beloved multigenerational beaches, known for its extensive sandy coast, shallow waters, and stunning sunsets. Nearby attractions such as Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams, Dadaepo Beach Park, and scenic trails shape a well-rounded seaside leisure package.

[Suyeong-gu] Gwangalli Beach Opens on July 1

[Suyeong-gu] Gwangalli Beach Opens on July 1Gwangalli Beach is welcoming summer vacationers from July 1 to August 31, 2026.Suyeong-gu implements comprehensive measures to ensure safety and convenience. Facilities such as showers, dressing rooms, restrooms, lockers, and foot-washing stations are inspected regularly. To address pricing concerns, shower services and parasol rentals are overseen by two public institutions.Jellyfish barrier nets were also installed about 100 meters offshore in late June. New in 2026, 80 shared sun loungers are in place in the parks at both ends of the beach, and picnic mats can be purchased (5,000 won) or rented (3,000 won). An additional observation platform was constructed, bringing the total number to 10.At the same time, 44 certified private lifeguards carry out marine patrols and emergency response in cooperation with the Administrative Center, the Summer Police Unit, and the 119 Water Rescue Squad.Vibrant festivities, including the Gwangalli Character Zone, the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures - Busan Gwangalli, the Car-Free Cultural Street, and Global Street Dance Heroes in Gwangalli Beach, encourage longer stays.Suyeong-gu Office ☎ (051)610-6534