Busan is good

Celebrating 100 Years of 한글날(Hangul Day)

 Today marks the 100th anniversary of 한글날(Hangul Day).In 1926, during a difficult period in Korea's history, scholars created the very first Hangul Day to protect the Korean language and alphabet.One hundred years later, Hangul is celebrated globally as one of the most scientific writing systems in the world.This 100th anniversary is a meaningful occasion to remember King Sejong's deep love for his people when he created Hangul, as well as the beauty of the Korean language.

ZeroPay Mobile Bus Fare Payments for Foreign Tourists

□ On September 21, 2026, Busan Metropolitan City rolled out a ZeroPay QR code payment system on city buses to offer a more convenient public transport option for inbound visitors.○ With international arrivals to Busan on the rise, the number of overseas visitors is projected to exceed four million this year. Those from across Asia, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, constitute over 60 percent of the total.○ Digital payment solutions, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, have become widely adopted, particularly in China. Overseas visitors therefore want to rely on familiar methods in Busan as well.○ In response, the city has introduced ZeroPay, which enables them to get around by city bus with greater ease, without having to purchase a transit card or prepare Korean won in advance.□ ZeroPay QR codes have been posted inside buses process fares, eliminating the need to set up separate infrastructure. The Korea Easy Payment Foundation oversees ZeroPay’s network.○ Passengers can also use their preferred payment app instead of installing additional apps or purchasing transit cards.○ Passengers ① open the app, ② scan the QR code located on board, and ③ tap the pay button. The transaction completes automatically following currency conversion, after which they can show the confirmation screen to the driver to board the bus.○ The fare is 1,700 won, equivalent to the standard adult cash fare. When traveling as a group, each person must pay individually. However, QR payments are an alternative to cash and, unlike regular transit cards, are not eligible for transfer discounts. The same amount is charged to children and teenagers.□ Prior to the launch, Busan placed QR codes and multilingual instruction stickers throughout the city bus fleet. Information materials are displayed at bus stops near popular attractions, welcome centers, and major gateways—Busan Station and Busan Port—so that overseas visitors can learn about ZeroPay as soo

2026 Busan YouTube Contest ‘My Dongbaekjeon White Book’

□ Busan Metropolitan City is holding the 2026 Busan YouTube Contest ‘My Dongbaekjeon White Book,’ dedicated to Dongbaekjeon, the city’s local currency, until October 27, 2026.○ It aims to build support for the 100-Day Emergency Measures for Livelihoods, the inaugural policy endorsed by the 9th popularly elected government, with a focus on economic revitalization, while gathering ideas from the public.□ The theme is ‘Positive Moments with Dongbaekjeon,’ inviting participants to highlight the benefits of using the local currency payment option and the tangible effects of municipal initiatives from their firsthand perspectives.○ Dongbaekjeon encompasses a range of features—cashback, Dongbaek Pass (transit fare refunds), Dongbaek Plus (QR code payments), and BUSAN Pay, exclusive to foreigners. Submissions must present at least one personal experience or practical tip involving Dongbaekjeon.○ A narrator or a protagonist, such as a person living alone, a small business owner, a foreigner, or a student, may share an authentic account of incorporating Dongbaekjeon into everyday life.□ Entries may take the form of vlogs, advertisements, short clips, documentaries, variety shows, or any other creative format, up to three minutes long. Those based in Korea, including registered foreign residents, are encouraged to compete as individuals or teams.□ A judging committee will select eight videos.○ A total of five million won will be distributed as follows: 2,000,000 won for the Grand Prize, 600,000 won each for three Excellence Awards, and 300,000 won each for four Honorable Mentions.○ Winning works will serve as promotional content.□ Along with the video, the application form, available under the 공모전 접수 section of the website (tv.busan.go.kr), must be uploaded online.○ Detailed schedule and guidelines can also be found there.