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1,210 published stories

Busan

Busan Launches 72 New Policies to Enhance Citizen Happiness in 2025

Busan, South Korea - Busan City is poised to introduce 72 innovative policies and programs in 2025, covering six key areas: economy and youth employment, urban development and transportation, healthcare and welfare, women and childcare, safety and environmental sustainability, and culture and tourism. These changes reflect the city's ambition to enhance residents’ daily lives, address pressing societal needs, and pave the way for a prosperous future. Mayor Park Heong-joon described the initiati

Korea

Changnyeong-Miryang Expressway Opens, Boosting Travel and Tourism in Gyeongnam

Changnyeong, South Korea — The much-anticipated Changnyeong-Miryang Expressway officially opened on December 28, marking a transformative milestone in Gyeongsangnam-do’s transportation network. This new route is set to significantly reduce travel times, enhance connectivity, and boost regional tourism and economic activity. The 28.5-kilometer stretch of highway, part of the Hamyang-Ulsan Expressway, links Changnyeong County to Miryang City, providing a safer, faster alternative to the historica

Busan

Busan Welcomes 2025 with Iconic Bell-Ringing Ceremony at Yongdusan Park

Busan, South Korea - Busan City is set to celebrate the arrival of 2025 with its cherished New Year’s bell-ringing ceremony, a tradition that will take place at Yongdusan Park as the clock strikes midnight on January 1. The event, which ushers in the Year of the Blue Snake, combines cultural reverence with modern community spirit, drawing thousands to participate in this iconic celebration. The ceremony, rooted in Korean tradition, holds deep symbolic meaning. For decades, the ringing of the be

Busan

Busan Leads Social Innovation with Nation’s First Regional Social Service Plan

Busan, South Korea - The City of Busan, in collaboration with the Busan Public Agency for Social Service (PASS), has unveiled South Korea’s first regional "Social Service Plan" for the years 2024 to 2028. As the first municipality to act on the national "Social Service Master Plan" released in late 2023, Busan is setting a bold precedent for localized, citizen-focused policy development. Under the slogan "15-Minute Happy City Busan, Accessible Social Services for All," the plan introduces a com

Local News

Gyeongnam Extends Geogadaegyo Bridge Toll Discounts into 2025

Changwon, Gyeognam - Gyeongnam Province has announced the continuation of its toll discount policies on the iconic Geogadaegyo Bridge into 2025. The decision, aimed at easing the financial burden on drivers and fostering tourism, underscores the province’s commitment to stimulating local economic growth. This initiative builds on the success of previous years, which saw a steady rise in bridge traffic and increased regional tourism. The Geogadaegyo Bridge, also known as the Busan–Geoje Fixed Li

Korea

South Korea Pioneers Legal Framework for Autonomous Ships

Seoul, South Korea - South Korea has once again demonstrated its leadership in maritime innovation, with the Cabinet approving the enforcement decree for the 「Autonomous Ship Act」 on December 24, 2024. As the world’s first legislation dedicated to autonomous ships, this landmark decision paves the way for a future where intelligent, AI-driven vessels revolutionize global shipping. With the law taking effect on January 3, 2025, South Korea positions itself as a key player in the race to dominate

Busan

Busan’s Aging Population Surges Past National Average

Busan, South Korea - Busan Metropolitan City is rapidly transforming into a hub of demographic change, with nearly one in four of its residents now aged 65 or older. Recent data from the Ministry of Interior and Safety reveals that Busan’s elderly population has surged to 23.87% of its total, far outpacing the national average of 20.00%. This rapid aging places Busan at a critical crossroads, presenting both significant challenges and new opportunities for its future development. According to r

Busan

Baekyang Tunnel to Become Toll-Free in 2025

Busan, South Korea – The City of Busan has announced that the Baekyang Tunnel will officially become toll-free on January 10, 2025. This decision follows the expiration of the current management contract with the private operator on January 9, 2025, marking the end of over two decades of toll collection. The Baekyang Tunnel, a vital route linking the western and central parts of Busan, has played a crucial role in alleviating traffic congestion on Gwanmun-daero since its opening in 2001. While