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Busan, South Korea — The first rice harvest of the year in Busan has officially begun, marking a significant moment for the region's agricultural community. On August 26, local farmer Kim Kyung-yang, 71, will start reaping the early-maturing Haedam rice variety in his field in Jukdong-dong, Gangseo-gu District. The harvest comes just in time for Chuseok, South Korea’s major autumn festival, when freshly harvested rice is traditionally used in various ceremonies and feasts. Busan’s rice farming

Imagine waking up in the heart of a rapidly growing city, only to find that the ground beneath you is shifting, sinking, or even collapsing. This unsettling scenario is not a dystopian fiction but a real and pressing concern in Western Busan, where geotechnical challenges threaten the safety and sustainability of its ambitious urban development plans. Western Busan, a region of strategic importance and rapid development, is currently grappling with significant geotechnical challenges that are r

In Japan, political scandals often pass with minimal public outcry, while in South Korea, similar issues have sparked massive protests that have toppled presidents. These stark differences in civic engagement reflect deeper divergences in how these two East Asian nations have responded to the pressures of neoliberalism. Over the past few decades, both Japan and South Korea have embraced neoliberal economic policies, characterized by market liberalization, deregulation, and reduced state interve

Busan, South Korea - The City of Busan has unveiled a forward-looking urban renewal initiative aimed at combating the challenges of urban decay and ensuring sustainable development across the city. The "2035 Busan Urban Regeneration Strategy Plan," set to be completed by July 2025, marks a significant step in transforming Busan into a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive city. Busan's urban regeneration strategy is deeply rooted in the need to combat the pressing issue of urban decay, w

Busan, South Korea - Busan Metropolitan City has made a significant shift in its approach to the controversial Gudeok Stadium redevelopment project, announcing plans to directly incorporate citizen feedback into the decision-making process. This move follows sustained opposition from local residents and civic groups, who have long criticized the city’s redevelopment plans for prioritizing commercial interests over the preservation of public spaces. The city’s new commitment to greater transparen

Busan, South Korea — On August 20, 2024, Busan took a significant step towards realizing its ambition of becoming a global logistics and industrial hub by launching a citizen debate series focused on the city's strategic development. The first event, held at the National Assembly Busan Library, centered on Western Busan and attracted over 300 participants, including Mayor Park Heong-joon, national assembly members, western district mayors, and prominent academics. Western Busan, which includes

The issue of welfare dependency in South Korea has become a critical topic of discussion, especially with the release of the 2023 data on the National Basic Livelihood Security Program (NBLS). This program, which serves as the cornerstone of South Korea's social safety net, aims to provide financial support to the country's most vulnerable populations. However, the data reveals significant regional disparities, with Busan emerging as one of the cities most affected by welfare dependency. With a

Busan, South Korea – Busan is taking a significant step in its quest to become a global hub city with the launch of Festival Shi-Wol, an event combining exhibitions and conventions across six dynamic sectors. Scheduled from September 30 to October 8, 2024, this festival aims to fuse innovation, culture, and business, inspired by internationally renowned events such as South by Southwest (SXSW). South by Southwest (SXSW) is a major annual festival held in Austin, Texas, known for its unique blen