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Busan Desk

Busan News

Busan news, in-depth reporting, and editorial insights covering the city’s politics, economy, development, institutions, and social change.

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Reporting and analysis from Breeze in Busan

Desk Focus

This desk tracks Busan's politics, economy, civic institutions, and urban change, while connecting local developments to the wider newsroom file.

What Busan’s 99-Story Project Means for Residents
Busan newsOct 23, 2024

What Busan’s 99-Story Project Means for Residents

Busan, South Korea – A towering 99-story apartment complex is set to rise on the shores of Busan’s Gwangan Beach, bringing both excitement and anxiety to the city’s residents. With plans to turn the aging Samik Beach Apartments into a shimmering symbol of modern architecture, opinions are sharply divided. Will this ambitious project serve as a magnet for tourists and a crown jewel in Busan’s skyline? Or is it a costly gamble that could deepen social divides and push long-time residents out of th

Daejeodaegyo Bridge Construction Begins After a Decade of Delays
Busan newsOct 23, 2024

Daejeodaegyo Bridge Construction Begins After a Decade of Delays

Busan, South Korea - After years of delays and environmental concerns, Busan finally broke ground on the highly anticipated Daejeodaegyo Bridge on October 23, 2024. Marking a key milestone in the city's push to ease congestion and bolster economic growth in its western districts, this bridge is set to play a pivotal role in addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges. With completion scheduled for 2029, the bridge is more than just a piece of transportation infrastructure—it is a symbol o

Busan’s Royal Russell School: Opportunity or Gamble?
Busan newsOct 23, 2024

Busan’s Royal Russell School: Opportunity or Gamble?

Busan, South Korea - The recent announcement of the Royal Russell School’s Busan campus project marks a significant milestone in the city’s quest to position itself as a global hub. As the first foreign educational institution in Busan, the project has cleared a crucial regulatory hurdle, enabling its construction to move forward. Touted as a vital component of Busan's strategic development, the Royal Russell School is expected to cater to expatriate families and foster the city's transformation

Busan Museum to Feature Native American Culture in Upcoming Exhibit
Busan newsOct 22, 2024

Busan Museum to Feature Native American Culture in Upcoming Exhibit

Busan, South Korea - Busan Museum will present a new exhibition, The People We Knew as Indians, this fall, highlighting Native American culture, art, and history. The exhibit will run from October 29, 2024, to February 16, 2025, in collaboration with the Denver Art Museum. The event marks a unique moment in the museum’s history, as it brings Native American artifacts to South Korea for the first time. The Busan Museum, established in 1978, is well known for its focus on preserving the history a

Busan Hosts UN Weeks 2024 to Honor Global Peace Initiatives
Busan newsOct 21, 2024

Busan Hosts UN Weeks 2024 to Honor Global Peace Initiatives

Busan, South Korea—As global conflicts persist, the city of Busan is set to host UN Weeks 2024, an annual event that brings attention to international peace and honors those who served in the Korean War. Taking place from October 24 to November 11, 2024, this event reinforces Busan’s commitment to global peace efforts and remembers the sacrifices of United Nations soldiers who fought for freedom. Since its inception in 2019, UN Weeks has grown into a cornerstone event for Busan, a city historic

Gwangbok Record Fair Celebrates Busan’s Vinyl Culture
Busan newsOct 20, 2024

Gwangbok Record Fair Celebrates Busan’s Vinyl Culture

Busan, South Korea - Busan’s vibrant music scene is set to take a nostalgic turn with the Gwangbok Record Fair, a two-day event that revives the city’s vinyl record culture. Taking place at the Busan Modern & Contemporary History Museum Annex on November 1 and 2, 2024, the fair will showcase a variety of activities, from vinyl record displays to live music performances, celebrating both the past and present of Busan’s music heritage. The Gwangbok Record Fair draws inspiration from "Mua" (무아), a

Busan Faces Economic Shifts as Youth Leave in 2024
Busan newsOct 19, 2024

Busan Faces Economic Shifts as Youth Leave in 2024

Busan, South Korea - South Korea’s vital coastal metropolis is grappling with profound demographic and economic shifts that threaten its future vitality. According to the latest figures from Statistics Korea, the city’s population continues to shrink, particularly among its youth, raising alarm about its economic stability. Despite some stabilization in employment rates, the broader picture reveals deep challenges in key industries as younger generations leave in search of better opportunities.

Busan Opens ICT Convergence Zone for New Business Opportunities
Busan newsOct 18, 2024

Busan Opens ICT Convergence Zone for New Business Opportunities

Busan, South Korea – Busan Metropolitan City has announced the public recruitment of companies to join the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Convergence Zone in Eco Delta City (EDC), with applications open from October 18 to November 15, 2024. The initiative is part of the city's strategy to establish EDC as a major business hub centered on advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Eco Delta City offers a range of advantage

The Shadow of Deficit Looming Over the Hadan-Sasang Line
Busan newsOct 17, 2024

The Shadow of Deficit Looming Over the Hadan-Sasang Line

Busan, South Korea - The Hadan-Sasang Line, a problematic addition to Busan’s urban rail network, was conceived as a vital link between the northern and southern districts of the city’s western regions. Envisioned to alleviate traffic congestion, improve travel times, and stimulate economic growth, the project was expected to reshape transportation in Busan. However, years of delays and changing demographic trends have raised questions about whether the Hadan-Sasang Line can still fulfill its in

Foreign Visitors Voice Frustration with Busan’s Old Districts
Busan newsOct 17, 2024

Foreign Visitors Voice Frustration with Busan’s Old Districts

Busan, South Korea – Busan’s historic downtown, once the vibrant heart of South Korea’s second-largest city, now faces significant challenges in retaining its appeal to both locals and tourists. Recently, a foreign visitor shared a critical review that captured a common sentiment: “We were in Busan today—no vibe, alienated elderly, unsafe walkways—and the blah-est place we have been. No social engagement! We went back to our friendly ship! Very sad urban decline.” This feedback sheds light on d

Citizens Shape the Future of Busan’s Sustainable Waterfront
Busan newsOct 17, 2024

Citizens Shape the Future of Busan’s Sustainable Waterfront

Busan, South Korea— The City of Busan has wrapped up an initiative aimed at shaping its waterfront future. With the final session of the “Busan Waterfront Management Basic Plan” Citizen Planning Group, the city moves closer to realizing its vision of becoming a leading waterfront city. The initiative sought to involve residents directly in the planning process, reflecting their input in the city's long-term development goals. Formed in July 2024, the Citizen Planning Group included 80 participa

Busan’s Special Architectural Zone: Innovation or Inequality?
Busan newsOct 16, 2024

Busan’s Special Architectural Zone: Innovation or Inequality?

Busan, South Korea – The city of Busan is pursuing an ambitious urban transformation through its Special Architectural Zone initiative. Marketed as a key step in becoming a "Global Hub City," this project enlists world-renowned architects to introduce creative designs into Busan’s skyline. From October 16 to 18, the designs for six candidate sites will be unveiled at Busan City Hall, while presentations will also be streamed online. Yet, as the city aims to enhance its international appeal, ther

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