Busan

Busan(Korean:부산,pronounced[pusan]), officiallyBusan Metropolitan City, is South Korea's secondmost populous cityafterSeoul, with a population of over 3.3 million as of 2024.Formerly romanized asPusan, it is the economic, cultural and educational center of southeastern South Korea, with its port being South Korea's busiest and the sixth-busiest in the world.The surrounding "Southeastern Maritime Industrial Region" (includingUlsan,South Gyeongsang,Daegu, and part ofNorth GyeongsangandSouth Jeolla) is South Korea's largest industrial area. The large volumes of port traffic and urban population in excess of 1 million make Busan a Large-Port metropolis using the Southampton System of Port-City classification.As of 2019,Busan Portis the primary port in Korea and the world's sixth-largestcontainer port.
Busan is divided into 15 major administrativedistrictsand a singlecounty, together housing a population of approximately 3.6 million. The full metropolitan area, theSoutheastern Maritime Industrial Region, has a population of approximately 8 million.The most densely built-up areas of the city are situated in a number of narrow valleys between theNakdongand theSuyeong Rivers, with mountains separating most of the districts. The Nakdong River isKorea's longest riverand Busan'sHaeundae Beachis also the country's largest.
Busan is a center for international conventions, hosting anAPEC summitin 2005. It is also a center for sports tournaments in Korea, having hosted the2002 Asian GamesandFIFA World Cup. It is home to the world's largestdepartment store, theShinsegaeCentum City.Busan was added to theUNESCO Creative Cities Networkas a "City of Film" in December 2014.
The name "Busan" is theRevised Romanizationof the city's Korean name since the late 15th century.It officially replaced the earlierMcCune–ReischauerromanizationPusanin 2000.During theJapanese colonial period, the Japanese reading of the city's name was "Fuzan".
The name釜山(now written부산using theKorean alphabet) isSino-Koreanfor "Cauldron Mountain", believed to be a former name of MtHwangnyeong (Korean:황령산;Hanja:荒嶺山;RR:Hwangnyeongsan) west of the city center. The area's ancient state MtGeochil (거칠산국;居柒山國;Geochilsan-guk, "Rough-Mountain Land") is similarly thought to refer to the same mountain, which towers over the town's harbor on the Suyeong (the later Silla district of Geochilsan-gun was renamedDongnaein 757).
The area that Busan now occupies was inhabited during theNeolithicperiod. Artifacts dating to this period discovered near the coast include stone tools, pottery, sea shells, and animal bones. Fishing was a primary food source for people of this period.Bronze Ageartifacts have been uncovered further inland. By this period, agriculture was practiced.
Around the first century, a chiefdom called Koch'ilsan-guk (거칠산국;居漆山國) existed around what is nowDongnae District.At some point, it was absorbed bySillaand made an administrative division called Koch'ilsan-gun (거칠산군;居漆山郡). In 757, it was renamed Dongnae-gun (동래군). In 835, the Buddhist templeBeomeosawas founded in the area.
In theGoryeoperiod (918–1392), the localDongnae Jeong clan[ko]became a prominent presence in Korean politics. By this point, Dongnae's hot springs became famous, and have been attested to in writings of this period.By the end of the period, raids fromwokou(Japanese pirates) intensified. One such invasion occurred in 1396. To defend against this, the fortressDongnaeeupseongwas established in the area.
In 1423, theport of Busan(부산포) and awaegwan(Japanese concession community) were established.During the reign of KingSejong the Great(r. 1418–1450), the population in Dongnae-hyeon was reportedly 2,416 people in 290 households. In Dongpyeong-hyeon, it was 627 people in 108 households. Thewaegwanwas closed in 1510, but reopened in 1512.
During the 1592–1598Japanese invasions of Korea, various fortresses in the area defended Busan against the invasion. Fortresses includedBusanjinseong,Dadaeposeong[ko], and Dongnaeeupseong. Civilians formedrighteous armies(volunteer militias) and joined in the fight.After thesiege and capture of Busanjinin 1592, most of Busanjin's Korean prisoners and civilians were massacred.After the war, diplomatic relations with the newshogunatein Japan were established in 1607, and Busan was permitted to be reconstructed.
In 1605, the shrine Songgongsa was built to honor those who died defending Korea during the invasions. The shrine was dubbedChungnyeolsain 1624. In 1607, awaegwanwas reestablished in Dumopo (두모포;豆毛浦); in 1678 it was moved to Choryang (초량;草梁; now aroundYongdusan).In 1763, Busan became the first place in Korea to havesweet potatoes, which arrived fromTsushima Islandin Japan. In 1759, the population was reportedly 25,753 people in 6,657 households.
In 1876, Busan became the first international port in Korea under the terms of theTreaty of Ganghwa.In 1877, a concession was established in Busan, and consulates of Japan,Qing, and the United Kingdom were established. In 1883, the port was opened, and aBusan Customs Office(부산해관;釜山海關) was established.In 1895, Dongnae-bu was made part ofSouth Gyeongsang Province. It was demoted to agunin 1903, and made abuagain in 1906. After the beginning of the 1910–1945Japanese colonial period, in 1914 it was made agunagain. In 1908, Busan was connected to theGyeongbu LineviaBusan station. In 1909, a ferry service was opened between Busan andShimonosekiin Japan. In 1914, Dongnae-bu was reorganized into Busan-bu. In 1915, a tram was opened between Busanjin and theDongnae Hot Springs[ko]. The following year, the city tram opened.
During theJapanese rule, Busan developed into a hub trading port with Japan. Busan was the only city in Korea to adopt the steamtramwaybeforeelectrificationwas introduced in 1924.
During theKorean War, Busan was one of only two cities in South Korea not captured by theNorth Korean armywithin the first three months of the war, the other beingDaegu. As a result, the cities becamerefugee campsites for Koreans during the war. According toThe Korea Times, around 500,000 refugees were located in Busan in early 1951.
As Busan was one of the few areas in Korea that remained under the control of South Korea throughout theKorean War, for some time it served as ade factocapital of South Korea.UN troops established a defensive perimeter around the city known as thePusan Perimeterin the summer and fall of 1950. Since then, the city has been a self-governing metropolis and has built a strong urban character.
In 1963, Busan separated fromSouth Gyeongsang Provinceto become the firstDirectly Governed City[ko]of South Korea. In 1983, the provincial capital of Gyeongsangnam-do was moved from Busan toChangwon.
Busan is located on the southeastern tip of theKorean Peninsula. It is located on the coast, which determined the development of the whole city itself. The distance from Busan toSeoulis about 314 km (195 mi). Busan borders low mountains to the north and west, and theKorea Straitto the south and east. The Nakdong River Delta is located on the west side of the city, andGeumjeongsan, the highest mountain in the city, is on the north. TheNakdong River, South Korea's longest river, flows through the west and empties into theKorea Strait. The southeastern region, calledYeongnamin Korea, encompasses bothGyeongsang Provincesand 3 metropolitan cities of Busan,DaeguandUlsan. Ulsan lies northeast of Busan. The combined population exceeds 13 million.
The closest overseas area to Busan isTsushima,Japan, with a distance of about 49.5 km (30.8 mi). The closest Japanese mainland area to Busan isFukuoka, and their is about 180km (112 miles). Busan and Fukuoka are also sister cities.
Located on the southeasternmost tip of theKorean Peninsula, Busan has a cooler version of ahumid subtropical climate, bordering on a subtropical monsoon climate influenced byEast Asian monsoon(Köppen:Cfa, bordering onCwa).Extremely high or low temperatures are rare. The highest temperature ever recorded is 37.3 °C (99.1 °F) on 14 August 2016 while the lowest temperature ever recorded is −14.0 °C (6.8 °F) on 13 January 1915.May to July, late Springs and early Summers, are usually cooler than inland regions because of the ocean effect. Late Summer, and early Fall, August, and September, are generally hot and humid and the city may experiencetyphoonsat that time and be generally rainy. On September 15, 1959,Super Typhoon Sarahpassed by the coast of the city and caused catastrophic damage. An unusually severe storm on September 12, 2003,Typhoon Maemi, also caused damage to ships and buildings and resulted in over 48 fatalities.Typhoon Hinnamnoron September 6, 2022, caused destruction in Busan as a category 2, producing high waves, destructive winds, and flooding. Busan is the most prone city in South Korea to typhoons and other natural disasters.
October and November are generally the most comfortable, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Winters are cool and comparatively dry with high winds, but much milder than other parts of Korea, exceptJeju Provinceand several islands off the southern coast. Busan and the nearby area have the least snow compared to other regions of Korea due to its location. Snow falls on an average of only about 4 days per year.
In 1957, Busan adopted adivision systemwith the creation of sixgu(districts): Busanjin District, Dong  District, Dongnae District, Jung District, Seo District, and Yeongdo District. Today, Busan has divided into fifteenguand onegun(county).
Busan is the second largest city in Korea, a maritime logistics hub in Northeast Asia with its world-class mega ports, and a gateway to the Eurasian continent.In 2022, the maritime city recorded aGRDPof KRW 104 trillionwith a per capita GRDP of KRW 39.6 million.The city's economy is made up of the service industry (70.3%), manufacturing (19.8%), construction (5.9%), agriculture & fisheries (0.8%), and other sectors (3.2%).
As the sixth largest port in the world, theport of Busanprocessed 21.81 millionTEUof container cargo volume in 2020. The port's container terminal has 43 berths - 20 berths at the North Port, and 23 berths at the Busan New Port (including 2 multi-purpose berths). The port is part of the21st Century Maritime Silk Roadthat runs from the Chinese coast toSingapore, towards the southern tip ofIndiatoMombasa, from there through theRed Seavia theSuez Canalto theMediterranean, there to theUpper Adriaticregion to the northern Italian hub ofTriestewith its connections toCentral Europeand theNorth Sea.
Moreover, the city is a center of marine science and R&D, and home to a number of relevant institutions, such as theKorea Maritime Institute(KMI), theKorea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology(KIOST), the National Fishery Products Quality Management Service, the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (KHOA), and the Korea National Maritime Museum, located in Dongsam Innovation Complex in Yeongdo District. Moreover, theInternational Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations(FIATA) World Congress was hosted in Busan in 2020.
The city is also known for its globalMICE(Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. The city's convention and exhibition zone have excellent conditions and infrastructure to host large-scale international events, which includesBEXCOinCentum City, Nurimaru APEC House, and hotels nearby natural environments. Major international conferences in Busan include the 2005APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting,ASEAN–Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit2014, and 2018African Development Bank GroupAnnual Meetings.
Busan is also a center of finance.Korea Exchange(KRX), Korea's sole securities exchange operator, is headquartered in Busan. The city is home to a number of financial institutions, such as the Korea Technology Finance Corporation, Korea Asset Management Corporation, Korea Housing-Finance Corporation, Korea Housing & Urban Guarantee Corporation, Korea Securities Depository, Korea Maritime Guarantee Insurance, Maritime Finance Center, The Korea Shipping and Maritime Transportation Co., Ltd, Korea Asset Management Corporation, and BNK Financial Group.
Commercial areas are dispersed throughout the city near busy intersections and adjacent to university campuses, but the two largest central business districts in Busan areSeomyeonand Gwangbok-dong/Nampo-dong. There are four major shopping areas: Seomyeon, Gwangbok-dong, Busan Daehak-ga in Jangjeon-dong, andCentum Cityin Haeundae District.
Seomyeon Stationis one of the busiest subway stations in Korea; it is thetransfer stationbetweenBusan Subway Line 1andLine 2. Seomyeon subway station is also home to a large number of underground stores, selling a variety of products, predominantly clothing, and footwear. These are small stores selling locally produced products. The local head offices of Korean and international banks are located in Seomyeon. It is recognized as the ascendant shopping and entertainment district. It is also home to "Seomyeon Medical Street", the district encompassing the 1 km-radius range aroundLotte Department Storein Seomyeon and the Buam subway station. The Street is home to a total of 160 cosmetic and other medical clinics, including those specializing incosmetic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology and dentistry.Directly adjacent to Seomyeon is Bujeon Market, the largest traditional market in the city.
The Gwangbok-dong,Nampo-dong, and Jungang-dong areas form the old central business district. Some of the restaurants in this district use family recipes passed down through the generations.Jagalchi Market, a large seafood market, is located in this area. TheGukje Marketis also nearby. Jungang-dong is the home of many international law offices, the old immigration office, and the internationalferry terminalserving Japanese routes.
Busan has many major department stores, includingLotte Department Store(located in Seomyeon, Centum City, Gwangbok-dong and Dongnae), Lotte Premium Outlet (in Gimhae and Gijang),ShinsegaePremium Outlet (in Gijang), as well as large supermarket chains across the city, such asHomeplus,e-mart, andCostco.
Busan's major hotels includeThe WestinChosun Busan, Paradise Busan, andPark HyattBusan. In 2017, Ananti Hilton Busan opened in the Gijang-eup district.
Primary and secondary schools:
Busan not only features a variety of antique and souvenir shops, but also unique restaurants, attractions and accommodations.
Busan is called the summer capital of Koreasince it attracts tourists from all over the country to its six beaches. Luxury hotels and a carnival boardwalk line the beach atHaeundae.Gwangalli Beachhas cafés, bars, and restaurants along the beach, and the Grand Gwangan Bridge. Other beaches include Dadaepo Beach on the west edge of the city andSongdo Beach, south of central Busan.
Haeundae Beachis Busan's most famous beach.It is a staple setting for South Korean films and TV shows, such as the 2009 filmTidal Wave.Dongbaekseomis located at the southern end ofHaeundae Beach. This island is picturesque with a thick forest of camellias and pine trees. Tourist attractions on Dongbaek Island include a walking path and the Nurimaru APEC House, built for the 2005 APEC summit. Songjeong beach is the next beach north of Haeundae Beach.
Geumjeongsanto the west is a weekend hiking spot for Busan residents. To the north, the neighborhoods aroundPusan National University(also known as PNU, which is one of the most highly recognized national institutes of higher education in Korea) have student theaters, cafés, bars, and restaurants, as well as open-air cultural street performances on weekend nights. Nearby isBeomeosa, the city's mainKorean Buddhisttemple.
Yongdusan Parkoccupies 69,000m²/17 acres (7 ha) and is home to theBusan Tower, Yongdusan Art Gallery, and theBusan Aquarium, the largest aquarium in South Korea. The park supports approximately seventy different species of trees and is a tourist destination, with various cultural events throughout the year.
Dongnae Districtis a wealthy and traditional residential area. Dongnae Oncheon is a natural spa area with many baths, tourist hotels, restaurants, clubs, and shopping areas. Many restaurants in the area use family recipes.Chungnyeolsais a Confucian shrine for soldiers who died during the 16th-century battle against the Japanese at Dongnae Fortress.
Taejongdaeis a natural park with cliffs facing the open sea on the island ofYeongdo.
The area known as the "Foreigners' Shopping Street", but commonly referred to as "Texas Street" near part of the Port of Busan, and adjacent to the front entrance to the Busan Train Station (부산역) has many businesses that cater to the local Russian population, as well as the crews of foreign ships. The area was originally the location of the local Chinatown and still contains a Chinese school.
Haedong Yonggung templeis one of three sacred places related to the Goddess Buddha.
Gamcheon Cultural Villagewas created in the 1950s as a residential community along a mountain slope. The houses in the village are built in a staircase fashion. The village often dubbed the "Machu Picchu of Korea" attracts many tourists. In addition, the village received a special mention during the 3rd edition of the international award ceremony, "UCLG-MEXICO CITY-Culture 21".
Busan Citizens Park(formerly Camp Hialeah) is a former Imperial Japanese Army base and United States Army camp located in the Busanjin District.Huinnyeoul Culture Villagewas created when Korean War refugees flocked to this area. It provides an unhindered view of both the Busanhang and Namhang Ports. A major backdrop of the 2013 filmThe Attorney, the neighborhood was also featured in the 2012 filmNameless Gangster: Rules of the Time. The small houses that stand shoulder to shoulder form the signature look of Busan, which is often remembered as a city of the sea and hilly neighborhoods. The village continues to attract an increasing number of visitors with its new cafes, workshops, and guesthouses.
Millac Waterfront Park is the first waterfront park in Korea, combines the oceanfront with public leisure facilities. The park is located betweenHaeundae BeachandGwangalli Beach. The waterfront park, with an area of 33,507m², can accommodate as many as 40,000 visitors. The floor of the park is decorated with colorful blocks, and the park provides visitors a perfect chance to relax and features flower gardens, gazebos and benches. If you sit on the 3,040–wide stand, you can dip your feet in the water during high tide.
Nampo-dongis a central shopping and café district. The area aroundPukyong National UniversityandKyungsung Universityalso has many cafés, bars, and restaurants attracting college students and youth.
With a length of 7.62 km (4.73 mi) and a size of 2.66 km(1.03 sq mi), designated as Natural Monument No. 179, Daejeo Ecological Park is a habitat for migratory birds at theNakdong RiverEstuary. The estuary was chosen as a trial project for the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project. The sports facilities were partially built on the upper and lower parts of the park only, while the rest of the park underwent a restoration of its wetlands and natural grassland. In the garden inside the park, you can find a large-scale habitat for prickly water lilies, which are part of the Endangered Species Level II classification. Many interesting festivals, such as the Nakdong Riverside Cherry Blossom Festival, the Busan Nakdong River Canola Flower Festival, and the Daejeo Tomato Festival are held around this park every year.
Ilgwang Beach is a long white-sand beach, extending for about 1.8 kilometers, and is particularly popular among families with young children as a vacation spot because the waters are quite shallow. Every summer, the Gaetmaeul Outdoor Drama Festival is held on this beach. The festival features diverse performances of traditional Korean music, outdoor dramas, mime shows, and other performance art forms.
Kiswire Museum offers its visitors a chance to better understand wire, a key material for industrial development, and central to Kiswire's corporate philosophy. The museum won the 2014 Busan Architecture Award for its aesthetic design.In addition, the roof of the museum is supported by only 38 cables without any pillars or beams, which makes the museum quite unique. In addition, the museum features special art pieces, including artwork made with wires.
Jeonpo Café Street inSeomyeon, Busanis one of the busiest areas, with a variety of entertainment, restaurants, and stores. Across Seomyeon 1 Beonga (Seomyeon 1st Street), the busiest street in the area, there is a quiet and tranquil street with about 30 unique cafés. The Bujeon-dong and Jeonpo-dong areas were full of hardware stores and machine part suppliers, but since 2010 the area has been transformed into a street full of cafés.
Busan is planning to build the first floating city in the world. So-called Oceanix City will be finished and ready for settlement by 2025.
Busan hosts theBusan International Film Festival(BIFF)—one of the most popular international film festivals in Asia—at theBusan Cinema Centerevery fall. Busan is also the home of the Busan Biennale, as an international contemporary art biennale that takes place every two years.
The city also hosts the One Asia Festival, the largest K-pop festival in Korea beginning in 2016, positioning itself as the center of K-pop culture.
In 2012, German artist Hendrik Beikirch painted Asia's tallest mural entitled "Fisherman Portrait" on a building near Millak Raw Fish Town.
Busan is home to 80 performance facilities consisting of 30 public ones, including the Busan Cultural Center, Busan Citizens'Hall, Busan Cinema Center, and Busan National Gugak Center. There are 40 private facilities, such as KBS Art Hall Busan, Sohyang Art Center, MBC Samjoo Art Hall, Kyungsung University Concert Hall, and Shinsegae Department Store Culture Hall.
A variety of festivals are held in the Busan throughout the year. Following the Joseon Tongsinsa Festival (Registration of Documents on Joseon Tongsinsa on theUNESCOMemory of the World Programmein 2017) and Busan Port Festival in May, the Busan Sea Festival atHaeundae Beach, the largest beach in Korea, and the Busan International Rock Festival takes place in August. In particular, October is the perfect month to enjoy a variety of festivals, such as theBusan International Film Festival, the largest film festival in Asia, the Busan Fireworks Festival, and the One Asia Festival, a global K-pop music festival. In addition, G-Star, the largest gaming exhibition in Korea, and the e-Sports World Championship are hosted in November, followed by the Busan Christmas Tree Festival in December.
Major Public performance facilities
Museums in Busan include:
Busan was once a center of military affairs in the southern region of the peninsula and therefore was an important site for diplomatic relationships with Japan; high-ranking officers and officials from the court frequently visited the city. Special foods were prepared for the officers such asDongnae pajeon(동래파전), a variant ofpajeon(Korean savory pancakes), made with whole scallions, sliced chili peppers, and various kinds of seafood in a thickbatterof wheat flour, glutinous rice flour, eggs, salt and water.
During the Korean War, Busan was the biggest refugee destination on the peninsula; people from all regions of Korea went there. Some of these refugees stayed and adapted the recipes of their local specialties. One of these foods ismilmyeon(밀면) (lit. 'wheat noodle') a version ofnaengmyeon, cold buckwheat noodle soup, but using wheat flour instead. (Naengmyeon is originally a specialty food ofHamhungandPyongyang, now part of North Korea.)Dwaeji gukbap(돼지국밥) (lit. 'pork/pig soup rice') is also a result of Korean War. It is a hearty pork soup and is becoming more popular nationwide.Pork trotters served with vegetables such as cucumbers, onions, and mustard sauce is popular and is called Nangchae-Jokbal.
Busan has the largesthot springresorts and facilities in Korea. Busan's Oncheon is the oldest hot spring spa in Korea.
Although Seoul remains the de facto film and television capital of South Korea, Busan shares more in common withCannes,Francethan just its reputation asseaside resorttown.
TheBusan International Film Festivalis often referred to as the "Cannesof Asia", attracting thousands of entertainment personalities from both Eastern and Western cinema every year, honoring and recognizing international luminaries such asMike Leigh,Shōhei Imamura,Wong Kar-wai, andKim Ki-duk.
It is frequently used as afilm location, best known in the west for Marvel'sBlack Pantherand Apple'sPachinko, but also for the Korean market productions ofTrain to Busan,Old Boy, andDecision to Leave, as well as the popular K-DramaReply 1997, highlighting the distinctGyeongsang dialect, which is comparable to aScottish Englishin relation to standardBritish English.
Works set in Busan tend to be crime noirs. Additionally, Busan often appears as an escape location or disaster area. Stories where characters escape to Busan to flee accidents or disasters in Seoul and then escape overseas are quite common clichés in Korean disaster films. Train to Busan carries out an escape to Busan, as the title suggests.
Until the late 1990s, most dramas, movies, commercials, and music videos were filmed in the Seoul area, making filming outside Seoul quite rare. In the early 2000s, it was relatively easy to obtain permits for road closures and explosion scenes in Busan that would have been impossible in Seoul. Thanks to active support from the city, word of mouth started in the film industry, leading to a preference for filming in the Busan area.In particular, the filmHaeundaewas a box office success, achieving 10 million viewers.
Between 1945 and 1951, the city’s population grew from 280,000 to 840,000. It decreased from 3,513,777 in 2015 to 3,266,598 in 2024. This decline, which accelerated in the 1990s, is attributed to South Korea's economic shift towards high-tech industries, concentrated around Seoul, and away from Busan's traditional manufacturing base.
In 2024, 29% followedBuddhismand 21% followedChristianity(14%Protestantismand 7%Catholicism), and 2% other religions. 48% of the population is irreligious.
The city planned to bid for the2020 Summer Olympics, but withdrew after the2018 Winter Olympicswere awarded toPyeongchang, also located in South Korea. The 2020 Summer Olympics were eventually awarded toTokyo.It considered bidding to host the2032 Summer Olympics.
Sports teams and facilities
Since 1982, the city has been home to theLotte Giants, who play in theKorea Professional Baseballleague. In Korea, Busan is known as the capital of baseball and has a reputation for very enthusiastic baseball fans.For the first few years, the Lotte Giants utilizedGudeok Baseball Stadiumas their home. In the mid-1980s, they moved toSajik Baseball Stadium, which was built as part of a sports complex for the1986 Asian Games.
The city is home to aK Leaguefootball club, theBusan IPark. The club was formerly known as the Busan Daewoo Royals and was a successful team during the 1990s. Busan is also home to aK3 Leaguefootball club, theBusan Transportation Corporation.
Until 2021, Busan was home of theKorean Basketball LeagueteamBusan KT Sonicboom, which played at theSajik Arena.
Since 2019, Busan is the home of theWomen's Korean Basketball LeagueteamBusan BNK Sum. They played at the Geumjeong Gymnasium from 2019 to 2021, and they currently play at the Sajik Arena.
The2002 FIFA World Cupwas the world's 17th FIFA World Cup, held from 31 May to 30 June 2002 at locations in South Korea and Japan. Busan hosted matches between France and Uruguay, and ROK against Poland at the Busan Asiad Stadium.
The2002 Asian Gameswere held in Busan from September 29 to October 14, 2002. 9,900 athletes from 44 countries competed in 38 sports. Many public sports complexes and university gymnasiums, including Busan Asiad Stadium were used for the games' venues. The mascot was a seagull, the city bird of Busan named, "Duria".East Timortook part in the games for the first time. As well, North Korea also participated for the first time in an international event held in South Korea.
Busan celebrates festivals all year round.
Busan has many hospitals and clinics.
Many cosmetic surgery, dermatological, ophthalmic, and dental clinics are concentrated inSeomyeon medical street.
Hospitals in Busan include Pusan National University Hospital with 1,300 beds in Ami-dong, Kosin University Gospel Hospital with 957 beds in Amnam-dong, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences specializing in cancer treatment with 298 beds, Dong-A University Hospital with 999 beds in Dongdaesin-dong, Dong-eui Medical Center with 468 beds offering cooperative western and oriental medicine treatment in Yangjeong-dong, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital with 837 beds in Gaegeum-dong, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital with 896 beds in Jwa-dong, Busan Medical Center with 555 beds in Sajik-dong and Busan Veterans Hospital in Jurye-dong, Sasang District. In particular, Seomyeon Medical Street, which first started construction in the Bujeon-dong area beginning in 1990, has formed a cluster of more than 230 medical institutions, full of expertise, that is difficult to find in other parts of the world.The "Seomyeon Medical Street Festival" has taken place annually since 2012.
Major express bus lines link Busan with other cities in Korea at two primary bus terminals, Nopodong Bus Terminal (at the northern terminus of Subway Line 1) and Busan Seobu Bus Terminal at Sasang Station on Subway Line 2.134 routes of urban bus service reach every part of Busan.
City buses operate a total of 160 routes. There are express buses connecting major areas quickly through tunnels and overpasses and general city buses which make stops at each bus stop. There are also airport buses connecting theGimhae International Airportand the downtown area. Some of the city buses of Busan's adjacent cities includingYangsan,Changwon,Gimhae, andUlsanalso offer service to Busan.
Gimhae Airport Limousine Bus is one of the fastest buses connectingGimhae International Airportand the downtown area. As of 2012, three routes are operated by Taeyoung Airport Limousine Corp.
- Nampo-dong: Gimhae International Airport ↔ Seomyeon,Busanjin Station,Busan Station, Nampo-dong ↔ Chungmu-dong (Seo-gu Office)
- Haeundae No.1: Gimhae International Airport ↔ Namcheon-dong,BEXCO, Dongbaekseom (Westin Chosun Busan),Haeundae↔New City (Jangsan Station)
- Haeundae No.2: Gimhae International Airport ↔ Namcheon-dong,Gwangan Bridge, Haeundae ↔New Town (Jangsan Station)Express Bus
Intercity buses to the eastGyeongnam,Gyeongbuk,GangwonandGyeonggiProvinces are available at the Busan Central Bus Terminal. Buses offering service to West Gyeongnam andJeolla Provincedepart from the Busan West Bus Terminal located in Sasang. Buses to the east Gyeongnam area, including Ulsan, Gimhae, and Changwon, theSeoul Metropolitan Area, includingOsan,Suwon,Ansan,Bucheonand Dong Seoul, and the southern Gangwon area, includingDonghaeandGangneung, are available at the Haeundae Intercity Bus Terminal. The Dongnae Intercity Bus Terminal has buses to the central and southern Gyeongnam area, including Changwon, Gimhae, Gosung, Tongyoung, and Geoje, as well as toSuncheon,YeosuandGwangyang.
Ferries leaving from theInternational Ferry TerminalatBusan PortPier 3,4 connect Busan to the Japanese ports of Izuhara and Hitakatsu onTsushima Island, as well as the cities ofShimonoseki,Fukuoka, andOsakaon Japan's mainland.
Busan lies on a number of rail lines, of which the most important is theGyeongbu Linewhich connects it to other major cities such asSeoul,Daejeon, andDaegu. All classes of trains run along the Gyeongbu Line, including the super high speedKTXtrains which provide frequent services to Seoul in approximately 150 minutes. The Gyeongbu Line terminates atBusan Station. Other lines include theDonghae Nambu Linewhich connectsUlsan,PohangandGyeongju.
SRT was first launched in 2016 and runs along the Gyeongbu and Honam high-speed railways. SRT offers a new gateway connecting the Gangnam area of Seoul with major cities. It is directly connected to Subway Line 3 and the Bundang Line, enhancing accessibility to Subway Lines 2, 5, and 8, as well as the Shinbundang Line, and it is also located near the Dongbu Expressway which connects to other major highways.
There are six subway lines as of January 2017. The transit stations are as follows:Seomyeon Station(Line 1, 2) /Yeonsan Station(Line 1, 3) /Suyeong Station(Lines 2, 3) /Deokcheon Station(Lines 2, 3) /Minam Station(Lines 3, 4) /Dongnae Station(Lines 1, 4) /Sasang Station(Line 2, Busan - Gimhae Light Rail Transit) /Daejeo Station(Line 3, Busan - Gimhae Light Rail Transit) /Busan National University of Education Station(Line 1, Donghae Line) /Bexco Station(Line 2, Donghae Line) /Geoje Station(Line 3, Donghae Line).
Busan is served byGimhae International AirportinGangseo District. Gimhae International Airport is connected byBusan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit.
Anew airportis being built on the southern end ofGadeokdoisland to replace Gimhae International Airport, this will be the first airport constructed offshore in South Korea.
Busan shares the title ofsister citywith several coastal cities or provinces around the world.
Busan has 11 friendship cities in six countries.
ThePort of Busanalso has 6 sister ports (listed in order of dates).