About Busan
Busan is the first trade port as well as second city of Korea. As the second city of Korea, the east and the south is bordered by the sea. Gimhae-si Jangyu-dong and Changwon-si Jinhae-gu is in the west, Yangsan-si Mulgeum-eup and Gimhae-si Daedong-myeon is in the north, Ulsan-si Seosaeng-myeon and Onyang-eup is in the east.
It is the gateway to the southeastern end of Korea, about 450km southeast of Seoul, 250km away from Shimonoseki, Japan. It is a metropolitan city consisting of 15 districts in the first group. The area is 765.94 square kilometers.
History
The history of Busan City dates back to its establishment by the Korean government on August 15, 1948. On January 1, 1963, Korean Government designated Busan as the third administrative district of Korea, catalyzing the development of local infrastructure.
Subsequent progress took shape on February 15, 1978, with the incorporation of the fourth administrative district expansion. This expansion notably encompassed the majority of the Nakdonggang River Delta, solidifying Busan's territorial domain. On September 30 of the same year, the inauguration of the fifth pier at Busan Port marked a turning point, propelling Busan into a pivotal role as a port logistics hub in Northeast Asia. As of October 1, 1979, Busan's population exceeded the 3 million mark, bolstering its stature as Korea's second-largest city on the international stage.
Busan made remarkable strides on the global scene. Busan proudly hosted the 14th Busan Asian Games in September 2002, the World Choir Olympics in October 2002, the ITU General Assembly in September 2004, and the Asia-Pacific Summit (APEC) in November 2005. These prestigious international conferences and festivals propelled Busan into the realm of a world-class convention center city.
Remarkable achievements followed, with the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in June 2010, the International Symposium on Marine Climate Change organized under the United Nations Organization in March 2011, the Busan World Development Aid Conference in November, and the 2012 TWA World Water Conference in September 2012. Such footprints cast Busan as an emerging star in the global arena.
Busan has risen to prominence as Korea's premier port, renowned for its marine tourism. Notably recognized as a hub for international conferences, it is evolving into the central city of Northeast Asia in the 21st century.
Transportation
Metro
The Busan Metro consists of subway lines 1–4, the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit (BGL), and the Donghae Line, connecting major city areas across Busan, Gimhae, and Yangsan in Gyeongsangnam-do. It is a convenient way to reach your desired destination. It operates from 05:00 to 23:59. The schedule for the first and last trains varies depending on the subway station. The intervals also vary depending on the time zone. For more details, please refer to the website or the subway schedule inside the station.
There are one-day, weekly, and monthly commutation tickets from which you can choose. The cost of the single-use ticket can vary depending on the travel distance although there is no difference in price among stations for commutation tickets. You can easily purchase a subway ticket using a ticket machine inside the station.
Busan Metro Overview : http://www.humetro.busan.kr/homepage/cyberstation/mapeng.do
Population
In December 2022, the overall population of Busan reached 3,367,246. Starting with its transformation into a modern international port in 1876 and its subsequent development as a hub for commodity trade, Busan's population has consistently followed an upward trajectory. Following the renaming of Busan in August 1949 and its establishment as a provisional government during the Korean War, the population experienced rapid growth. Subsequently, after the Korean government's decision to elevate Busan to a government-controlled city and expand its administrative districts in 1963, the population of Busan has demonstrated a steady and continuous increase up to the present day.
Travel
The slogan of Busan is "Play, Work, and Live," encompassing the idea of a city that offers an appealing environment for recreation, employment, and residence. This slogan vividly illustrates Busan's captivating diversity and vibrancy. In Busan, visitors can experience a unique blend of natural beauty and urban vitality, exemplified by "Cluster Hub & Art" and "Cultural Mecca." This city boasts a distinctive atmosphere where various elements seamlessly merge, creating a harmonious whole. Gastronomy and shopping add to the allure. Moreover, Busan's renowned beaches, a rarity in many large cities, draw a significant number of visitors. It's a destination that provides the opportunity to relish both stunning coastlines and natural landmarks.