Coastal Environment and Ocean Policy of Busan, RO Korea

PUBLICATION DATE:

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

PUBLICATION TYPE:

Reports

STATUS:

Only Available Online

DESCRIPTION:

Busan, RO Korea, the newest member of the PEMSEA Network of Local Governments (PNLG), envisions to become a smart, green city and has trained its sights on becoming the Maritime Capital of Northeast Asia. 

Busan is RO Korea’s second largest city, located on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula, and is home to some 350 million people. Geographically, it features a coastline with beautiful beaches as well as cliffs and mountains that serve as frequent hiking destinations. 

There are over 27,000 companies working in maritime-related fields, employing over 160,000 people in an industry worth USD 281.9 billion. Busan is considered the country’s seafood center and largest international fisheries hub. In 2018 alone, it exported USD 537 million worth of fisheries-related products. The Jagalchi Fish Market and Busan International Fish Market are just some local landmarks to try out. Busan is also the world’s sixth largest port and second in terms of freight. 

There are three marine protected areas in Busan City such as the famous Oryukdo Islets. An important artery into the city, Nakdong River is also a protected area. 

With marine litter as a major concern, Busan is focusing on source management, voluntary collection of waste by citizens, and education and awareness raising. 

They will host some important events in the future such as the 7th International Marine Debris Conference (IMDC) in September 2022 and the World Expo set in 2030. 

Check their Coastal Environment and Ocean Policy to find out more about how the city government works on sustainable development for its coastal and marine areas.