A port city with distinct East Asian characteristics" - Busan
Busan (Korean: 부산, English: Busan) , officially known as Busan Metropolitan City, is located at the southeastern tip of South Korea. It is the country's largest port and second-largest city, as well as one of the busiest ports in the world. Historically, it has always been a hub and bridge for cultural exchanges between the East Asian continent and the maritime world.
Busan, to the southeast, faces the Korea Strait (Korean name: Daehan Strait), looking across to Japan's Tsushima Island; to the west, it borders the Nakdong River. The northwestern mountains rise steeply, and to the south, there is an archipelago barrier, making it the gateway to the southern part of the peninsula. The total area of the city is 769.82 square kilometers.
As early as the early 15th century, Busan was designated as a commercial port by the Joseon Dynasty. In 1876, Busan Port became the largest port on the Korean Peninsula. During the Korean War, Busan was the only city that was never occupied by the North Korean People's Army. On January 1, 1963, Busan was elevated to a metropolitan city. According to data from the official Busan city website, the population of Busan is 3,532,896 people.
Busan's industry is second only to Seoul, delving into various fields such as textiles, machinery, chemicals, food, timber, and seafood processing, among which the machinery industry is particularly developed, with shipbuilding and tire production ranking first in South Korea. The only securities exchange in South Korea, the Korea Exchange (KRX), is also located in Busan. The establishment of the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone has further consolidated Busan's position as a trade and financial center in the region.
Busan's Shinsegae is the largest department store in the world and has been recorded in the Guinness World Records.