Busan is good

Busan welcomes record number of medical tourists

Busan attracted 30,165 medical tourists last year, the highest figure since the city launched its medical tourism initiative in 2009.According to the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, the largest share of visitors came from Japan (24.3%), followed by Taiwan (23.9%), China (11.8%), Russia (9.5%), Vietnam (6.3%), and the United States (5.2%). Japan topped the list for the second consecutive year.Dermatology was the most sought-after medical service, accounting for 40% of visits, followed by plastic surgery (14.3%), health checkups (11.2%), internal medicine (9%), and dentistry (5.7%). Japanese and Taiwanese visitors particularly favored dermatology and plastic surgery clinics in Seomyeon, contributing to high visitor numbers in Busanjin-gu District (60.4%), Haeundae-gu District (9.9%), Dong-gu District (6.7%), Seo-gu District (6.6%), and Jung-gu District (6.1%).To build on this momentum, the city is developing the “2025 Busan Medical Tourism Revitalization Plan.” The strategy includes promoting Busan as a special interest tourism city and enhancing marketing efforts through targeted support, including interpretation services, transportation, and domestic and international promotional events.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>attract: 유치하다 initiative: 계획 dermatology: 피부과 plastic surgery: 성형 수술 dentistry: 치과 진료 momentum: 탄력  enhance: 향상시키다 interpretation: 통역Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy 

LCK Road to MSI 2025 in Busan - June 13-15 | Sajik Gymnasium

LCK Road to MSI 2025 in Busan - June 13-15 | Sajik Gymnasium◈ The LCK Road to MSI 2025 will take place at Sajik Indoor Gymnasium from June 13 to 15, 2025.◈ Co-hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), this new national selection tournament will determine the teams advancing to the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI).◈ Mayor Park Heong-joon commented, “The LCK Road to MSI 2025 will serve as a milestone in positioning Busan as an Esports leader. We look forward to welcoming even more prestigious international competitions.”□ Busan Metropolitan City, along with League of Legends Champions Korea, will host the LCK Road to MSI 2025 from June 13 to 15 at Sajik Indoor Gymnasium.○ Over five intense days, the LCK Road to MSI will determine which two national teams will qualify for the mid-season invitational, one of the premier events in the League of Legends calendar. With a revamped single-season format replacing the previous spring and summer split, the new format is set to debut in 2025.○ Sajik Indoor Gymnasium, already familiar to many due to its role in the 2023 Worlds Quarterfinals and Semifinals, will once again be the stage for elite-level play during the third, fourth, and fifth rounds of the LCK Road to MSI 2025.□ The top six ranked teams from the regular season will compete in a mix of a No. 1 Seed Decision Match and King of the Hill Playoffs, battling for the final two spots at the Mid-Season Invitational.○ With an average daily viewership of four million—more than half from overseas, League of Legends Champions Korea is recognized as a global premium Esports product. The LCK Road to MSI 2025 is expected to draw worldwide attention and further reinforce Busan’s reputation as an Esports mecca.□ The city’s comprehensive support, from planning through execution, will help ensure a smooth and successful tournament. The influx of domestic and international Esports enthusiasts will not only boost Busan’s glo

Busan Publishes ‘2025 Taste of Busan’, Bridging Culinary Tradition and Modernity

Busan Publishes ‘2025 Taste of Busan’, Bridging Culinary Tradition and Modernity□ On March 31, 2025, Busan Metropolitan City announced the release of the guidebook, 2025 Taste of Busan, which celebrates the city's dynamic gastronomy culture at the crossroads of tradition and modernity.□ The guidebook introduces 150 of Busan’s top restaurants and rich gastronomic heritage in four languages: Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.□ 2025 Taste of Busan shares intriguing stories behind beloved eateries, interviews with influential chefs who shape current trends, and insights into iconic food alleys and regional specialty dishes.○ It showcases 13 specialty dishes*, detailing their origins, key characteristics, and recommended spots to enjoy them.* Dongnae Pajeon (green onion pancake), sliced raw fish, black goat bulgogi, grilled hagfish, Haemultang (spicy seafood soup), braised monkfish, Jaecheopguk (marsh clam soup), Nakjibokkeum (spicy stir-fried small octopus), Milmyeon (cold wheat noodles), Dwaejigukbap (pork soup), Bokguk (pufferfish soup), braised crucian carp, and grilled conger eel○ B-FOOD Recipes, crafted with signature local ingredients like Myeongji green onions, Daejeo Jjapjjari tomatoes, and Yeong-do Jonaegi sweet potatoes, also promise a uniquely flavorful experience.□ A standout addition this year is the inclusion of QR codes linking to multilingual menus at 50 restaurants selected through Busan’s Multilingual Digital Menu Project in 2024, improving accessibility for international travelers.○ These digital menus are available in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Russian, and Arabic.□ 2025 Taste of Busan can be viewed or downloaded via the Busan Tourism Portal (www.visitbusan.net Traveler Guides Guidebook Map).○ Printed copies will be distributed to participating restaurants, tourist information centers, consulates, the Busan Tourism Organization, and relevant divisions in each of the city’s