This was the perspective shared by Professor Eje Kim (pictured), a social studies education expert at Gyeongin National University of Education, on the 16th. According to Professor Kim, Busan, with its attractive environment for foreigners, requires a differentiated approach to increase its resident population. An expert on Southeast Asia and a geographer actively involved in international exchange and foreign student education, Professor Kim also serves as the chairperson of the "Great Geographic Society (GGS)."
"Busan is a hub for logistics and maritime industries and boasts universities specializing in foreign languages and regional studies. However, a broader strategy beyond Southeast Asia is essential," Kim emphasized.
She further suggested that Busan should strengthen its policies for international students, stating that retaining foreign graduates in the city is vital for it to become a truly global city. She recommended that universities focus on their specialized fields to attract high-caliber international students and diversify the nationalities of students, currently concentrated in Southeast Asia, to include Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
"Take the example of the UK, where even rural pubs serve Thai curry instead of traditional fish and chips, thanks to Thai women who have settled there through marriage and started businesses. This has enriched British food culture. Similarly, in New York City, you can savor top-notch cuisines from around the world, adding to the city’s vibrancy and appeal."
Professor Kim also suggested creating policies to make Busan a place where foreigners can dream, start businesses, and build their futures. She noted that with its lower cost of living compared to Seoul and its abundance of underutilized spaces, Busan is well-positioned to attract foreign talent across various industries beyond just food and beverage.
"After German reunification, the mayor of Berlin used the slogan 'Poor but sexy' to attract creative talents, artists, and tech nomads from around the globe. Busan, with its strong cultural and artistic foundation, could adopt a similar strategy to attract international artists and make them feel at home."
Professor Kim highlighted the role of Busan’s vibrant cultural scene, including the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and the Busan Biennale, as well as the educational opportunities offered by institutions like the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA). By leveraging its natural strengths and enhancing its cultural industries, Busan could become a magnet for young and creative international artists. She also proposed practical policies such as activating workspaces for artists and introducing artist visas.
She concluded by stressing the importance of specificity in policy-making: "Rather than using abstract terms like 'global' or 'foreigner,' policymakers should identify specific countries and regions that align with Busan's goals. Analyzing the current state of foreign residents in Busan and focusing on diversity rather than just the proportion of foreigners will be key to crafting effective policies."
Sources: Busan Daily Newspaper (2025. 1. 16)
Busan Daily Newspaper Interview
https://naver.me/F9NmKM3p
