Busan City to Host 'Ocean Week'

BEXCO from 27th to 31st, with participation from city, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, marine public enterprises, research institutes, associations, and companies

Opening Ceremony - Leaders' Talk Concert, Marine Environment, Economy and Industry Leaders' Summit, Online Conference

Busan City has designated the period from the 27th to the 31st as '2024 Ocean Week' and will hold a variety of events at BEXCO during this time.

Busan City Hall.

The events held during '2024 Ocean Week' are organized to bring together the city, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, public enterprises in the maritime sector, research institutes, associations, and companies to explore new pathways for the marine industry and to establish Korea as a leading global maritime nation. The city and the International Newspaper will jointly manage the event.

Main events include the Opening Ceremony, Heads of Institutions Talk Concert, Marine Environment Conference, Marine Economy Conference, Marine Industry Leaders Summit, and Online Marine Conference.

First, at 10 a.m. on the 27th, the Ocean Week Opening Ceremony and Heads of Institutions Talk Concert will take place.

Attendees will include Mayor Park Hyungjoon, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Dohyung, and Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Yang Jaesaeng, who will officially announce the start of 2024 Ocean Week.

Following the opening ceremony, the Heads of Institutions Talk Concert will be held under the theme 'What the Ocean Means to Us,' where representatives from educational and research institutes and companies in the marine sector will discuss the future vision for the ocean.

At 2 p.m. on the same day, the 'Fisheries Development Conference' will continue at BEXCO, where marine experts will engage in heated discussions on the theme of 'Revitalizing Fishing Villages and Coastal Areas to Make Them Desirable Places to Live and Visit.'

At 10:30 a.m. on the 28th, the 'Marine Environment Conference' will be held to discuss response strategies to rapid changes in the marine environment.

Sessions will cover topics such as ▲Social Value Management (ESG) and the Development of Functional Materials for Marine Environment Improvement ▲Restoration of Marine Ecosystems Using Water-Soluble Glass Powder, exploring proactive measures to respond to rapidly changing marine environments.

At 10:30 a.m. on the 29th, the 'Marine Economy Conference' will take place to explore directions for the development of the global marine industry.

Discussions will address recent issues in the marine industry, such as ▲The Era of Arctic Shipping Routes and the Direction of the K-Shipbuilding Equipment Industry ▲Globalization Strategies for Port Industries in the Era of Digital Transformation ▲The Role of Ship Finance in the Development of the Shipping Industry.

At 2 p.m. on the 30th, the 'Marine Industry Leaders Summit' will be held to establish a cooperative system among leaders in the marine sector, industry, academia, and research institutes.

Topics will include ▲The Value of Big Data in the Marine and Fisheries Industry ▲Success Analysis of Global Shipbuilding Equipment Companies, sharing knowledge on new marine industries and discussing ways to establish cooperation among industry, academia, and research.

In particular, the 'Leaders Summit' will also feature an awards ceremony for the 'Outstanding Legislative Award,' which is given to city council members who have contributed to the development of Busan's marine industry through active legislative activities.

The honor will be awarded to three Busan City Council members: Park Jongyul (Buk-gu 4), Lim Malsook (Haeundae-gu 2), and Lee Seungyeon (Suyeong-gu 2).

At 10:30 a.m. on the 31st, the 'Online Marine Conference' will be held to discuss current issues and future directions for the marine industry.

In-depth discussions will be held on response strategies to the recent global logistics crisis and the current status and future of cruise tourism.

Notably, this academic conference will be conducted in an interactive format via a web platform, allowing any citizen to participate easily.

In addition, a variety of side events will be held in celebration of '2024 Ocean Week.'

Events such as the '17th Busan Port Festival,' 'Marine Environment Cleanup Activities with Citizens,' '9th Small Satellite Workshop on Marine Environment Observation Satellites,' and the '28th National Sea Love Literary Contest' will take place.

Mayor Park Hyungjoon stated, "Through the diverse events held during 2024 Ocean Week, we expect Busan to explore ways to develop as a global maritime city and promote sustainable growth in the marine industry," adding, "With various side events also being held, we ask for the interest and participation of all citizens in 2024 Ocean Week."