‘From Busanpo to Busanhang, into 600 Years of Time’… Busan Urban Corporation Holds Smart BOOK Morning

A Time to Explore Busan's Identity and Potential

Busan Metropolitan Corporation (BMC) held the 26th meeting of the ‘Smart BOOK Morning’ program, which is operated to enhance organizational agility and strengthen capabilities as a public developer.

Busan Urban Corporation is holding the Smart BOOK Morning event and taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Busan Urban Corporation

‘Smart BOOK Morning’ is a learning gathering that has been held every last Wednesday morning since its first meeting in July 2022 at the corporation.

Starting this year, it has been reorganized into ‘Smart BOOK Morning 3.0,’ covering a wide range of urban-related topics such as urban sociology and urban humanities. About 70 employees and executives, along with internal and external participants including members of the Busan City Council, attend to listen to lectures and engage in discussions together.

This event featured a special lecture by Professor Kang Dong-jin from the Department of Urban Planning at Kyungsung University, under the theme ‘From Busanpo to Busan Port, Through 600 Years of Time.’

Professor Kang Dong-jin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Sungkyunkwan University and his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Urban Design from Seoul National University Graduate School of Environmental Studies. He currently serves as a member of the Cultural Heritage Committee at the Cultural Heritage Administration and as a member of the Busan Urban Regeneration Committee.

In his lecture, Professor Kang provided an in-depth explanation of Busan’s historical transformation and changes in urban space. He particularly explained the process of Busanpo’s development through the opening of the port into its modern form within a historical context, arguing that understanding the city’s past and identity is essential for planning its future.

He also noted that the current appearance of Busan resembles a patchwork quilt, emphasizing the importance of BMC’s role in maintaining Busan’s identity and combining the pieces for regional development.

Shin Chang-ho, President of Busan Metropolitan Corporation, stated, “The current appearance of Busan has been shaped through repeated changes alongside various historical events,” and added, “We will do our best to understand Busan’s historical characteristics and identity and to create Busan’s future.”