Busan Institute of Urban Affairs to Hold Academic Forum on "Research Cooperation Project for World Heritage Registration: Refuge City Busan"

The Busan Institute of Urban Affairs (President: Shin Hyunseok) will hold the "1st Academic Forum on the Research Cooperation Project for Promoting the Registration of the 2025 World Heritage Site: Refuge City Busan" at 2 p.m. on April 25. The event is co-hosted with the Busan Metropolitan City and will take place at Busan Citizens Park, one of the heritage sites of Refuge City Busan.

This forum, under the theme "Solidarity and International Cooperation during the Refuge City Period," will shed light on the international aid provided by the United Nations in Busan during the war, the accommodation of refugees, and relief activities for war orphans. The program consists of three thematic presentations and a comprehensive expert discussion, and is open to all citizens.

The thematic presentations will be delivered by Professor Han Bongseok (Pukyong National University) on "A Cold War Interpretation of Humanitarian Relief during the Refuge City Period," Special Researcher Seo Manil (Dong-A University Seokdang Academy of Academic Research) on "Refugees and Camps in Busan during the Korean War," and Pyo Jiyeong (Academy of Korean Studies) on "Relief and Support Activities for War Orphans in Refuge City Busan."

Afterwards, a comprehensive discussion among World Heritage experts will follow, featuring Professor Kim Hongsoo (Pusan National University Department of Ethics Education), Professor Jeon Sunghyun (Dong-A University Department of History), and Dr. Cho Doowon (Vice Chair of ICOMOS Korea Committee), among others.

Through this forum, the Busan Institute of Urban Affairs aims to re-examine the historical value of Refuge City Busan and to strengthen the academic foundation for its registration as a World Heritage Site in 2025.

The Busan Institute of Urban Affairs has carried out a wide range of research activities, including investigating the historical and cultural resources of Refuge City Busan, developing storytelling content, and establishing registration strategies. The institute plans to continue sharing and promoting the World Heritage value of Refuge City Busan with citizens in the future.

Poster for the 1st Academic Forum on the Research Cooperation Project for Promoting the Registration of the 2025 World Heritage Site: Refuge City Busan.