Busan has taken a major step forward in strengthening its digital competitiveness within the tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sectors. The Busan Tourism Organization (BTO), led by President Lee Jung-sil, announced on September 10, 2026, that the newly developed private web service "Busan Unique Venue Map" officially launched its services on September 3. This innovative platform successfully transforms raw public data into a user-centric, highly efficient spatial information tool for event planners and global visitors alike.

Unlocking 80 MICE Facilities Through Public-Private Collaboration 

The creation of the "Busan Unique Venue Map" stems from the full utilization of 80 MICE-related facility data entries previously opened to the public by the BTO under the "Busan MICE Alliance_Unique Venue" initiative. Rather than letting these datasets remain as simple, text-based lists, a private enterprise leveraged cutting-edge technology and creative ideas to convert the raw information into an interactive digital map.

The platform comprehensively displays 80 key facilities across the coastal metropolis, categorized into distinct segments: 20 unique venues that capture Busan's distinct cultural flair and scenic beauty, 56 hotels and accommodations, 2 convention centers, and 2 academic or institutional organizations. By consolidating these options into a single interface, event organizers can seamlessly survey the city's infrastructure without navigating multiple disparate websites. 

Advanced Mapping Features and User-Centric Design

One of the most notable technical improvements in the "Busan Unique Venue Map" is the conversion of traditional address-based text data into precise coordinate-based mapping visualization. This spatial integration allows users to pinpoint exact locations across the city's diverse geography—ranging from coastal landmarks in Haeundae and Gwangalli to urban business districts.

Furthermore, the platform incorporates multi-layered filtering options and search capabilities:

Facility Type Filtering: Users can effortlessly narrow down choices based on whether they need a specialized unique venue, a high-capacity hotel ballroom, or an institutional convention space.
District (Gu-Gun) Filtering: Planners can target specific administrative regions of Busan to match logistics, accommodation proximity, and transportation networks.
Keyword and Name Search: Direct search functions enable users to find specific venues instantly by name.
These features collectively eliminate the friction traditionally associated with event planning, transforming static municipal records into an intuitive spatial service optimized for rapid comparison and decision-making.

Realizing a Virtuous Cycle of Public Data Utilization

Industry experts view this project as a benchmark model for a true data-driven ecosystem: "Public Data Opening → Private Processing and Service Development → Public and Corporate Utilization". Instead of stopping at passive data disclosure, the BTO actively fostered an environment where public administrative assets meet private sector agility and technological capability.

This synergy not only elevates the practical utility of public assets but also demonstrates how local governments and tourism authorities can empower private developers to build creative commercial and public-interest solutions.

Future Outlook and Strategic Vision for Busan's MICE Industry

Building upon the success of the Unique Venue Map, the Busan Tourism Organization plans to expand its data-sharing framework. The organization intends to continuously discover and open high-value public datasets spanning broader tourism and MICE verticals. By lowering barriers to entry for tech innovators, BTO aims to catalyze new business models, startup ventures, and tech-driven service creation.

Reflecting on the milestone, BTO President Lee Jung-sil emphasized the core philosophy behind the initiative: "The true value of public data is fully realized when it extends beyond mere openness to deliver practical services and fresh economic value that citizens and businesses can actually use. We will continue to unearth high-quality tourism data that the private sector can easily leverage, thereby elevating the overall digital competitiveness of Busan's tourism industry."

As Busan continues to position itself as a premier global hub for international conventions and leisure tourism, initiatives like the "Busan Unique Venue Map" highlight how smart governance and open innovation can redefine urban mobility, business tourism, and digital public services.

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