Busan, South Korea – The Busan Metropolitan Government announced that it will host a special academic conference commemorating the 150th anniversary of the port's opening. The event is scheduled to run for two days, from November 6 to 7, at the Grand Conference Room on the first floor of Busan City Hall.

Co-organized by six prominent institutions—including the Busan Metropolitan Government, the Pukyong Historical Research Institute, the Hyowon Historical Society, Dong-A University, Pusan National University, the Busan-Gyeongnam Historical Society, and the National Institute of Korean History—the conference aims to comprehensively examine Busan's historical transformation over the past century and a half. Sessions will focus on urban spatial changes, the development of logistics and distribution networks, and the activities of key historical figures.

Conference Program Overview

The two-day conference is divided into four distinct sessions, featuring presentations and panel discussions exploring the political, diplomatic, economic, social, and cultural evolution of modern Busan:

Day 1 – Session 1: 150 Years Since the Port Opening and Busan

Features a keynote presentation tracing Busan's urban developmental history and its growth into a global maritime city across 50-year, 100-year, and 150-year milestones.

Day 1 – Session 2: Busan Port and Namsun Warehouse After the Port Opening

Analyzes Busan Port's cargo distribution networks, the economic activities of Korean merchants, and the historical role played by the Namsun Warehouse in the regional distribution economy.

Day 2 – Session 3: Foreigners' Perception of the Era and Busan During the Open Port Period

Sheds light on Busan's internationalization process, the establishment of modern institutions through foreign activities, and the contemporary perceptions reflected during this era.

Day 2 – Session 4: Transitional Era and Key Figures

Highlights the social networks of pivotal figures during the modern transition period—such as Park Gi-jong and Min Geon-ho—alongside regional societal responses, including Korea-Japan Buddhist exchanges.

Event Information

Dates: November 6 – November 7
Venue: Grand Conference Room (1st Floor), Busan City Hall
Eligibility: Open to all citizens interested in Busan's history and culture.
Inquiries: For more details, visit the official website of the Busan Metropolitan City History Compilation Committee (www.bssisa.com) or contact the city's Cultural Heritage Division at 051-888-5058.
Cho Yu-jang, Director-General of Busan’s Culture Bureau, remarked, "This academic conference is designed to provide a multi-dimensional understanding of Busan's post-opening transformation by looking beyond a simple chronological timeline to encompass international relations, economic activities, spatial formation, and community responses." He added, "We hope this event will re-examine Busan's historical identity and development process while sharing the profound significance of modern and contemporary history with the wider public."

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