Busan Haeundae named South Korea's first Global Tourism Special Zone

The Haeundae area of Busan has been selected as the nation’s inaugural "Global Tourism Special Zone" under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s flagship project. The designation covers a 6.2 km² zone that includes Haeundae and Songjeong beaches, Gunan‑ro, the Film Museum, the APEC House, BEXCO and Dalmaji Hill.

From 2026 to 2027, a total of 60 billion won (including 30 billion won of national funding) will be allocated to expand “killer‑content,” smart‑technology services and AI‑based 24‑hour unmanned tourist information kiosks, as well as a foreign‑visitor smart‑payment system. The plan aims to shift Haeundae from a day‑trip destination to a stay‑over tourism hub that can attract up to 6 million foreign visitors.

Busan Mayor Jeon Jae‑soo highlighted the move as a recognition of the city’s long‑standing tourism brand and its ambition to become a global hub where work, recreation and culture coexist.