Busan Mayor announces 100 billion won cultural fund

Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo held a town hall meeting to outline the city’s cultural policies for his current term, emphasizing the goal of establishing Busan as a “cultural basic city.” Key promises include the creation of a 100 billion won cultural arts fund, the development of a complex cultural exhibition space at North Port, and the implementation of the ‘Munhwa Masil’ project, which utilizes private facilities like cafes as cultural spaces.

The meeting also served as a forum for debating controversial projects initiated by the previous administration. Citizens and experts expressed conflicting views regarding the establishment of a Pompidou Center branch and hosting performances by Teatro alla Scala. Supporters argued these projects would enhance Busan’s brand value and tourism assets, while opponents raised concerns over high operating costs and the potential loss of natural ecological spaces.

Mayor Jeon stated that while he had previously suggested reconsidering these projects during his campaign, he intends to ensure procedural legitimacy by seeking direct input from citizens on these significant urban issues.