Busan history

The history of Busan, one of South Korea's most significant cities, is rooted in deep antiquity. Its development over the centuries has been inextricably linked to its unique geographical location and its role as the maritime gateway to the Korean Peninsula.

Foundation and First Mentions

• Ancient Settlements: Archaeological findings indicate that people lived in this territory as early as the Neolithic era, engaging primarily in fishing. Later, during the Iron Age, centres for iron production appeared here.
• First States: In the early centuries AD, the settlement was known as Gochilsanguk (or Gaya) and was part of the Jinhan tribal confederacy. Later, this territory became part of one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea — the Silla Kingdom.
• Change of Names: In 757, the city was named Dongnae. The modern name Busan (釜山), meaning "Cauldron Mountain", was first mentioned in documents from the Joseon era (XIV–XIX centuries). The name was given due to the characteristic shape of the mountain at the foot of which the port was located.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geography: Its location on the southeastern tip of the peninsula, in a convenient bay of the Korea Strait, predetermined its destiny as a strategically important port.
• Trade: As early as the 15th century, during the Joseon era, Busan became the country's main trading port, through which active trade with Japan was conducted. After a period of isolation, the port was reopened for trade in 1876, which triggered its rapid development.
• Political Role: In different historical periods, Busan played an important military and administrative role. During the Korean War (1950–1953), the city served as the temporary capital of the Republic of Korea and the main bridgehead for UN forces, which saved it from significant destruction.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

• Economic Growth in the Silla Era: The period within the Silla Kingdom was characterized by a significant cultural and economic rise in the region.
• Maritime Centre: The foundation of the early economy consisted of fishing, navigation, and trade.
• Gateway to Japan: In the Joseon era, the port, known as Busanpo, became a key centre for Korean-Japanese trade and diplomatic relations, securing the city's status as the country's most important international hub.

Chronology of Busan's History

The history of Busan is a chronicle of the transformation of an ancient coastal settlement into one of Asia's largest metropolises and vital maritime hubs. Key events reflect its strategic importance and dynamic development over the centuries.

• 6th Century: The settlement at the site of modern Busan, known as Gochilsangun, becomes part of the proto-state entity Gaya, and is subsequently absorbed by the Silla Kingdom.
• 757: During the Unified Silla era, the city receives the name Dongnae.
• Early 15th Century: During the Joseon Dynasty, the port, known as Busanpo, becomes the main centre for official trade and diplomatic relations with Japan.
• 1592: Busan becomes the first city to be attacked during the Japanese invasion of Korea (Imjin War).
• 1876: As a result of the signing of the Treaty of Ganghwa, the port of Busan opens to international trade, giving a powerful impetus to its modernisation and growth.
• 1950–1953: During the Korean War, the city becomes the temporary capital of the Republic of Korea and the main humanitarian and military hub for UN forces.
• 1963: Busan is granted the status of a direct-controlled city, separating it from Gyeongsangnam-do province and providing a new impulse for development.
• 1995: The city's status changes to a Metropolitan City (Gwangyeoksi), strengthening its self-governance.
• 2002: The city hosts the 14th Asian Games and serves as one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup.
• 2005: Busan becomes the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, welcoming leaders from 21 countries.

Key Milestones in Busan's Development

The transformation of Busan from a fishing village into a thriving metropolis is the result of a series of key events that defined its economic, cultural, and urban character.

• Opening of the Port to International Trade (1876): This event was a turning point in the city's history. Busan began to develop rapidly as an international trade hub, leading to modernisation and an influx of foreign capital.
• Period as Temporary Capital (1950–1953): During the Korean War, Busan served as the temporary capital of the Republic of Korea. This caused a sharp increase in population due to refugees, which, on the one hand, led to chaotic construction, but on the other, strengthened its status as the country's main logistical and humanitarian centre.
• Industrial Boom (1970–1980s): During this period, Busan became the heart of South Korea's heavy industry, particularly shipbuilding, metalworking, and mechanical engineering. This defined the city's economic profile for decades to come and made its port one of the busiest in the world.
• Hosting Major International Events: The 1986 Asian Games, the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and the 2005 APEC Summit gave a powerful boost to urban infrastructure development. New stadiums, roads, and exhibition centres were built, enhancing Busan's international prestige.
• Founding of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) (1996): This event became a crucial cultural milestone. The festival quickly gained status as one of the most influential in Asia, turning Busan into a "City of Cinema" and a centre for the creative industry.
• Development of Centum City (2000s): An ultra-modern business, shopping, and entertainment district was built on the site of the former airport. Its main symbol became the Shinsegae Department Store, the largest in the world, marking the transition from an industrial economy to the service and high-tech sectors.
• Busan New Port Project: The continuing large-scale expansion of port facilities is a strategic project aimed at strengthening the city's position as a leading logistics hub in Northeast Asia in the 21st century.

The architectural appearance of Busan is a unique combination of traditional Korean motifs, traces of the turbulent 20th-century history, and the futuristic ambitions of one of Asia's most modern cities. The city's development from an ancient port to a high-tech metropolis is directly reflected in its buildings and layout.

Traditional Architecture and Early Development

Despite rapid modernisation, islands of traditional Korean architecture, harmoniously blended with nature, have been preserved in Busan. A vivid example is the Buddhist Beomeosa Temple, located on a mountain slope. Its pavilions with curved tiled roofs and wooden structures are examples of architecture from the Silla era and subsequent dynasties. Historically, the city's development was concentrated around the port, which served as the main centre of trade with Japan since the 15th century.

Chaotic Development during the Korean War

One of Busan's most unusual architectural landscapes was formed out of necessity. During the Korean War (1950–1953), the city became the temporary capital and accepted hundreds of thousands of refugees. This led to the emergence of dense, tiered housing on steep mountain slopes. The most famous example is the Gamcheon Culture Village. Initially, these were poor neighbourhoods, but in 2009, thanks to an art project, the houses were painted in bright colours and the streets decorated with installations, turning the area into a famous attraction often called the "Korean Santorini".

Era of Modernism and Industrialisation

The period of the economic miracle in South Korea (1970–1990s) was marked in Busan by the construction of functional modernist buildings, high-rise residential complexes, and large-scale infrastructure projects. The city grew as an industrial and logistical centre, which required pragmatic architectural solutions. During this time, the foundations of the modern metropolis with its wide highways and dense urban districts were laid.

Postmodernism and Futurism: The Modern Look

Since the late 1990s, Busan's architecture has become a reflection of its status as an international cultural and business centre. This period is characterised by the appearance of iconic buildings in postmodern, high-tech, and deconstructivist styles.

• Centum City: This ultra-modern district, built on the site of the old airport, is a showcase of the latest architecture. It houses the world's largest department store, "Shinsegae", and the famous Busan Cinema Centre (Dureraum). The cinema centre building, designed by the Austrian firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, is known for its massive cantilevered roof with LED lighting, which has become a symbol of the Busan International Film Festival.
• Marine City Skyscrapers: The skyscraper district on the coast, including dominants such as Haeundae I'Park and Doosan Haeundae We've the Zenith, forms an impressive futuristic skyline, which is often compared to the views of Hong Kong or Dubai.
• Iconic Bridges: Engineering structures have also become an important part of the architectural landscape. The double-deck suspension Gwangan Bridge (or "Diamond Bridge"), stretching 7.4 km, is not just a transport artery but one of the city's main attractions, especially thanks to its night-time illumination.

Today, Busan's architecture continues to develop dynamically, combining respect for history, bold engineering solutions, and aspirations for the future, making it one of the most interesting cities in the world to explore.

Notable People Associated with Busan

Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, has given the world many talented and influential people who have left their mark on history, politics, culture, and sports. Here are some of them:

• An Yong-bok (17th Century)

  Role/Profession: Fisherman, folk diplomat of the Joseon era.
  Significance: A historical figure famous for his bold journeys to Japan to assert Korean sovereignty over the islands of Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Being a native of Dongnae (a historical district of Busan), he became a symbol of defending national interests.

• Roh Moo-hyun (1946–2009)

  Role/Profession: 9th President of the Republic of Korea, human rights lawyer.
  Significance: Although born near Busan, his political and human rights career is inextricably linked to this city. He graduated from a commercial high school in Busan and later opened a law office here, defending activists of the democratic movement. In 1988, he was elected to parliament from one of Busan's districts. His activities had a huge impact on the democratisation of the country.

• Jeon Jung-kook (born 1997) and Park Ji-min (born 1995)

  Role/Profession: Musicians, members of the world-famous group BTS.
  Significance: Both artists were born and raised in Busan. As members of one of the most popular music groups in history, they have become global icons and proudly represent their hometown on the world stage, attracting immense attention to it.

• Gong Yoo (born 1979)

  Role/Profession: Actor.
  Significance: One of the most recognisable Korean actors internationally, a native of Busan. He gained worldwide fame thanks to his leading role in the film "Train to Busan", which is symbolically linked to his hometown and became a global hit, introducing millions of viewers to Korean cinema.

• Choi Min-sik (born 1962)

  Role/Profession: Actor.
  Significance: A critically acclaimed actor born in Busan. Best known for his leading role in the cult film "Oldboy", which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and became a milestone in the history of modern Korean cinema. He is considered one of the most outstanding actors of his generation.

• Simon Dominic (born 1984)

  Role/Profession: Rapper, producer.
  Significance: A native of Busan, Jung Ki-suck (real name) is one of the key figures in the Korean hip-hop scene. As a co-founder of the influential label AOMG, he has made a significant contribution to the development and popularisation of the genre in South Korea and beyond.