Culture ministry and Busan agree to broaden policy cooperation

The culture ministry said Monday it and Busan will broaden cooperation on cultural, sports and tourism policy after Minister Choi Hwi-young met Mayor Jeon Jae-su during a library conference in the city.

The framework moves beyond case-by-case project consultations to ongoing communication across culture, sports and tourism.

The meeting followed the Aug. 10 opening of the 2026 Busan World Library and Information Congress at BEXCO. Choi and Jeon toured the exhibition space, reviewing congress operations and displays from participating countries. Hosted by the International Federation of Library Associations, the congress is being held under the theme "Libraries Powering Transformation" and runs through Thursday. About 3,000 people from more than 120 countries have come to Busan.

At a luncheon, Jeon sought central-government backing for Busan's cultural, sports and tourism priorities, including construction of a multipurpose dome stadium. Choi introduced culture ministry programs and urged Busan to participate in Dream Arts Troupe and Culture Day. Dream Arts Troupe expands cultural and arts education opportunities for children and teenagers, while Culture Day increases opportunities for cultural participation from monthly to weekly.

"Busan has assets other cities find hard to match, from its maritime and port sectors to film and video, and we will spare no support for it to serve as a cultural hub for the southern region," Choi said.

Ministry and city officials will develop the matters discussed at the meeting at a working level, the ministry said.