Busan Civic Groups Propose 15 Maritime Capital Policies to Mayoral Candidates

A coalition of six influential civic organizations in Busan has put forth a comprehensive set of 15 policy proposals aimed at realizing the city's long-held ambition of becoming a leading maritime capital. Addressing the candidates vying for the Busan mayorship in the upcoming June 3 local elections, these groups, including the Maritime Capital Busan Development Council and the Busan Port Development Council, have urged them to adopt these proposals as campaign pledges and present concrete action plans by May 14.

The proposals tackle critical areas for Busan's maritime future. A central theme is the relocation of key maritime-related public institutions currently based in Seoul and Sejong City to Busan. This includes entities like the Korea Maritime Institute, Korea Maritime and Ocean Transport Safety Corporation, and the headquarters of HMM (formerly Hyundai Merchant Marine). Furthermore, the groups advocate for developing Busan into a global maritime law center, complete with specialized graduate schools and training centers to support the planned Busan Maritime Arbitration Center, aiming to provide comprehensive dispute resolution services from arbitration to litigation.

Recognizing the burgeoning importance of Arctic routes, the proposals call for establishing Busan as a central hub for Arctic research. This involves leveraging the research capabilities of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology and its icebreaker assets to position Busan at the forefront of polar research. The goal is to capitalize on the logistical and service demands arising from the increased Arctic shipping traffic, ensuring Busan Port secures a significant share.

The civic groups also highlighted the need to enhance Busan's role in global maritime finance. Despite South Korea being a major player in shipping volume, the proposals point out the lack of high-value-added maritime financial services. They suggest establishing an international maritime asset exchange, moving beyond simple freight index trading to encompass physical and derivative transactions.

Other significant recommendations include the strategic placement of maritime and customs agencies within the Busan Port North Port redevelopment area, the relocation of the US military supply base in Beomil-dong to facilitate the second phase of the North Port redevelopment, and the establishment of a unified development authority for the port. The proposals also touch upon broader urban development issues, such as the early opening of the Gadeokdo New Airport, the implementation of differentiated electricity rates for the region, the public conversion of Chilseong Hospital, and the advancement of the Southeast Mega City initiative. The Hankyoreh views these proposals as a vital roadmap for Busan's future, reflecting the city's determination to leverage its geographical advantages and transform itself into a globally competitive maritime hub, a narrative that resonates deeply with our commitment to regional development and national progress.

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Busan mayoral candidates should adopt the 15 policy tasks for realizing a maritime capital and presenting specific action plans.