President Lee Declares Busan Maritime Capital, Vows to Open Ministry Era

President Lee Jae-myung announced a bold vision to transform Busan into South Korea's undisputed maritime capital and elevate the southeastern region into a "Southern Maritime Capital Region" to achieve balanced national development. Speaking at the 31st Navy Day ceremony in Busan, Lee emphasized his commitment to fully establishing the era of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in the city.

“

We will fully open the era of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in Busan.

"We will fully open the era of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in Busan," Lee declared. His plan involves not only relocating maritime businesses and related public institutions but also swiftly establishing the Maritime Court, for which legislation is complete. Furthermore, he pledged to expedite the creation of a maritime cluster, including a Southeast Investment Corporation, once parliamentary discussions conclude.

“

This is not just a regional development project. It is a survival strategy for Korea to survive fierce competition and a balanced growth strategy that directly links the vision of a maritime powerhouse with jobs and regional vitality.

Lee highlighted the surge in university admission competition rates for maritime studies in Busan following the ministry's relocation, interpreting it as a sign of youth seeking future opportunities in the maritime sector. "The government will surely live up to the expectations of the young people who have chosen the sea to discover Korea's future and find new opportunities at sea," he stated.

“

The government will surely live up to the expectations of the young people who have chosen the sea to discover Korea's future and find new opportunities at sea.

The president framed the "Southern Maritime Capital Region" initiative, centered around Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang Province, not merely as regional development but as a "survival strategy for Korea to survive fierce competition" and a "balanced growth strategy that directly links the vision of a maritime powerhouse with jobs and regional vitality." He promised to enhance logistics infrastructure connecting ports, airports, railways, and roads, and to build a maritime tourism belt along the southern coast, creating a maritime economic zone that can compete globally. Lee also affirmed that the shipping industry, crucial for national economy and security, will be nurtured as a strategic national industry.

“

Under the recognition that the shipping industry is not just a logistics industry but a core industry that firmly supports the nation's economy and security, we will foster our shipping and port industries as national strategic industries.