If you write someone’s name in Korea, don’t write it in red.
Many of us are aware of this silly superstition, but still many people (especially the elderly) feel uncomfortable seeing names written in red ink.
Names written in red symbolize death and/or bad luck. 
Three new slogans are currently in the running to replace Busan’s old slogan, “Dynamic Busan”.
Busan city announced that it has narrowed down the competition to three remaining slogans, which were submitted by 13,000 citizens and experts.
A survey will be conducted on the three finalists from January 4th to the 10th through the website: www.busanbrand.co.kr.
The final candidates for the city slogan competition are as follows: 1) Busan is Good. 2) Bridge for All, Busan 3) True Place, Busan.
The results will be announced on January 13th.
The city of Busan has recently released the Busan citizens’ satisfaction rate report after surveying over 30,000 citizens above the age of 15 from September to October of last year.
On average, Busan citizens said that they would give living here a six out of ten. In 2020, Busan citizens gave living here a 5.8 out of 10, and a 5.9 out of 10 in 2021.
When those between 15 and 39 years old were asked if they had plans to move to another city, surprisingly, 82% said that they did not. Only 18% of them said that they would move to a different city. When asked why they would move, over 60% said that they would leave to find more job opportunities.
When the participants were asked, “what is the most satisfying thing about Busan?” they responded with the beautiful green environment. On the other hand, they said that the noise in the city was the least satisfying part of Busan.
Gwangalli M Drone Light Show is a FREE attraction that is held every Saturday in front of Gwangalli Beach. It has quickly become one of the most popular attractions in the Gwagalli area.
Check out the line-up for January.
January 7th : Drones will decorate the sky with a North Pole theme.
January 14th : Drones will display winter sports in the sky.
January 21st : There are usually two drone shows on Saturday, one at 7pm and one at 9pm. In order to celebrate the Lunar New Year aka Seollal, a total of 1,500 drones will create a Seollal themed performance at 7 pm.
January 28th : Things relating to “Frozen” will be displayed in the sky.
When: Twice every Saturday
Drone show starting time: 8:00 pm & 10:00 pm (March – September)
7:00 pm & 9:00 pm (October – February)
Location: Gwangalli Beach
How to get there: Gwangan Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 3 or Exit 5
Tips: Parking is extremely difficult in the Gwangalli area, especially on the weekend. I highly recommend you use public transportation.
Happy New Year! The new year has officially begun. I hope 2023 will be extraordinary for everyone!
Since we just started the new year, I think now is the perfect time to introduce you to this Korean idiom, “액땜.”
This idiom can be used if a bad thing happens especially before the start of something new, like the beginning of a new year, a semester, or vacation.
액땜 means, “If you are experiencing something bad now, you are lucky because that bad thing will prevent something worse from happening in the future.”
For example, if you lost your wallet before you went on a trip and you had to replace your driver’s license and credit card. Then people around you might say, “액땜했어,” meaning, “the bad luck you just had will prevent something from going wrong while you travel.”
In the word “액땜하다,” “the bad thing” is considered a “vaccination.”
I wonder if your culture has a similar expression. If so, leave a comment below!
Busan Travel & Living 