The Beat October 2002

Half-Marathon A Big Success
The first Busan Sea Half-Marathon was a success as it attracted 15,000 contestants. Busan Ilbo sponsored the race, which started at Haeundae Olympic Park and continued along Gwangan bridge. This contest celebrated the upcoming Busan Asian Games, and commemorated the opening of Gwangan Bridge. Nearly 75% of the runners successfully completed the course.
The male half course (21.0975 km) winner was Yoo Ik Sang, completing the course in 1:13.19. The female winner was Bae Jeong Im, finishing the course in 1:31.06.
Translation by Lee LeeHwa

Daylighting of Busan Busses
In accordance with a new policy, all urban buses must be driven with their headlights on. This policy came into effect on September 9th and will soon be evaluated for its effective in increasing safety.
Translation by Hong ShinAe

High hopes for Busan Airport
According to the Ministry of Construction and Transportation , a lack of direct international flights from Incheon Airport resulted in passengers paying an additional 144.7 billion won last year.
Thus, Busan is trying hard to promote its efforts to build an internationally renowned airport that can take advantage of this situation. To that end, it has provided additional funds in next years budget to further enhance Busan's Gimhae airport. Busan officials are hoping to persuade Ministry of Construction and Transportation officials into increasing the number of direct international flights from Gimhae airport. They contend that this would potentially put Gimhae on a more even par with Incheon by providing more symmetry to the nation's air travel facilities.
Busan is planning to host a symposium based on 'The Strategy of Developing a Southern International Airport' in November to increase residents' support for the idea.
Translation by Kim Hye Jin

Icons retire Song JeongGuk's Number '24'
The Busan Icon soccer team has announced that it will retire the number '24' in honor of Song Jeong Guk. Song, who was part of Korea's surprisingly successful 2002 World Cup Team, will be leaving the Icons now that he has signed a contract with Netherlands Team, Feyernoord. Song thanked the team for the honor and told reporters that 24 is his lucky number. The team also announced that Song's former room in the team dormitory will be renamed 'The Room of Song'. There are plans to decorate it with photos and other memorabilia from Song's time with the Icons.
Translation by Park JooBin

Sluggish AG Ticket Sales
With only a few days to go before the opening of the Asian Games, ticket sales remained far below expectations. Less than half of the tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies have been sold. Prices for the ceremonies range from 50,000 to 250,000 won. Tickets to the actual sporting events, which are much less expensive (3,000-30,000 won), have also not sold as expected. Only 11% of all tickets have been sold and the only events that are sold out are the men's football final and semi-final. Some city officials have criticized AG organizers for not adequately promoting ticket sales. Plans are being made to fill many of the empty seats with local students who can take a 'school trip' to Asiad events.
Translation by Kim DongChan

Temple Stay Program Extended for AG
Busan officials announced that they will revive the 'Temple Stay' program first used during the World Cup. Foreign and local visitors can stay at one of 14 local temples for fees of between 30,00-50,000won/night. More than 5,000 visitors took advantage of the program during the World Cup. In addition to lodgings, visitors have an opportunity to sample Korean Buddhist cuisine, learn about monastic life, and make traditional Buddhist crafts. Participating temples include Tongdosa, Beomosa, and Samgwangsa. For more information, visit http://www.templestaykorea.net/ or call 02-732-9925
Translation by Ha SunHa