September 18, 2002

Busan supports the bio-technology-industries.

The city of Busan joined hands with companies in Busan to support B

The city of Busan will financially support the Genome Center at Busan National University and the Bio Center at Dong-seo University. The city of Busan said on Sep. 17 that it decided to give 150 million won to the Genome Center of Busan National University over three years, and that local companies will give 450 million won to BNU. This money will sponsor joint study and networking between companies and the Genome Center. It will also be used to train people to specialize in biotechnology.

The Busan Genome Center is a research institution installed at Busan National University last February. It is equipped with a DNA analysis machine and basic equipment. They have published nine articles and are now conducting research.

Busan City decided to support a bio-industry manpower-training center with 270 million won over three years; the center will train 320 biotechnology specialists each year.

Through this project, Busan can prevent high quality biotechnology manpower from leaving the city and also support specialization in biotechnology in Busan.

There were two biotechnology companies in 1999, 11 in 2000, 22 in 2001, and there are 38 this year.

Environmental and construction organizations may clash

Friction is expected between Busan authorities and environmental organizations. Busan authorities are promoting a project which allows construction of high-rise apartments in Meong Ji residential complex, Gangseo-gu.

The Busan Environmental Movement Union stated that they will protest the amendment bill if the Busan Headquarters of Construction allows the construction of apartment buildings more than 5 stories high. The environmentalists are concerned that high-rises will negatively affect the habitats of migratory birds. The Busan Headquarters for Construction states that, after examination last year, 20 story buildings will not affect the birds ecosystem.

Speeding leads to more deaths

These days, traffic accidents and fatalities are frequently reported from various parts of the city. One particularly dangerous spot is along Weolpyeong Highway in Gijang.
There was another fatal accident there on the 16th when two cars which were speeding, crossed the center line and collided.
According to the police, since January of this year, four people have been killed and 20 injured on the Weolpyeong highway. People drive over 100 k/h on that stretch of roadway because there is no Vascar (remotely operated camera used to catch speeders).

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 Busans 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 nations 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.

Noisy Busan

According to the Ministry of Environment, Busan suffers from more noise pollution than Seoul and six other Korean cities. Noise levels are higher in Busan during both day and night.
Statistics show that noise level during the day in Busan is at least 5 decibels higher than the other areas in Korea.

Doctors protest at City Hall

On the afternoon of Sept. 14, two thousand doctors from the Yongnam and Jeju area held a demonstration in front of Busan City Hall to protest the separation of pharmacies and medical clinics. Doctors and medical students from Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, and Jeju came to Busan to demonstrate their opposition to changes in Koreas medical system. Doctors have been affected by a tightening of regulations that took place last year. The new regulations have separated the roles of doctors and pharmacists and restricted doctors ability to mix and distribute medications. They claim that their efforts are to protect medical rights and national health rights and to prevent these irrational National Health insurance policies.

Biennale Opens
The opening ceremony of Busan Biennale was held on the afternoon of Sept. 15th near Cinepark in Haeundae. Cinepark is located near the Busan Art Museum where the majority of Biennale events will take place. Busan's largest art festival runs through November 17. For more information, visit http://busanbiennale.org

BusanIlbo sponsors Half-Marathon

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.

The runners endured the morning rain, and were relieved when it stopped at about 12pm.

This contest celebrated the approaching 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.

The marathon attracted many executive onlookers, including the president of Busan Ilbo, the mayor of Busan, a chairman of the Busan Asian Games committee, and the head of Busan Hyundai.

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