Busan aims to become a sports-centered city for all

Busan is moving to establish itself as a "sports-centered city" where residents of all ages can enjoy physical activity throughout their lives.

The city government unveiled its "Sports for Everyone — Busan, a Sports-Centered City" vision and action plan Monday afternoon at a policy lecture held in the main auditorium on the first floor of City Hall. Mayor Jeon Jae-soo was among the roughly 500 attendees, which included officials from city, district and county sports associations, representatives of sport-specific organizations, athletes and ordinary citizens.

The vision was developed by gathering input from sports experts, stakeholders and the public. The city cited WHO and UNESCO as having identified physical activity and sports as solutions to a range of social challenges, including disease prevention, healthcare cost reduction and mental health.

Under three broad policy directions — making Busan a hub for recreational sports, a center for elite sports, and a city with accessible everyday facilities — the city will pursue five strategies and 12 core tasks. The five strategies are: making one sport per person a daily routine 365 days a year; developing elite sports with global reach; guaranteeing the right to sports for all; building sports infrastructure within easy reach of everyone; and growing a sports industry that drives the local economy.

On the recreational side, the city will run a "30×30 Project" — supporting workplace- and community-based programs and challenges to help residents exercise 30 minutes a day for 30 consecutive days — and will cultivate a signature everyday sports culture unique to Busan. For elite sports, the city plans to build a "player development ladder" from youth talent to professional athletes, expand the hosting of international sports events, and upgrade its sports science and anti-doping systems. Plans also include creating an inclusive sports city that spans all generations and social groups, as well as a barrier-free sports environment.

In terms of infrastructure, the city will add dedicated venues for individual sports and expand community sports facilities, including neighborhood gyms. On the industry side, it will develop Busan-specific sports tourism and an anti-doping industry.

The city set key targets of raising the citizen recreational sports participation rate from 70.6 percent in 2025 to 75 percent by 2030, increasing the number of international and domestic sports events hosted from 32 to 50, and expanding recreational sports infrastructure from 38 to 60 sites. The plan will be carried out as a five-year mid-to-long-term vision covering 2027 to 2031.

"Exercising and breaking a sweat is the most fundamental right every citizen should enjoy, and it is a core welfare factor that determines quality of life," Mayor Jeon said. "The ninth elected-term city government will serve as a firm pillar of support so that citizens' healthy passion and athletes' hard-earned sweat can shine in the best sports environment in the country."