In an Oct. 23 online article headlined "How one of the world's largest ports emerged as Asia's next great coastal city," CNN said about Busan, "If Seoul is New York, then Busan is Los Angeles." Shown are people in July at Haeundae Beach in Busan's Haeundae-gu District. (Yonhap News)

By Yoon Sojung

CNN on Oct. 23 highlighted Busan as a rising travel destination, saying, "If Seoul is New York, then Busan is Los Angeles."

In its online article titled "How one of the world's largest ports emerged as Asia's next great coastal city," the Atlanta-based news network said Korea's No. 2 city "has made major moves to transition from a tacked-on side trip to a destination in its own right," adding, "But this isn't just a watered-down version of Seoul."

The article quoted Rebecca Barry, South Korea product manager at Inside Travel Group, as saying, "It offers something totally different — it's by the coast, has beaches, a slower-paced way of life, and the people are much more vivacious."

CNN also covered Busan's urban regeneration, namely the redevelopment of Busan North Port, which was once a hub for ports and logistics, and the Busan Opera House, which will open next year on the North Port site.

Emily Yan, head of Asia at the global architectural company Snohetta, which designed the house, was quoted as saying, "The Opera House is going to be a catalyst for development around the area."

In addition, CNN introduced the concept of the "15-minute city," in which key daily amenities in Busan related to urban spaces and cultural infrastructure are accessible within 15 minutes by foot, bicycle or public transportation. It also mentioned the Busan International Film Festival, Busan Cinema Center and the Busan Museum of Modern Art as examples of the city's cultural and artistic strengths.

The report said Airbnb named Busan a trending city this year, with searches for lodging on the site in the city rising 30% over the past year. Expedia picked it as one of "2027 Destinations of the Year," with search volume for Busan on the travel site surging over 50%.

arete@korea.kr