Pusan

/pooh"sahn"/, n.

a seaport in SE South Korea. 2,454,051.

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City (pop., 2000: 3,655,437) and port, South Korea, at the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula.

Pusan was opened to Japanese trade in 1876 and to general foreign trade in 1883. It developed into a major port (called Fusan) under Japanese rule (1910–45). It served as the country's temporary capital during the Korean War. Pusan is South Korea's largest port and second largest city. Administratively, it has the status of a metropolitan city equal to that of a province. Industries include shipbuilding and manufacturing. Hot springs are located in the northeastern suburbs.

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▪ South Korea

also spelled  Busan 

 city, port, and capital of South Kyŏngsang do (province), South Korea, located at the southeast tip of the Korean Peninsula. During the Koryo dynasty (10th to late 14th century) it was named Pusanpo (Korean pu meaning “kettle” and san meaning “mountain,” for the shape of the mountain behind it, and po meaning “bay” or “harbour”). Pusan is now the nation's largest port and second largest city. It has the status of a special city under the direct control of the home minister, with administrative status equal to that of a province.

      On a deep, well-sheltered bay at the mouth of the Naktong River, facing the Japanese islands of Tsushima across the Korea Strait, Pusan was opened to the Japanese in 1876 and to general foreign trade in 1883. Under the Japanese (1910–45) it developed into a modern port, with ferry service connecting the city with Shimonoseki, Japan, and rail lines connecting Korea to China and Russia and terminating in Pusan. The city became overpopulated with repatriates from overseas when Korea gained independence in 1945 and again with refugees during the Korean War (1950–53), when it was the temporary capital of the Republic of Korea.

 The port is divided by Yŏng Island, which is connected to the mainland by drawbridge. The larger eastern section of the port is used for foreign trade and the smaller western section for fishing. The international port and associated facilities have been expanded. Industries include shipbuilding, automobiles, electronics, steel, ceramics, chemicals, and paper. Industrial parks are attracting many high-technology manufacturers. There is an international airport. A subway system has been in operation since 1986. There are two universities and seven colleges, including Pusan National University, Pusan National Fishery College, and the College of Oceanography. Bathing and hot springs are located in the northeastern suburbs, and old temples are found near the mountains. Outside the city is a cemetery honouring the United Nations soldiers who died during the Korean War. Area 168 square miles (436 square km). Pop. (2000) 3,662,884; (2005 prelim.) 3,523,582.

 

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