KTO and NAVER Maps Launch “BE LOCAL” Campaign in Busan for International Travelers
Busan is getting extra attention from international visitors thanks to the “BE LOCAL” campaign, a collaboration between the Korea Tourism Organization and NAVER Maps. The campaign is designed to help foreign travelers discover popular places in Busan more easily, especially during the city’s Hallyu-related travel season.
What's happening in Korea?
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and NAVER Maps are running the “BE LOCAL” campaign in Busan from June 5 to July 19, 2026. The campaign highlights selected tourist destinations in Busan through NAVER Maps, one of Korea’s most widely used map and navigation apps.
According to VISITKOREA, the campaign is connected with interest around the major Hallyu event “BTS The City Busan.” During the campaign period, NAVER Maps introduces recommended Busan travel spots chosen by the Korea Tourism Organization, making it easier for international tourists to plan routes and explore the city.
Why this matters for foreigners
For many visitors, one of the biggest challenges in Korea is finding reliable, local-friendly travel information in a format that works on the ground. While global map apps can be useful, many travelers in Korea also use local apps such as NAVER Maps for more accurate public transportation, walking routes, business hours, and place listings.
This campaign matters because it gives foreign travelers a curated starting point for exploring Busan. Instead of only visiting the most famous landmarks, tourists may be able to discover restaurants, neighborhoods, scenic spots, and cultural areas that locals and Korean travel experts recommend.
Cultural or practical context
Busan is South Korea’s largest port city and one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. It is known for beaches, seafood markets, coastal temples, film culture, colorful hillside villages, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared with Seoul.
Popular areas often associated with Busan travel include Haeundae, Gwangalli, Nampo-dong, Seomyeon, Gamcheon Culture Village, Songdo, Yeongdo, and Gijang. However, Busan is spread out, so using a reliable navigation app is important. Travel time between attractions can be longer than expected, especially when moving between beach areas, downtown districts, and coastal viewpoints.
NAVER Maps is commonly used in Korea for:
- Public transportation routes
- Walking directions
- Restaurant and café searches
- Place reviews and photos
- Opening hours and phone numbers
- Saving travel spots into lists
What foreigners should know
- Check the campaign period: The “BE LOCAL” Busan campaign is listed as running from June 5 to July 19, 2026. Dates and app features may change, so confirm details through VISITKOREA or NAVER Maps before planning around it.
- Download NAVER Maps before your trip: It is easier to set up the app, check language settings, and save places while you have stable internet.
- Search names in Korean if needed: Some locations appear more accurately when searched in Korean. Copying the Korean name from VISITKOREA, NAVER Maps, or a hotel page can help.
- Use public transport planning: Busan has a subway system, city buses, taxis, and coastal trains. NAVER Maps can help compare routes.
- Expect crowds during major events: If you visit during a Hallyu-related event period, book accommodation and transport early.
- Check official event information: For concerts, fan events, transportation changes, or city programs, always verify through official websites or official social media channels.
Useful Korean phrases
- 여기 어떻게 가요? — How do I get here?
- 이 주소로 가 주세요. — Please take me to this address.
- 가장 가까운 지하철역이 어디예요? — Where is the nearest subway station?
- 버스로 갈 수 있어요? — Can I get there by bus?
- 여기 영업 중인가요? — Is this place open?
- 예약해야 하나요? — Do I need a reservation?
- 사진 찍어도 돼요? — May I take photos?
- 추천 메뉴가 뭐예요? — What menu item do you recommend?
FAQ
What is the “BE LOCAL” campaign in Busan?
It is a travel promotion by the Korea Tourism Organization and NAVER Maps that highlights recommended tourist destinations in Busan for international visitors.
When does the campaign run?
According to VISITKOREA, it runs from June 5 to July 19, 2026. Travelers should confirm the latest dates and details through official sources before visiting.
Do I need NAVER Maps to join?
You do not necessarily need it to visit Busan, but NAVER Maps can be very useful for finding campaign locations, routes, public transportation, and nearby places.
Is NAVER Maps available in English?
NAVER Maps offers foreign language support, including English features, but some place names, reviews, or details may still appear in Korean. It helps to copy Korean place names when searching.
Is Busan easy to travel without a car?
Yes, many major attractions are accessible by subway, bus, taxi, or train. However, Busan is large and spread out, so planning routes in advance is recommended.
Is this only for BTS fans?
No. While the campaign is connected with increased Hallyu interest around “BTS The City Busan,” the recommended travel information can be useful for any foreign visitor exploring Busan.
Useful links
Original source: VISITKOREA - KTO and NAVER Maps Present “BE LOCAL” in Busan
