The completion of Bumin Campus in 2009 is expected to revitalize the western region of Busan. In response the Seogu Offices of Busan has planned to build up the area around Seogu, including Bumin Campus, as 'a campus village representative of history, tradition and culture.' Further, it has been designated as one of the government policy projects supported by the government's budget. Bumin Campus village is expected to be filled with the Tree Tunnel, Events Street, Outdoor Cafe and Traditional Handicraft Street. By expecting the potential improvement of surrounding areas in Nampodong, we looked into every corner of Nampodong.
"There aren't port cities as attractive as Busan "
Baek Song, a Custodian of Yongdusan Park
For over 95 years, Yongdusan Park has opened its doors for Busan residents to enjoy their activities. It is accompanied by people who play go or Janggi as well as strolling with their pets.
Among them all, Baek Song, who is called a custodian of Yongdusan Park, is acknowledged by people in that place. He has been to Yongdusan Park to play go and enjoy meditation or yoga for the past 8 years.
On the day of visit, in spite of the cold, strong wind, he was calmly enjoying yoga while seeing the Yeongdo Bridge.
He said, "Even though the main purpose of visiting Yongdusan Park is to meditate and do yoga, I enjoy playing go with people around here while talking about life."
He also added, "I have traveled around the world when I was 23, but I have never seen any beautiful place like Busan. I strongly believe that Busan is a promising city to become one of the hubs for trade in accordance with China's development."
Yongdusan Park plays a critical role in Busan. It also possesses various performance facilities such as Busan Tower, World Folk Instrument Museum, and World Model Ship Exhibit. Samulnori scheduled from April 20th to October was canceled out of respect for the Cheonan incident. Yongdusan Park is also availabe to university students for performances.
Only permission is needed in advance.
"Afraid to see a lack of university students"
Yoon Sang-hyun, a playgoer at Joeun Theater
There is Joeun Theater opposite to the entrance of Yongdusan Park at 1, Gwangbokdong. Established under the original name Gamagol, Joeun Theater became independent and moved to Yeonsandong by the remaining organizers. Afterward, it was renamed as 'Busan Bank Joeun Theater(BS)' through affiliating 'Naming system' with Busan Bank in March, 2009. Even with its short history since its establishment, it became a theater for musical performances proven nationwide.
Yoon Sang-hyun, who is a team manager at Joeun theater, said, "It is worth paying 30,000-40,000 won to watch a play that is popular and so easily comprehensible." He added, "Owing to a harsh competition in job markets, it is a pity to see university students closed off from cultural activities."
Joeun Theater will hold I Will Marry at First on May and Liar, Tuesday to Sunday, till 30th and 16th of May respectively.
On the other hand, Busan International Performing Arts Festival has opened since 1st of May till today (10th). For the purpose of bringing a chance to share cultures, seven countries (Taiwan, Germany, Russia, Italy, Japan, France and South Korea) in total have participated in this event. It held a physical performance and pantomime without limitations of different languages as a barrier. Second only to Seoul, Busan has more than 10 little theaters. It is, therefore, well acknowledged in the field of dramatic performances. Why don't you give yourself a gift by enjoying bountiful performances?
"Selling traditional instruments for 60 years" 
Kim Yeong-hee, assuming the responsibility of Korean classical instruments in Busan
Goangsung Brassware Korean classical instrument is at second alley back of Nonghyup inside Kangtong market, boasting of a tradition that goes back 60 years.
Most of schools playing Samulnori in Busan and Pungmul bands as well as the general public deal with this Goangsung. All universities including all colleges' Pungmul band of Dong-A university, buy instruments, costumes related with playing Samulnori and Sangmo at this place. I had a sense of friendliness with the old woman's voice, saying, "I am glad that Chamnori (Pungmul band of Dong-A university) is going to pick costumes up today."
This store was formed in a state of disorder after the Korean war. Formerly, this made brassware and sold it, but now, it came to sell Korean classical instruments. That's why the name of this place is 'Goangsung Brassware Korean classical instrument.'
Kim Yeong-hee(75), taking over the family business of her father, who fled from North, has much pride in herself. She seemed to be childlike and was proud, "Foreigners stop by here once. Lately, Jung Jun-ho (he is an actor) came."
And reflecting her years of experience, she smiled and said, "I like relating with students rather than financial transactions. Sometimes students who don't have money leave with a stick in secret, but I let them." We asked her to have her say after finishing the interview, she offered words of encouragement, "Interest in traditional instruments is going down these days. People don't visit to sell instruments. I wish they would cheer up. You cheer up and study hard!" We were proud that there is the classical instruments store in Nampodong in Busan, leaving the store.
"All customers are my sons and daughters"
Red Bean Stew Ma'am, walking a single path for the past 33 years
At the corner of the alley in Nampodong Gukje Market, there are a number of red bean stew stores across from each other. They attract their customers with seasonal menu like an amber stew and red bean in winter, and Patbingsu(a red bean sherbet) in summer respectively.
We went and saw one of the famous people, an old woman in that area. The smell of red bean flavor caused our mouths to water in anticipation. As soon as we wolfed it down, she said, "You want some more?" Her kindness came across to us. Saying, "Serving one more bowl is not because you are a reporter, it's how I serve." She gave one bowl of red bean stew for free. It costs 2,500 won for each bowl. She replied to reporters' concern about the recent preference for instant foods, "Actually, I am a little sorry to see people shrugging off the effect of red bean. It's really good for your health."
She grinned and added, "I am 70 years old. So my life has been here over the past 33 years. Either you were a regular customer or just a person who dropped by. I couldn't be happier if you enjoyed my stews."
"I want to give more to students" 
Bu Soon-hwa at Sindong-a market 88 store
Jagalchi market has become typical of Busan's culture. So Busan promotes the Jagalchi cultural festival. When we were there, we could get a taste of Busan. Of course, there are so many kinds of fresh seafoods and 'hoe'(raw fish). If you want to feel the taste and lively atmosphere of traditional market we recommend the Sindonga market. This market allow us to try seafoods such as sea squirt, sea cucumber, abalone and fish caught at sea such as halibut, croaker by paying 10000 won per 1 person.
We met Bu Soon-hwa(71), who ran the shop for 20 years (the oldest shop in the market) at the front gate of the last shop on left side.
We persuaded her persistently because at first she refused the request of interview and she gave in finally.
She said, "My husband was too sick to wake up, but my children were growing day by day. That served as reasons to start the shop. When I heard that Jagalchi market was opening, I came to Busan from Jeju island." Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered.
"At first I had cried so many times because the work was so hard and tiring from 9a.m. to 9p.m. But now I feel a sense of satisfaction in that I put all my children through college and let all my children marry." She smiled brightly. Her smile was the most beautiful smile in the world.
"When students come to my shop, I give rice for free. Also I gave more food than to any adult because students don't have money."
She said, "Ah! While you are in my shop eat some 'hoe'(raw fish)." and picked up the fish which is in the fish bowl. We came out in a hurry, politely declining. Although we were so hungry, but thanks to her warm heart our heart were full.
"Foreign students in Korea come running here" 
Gu Soon-ja, working at Arirang food alley in Nampodong
Old women, sitting in line at Arirang food alley, located at Gukje market over PIFF square, sell dishes like Chungmoo gimbap, noddles and so on. Food alley at Nampodong has a 40 year tradition, and all food prices are between 1000~3000 won. You can both eat delicious food and feel 70~80's mood here.
We ordered noodles, sitting at the house selling the most delicious food. We felt our icy bodies, because of the cold weather, getting warm slowly owing to warm noodles. It was good tasty noodles that we ate.
The old woman, selling food at food alley for 20 years, inherited her mother's work and is working continually.
She said, smiling, "Most old people, working here, inherited their mother's business. There are my mother's regular customers and mine. When regular customers come, I feel really worthwhile."
She was still busy while being interviewed, because customers were coming. Also, she said, "When students studying abroad came back to Korea, they came running here first to eat my food, and foreigners eat and take a doggy bag. That makes me feel good."
She asked me to promote her food to Dong-A university students. We had a delightful time owing to her smiles even though she works without a day off from 8 a.m. in the morning to 9 p.m. at night.
Let's feel Busan's mood at Arirang alley, ordinary person's food paradise in Busan.
We felt our heart were getting warm because of their kindness which was willing to teach me the way we had asked. Not only the appearance of the above 6 people but merchants with a history of Nampodong (many foreign tourists visit usually) were the reflection of Korea. This report is the project to inform Dong-A University students about every part of Nampodong. We recommend that you search the alleys of Nampodong to get a sense of Busan.
By reporters Choi Jung-in, Choi Na-ri, Park Yi-seul
