Busan, officially known as Busan Metropolitan City, is located in the southeastern region of South Korea. It serves as a major economic, cultural, and educational hub for the country. With a population exceeding 3.3 million as of 2024, it ranks as the second most populous city in South Korea after Seoul.
The city is characterized by its significant maritime infrastructure, housing South Korea's busiest port. As of 2025, Busan Port is recognized as the primary port in Korea and the sixth-largest container port globally. Due to its high volume of port traffic and a large urban population, Busan is classified as a Large-Port metropolis under the Southampton System.
The surrounding area, known as the Southeastern Maritime Industrial Region, constitutes South Korea's largest industrial zone. The city remains a central pillar of the nation's maritime trade and industrial activity.