The Busan Civil Society, including the Busan Economic Justice Practice Citizens’ Union (Busan Gyeongsilryeon) and ten other civic groups, have called for the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan along with reinforced functions. In a press conference held in the briefing room of the Busan City Council on the 7th, they emphasized the need for this move to establish Busan as a true maritime capital.
The coalition pointed out the fragmentation of maritime functions across different ministries, with shipbuilding and offshore plants under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, maritime logistics under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, marine tourism and leisure under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, national marine parks under the Ministry of Environment, and inhabited island management under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. This fragmentation, they argued, makes it challenging to pursue comprehensive and integrated policies in maritime areas.
They asserted that the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries integrating functions such as shipbuilding, shipping, logistics, and marine tourism upon relocating to Busan would establish it as a specialized maritime department. This foundation could help Busan become a leading maritime capital.
They particularly noted that to gain an advantage in the global maritime competition, including in the development of Arctic routes, shipbuilding and shipping should be part of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, linked with the shipbuilding industry belt centered around Busan, Ulsan, and Geoje.
Moreover, they proposed transitioning the ministry to a multiple vice-minister system to enhance policy expertise and execution in marine and fisheries sectors. They also suggested relocating related institutions such as HMM and maritime specialized courts to Busan to maximize agglomeration effects and synergies.
In addition, they urged Busan to provide active policy support for the stable settlement and family relocation of staff moved with the ministry.
The coalition stressed that this relocation isn’t merely a physical move but a structural transformation for balanced national development and realizing a strong maritime nation, urging Busan to respond more strategically and proactively.