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Your Mind — Ecotourism in Busan
- Ecotourism in Busan
My hometown Busan is situated on the south-eastern tip of
Korea. Beautiful mountains and the seas surround it. Busan is especially
famous for its gorgeous harbour. Many industries have developed with the
sea because Busan is a seaport city. Trade and fishing are two examples.
In the case of tourism it sticks to the sea a lot. Haeundae and Taejongdae
beaches, Orykdo Island and Jahalchi Fish Market make Busan a famous touring
area.
Seas and tourism had been developed ecologically. However,
city administrations and merchants wanted to help Busan to flourish economically.
So they focused on commercial works. This resulted in some good things
and some bad things. For example The Busan Sea Festival, which is held
simultaneously at the six beaches of Busan every August, makes some temporary
jobs and entertains Koreans. However, after the festival the streets become
dirty and during this period local people have serious nuisances and traffic
problems. This is just a small example.
These commercial acts have brought many advantages and disadvantages
to Busan citizens. One good point is that it contributes to the local
economy; significant jobs are created and markets become busy. This results
in Busan becoming a vivid city with a feast of ceremonies. Also we can
meet people from other countries or other provinces; sharing culture we
can be friends. Another advantage is that local citizens as well as tourists
can enjoy the marine sports facilities often.
However, side effects have occurred as the economy developed.
The environment was gravely damaged. A huge amount of trash and over use
of electronics caused the problem. Many tourists used our public facilities
without caution. A few very arrogant visitors bothered us by looking down
at our community traditions. Also the natural resources of this area have
been overused so that it brought pollution. For example, jet boating has
created noise pollution and water pollution.
Busan people tried to find the best way to satisfy both
environmental conservation and sustainable development. Now we have found
a way. Through the media and advertisement system and posters Bussan local
government and NGOs have tried to enlighten visitors. "Change the
way you travel change the world" is one of the catchphrases in education.
It includes four main ideas. First, rediscover your passions: people usually
concentrate on where they go but if they focus on what to do and learn,
the travel experience will have a real, meaningful purpose to the traveller
and to the people and places they visit. Second, broaden your horizons:
Busan gives a chance for visitors to get pleasure from the local environment
and culture. Our city encourages visitors to enjoy our local life, stretch
yourself, explore and return home challenged, stimulated and fulfilled.
You will have a new horizon. Third, sustain the environment and indigenous
cultures of the world. It is the aspect our community is worried about
most: tourists have to be aware that they have responsibilities to care
for a diverse and fragile environment. If you damage the environment,
it takes a long time to recover. The final idea is to spread wealth; to
tourists our government suggests if you spend your travel dollars responsibly
and locally, you will contribute to a viable future for people and businesses
struggling to compete in the world economy.
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For more information: http://visit.busan.kr/eng
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It has just started. In this way, reaching the balance between
development and environment might take a long time. Results from this
movement will come in time. People need to be tolerant. This kind of movement
is called ecotourism. It has become popular among people interested in
both nature and investment. It has been called 'a win-win strategy.'
In the case of Busan nowadays we can walk the clean streets
and seashores, There has been an improvement of attitude on the part of
tourists and locals. As time goes on it is getting better. Ecotourism
is supported by enlightened residents and tourists. Ecotourism has become
an important part of tourism.
It has broadened our mind.
So-hee Jung is from Busan, South Korea. 'I always want to be happy and to smile as my name means. Busan is worth a visit. Come and enjoy yourself in beautiful Busan sometime!'
