By Do Je-hae
Staff Reporter
Busan, the nation's second-largest city, will apply the ideals of the slow city movement in its policies and become a member of the "Supporters of Cittaslow," local officials said Friday.
The movement, officially known as Cittaslow, is a growing international network of over 120 towns in 18 countries across the world that have adopted a set of common goals and principles to enhance quality of life.
"Given Busan's population and size, it does not qualify to become a slow city, but by becoming a supporter of the movement, it seeks to be more active in promoting the merits and ideals of slow city for the welfare of our citizens," a Busan official said. Similarly, other large cities around the world, including Berlin, Paris and Rome, are looking to join as Cittaslow supporters.
"Becoming a Cittaslow supporter will increase our profile in Europe, which has many slow cities."
Officials of the International Association of Slow Cities and its Korean chapter will visit Busan from Sunday to Monday to look around the city's signature cultural sites and the scenery around the Nakdong River.
Cittaslow is a global cultural trend aimed at improving quality of life in small towns while resisting hectic and fast-paced urban lifestyles, and part of the "Slow Movement," a cultural shift against anything done or made quickly.
Slow food and slow travel have been the most visible examples of the movement, which is gaining supporters worldwide. Korea is the only Asian member of the movement and has five slow cities across the country.
In order to become a slow city, the village or city must satisfy certain criteria, including a population of under 50,000, choosing to implement an environmental policy to nurture distinctive features of the town or city, the preservation of historical buildings and locations, and the support of organic food.