Why ProtoVille?
ProtoVille prototypes the next social protocol where the city runs out of growth. A proto-village inside super-aging Busan, co-creating the next chapter of urban life together with the local community and the nomads.
Why Busan?
Busan is Korea’s second city, and the first modern trade port that opened in 1876. It is also the first popup city! During the Korean War, for 1,023 days Busan was the interim capital and the whole country itself. Millions of refugees fled in, and Busan hosted them all.
Now it’s the fastest aging city in Korea, and the fastest to empty out. The young go. The ones who remember stay, and get older. A city the country forgot, slowly forgetting itself.
But you can still taste the openness of Busan. Milmyeon: cold noodles the northern refugees improvised with U.S. aid flour. Eomuk: fish cake that came from Japan. Ssiat hotteok: a Busan spin on a Chinese street snack. Gukje Market, where refugees traded whatever they had, is still open. The shacks they put up the slopes are now one of the hottest tourist spot.
Come to Busan this fall. Let’s prototype the forgotten city, together.
ProtoVillagers
Vote with your stay.
Who is coming?
Participant cards will include:
- Name or pseudonym
- Occupation or what they are known for
- Photo
- Why they are coming to ProtoVille Busan
- Intention
Who can I meet?
Hosts
The catalysts for ProtoVille Busan that want to show others the gems and charms of this coastal city.
Co-Creators
Individuals that want to give back to the ProtoVille community through hosting workshops, excursions, and other ways that make the event more lively.
Participants
Those that want to experience Korea outside of Seoul, Busan outside of Haeundae. Those that want to be part of a group of people that lift each other up and help accomplish goals together.
Timeline
Weekdays
What to expect on the weekday schedule.
Weekends
What to expect on the weekend schedule.
Photos
Busan photo gallery placeholder.
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