Busan Transportation Corporation Wins Excellence Award for Regional Economic Vitalization with WeChat Pay QR Ticket Service

Improved Convenience for Chinese Tourists
Driving Growth in Busan Tourism and Local Spending
Plans to Expand Integration with Alipay and Other Global Payment Services Next Year

Busan Transportation Corporation (President Lee Byungjin) announced that its "WeChat Pay-linked QR Ticket Payment and Usage Service," introduced in April, received the Excellence Award at the "2025 Local Public Institution Regional Economic Vitalization Best Practices Contest" organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Local Public Enterprise Evaluation Institute.

This contest selected outstanding cases in four categories-regional coexistence and cooperation, revitalization of local investment and job creation, startup support, and realization of social value-to spread the achievements of local public institutions in revitalizing the regional economy and realizing social value.

Busan Transportation Corporation’s case was recognized as an exemplary case in the regional coexistence and cooperation category, as it simultaneously improved convenience for foreign tourists and contributed to regional economic revitalization.

Previously, Chinese tourists had to exchange currency and then purchase subway tickets at ticket vending machines, which was inconvenient. However, with the introduction of the WeChat Pay-linked QR service, they can now pay and use the service directly without currency exchange. This service has been particularly well received as the number of foreign tourists has surged following the approval of visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists.

Since the implementation of the service, ticket sales to Chinese customers have increased by approximately 61% compared to before. This not only improved transportation convenience, but also expanded Chinese tourist spending from department stores and duty-free shops to commercial districts near subway stations.

Busan Transportation Corporation plans to further strengthen its foreign tourist-friendly transportation environment by expanding connections with major overseas simple payment services, such as Alipay, starting next year.

President Lee Byungjin said, "This award is not only the result of transportation service innovation through public-private cooperation, but also a contribution to regional economic recovery and revitalization of local commercial districts. We will continue to provide a convenient transportation environment for both citizens and tourists, and strive to grow as a metropolitan railway that develops together with the region."

Busan Transportation Corporation has signed a business agreement with WeChat Pay. Photo by Busan Transportation Corporation

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.