City (pop., 2000: 3,655,437) and port, South Korea, at the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula.
Pusan was opened to Japanese trade in 1876 and to general foreign trade in 1883. It developed into a major port (called Fusan) under Japanese rule (1910–45). It served as the country's temporary capital during the Korean War . Pusan is South Korea's largest port and second largest city. Administratively, it has the status of a metropolitan city equal to that of a province. Industries include shipbuilding and manufacturing. Hot springs are located in the northeastern suburbs.