City (pop., 2003 est.: 3,747,369) 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 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.

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