Honorary Busan citizenship has been granted to a mixture of South Koreans and foreign nationals since 1966. As of July 2025, 282 individuals have received the honor. To qualify, a nominee must have raised the status of Busan, contributed to resident's lives or cultural development, or contributed to science and technology or city administration, and either be a citizen of South Korea not residing in the city or a foreign national legally residing in the city. Individuals may be nominated by certain government officials or 30 or more residents of the city.