Busan is good

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• Geumjeongsan Mountain is Korea's first urban national park source: visitbusanOn Oct. 31, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment designated Geumjeongsan Mountain as Korea's 24th national park. Busan's highest mountain also becomes the nation's first urban national park.Spanning nearly 67 square kilometers across six city districts in western Busan and Yangsan City in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Geumjeongsan National Park rivals Seoul's Bukhansan National Park in scale. In 2024, Geumjeongsan Mountain attracted approximately 3.12 million visitors, a number expected to surpass 4 million following its designation as a national park. For comparison, Bukhansan led national park attendance last year with 6.7 million visitors.The designation recognizes the mountain's exceptional ecological and cultural value. It is home to roughly 1,800 species of flora and fauna. The mountain also boasts 71 scenic sites, including peaks, cliffs, and caves.Geumjeongsan's cultural assets are equally significant. The 18.9-kilometer Geumjeongsanseong Fortress is Korea's largest mountain stronghold, while Beomeosa Temple, founded during the Silla Dynasty, is one of the nation's most revered holy sites. The area also boasts 127 cultural heritage assets, the most of any national park in the country.The designation is expected to boost tourism, revitalize local businesses, diversify Busan's tourism sector, generate jobs and strengthen the city's global brand.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>attract: 관광객을 끌다 asset: 자산 equally: 동등히 significant: 중요한 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• 2025 Busan is good Satisfaction Survey How is Busan is Good doing so far?We’re inviting our readers to share their thoughts and satisfaction with our newspaper through a short survey open until Nov. 30.The survey covers various aspects of the paper — such as the relevance of our stories, the completeness of our content, and the visual appeal of our photos and layouts. It also asks why you subscribed and how satisfied you are overall.Your feedback and suggestions will help us enhance future editions of Busan is Good.As a token of appreciation, 30 respondents will be randomly selected to receive a small gift.👉 [Click here to take the survey!]
• Taste the Sea, Breathe the River : From the Market to the Museum Join us for two unforgettable cultural journeys where you can cook, explore, and experience the sense of Busan!∑ Busan Hangeul School Korean Culture Experience Program – Session 5 Application○ Event Title: A Youthful Table: A Meal in Busan Made with My Own Hands○ Date & Time: Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.15 participants per session / 3 sessions total① Session 1: 10:00–13:00② Session 2: 13:00–16:00③ Session 3: 16:00–19:00○ Venue: Jagalchi Market (Nampo-dong area) → Busan Youth Center Morak Maru (3F, 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan)○ Program:- Tour of Jagalchi Market (exploring and purchasing seasonal ingredients)- Korean traditional cooking class (seafood pancake, fish cake hot pot, etc.)- Tasting and networking session○ Participation Fee: 5,000 KRW per person○ Application Deadline: Until Wednesday, November 19 (first-come, first-served basis)▶ Apply here: https://forms.gle/UAGh9gFNNc8BfSwA9 ∑ Busan Hangeul School Korean Culture Experience Program – Session 6 Application○ Event Title: Busan, Drawing Nature, Walking Through Art○ Date & Time: Friday, November 28, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 1 session / up to 40 participants○ Venues:Busan Museum of Contemporary Art (1191 Nakdongnam-ro, Saha-gu, Busan)Eulsukdo Ecological Park & Nakdong Estuary Eco Center (1240 Nakdongnam-ro, Saha-gu, Busan)○ Program:- Exhibition tour at the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art- Lecture on migratory birds in winter- Nature observation experience- Eco-craft workshop- Exhibition tour at the Nakdong Estuary Eco Center○ Participation Fee: Free○ Application Deadline: Until Wednesday, November 26 (first-come, first-served basis)▶ Apply here: https://forms.gle/RL1qBzSVECfELspT7

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Enjoy Busan

• Centum City to host Christmas Village Busan 2025 source: getty imageSanta Claus is coming to Centum! Christmas Village Busan 2025 will set up shop at the Busan Cinema Center from Nov. 27 to Dec. 25. This outdoor festival transports visitors to Santa’s Village, where villagers are busy preparing for Christmas. Visitors can join in on the action and interact with elves, fairies, Rudolph, and even Santa Claus himself! The centerpiece of the village is a giant, 8-meter-tall Christmas tree. Its sparkling lights will cast a warm, cheerful glow over all the festivities.Visitors can participate in a variety of activities, such as shopping for the perfect gift, creating Christmas ornaments, or decorating cookies.And of course, no holiday celebration is complete without a feast! As this year’s food and beverage director, celebrity chef Leo Kang has crafted a menu featuring nourishing meals, such as goulash and currywurst, as well as seasonal sweets like strawberry tiramisu and s’more hot chocolate.Additionally, Busan Gourmet Selection brings together the city’s best restaurants in culinary collaboration. The village’s food market will showcase unique dishes created by teams from various restaurants, including a partnership between Michelin-rated restaurants Outro by Vito and Yakitori Haegong.There is no admission fee to enter Christmas Village Busan. For further details and latest updates, please visit its official Instagram account.※ Christmas Village Busan 2025, Nov. 27 to Dec. 25◎ Busan Cinema Center: 120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu◎ Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. - From Nov. 27 to Dec. 21: Open Thursday to Sunday only- From Dec. 22 to Dec. 25: Open daily ◎ Instagram: @market__chango<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>outdoor: 야외 nourishing: 영양가 있는 culinary: 요리의 admission: 입장료Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• 20th Busan Fireworks Festival to light up Gwangalli on Nov. 15 source: visitbusanThe Busan Fireworks Festival returns on Nov. 15 to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The city's signature autumn event promises a spectacular display over the night sky at Gwangalli Beach.The festivities begin at 2 p.m. with various activities and a talk show. The fireworks start at 7 p.m. At 7:15 p.m., Hibikiya Omagari Hanabi will present a special show of traditional Japanese fireworks.The main event begins at 7:35 p.m. with fireworks set off against the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge.Although the Busan Fireworks Festival is centered at Gwangalli Beach, there are several spots throughout the city that offer excellent views of the show. For smaller crowds, head to Marine City, Dongbaekseom Island, or Jangsan Mountain in Haeundae-gu District or Yonghoman Bay Reclamation Pier or Yongho Starlight Park in Nam-gu District. Additionally, people can find excellent vantage points on Geumnyeonsan or Hwangnyeongsan mountains.As the chilly sea breeze sweeps in toward the end of the final fireworks display, bringing warm items such as a blanket or jacket is highly recommended. To stay comfortable throughout the event, consider preparing light snacks and a mat in advance to fend off hunger or evening chill. While the splendid scenery pairs beautifully with a drink, please enjoy responsibly and in moderation. As large crowds are expected, frequent restroom trips could make it easy to lose track of your group. For those who cannot watch the spectacle in person, the city will livestream the event on its official YouTube channel, BusanTube. There will be two feeds: One, a cinematic display of the Gwangalli Bridge and the fireworks exploding around it; the other, a first-person point of view in the middle of the action captured using drones.◎ Watch live on BusanTube: Click Busan is Good and Daily Busan are soliciting photos and stories from readers planning to see the Busan Fireworks Festival. A small fee will be awarded to the best pictures and stories. For more information, please click the link below.◎ Participate: Click<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>vantage point: 좋은 위치 fend off: ~을 막다, 피하다 in moderation: 적당히 in person: 직접 solicit: 요청하다Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• New festival encourages a healthy lifestyle without alcohol  From Nov. 7 to 9, the 2025 Busan Sale Festa will host the Jeonpogonggu-gil Non-Alcohol Festival around the Jeonpogonggu-gil area, a neighborhood renowned for its charming alleys. The event capitalizes on the area’s distinctive character, which is shaped by the independently-owned local businesses that attract young explorers. Their enthusiastic participation is expected to ensure a vibrant and festive experience. Aimed to be a “non-alcoholic, but still flavorful party,” the festival will showcase a diverse range of cultural events that residents and tourists can enjoy. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample creative non-alcoholic beverages offered by local eateries. Additionally, live music performances will add a lively atmosphere to the area. A special hub, the 09 Market Zone, will display an array of charming goods from Jeonpogonggu-gil establishments. The offerings include a vintage market, a merchant bazaar hall and a dedicated booth featuring festival-themed (09) products. Notably, a pop-up venue will offer visitors a hands-on experience crafting custom items. Beyond just browsing the alleys, on-site promotions will help visitors save money. Vouchers redeemable at 80 participating businesses are offered at a significantly discounted price: An early bird voucher worth 50,000 won is available online at half price until Nov.6, while on-site sales for a 30,000 won voucher are discounted to 18,000 won until Nov. 9. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy a thrilling hourly surprise as gifts fall from the sky. For more information, please visit the website linked below or contact the Busan Small Business Support Center. Jeonpogonggu-gil Non-Alcohol Festival, Nov. 7 to 9◎ Jeonpogonggu-gil: 20 Seojeon-ro 37beon-gil, Busanjin-gu Hours: 1 to 8 p.m.  Website: https://litt.ly/timingus Busan Small Business Support Center: 1833-3665<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>capitalize: 활용하다 distinctive: 독특한 enthusiastic: 열정적인 merchant: 상품 redeemable: 교환할 수 있는 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

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Food

• European fine dining in the City by the Sea 　"Bite Into Busan" is a monthly celebration of the city's restaurants. Each featured spot is listed in the Michelin Guide and Taste of Busan, the city's official gourmet guidebook, and is known for its signature dishes. 　In this edition, we turn our focus to two timeless rivals that have long defined Europe's culinary landscape: French and Italian cuisines. In Busan, you can skip the flights and still savor the essence of both. 　Discover the meticulous artistry and refined sophistication of French cuisine and the elegant simplicity of Italian dishes that celebrate the pure flavors of each ingredient. ■Delibong 델리봉　Delibong, run by owner-chef Jeong-bong Park, offers French cuisine with a focus on charcuterie. Upon the first visit, guests may be a little confused by the lack of signboard, but there is a feast going on inside.*Address: 3F, 4 Millak-ro 27beon-gil, Suyeong-gu*google map: Click ■Ramsey 램지　At Ramsey, Chef Gyu-jin Lee highlights local ingredients in his innovative approach to classic French cuisine. Every beautiful dish has a French sensibility but a Korean soul. The restaurant is in a warm space with windows overlooking Gwangandaegyo Bridge.*Address: 3F, 38 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 284 beon-gil, Suyeong-gu*Google map: Click ■Outro by Vito 아웃트로 바이 비토　After studying at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, Chef Sang-jin Kim, also known as Vito, returned home to serve his fellow Busanites fresh pasta. For over 14 years, diners have flocked to Outro, drawn by delicious pastas and the genius-level seasoning on display in Vito's protein and seafood cookery. Each table is illuminated by a spotlight, forcing diners to keep their attention on the food - as it should be.*Address: 1F, 18 Millakbondong-ro 19beon-gil, Suyeong-gu*Google map: Click ■Cor Pasta bar 코르 파스타 바　Honored as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, Cor Pasta Bar is located in a quiet building in the Jeonpo-dong neighborhood. This restaurant is run by a chef who puts his heart and soul into housemade pastas, sauces and bread. Try the bottarga pasta with sea urchin and fish roe. The wine menu is great with pairing done by the chef.*Address: 2F, 13 Dongseong-ro 25beon-gil, Busanjin-gu*Google map: Click ■Osteria Aboo 오스테리어 어부　Osteria Aboo in Jeonpo-dong puts the spotlight on Southern Italian flavors, with a menu rich in seafood-driven dishes. Known for standouts like its sweet shrimp bisque pasta and fried calamari, the restaurant highlights fresh ocean ingredients in true coastal Italian style. Paired with wines selected by the chef, each dish offers a satisfying taste of Southern Italy.　Osteria Aboo is only open to reservations, which can be made through the dining app, CatchTable.*Address: 1F, 58 Dongcheon-ro, Busanjin-gu*Google map: Click※Restaurant information may be subject to change.
• Eat your way through Busan 　Food lovers, take note: Busan is a city that rewards curiosity. From bustling seafood markets to stylish bistros, the city offers an abundance of dining options. Across the city, diners will find hundreds of officially designated "Taste of Busan" establishments that promise high-quality meals at fair prices. 　At the higher end, Busan's culinary reputation is on the rise. The city's Michelin Guide features three one-star restaurants along with numerous Bib Gourmand and Selected listings, proof that Busan is a must-visit for gourmands. 　Busan offers so much more than fried chicken, barbecue and kimchi. Whether alone, with a date or with a mate, the city is best experienced with an open mind, an empty stomach and loose pants.■Taste of Busan 2025(click to download the guidebook)Enjoy fresh sashimi at Seonchang Hoetjip. 　 Generous portions and toppings are standard at Lee Jaemo Pizza.Gamasot has been serving pork ribs for 30 years. 　■Michelin Guide restaurant in Busan(Click to learn more)Palate(one-star)Fiotto(one-star and Green Star)Mori(one-star) 
• Bite Into Busan ③ Noodles source: Taste of Busan"Bite Into Busan" is a monthly celebration of the city's restaurants. Each featured spot is listed in the Michelin Guide and Taste of Busan, the city's official gourmet guidebook, and is known for its signature dishes. This month, we take a long look at noodles. Across East Asia, they have evolved from humble, post-war staples to icons of cultural identity. Whether it's icy Korean naengmyeon, savory Japanese ramen or nourishing Taiwanese beef noodle soup, these dishes remind us how strands of dough can carry stories across borders and bring people together, one bowl at a time.🍜 Buda Myeonoak 부다면옥This Pyongyang naengmyeon specialty spot is known for its clean, refreshing flavors. Korean beef shank and fresh vegetables are boiled separately, then cooled the traditional way to create a deeply flavorful broth.*Address: 2F, 36 Jungdong1-ro, Haeundae-gu*Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last order at 7:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.*Menu: Naengmyeon ￦12,000🍜 100.1.Pyeongnaeng 백일평냉True to the craft of traditional cold noodle makers, this restaurant serves authentic Pyongyang naengmyeon with beef broth, salt, and 80% buckwheat noodles. The menu also features homemade North Korean dumpling soup and bulgogi.*Address: 1F, 29 Namcheonbada-ro 10beon-gil, Suyeong-gu*Hours: Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 to 9 p.m. for dinner. Last order at 8 p.m.*Menu: Pyongyang/Bibim naengmyeon ￦13,000*Available: Takeout🍜 Bao Haus 바오하우스A casual spot serving Taiwanese comfort food with a twist. Try their bao and signature beef noodle soup, both served with quick and friendly service. This popular eatery is housed in a compact space, so waiting times can be long without a reservation.*Address: 62-9 Seojeon-ro 38beon-gil, Busanjin-gu*Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Breaktime from 3 to 5 p.m. No breaktime on weekends.*Menu: Beef noodle soup ￦12,500*Available: Parking, takeout, foreign language menus🍜 Nagahama Mangetsu 나가하마 만게츠Located in the buzzy Haeridan-gil neighborhood, this "ramenya" is the first Korean branch of a popular ramen shop from Fukuoka, Japan. The restaurant's signature Nagahama Ramen draws long lines of diners, who covet the rich, milky, savory broth and thin noodles. *Address: 1F, Daeyeong Building, 57 Udong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu*Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. for dinner. Last order is 30 minutes before closing. Closed on public holidays.*Menu: Nagahama Ramen ￦11,000<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>humble: 검소한 flavorful: 풍미 있는 broth: 육수 buzzy: 활기 넘치는Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

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Life

• 2025 Busan is good Satisfaction Survey  How is Busan is Good doing so far?We’re inviting our readers to share their thoughts and satisfaction with our newspaper through a short survey open until Nov. 30.The survey covers various aspects of the paper — such as the relevance of our stories, the completeness of our content, and the visual appeal of our photos and layouts. It also asks why you subscribed and how satisfied you are overall.Your feedback and suggestions will help us enhance future editions of Busan is Good.As a token of appreciation, 30 respondents will be randomly selected to receive a small gift.👉 [Click here to take the survey!]
• Dive into a sea of books at the 2025 Busan International Children’s Book Fair source: visitbusanThe 2025 Busan International Children’s Book Fair will take place from Dec. 11 to 14 at BEXCO Hall 1 in Haeundae-gu District.As Korea’s only international festival dedicated to children’s books, the event offers a can’t-miss opportunity for young readers and their families.This year’s theme, “The Young Ones and the Sea,” celebrates the wonder of storytelling and the endless depths of imagination. The fair will showcase around 400 children’s books and feature over 160 publishers from Korea and abroad.Beyond the bookshelves, families can look forward to author talks, autograph sessions and fan meetups with acclaimed children’s writers. The event also includes activities and workshops to keep kids engaged.For industry professionals, the copyright (IP) market offers opportunities for international collaboration and exchange in children’s publishing.Adding to the excitement, Busan City’s official children’s newspaper, Big Eye Dorandoran, will host its own booth to share stories from its student journalists and recruit new members for its 2026 cohort.Admission is free with pre-registration through the fair’s official website by Dec.10. On-site tickets cost 5,000 won, while elementary school students enter for free.※ 2025 Busan International Children’s Book Fair, Dec. 11 to 14◎ BEXCO: 55 APEC-ro, Haeundae-gu◎ Hours: - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Dec. 11 to 13 (Last entry: 5:30 p.m.)- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 14 (Last entry: 4:30 p.m.)◎ Website: bicbf.or.kr<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>endless: 끝없는 depth: 깊이 imagination: 상상력 publisher: 출판사 admission: 입장료 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
• [My Busan Story] Busan, the exciting food city 　"My Busan Story" is a special series by Busan's English-language newspaper, inviting foreign residents to share their unique perspectives on life in the city. From unforgettable experiences and travel episodes to small everyday joys, these stories highlight the diverse voices that make Busan feel like home. This month, we introduce the story of Myeonggi Shin from South Korea.Busan is becoming one of Asia’s most exciting food cities, where the sea, culture, and creativity come together. Among its many restaurants, Ramsey in Gwangalli shows what modern dining in Busan can be. With a view of the ocean and Gwangalli Bridge, Ramsey offers elegant French-style courses made with local seafood and fresh seasonal ingredients.Chef Lee Kyujin creates dishes that mix French techniques with the flavors of Busan. Each course—from light appetizers to beautifully plated main dishes—feels simple yet full of detail. The sauces are gentle and balanced, and the presentation makes every plate look like a small work of art.The restaurant’s calm and modern atmosphere also matches the city’s image: open, stylish, and close to nature. Guests can enjoy fine dining while feeling connected to the ocean and the culture around them.Ramsey represents how Busan’s food culture is changing. The city is no longer known only for its seafood markets or casual dishes. Now, it is home to chefs who bring new ideas to the table while keeping the city’s local spirit alive. For visitors, a meal at Ramsey is a chance to taste Busan’s growth as a true gourmet city—where tradition and modern taste meet by the sea.  

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Views

• Where silver grass shimmers and cedar scents linger 　The YOLO Galmaetgil Trails invite visitors to experience scenic hikes along the city's natural and cultural resources.　"YOLO" reflects both "you only live once" and the local dialect for "come here," blending global and regional meaning. Taken together, YOLO is an invitation for visitors to experience the joie de vivre locals have: Come to Busan and enjoy life.The beloved silver grass fields on Seonghaksan Mountain.　The Nakdong Jeongmaek Trail spans 6.7 kilometers along the ridge east of the Nakdonggang River. The journey begins at Flower Village, so named for its abundance of wild blooms, and quickly leads into the wooded serenity of Gudeok Culture Park.　From there, the trail climbs Gudeoksan Mountain and reaches Jaeneomi Maruteo, a key junction that guides hikers toward Seunghaksan Mountain. Along this ridge, vast fields of silver grass stretch across the slopes, creating a shimmering autumn landscape. The Eoksae Noeul Observatory  rewards hikers with views of the Nakdonggang River and Dadaepo Beach.　A gentle descent leads to Dangri Jeseokgol, where tree-lined paths fill the air with a refreshing cedar scent. This route captures the harmony of Busan's mountain ridges, seasonal colors and river views in a single hike.Gudeok Culture ParkEoksae Noeul ObservatoryPeople enjoying the autumn silver grass.A forest filled with the healing scent of cedarwood.
• An inviting fortress atop Busan's tallest mountain 　The YOLO Galmaetgil Trails invite visitors to experience scenic hikes along the city's natural and cultural resources.　"YOLO" reflects both "you only live once" and the local dialect for "come here," blending global and regional meaning. Taken together, YOLO is an invitation for visitors to experience the joie de vivre locals have: Come to Busan and enjoy life.Geumjeongsanseong Fortress■ YOLO Route 10　Route 10, fondly known as "Picnic at Geumjeongsanseong Fortress," is a scenic 10-kilometer trail stretching from Gupo Station to Geumjeongsanseong Village. Geumbit Noeul Bridge　The first highlight is Geumbit Noeul Bridge, where fiery skies dip over the Nakdonggang River. By day, it links bustling Gupo Market to tranquil Hwamyeong Eco Park; by night, colorful lights create a romantic backdrop for evening strolls.Hwamyeong Eco ParkThe glasshouse at Hwamyeong Arboretum　Hwamyeong Eco Park shines in autumn, with rows of golden-brown metasequoias, and swaying silver grass. Nearby, Hwamyeong Arboretum － Busan's first public arboretum － displays themed gardens and seasonal wildflowers.Geumjeongsanseong Village　The route continues to the western gate of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, Korea's largest mountain stronghold, before ending at Geumjeongsanseong Village. Here, visitors savor local delicacies like black goat bulgogi and Sanseong Makgeolli.YOLO Guide : Click
• Lights! Coastline! Action! 　Busan's YOLO Galmaetgil Trails invite visitors to enjoy life through scenic hikes along the city's natural and cultural resources.　"YOLO" reflects both "you only live once" and the local dialect for "come here," blending global and regional meaning. Taken together, YOLO is an invitation for visitors to experience the joie de vivre locals have: Come to Busan and enjoy life.Grab a blanket and enjoy a free movie on Gwangan Beach.The iconic nightscape of Marine City.Fun photo opportunities await on Haeundae Cine Road.Movie screenings at Millak Ocean Cinema cost ￦3,000.Millak Waterside Park is a hot place to enjoy a cool evening.■ YOLO Route 4　Busan's YOLO Galmaetgil Route 4 offers trekkers a cinematic landscape befitting its "Centum Movie Night" nickname. Stretching 4.5 kilometers along the coast, the trail is best enjoyed at night when the city, sea and sky create the perfect mise-en-scene.　The plot begins at The Bay 101, where Marine City's skyscrapers glow in mirrored reflections on the water to create an iconic nightscape. From there, the path leads to Haeundae Cine Road, an open-air gallery celebrating Korean cinema with film-inspired art and photographs.　Continuing past the Suyeongman Bay Yachting Center, walkers arrive at Millak Waterside Park, a popular spot to relax and view the Gwangandaegyo Bridge. Here, Millak Ocean Cinema stages outdoor movie screenings on weekends, with a floating screen set against the bridge's dazzling backdrop. Nearby, Gwangalli Beach Cinema offers free Friday night films by the sea.Learn more : Click

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