News
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The route to the Arctic starts in Busan
PanStar Acro Busan is heading north. The first Korean container ship to travel the Arctic shipping route departed from Busan New Port on Aug. 22. The pilot voyage is being undertaken by the 2,800-TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) PanStar Acro, operated by Busan-based PanStar Line. The ice-class PanStar Acro will sail the Northern Sea Route through the Bering Strait and across the Arctic Ocean to call at Felixstowe, U.K.; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Hamburg, Germany; and Gdansk, Poland. The trip is more than a trial run; PanStar is testing the commercial viability of the route by transporting 837 TEU of cargo, including auto parts, synthetic resins, used cars, food and K-beauty products. A successful operation could bring significant upside to Busan's economy. The journey is expected to take about 45 days. Compared with the traditional passage through the Suez Canal, the Arctic route connecting Asia and Europe shortens the trip by about 7,000 kilometers and 10 days, reducing transit time by about 30%. The shorter travel time may allow shippers to trim logistics costs and diversify their supply chains. A business agreement between Busan City and PanStar Line will have the city provide administrative support and help secure cargo. Using data gathered on the route, cargo and vessel operations, the city can shape related industries and support policies, laying the groundwork for Busan to become a leading power in Arctic shipping.
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Busan on track to welcome 4 million foreign visitors
Foreign tourists take a commemorative photo at Haeundae Beach.Foreigners try on hanbok at Gamcheon Culture Village. Busan welcomed 2,420,629 international visitors in the first half of 2026, already achieving 60.5% of its annual target of 4 million. Compared with the same period last year, the number of international visitors rose 43.9% from 1,682,415. In June alone, Busan welcomed 484,057 international visitors, the highest monthly figure recorded this year. Taiwan remained Busan's largest source market with 477,606 visitors, followed by China (468,876), Japan (291,141), the United States (219,147) and the Philippines (93,061). Visitor numbers from Taiwan increased 54% year on year, accounting for the largest share of cumulative arrivals in the first half of the year at 19.7%. The city also found that hosting major performances attracts international visitors. Using data from mobile carrier KT and credit card company BC, the analysis showed that the area within a 3-kilometer radius of Busan Asiad Main Stadium recorded approximately 730,000 visits by international visitors during the BTS concert week from June 8 to 14, up 341.9% from the previous week. Spending at nearby businesses also increased by 114.8% during the same period. Building on this momentum, Busan aims to focus on the quality of tourism by encouraging visitors to stay longer and return. To strengthen its identity as a maritime capital, Busan plans to introduce new marine transportation options, including an amphibious tour bus and water taxis. The city will also expand experiential tourism programs linked to major events such as the Busan Fireworks Festival and Starry Night in Busan: Night Festa. Busan will continue to make travel more convenient for international visitors by enhancing the Visit Busan Pass and expanding partnerships with global tourism platforms.
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Tourists love Busan. They'd just like more trash bins
source: getty imageBusan City interviewed 34 international tourists at major attractions last month to better understand visitor experiences and respond more quickly to problems.The one-on-one interviews took place from Aug. 22 to 24 at sites including Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village and Yongdusan Park, with each session running about 30 minutes. Of the 34 participants, 21 came from China, Taiwan and Japan, and 13 from Europe and North America, including Germany, France, Italy and Canada.Participants across all nationalities praised Busan's natural setting where mountains meet the sea, its lively urban atmosphere and its food scene. Many singled out the friendliness of Busan residents as a key reason they would return.Visitors also pointed to areas for improvement, most often a shortage of public trash bins and difficulty paying by card at some businesses, particularly in traditional markets. Feedback also varied by nationality, which the city said points to a need for more tailored approaches.Busan City plans to share the results with relevant departments and district offices, including those responsible for transportation, the environment, and the local economy. The city said it will pursue improvements visitors can notice directly, while reviewing longer-term issues with the departments involved.<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>attraction: 관광 명소 praise: 칭찬하다 friendliness: 친근함 improvement: 개선 tailored: 맞춤형의 approach: 접근Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
Enjoy Busan
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Busan's favorite season: festival
Just as leaves put on their colorful coats with the arrival of autumn, Busan turns into a vibrant festival stage, with events taking place across the city from September through November. In this edition, we bring together some of Busan's signature fall festivals in one colorful picture. From contemporary art, cycling and film to webtoons, music and fireworks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Also, keep your eyes peeled: Five Boogis are hiding throughout the illustration above, each enjoying the festivals in their own way. Found them all? Scan the QR code to check your answers, then upload a photo as proof of your catch for a chance to win a prize! ◎Entry period: Through Sept. 30◎Winners announced: Busan Children's Newspaper website (busan.go.kr/kids)※Click to participant the event<Autumn Festivals>■ Busan Biennale 부산비엔날레 Under the theme "Dissident Chorus," 46 artists and collectives from 22 countries examine the political and social possibilities of sound. * Date: Through Nov. 1* Venues: Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, Space OneZ and the former Busan Nam High School■ 2026 Seven Bridges Tour: Riding in Busan 2026 세븐 브릿지 투어 Four thousand cyclists will take a 77-km loop around the city, pedaling through challenging terrain and scenic vistas. Riders will cross four sea bridges and two undersea tunnels.* Date: Sept. 20* Venue: Major bridges and roads across Busan■ 2026 Busan International Rock Festival 2026 부산국제록페스티벌 Korea's longest-running international rock festival brings Korean and global acts to the banks of the Nakdong Estuary. Headline acts include heavy metal bands Avenged Sevenfold and Megadeth.* Date: Oct. 2-4* Venue: Samnak Eco Park■ 31st Busan International Film Festival 제31회 부산국제영화제 Asia's largest film festival signals the arrival of autumn in Busan. This year돴s edition honors Michelle Yeoh as Asian Filmmaker of the Year.* Date: Oct. 6-15* Venues: Busan Cinema Center, Nampo-dong and cinemas across Busan■ 10th Busan Global Webtoon Festival 제10회 부산글로벌웹툰페스티벌 The festival brings webtoons off the screen, connecting Korean and international creators with readers through exhibitions and events.* Date: To be held in October* Venue: Busan Cultural Content Complex (tentative)■ 21st Busan Fireworks Festival 제21회 부산불꽃축제 Watch a spectacular fireworks display light up the night sky against the iconic backdrop of Gwangandaegyo Bridge.* Date: Nov. 7* Venues: Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae Marine City, Igidae and surrounding areasLearn More: https://m.site.naver.com/2fejz
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Head to Dadaepo Beach for fun, food and music this September
Discover a new side of Dadaepo Beach this September at the Starry Night Music Campnic. The event features an outdoor picnic and live music as part of 2026 Starry Night in Busan: Night Festa, the city’s signature nighttime tourism program. Making the most of Busan’s diverse landscapes and attractions, the program showcases the city’s distinctive after-dark charms through a variety of hands-on activities and engaging content. Every Friday and Saturday from Sept. 4 through 19, an exciting lineup of events will take place at Dadaepo Beach:- Sunset Eatnic: Enjoy a lively nighttime market against a panoramic sunset backdrop and sample a variety of snacks to make your evening even more enjoyable.- Night Music Campnic: Soak up a romantic evening under a canopy of stars with live music in a cozy camping and picnic setting. - Play Meongnic: A special sports day for your furry friends! Make unforgettable memories with your pet through a variety of activities specially designed for dogs. Only dogs weighing 9 kg or less are allowed in the designated area. In addition, a jogging event will take place on Sept. 18, inviting participants to slow down and reconnect with nature. Registration is required, with admission priced at 15,000 won. ※ 2026 Starry Night: Night Music Campnic, Sept. 4 through 19 ◎ Dadaepo Beach: 680 Dadae-ro, Dadae-dong, Saha-gu◎ Google Maps: Click ◎ Tickets: Click ◎ Tickets for the Play Meongnic program: Click <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>showcase: 선보이다 soak: 흠뻑 젖다 unfogettable: 잊을 수 없는 admission: 입장료Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
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Say good night to summer at the 2026 Busan Night Walk
source: visit busanSkip a night of sleep and walk through Busan all night long! The 2026 Busan Night Walk with dsec offers an overnight walking experience from Aug. 29 to 30. Participants can choose from four courses of varying lengths, all starting at APEC Naru Park in Haeundae-gu District. The routes cover Busan's renowned waterfront walkways, stretching along the Suyeonggang River, Oncheoncheon Stream and Gwangalli Beach. As a signature summer nighttime event, the program invites participants to experience some of Busan's major attractions in a different light after dark. Along riverside, coastal and urban paths, walkers can discover the city as it glows after sunset, offering a fresh perspective on Busan’s neighborhoods and familiar landmarks. The four courses are 42K, 24K, 16K, and 8K, allowing participants to choose a distance that suits their fitness levels and preferences. The new 8K course opens the experience to a wider range of participants, including beginners and families. For all courses except the 42K, participants can choose from multiple start times.Another highlight of this year’s edition is the addition of the Suyeonggang Human Bridge, a barrier-free pedestrian walkway across the Suyeonggang River that opened in March. Participants can take in the surrounding urban scenery as they cross this new pedestrian landmark.Regular tickets are priced at 59,000 won for 42K, 49,000 won for 24K, 42,000 won for 16K and 38,000 won for 8K, and are available through the webpage linked below. After purchase, participants will receive a pair of socks, an official race t-shirt and a running vest. In addition to the walking courses, the event will feature a range of engaging activities throughout the night, including warm-up stretching sessions to help participants prepare safely, mini-games, quiz shows and activity booths. Photo zones and prize drawings will also be available throughout the event, adding more ways for participants to enjoy the night beyond the walk itself.Participants who complete their course will receive a finisher’s medal and commemorative gifts. For more details, please visit the official Night Walk website.※ 2026 Busan Night Walk with dsec, Aug. 29◎ Website: Click ◎ Tickets: Click ◎ Price: - 42K: 59,000 won - 24K: 49,000 won - 16K: 42,000 won - 8K: 38,000 won<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>coastal: 해안의 urban: 도시의 suit: 적합하다 preference: 선호도 pedestrian: 보행자 vest: 조끼Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
Food
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A sweet escape: Busan's best bingsu
source: Busan Tourism ArchiveFew things offer a sweeter escape from Korea's hot, humid summer than a bowl of bingsu. Made with ice shaved as fine and light as fresh snow, Korea's signature summer dessert comes in countless varieties - from timeless classics topped with sweet red beans, condensed milk and chewy injeolmi rice cakes to modern creations featuring fresh seasonal fruit, rich matcha and silky cream.Sampling different styles is part of the fun for locals and visitors alike, and bingsu's eye-catching presentation makes each bowl as enjoyable to photograph as it is to eat.To help readers find some of Busan's best bingsu, the Blue Ribbon Survey - Korea's first restaurant guide - recommends nine establishments known for their distinctive takes on the dessert. Head out and grab a bowl or two. After all, the hotter the summer gets, the more refreshing every spoonful becomes.🍨 Bingsu Eateries in Busan : Click <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>escape: 도피 variety: 다양한 종류 recommend: 추천하다 establishment: 시설 distinctive: 특별한 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
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A sweet escape: Busan's best bingsu
Few things offer a sweeter escape from Korea's hot, humid summer than a bowl of bingsu. Made with ice shaved as fine and light as fresh snow, Korea's signature summer dessert comes in countless varieties - from timeless classics topped with sweet red beans, condensed milk and chewy injeolmi rice cakes to modern creations featuring fresh seasonal fruit, rich matcha and silky cream. Sampling different styles is part of the fun for locals and visitors alike, and bingsu's eye-catching presentation makes each bowl as enjoyable to photograph as it is to eat. To help readers find some of Busan's best bingsu, the Blue Ribbon Survey - Korea's first restaurant guide - recommends nine establishments known for their distinctive takes on the dessert. Head out and grab a bowl or two. After all, the hotter the summer gets, the more refreshing every spoonful becomes.Namcheon Nokcha Patbingsu in Suyeong-gu is best known for its signature Boseong green tea patbingsu. The dessert features sweet red beans and green tea powder over finely shaved ice.Peach Bingsu at DADAE DE LAMugwort Rice Cake Bingsu (left) and Blueberry Bingsu (right) at GojaeClassic Patbingsu at Baekro AnggeumGoogle Maps: Click
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Taste Busan
Briny, freshly caught seafood served raw or grilled over a smoky fire. Sweet and spicy rice cakes, bubbling away in busy alleys. Tangy rice wine, flavored by the effort of a mountain hike and centuries of tradition. Buttery pastries and strong coffee, enjoyed slowly at a seaside cafe. The flavors of Busan are as diverse as its landscapes. Check out restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide Busan and eateries recommended by Taste of Busan, the city's official gourmet guidebook.
Life
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Celebrate World Animal Day at the 2026 With PETSTA this October
Busan will host the 2026 With PETSTA on Oct. 3 and 4 at the Lawn Square of Hwamyeong Eco Park. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, the festival will bring together pet lovers and their furry companions for a weekend filled with fun and engaging activities. Under the theme of “Autumn Picnic with Dogs and Cats,” pet owners and those without pets are invited to enjoy the outdoors together amid lush greenery and crisp autumn air. With a focus on creating a welcoming space where everyone can mingle, the festival features a variety of programs, including a professional consultant on pet behavior and educational sessions on pet etiquette. Three signature programs require pre-registration through the designated website by Sept. 20: * Autumn Camping: Enjoy camping with your furry companion. Thirty families will receive a campsite free of charge and spend an autumn evening together at the park. Selection will be based on stories submitted with the application, such as how applicants first met their pets and the special memories they have shared. Selected participants can use the campsite from 2 p.m. on Oct. 3 until noon the following day. Only families whose pets are officially registered are eligible to participate. (Application: Click) * Daeng Daeng Run: Ready, set, run! This energetic activity invites 100 families to hit the trails with their dogs on Oct. 3. Participants will run approximately 2 kilometers through Hwamyeong Eco Park and receive a participation gift package that includes a T-shirt and dog treats. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. (Application: Click) * Daeng Daeng Walk: Held on Oct. 4 to celebrate World Animal Day, this program invites participants to take a relaxing stroll with their beloved dogs. Participation is free, and participants will also receive gifts. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. (Application: Click) In addition to the signature programs, a variety of on-site activities will be open to everyone. Highlights include informative sessions led by renowned dog trainer Hyung-wook Kang and veterinarian Myung-chul Kim, who will share advice on caring for dogs and cats. A special talent show will also give animal companions a chance to show off their unique personalities. From practical activities such as Pet CPR training and sanitary grooming sessions to playful experiences like pet tarot readings and personal color tests for dogs, there will be plenty to discover. Surrounded by soothing greenery and clear autumn skies, come enjoy a fun-filled weekend with your beloved pets and make memories to cherish for years to come. For more information on how to participate in specific programs, please visit the website linked below. ◎ 2026 With PETSTA, Oct. 3 to 4- Hwamyeong Eco Park: 1718-17 Hwamyeong-dong, Buk-gu- Google Maps: Click - Notice: Click <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>companion: 동반자 amid: ~로 에워싸인 mingle: 함께 어울리다 informative: 정보성의 veterinarian: 수의사 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy
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Why Chuseok is more than 'Korean Thanksgiving'
International students learn about charye, a memorial service for one's ancestors, at Inje Uni. Playing yutnori at Dongseo Uni.The Chuseok holiday, which falls Sept. 24-26 this year, is one of Korea's most beloved traditions. Because it follows the lunar calendar and lands on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it is also called Hangawi - "the great middle of autumn." The holiday was originally a time to give thanks for nature's bounty, wish for a plentiful harvest and share meaningful moments with family. Much of that still holds. Many people travel to their hometowns to reunite with relatives, while others simply enjoy a few days off together. Chuseok is often described in English as "Korean Thanksgiving," and the comparison holds up in places. Both holidays celebrate autumn's abundance, and both bring families around the same table. The timing and the purpose differ, though. Chuseok traditionally came before the main harvest, when farmers gathered the year's first crops and hoped for more to come. Thanksgiving in the United States falls on the fourth Thursday in November, after the harvest is in, as a time to appreciate what it yielded. Chuseok grew out of Korea's long agricultural history. Historical records suggest people were already celebrating around the 15th day of the eighth lunar month during the early Silla period, roughly 2,000 years ago, gathering to share food, sing and dance. Over the centuries, the occasion evolved into a day for wishing for a good harvest and honoring ancestors. That second part is what most clearly sets Chuseok apart from its American counterpart. On the morning of the holiday, some families hold charye, a ceremony to express gratitude and respect to previous generations. The charye table is laid with dishes made from freshly harvested ingredients, including new-season rice and seasonal fruit. Afterward, the family shares the food and may head to the family gravesite for seongmyo, a visit to pay respects. In recent years, more households have chosen to simplify these customs or skip them altogether. No Chuseok spread is complete without songpyeon, one of Korea's most recognizable holiday treats. The half-moon-shaped rice cakes are formed from rice flour dough and stuffed with fillings such as sesame seeds, beans and chestnuts. Steaming them over a bed of pine needles gives them a delicate, fragrant finish. Other favorites round out the meal: jeon, savory pan-fried fritters; japchae, stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables; galbi-jjim, beef short ribs braised in a rich sauce; namul, seasoned vegetables; and whatever fruit is in season. Together they add up to a feast built on the abundance of the harvest. Chuseok also comes with a full slate of games. In yutnori, a board game, players advance their pieces according to how four wooden sticks land when thrown. Depending on the region, families may also enjoy ganggangsullae, a circle dance; ssireum, Korean wrestling; and juldarigi, a tug-of-war. These pastimes have long given families and neighbors a reason to celebrate the harvest side by side - and to strengthen the bonds that hold a community together.<Chuseok Cultural Event)■ Special Exhibition "A Time We Ran Together: Stories of Horses by Our Side" at Bokcheon Museum To mark Bokcheon Museum's 30th anniversary, this special exhibition traces the relationship between people and horses throughout Korean history. It presents 316 pieces in 154 sets, including two designated Treasures, ranging from Gaya horse trappings to Joseon dynasty documents and paintings.* Date: Sept. 22-Nov. 22* Address: 63, Bokcheon-ro, Dongnae-gu■ Sweet Hangawi Playground at Jeonggwan Museum Explore artifacts in the special exhibition and take a quiz for a shot at the "Full Moon Capsule" lucky draw, then head to the outdoor courtyard for traditional folk games. The program is open to families with children on a first-come, first-served basis, with 100 admitted daily.* Date: Sept. 25-26* Address: 122, Jeonggwanjungang-ro, Jeonggwan-myeon, Gijang-gun■ Hangawi Play Market at Busan National Science Museum Step into Chuseok with folk-games, holiday crafts, family movies and making rice cakes. Register through the Smart Ticketing system in advance, or sign up on-site. The museum is closed Sept. 25, Chuseok Day.* Date: Sept. 24, 26, 27* Address: 59, Dongbusan-gwangwang 6-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun■ Chuseok Cultural Events at Korea National Maritime Museum Enjoy traditional folk games such as yutnori and tuho, plus the Hanbok Diver Feeding Show at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 25, when divers perform in hanbok, Korean traditional dress. Parking is free throughout the holiday.* Date: Sept. 24-27* Address: 45, Haeyang-ro 301beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu
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Lost in translation? Busan has you covered
The Busan Global City Foundation is offering free interpretation and document translation in 14 languages, including in-person help at hospitals, banks and police stations. Interpreters can also accompany residents to post offices and schools. Translation covers official notices from public institutions as well as informational materials. Support is offered in English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Russian, Uzbek, Thai, Mongolian, Cambodian (Khmer), Myanmar language (Burmese), Tagalog, Nepali and Turkish. The services are available to foreign nationals living in Busan who hold a long-term visa valid for 90 days or longer. Interpretation is free for up to two hours; longer sessions must be scheduled with the interpreter beforehand. Applicants should submit requests at least three days ahead, and schedules may shift depending on interpreter availability and the nature of the request. Applications can be submitted through the Busan Foreign Integrated Call Center at 1600-0051, by email at bgcf_translate@naver.com or online via the QR code above.
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Chuseok seen through children's eyes
The Busan Children Newspaper held a contest to select the cover artwork for its autumn edition. Participants had to depict what Chuseok, Korea’s major autumn harvest holiday, means to them. Here are the five award-winning entries. From joyful family gatherings to whimsical scenes, each piece displays the warmth and festive spirit of Chuseok. [Grand Prize]Title: My Family’s Bountiful and Peaceful ChuseokArtist: Sumin Kim (3rd grader, Geoje Elementary School)Explanation:
My painting was inspired by “Irworobongdo,” a folding screen from the Joseon Dynasty, traditionally placed behind the king, symbolizing wishes for the nation's peace and prosperity and abundant harvests for the people. In the same spirit, I wanted to express my wishes for my family’s health and happiness as we celebrate Chuseok, a holiday associated with abundance and gratitude. Along with the iconic elements of Irowobongdo—the sun, moon and five peaks—I wanted to depict the abundance of the autumn harvest. My family dressed in Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, is also featured in the painting, capturing a joyful holiday moment and highlighting the beauty of Korean traditions.
[Excellent Prize]Title: Happy Chuseok with a Spoonful of Moon Artist: Bomi Seo (6th grader, Dalsan Elementary School)Explanation:
My painting captures a happy family moment, with everyone gathered together and enjoying the Chuseok holiday. By climbing the ladder to the moon, we get ingredients for songpyeon, half-moon-shaped rice cakes traditionally enjoyed during Chuseok, and make this special holiday treat together.
[Excellent Prize]Title: Happy Chuseok Artist: Minha Kim (2nd grader, Sangdang Elementary School)Explanation:
I painted a delightful Chuseok moment with my family, with a wooden boat floating on a clear river. Since the number seven symbolizes good luck, I included seven persimmons, a classic autumn fruit.
[Participation Prize]Title: Moon Rabbit Is Showering Us with Happy Songpyeon Artist: Dayun Park (2nd grader, Gaya Elementary School)Explanation:
I imagined a special Chuseok scene, in which a moon rabbit brings happiness and smiles to my family from the huge full moon. With songpyeon and sparkling stars raining down on us, my painting captures my family smiling together and enjoying a wonderful Chuseok night.
[Participation Prize]Title: My family Travels with the Moonlight Whale on Chuseok Artist: Jiwoo Yun (6th grader, Mujeong Elementary School)Explanation:
The moonlight whale travels across Busan’s vast ocean, carrying my family’s love, hope, smiles, health and happiness. In the prosperous spirit of Chuseok, I wish happiness and all the best to every family celebrating the holiday.
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Busan hosts largest UNESCO heritage gathering ever
The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, concluded successfully as the first edition hosted in Korea. A record 3,111 participants from 162 countries attended, the largest gathering in the committee's history. The sprawling Korea Pavilion at BEXCO drew more than 10,000 visitors daily, while merchandise sales topped 100 million won within five days.An installation inspired by the 19th-century painting "Gangsan Mujindo"(Rivers and Mountains Without End).Exhibition space inspired by "Seowon," the Confucian academies of the Joseon Dynasty.A child experiencing the "Yeongsanjae," a ritual that reenacts Buddha delivering the Lotus Sutra.Posters depicting Korea's cultural heritage.Children's drawings of Busan's national heritage.Media art combines the glow of ancient tombs with the melodies of the gayageum."Gakjajang," traditional calligraphic engraving."Geobukseon," Korea's iconic Turtle Ship.Busan Pavilion.
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What to do in May
May is one of the best months to visit Busan. Festivals take over the city's most iconic settings - beaches, temples, and hillside neighborhoods - turning familiar landmarks into something worth seeing all over again. Lotus lanterns float above temple courtyards, sand sculptures rise along Haeundae's shore and the smell of fresh coffee drifts through the streets. Whether you're drawn by the food, the art or simply the energy of a city in full spring bloom, May is an exciting time to be in Busan.■ Busan Lotus Lantern Festival 부산연등회◎Date: May 1 to 17◎Location: Song Sanghyeon Square, Busan Citizens Park In celebration of Buddha's birthday on May 24, various lotus lanterns will color Song Sanghyeon Square with an enchanting display. Wishing for good fortune, citizens can enjoy a delightful stroll among delicate lights featuring unique designs that capture the eye. On May 16, a street parade will take place at Busan Citizens Park, inviting people to hold lanterns and march together. ■ Global Yeong-do Coffee Festival 영도 커피페스티벌◎Date: May 15 to 17◎Location: Amir Park This vibrant festival has returned to brew Yeong-do into a hot spot! As the region rises as a home to numerous charming cafes, the event offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy unique coffees from around the world and experience themed activities such as roasting beans and making pour over coffee. ■ Haeundae Sand Festival 해운대모래축제◎Date: May 15 to 18◎Location: Haeundae Beach Witness the magical transformation of sand at Haeundae Beach! Eleven professional sculptors from Korea, China and France will turn ordinary sand into massive, meticulous art pieces under the theme of "Time Travel in Busan." While the festival runs for three days, the majestic sand sculptures will remain on display until June 14 for all to enjoy. ■ Centum Beer Festival 센텀맥주축제◎Date: May 22 to 31◎Location: Busan Cinema Center Enjoy ice-cold, all-you-can-drink beer with a single admission ticket! This year, the festival has enhanced its appeal by expanding its food zone and participatory activities. While the core identity remains focused on high-quality beer, each day will feature new entertainment themes, ranging from costumes and tango to retro nights.■ Busan Global Citizen Festival 부산세계시민축제◎Date: May 23◎Location: North Port Waterfront Park (Chinsu Park) North Port will become a cultural hub where K-culture and global traditions converge. The Busan Global Citizen Festival invites you to experience cultures from around the world. While enjoying international delicacies, charming performances and engaging programs, you will find yourself feeling closer to the world and to our international neighbors. More events: Click
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