Daily Busan
Winter Lights Shine Bright in Busan
illumination: 빛
Winter nights in Busan are set to sparkle this December as the city’s most popular areas—Haeundae Beach, Gwangbok-ro and Yongdusan Park—host their annual Christmas illumination and tree festivals.
Joining the festive display this year is Millak Waterside Park, adding to the wave of dazzling lights across the city. Major shopping destinations, including department stores and outlets, have also embraced the holiday spirit, featuring towering Christmas trees and vibrant illuminations to welcome visitors.
The Christmas season has officially begun in Busan, offering locals and tourists a magical atmosphere to celebrate the holidays.
✨ Haeundae Light Festival, until Feb. 2
Haeundae Beach, Busan’s best summer vacation destination, is beloved by visitors during the wintertime, too. The Haeundae Light Festival will take place at Haeundae Beach, Gunam-ro and the Haeundae Traditional Market. Under the theme of “New Wave Snow Wave,” this year’s festival is dedicated to the light of citizen’s hope for the future. The lights will be on from 6 p.m. to midnight from Dec. 14 to Feb 2, 2025.
A mega-sized Christmas tree will be displayed at the entrance of the beach. Media art and message sign boards will adorn the sand. Christmas lights around the Haeundae Traditional Market and Jungdong 1-ro will boost everyone’s holiday spirit.
▶How to get there: Haeundae Station (metro line 2), exits 3 and 5.
✨ 2024 Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival, until Feb. 2
Busan’s representative Christmas festival, the Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival, began on Nov. 15 and will run until Feb. 2. Nampo-dong and its surrounding areas are filled with glittering lights. The theme of this year’s festival is “Gwangbok Light Masterpiece” and showcases the history and culture of the neighborhood.
The unique Christmas tree at the festival's heart is equipped with media art and lights to catch visitors’ eyes. The light decorations of Yongdusan Mountain boost the Christmas mood. In December, live performances and Christmas activities will take place. The colorful lights and holiday decorations will stretch 2 kilometers between Hyekwang High School and Sky Eye Observatory in Yeongju-dong.
▶How to get there: Nampo Station (metro line 1), exit 5. Walk west.
✨ Millac Luce Festival, until Feb. 28
Gwangalli Beach and the surrounding area present its first light festival. The Suyeong-gu District Office hosted the opening ceremony for the Millac Luce Festival on Nov. 2 at Millak Waterside Park. Many locals and tourists participated in welcoming the newest light festival in the city, set against the backdrop of the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge.
The festival’s theme is “Roopretelcham,” a made-up expression that means “everything I hope will come true,” and the title of a song by K-pop group Rumble-G. The theme expresses the organizers' hope for everyone to have a great 2025.
The Millac Light Festival is presented as a fairytale in which visitors follow along as Luce, a brave fish, collects light beads to illuminate the Dragon Palace, which has been darkened by a typhoon. The festival is divided into seven themed areas, representing a different stage of Luce’s adventure.
While the young and young-at-heart can enjoy Luce’s story, adults can enjoy the food and drink offerings at Millac the Market.
▶Address: 361 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu
✨ 'Tis the season all around town
Shopping centers and tourist attractions citywide are decked in holiday décor. Take your little ones to the Busan Premium Outlets, which have been taken over by “Catch! Teenieping.” There is a photo zone and pop-up store to celebrate the characters from the much-beloved animated series.
Lotte World Adventure in the Osiria Tourist Complex has special programs and events to celebrate Christmas. Enjoy sledding at the Ice Garden until Feb. 9. Watch the Little Santa Parade and the Christmas Magic Forest Parade until Dec. 31. Finally, purchase special winter products, like character-themed hot packs and winter apparel, available for a limited time only.
Finally, head downtown and experience the holiday lights and decorations at ▶Busan Citizens Park, Seomyeon 1-beonga (Seomyeon First Street), and Jeonpo Café Street. The district’s various cafes, restaurants and shops provide excellent settings in which you and your loved ones can celebrate the holidays!
<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>
popular: 인기있는 illumination: 빛 dazzling: 눈부신 destination: 장소 embrace: 받아들이다 atmosphere: 분위기 entrance: 입구 representative: 대표적인 theme: 주제 express: 표현하다 fairytale: 동화 tourist attraction: 관광 명소
Editor: Song Soomi
Copy Editors: Kim Miyoung, Anton J. Mapoy