Enjoy Busan
Festival Shiwol 2025 promises major upgrades
This September, Festival Shiwol returns with an even bigger lineup of global content, local flavor and unforgettable experiences. Running across the city’s most iconic venues, the festival promises to blend culture, art, food and fun into one incredible autumn showcase.
The festival kicks off with an outdoor opening event set against the dazzling backdrop of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, a picture-perfect welcome for festivalgoers.
Festival Shiwol’s heart is the lively Shiwol Village, now expanded to three must-visit spots: BEXCO, Haeundae Beach and Busan North Port Pier 1. These hubs are designed for interactive fun, where visitors can mingle, explore exhibits and soak in the atmosphere.
✔ New features
While crowd favorites like the Global Webtoon Festival and Busan Craft Beer Festival return, new events have been added to the Shiwol lineup. Look out for the 2025 Seven Bridge Tour: Riding in Busan, a cycling event showcasing the city’s unique landscape. In addition, the world-famous entertainers Cirque du Soleil have pitched their tent in Centum City, promising jaw-dropping performances until Sept. 28.
🎬 BIFF turns 30
No fall in Busan is complete without the Busan International Film Festival. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, BIFF runs from Sept. 17 to 26 at the Busan Cinema Center and theaters citywide.
This milestone edition brings exciting changes: For the first time, BIFF is introducing a competition section. The newly established Busan Awards will present the most artistically accomplished Asian films produced over the past year. The recipient of the Grand Prize will have the honor of closing the festival as the Closing Film, marking a grand finale to the celebration.
🎸 Rock the park
Get ready to turn up the volume at the 2025 Busan International Rock Festival, held from Sept. 26 to 28 at Samnak Ecological Park. As Korea’s longest-running rock festival, it continues to deliver powerful performances and high-energy crowds.
This year’s lineup is headlined by Britpop icons Suede and American alt-rockers The Smashing Pumpkins, guaranteeing three days of electrifying live music.
🎪 All the world’s a stage
From Sept. 24 to 28, the Busan International Performing Arts Market takes the spotlight. This unique event doubles as both a festival and a performance distribution market, connecting artists, professionals and audiences from around the world.
BPAM will feature 26 officially selected works along with nearly 100 additional performances, showcasing everything from cutting-edge theatrical productions to Korea’s finest performing arts.
🍀 Plan your visit
Whether it’s films under the stars, rock anthems by the river or a circus act that takes your breath away, Festival Shiwol 2025 is a celebration not to be missed.
For detailed schedules, lineups and ticketing information, visit the official website at shiwol.com or download the app at festivalshiwol.app.
<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>
expand: 확장하다 soak: 흠뻑 젖어들다 atmosphere: 분위기 crowd: 관중 landscape: 풍경
Editor: Song Soomi
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