Enjoy Busan
The lights are brightly shining
When winter settles over Busan, the city doesn't dim －it shines. Neighborhood by neighborhood, brilliant light displays transform coastal parks, bustling streets and sandy beaches into glowing nighttime escapes. From whimsical installations to immersive media art, Busan's winter festivals offer the perfect reason to step outside, bundle up and explore the city after dark.
The Millac Luce Festa
The Millac Luce Festa lights up Millak Waterside Park.
The Millac Luce Festa lights up Millak Waterside Park.
■ Millac Luce Festa
＊Until Jan. 31 ＊ Lights on 6 to 11:30 p.m. daily
Returning with more vibrant displays and a richer lineup, the Millac Luce Festa once again lights up Millak Waterside Park. Introduced just last year, it quickly became a beloved winter attraction thanks to its warm, fairy-tale atmosphere.
This year's edition follows Muse, a wandering cat searching for musical notes scattered across the park. Visitors follow Muse's journey along a bright, immersive path that connects a media gallery, Luminaria displays and photo areas. New features include LED Gobo projections that cast a constellation across the ground and garden-in-winter installations.
Every weekend, the festival buzzes with performances, filling the park with lively energy. It also introduces a midnight camping zone and the nearby Suyeong Winter Market offers handcrafted goods, warm treats, and local specialties.
There is always something new to amaze Haeundae Light Festival visitors.
The Haeundae Light Festival has been drawing large crowds for over a decade.
■ Haeundae Light Festival
＊Until Jan. 18 ＊Lights on 6 to 11 p.m. daily
Haeundae may be famous for its summer sunshine, but in winter the warmth returns in the form of glowing lights. The 12th Haeundae Light Festival transforms Gunam-ro and Haeundae Beach into a starry coastal walkway inspired by this year's theme, "Stellar Haeundae." Imagined as starlight drifting in like gentle waves, the design brings soft, luminous charm to the district's lively streets.
Visitors are welcomed by Starlight Gate, a glowing entrance on Gunam-ro that sets the tone for the experience ahead. The Stellar Wave Zone leads toward the beach, guiding visitors with atmospheric light arrangements. At the center of Gunam-ro, a striking star-shaped installation becomes a seasonal highlight, its four-meter structure capturing the shimmering moment a star bursts into light. Trees of varying heights add a festive, classic holiday mood and warm year-end charm.
Down by the sea, Haeundae Square hosts daily programs from 6 to 10 p.m., including sand art, line art, pedal-powered bicycles and a winter photo booth. Around Christmas, visitors can take playful four-cut photos complete with fun seasonal props.
The beach itself turns into a dreamy galaxy. The Haeundae Universe Zone features a 10-meter earth-shaped media art piece and a 180-meter illuminated path dotted with planets, stars and even a glowing spaceship. It's a whimsical, walk-through universe set against Haeundae's pale sand, perfect for couples, families and anyone who loves nighttime strolls.
The Seomyeon Light Festival amps up the holiday spirit downtown.
■ Seomyeon Light Festival
＊Until Feb. 24 ＊Lights on 6 to 11 p.m. daily
Right in the heart of Busan, Seomyeon glows with urban charm as the Seomyeon Light Festival returns for its sixth year. Under the theme "Light Station," it brings rest, romance and excitement to the city's busiest streets.
Across Seomyeon 1-beon-ga, five themed zones offer colorful displays and engaging photo spots. The main attraction, Light Station, symbolizes Seomyeon's role as a bustling transit hub and serves as the festival's lively starting point. Golden lights sweep across the streets, adding sparkle and warmth to the district's nightlife.
Fireworks-inspired displays, glowing trees and festive backdrops create an irresistible evening atmosphere for friends, couples and families.
The Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival is a staple of Busan winters.
■ Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival
＊Until Feb. 22 ＊Lights on 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily
A cornerstone of Busan's holiday season, the Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival invites visitors into a world filled with brilliant, vivid light. This year's theme, "K-Nuri," blends "K" for Korea with "nuri," meaning "world," symbolizing a bright, imaginative journey through Korean culture.
More than 100 illuminated displays turn the streets into a radiant corridor. Media trees, shimmering arches and a fountain of light set a festive scene, while installations infused with Korean humor and tradition add delightful surprises. Keep an eye out for a tiger wearing a traditional "gat," or a figure sporting the iconic "hahoe" mask. Abundant photo spots and cheerful street gardens create an inviting atmosphere for anyone hoping to experience Busan's vibrant winter spirit.