Enjoy Busan
Fall Into Fun
Fall is the perfect season to enjoy all that Busan offers, and the city is buzzing with a festive atmosphere. As part of an ambitious initiative to attract more visitors, Festival Shiwol will take place citywide in October.
Festival Shiwol features 17 major international events across the arts, film, culture, food and beverage, business, and technology.
Busan is Good is here to guide you through the best ways to experience the excitement. Lets kick things off with movies and music!
Asia's grandest film festival, BIFF
The 29th Busan International Film Festival rolls out the red carpet for 10 days from Oct. 2 to 11. Audiences can enjoy prizewinning films from major international festivals like Cannes, Sundance and Berlinale, as well as works by Asia's greatest directors and rising stars.
BIFF's official selection counts 224 films from 63 countries and includes 86 world premieres and 13 international premieres. Screenings take place at the festival's main venue, Busan Cinema Center, and other theaters in Centum City.
The festival opens with the Korean movie "Uprising," a historical war epic produced and co-written by prominent filmmaker Park Chan-wook. Directed by Kim Sang-man, "Uprising" is set during the Joseon Dynasty and depicts the story of two childhood friends - one a noble, the other a servant - who meet again as enemies on the battlefield.
The film stars acclaimed Korean actors Gang Dong-won, Park Jeong-min, Cha Seung-won, Kim Shin-rok, Jin Sun-kyu and Jung Sung-il.
BIFF will close with the world premiere of "Spirit World" by Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo, the first-ever Singaporean invited to international film festivals such as Cannes, Berlinale and Venice. "Spirit World," starring the incomparable French actor Catherine Deneuve as a chanson singer on tour in Tokyo, is a meditation on life, death and spirituality.
The recipient of the annual Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award is Japanese artist Kurosawa Kiyoshi. Two of his latest films, "Serpent's Path" (2024) and "Cloud," will be screened in the Gala Presentation. "Cloud" was recently selected as Japan's entry for the Best International Feature Film Award for the 2025 Oscars.
This year's Special Program in Focus features a retrospective of Portuguese director Miguel Gomes, fresh off his Best Director Award win at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for "Grand Tour."
The signature works of late actor Lee Sun-kyun, including the hit film "Parasite" and the drama series "My Mister," will also be screened during the festival.
BIFF also offers visitors special and intimate talks with actors, directors and other filmmakers.
Community BIFF, a community-led celebration focused on the spirit of BIFF's early days, runs alongside the main festival from Oct. 1 to 6 and features 55 films. Free screenings and events take place in the Nampo-dong area.
Tickets are available on the BIFF official website and mobile application. Only canceled or vacant seats will be available at on-site box offices. For more information, visit (biff.kr/eng).
"Uprising," the opening film of BIFF 2024.
"Spirit World," the closing film of BIFF 2024.
24 years of unstoppable rock spirit
The 2024 Busan International Rock Festival will take place from Oct. 4 to 6 at Samnak Ecological Park. Since its inception in 2000, the festival has electrified audiences against the backdrop of the pristine Nakdong Estuary.
The festival billing includes beloved acts from around the world. English rock band Kasabian headlines the first night. The Leicester group is a staple of U.K. music festivals, celebrated for their danceable rock grooves, infectious guitar riffs and catchy melodies. On Oct. 5, English singer-songwriter Anne-Marie takes top billing while Japanese rock band Ellegarden headlines the final day.
Throughout the festival, some of Korea's top musicians will take the stage, including beloved sibling duo AKMU; rock groups F.T. Island, Guckkasten, Jannabi, CN Blue and Glen Check; and singer-songwriter and hometown darling Kwon Jin-ah.
International acts include Japanese rock band Frederic, Thai artists Palmy and Phum Viphurit, Filipino musician Jose Miguel, British pop band Mamas Gun and more.
1-Day, 2-Day and 3-Day passes are available via Yes24. The festival offers intercity travel options through the Kakao T mobile application for those attending from outside the city.
Those interested in camping near the festival area can reserve a site by visiting the Nakdong River Auto Camping website at 1 p.m. daily to see if any spots are available. For more information, visit the Busan International Rock Festival's official website (busanrockfestival.com).
Busan International Rock Festival, where artists and fans embrace the spirit of rock alike.
Music of the night
The K-Music Season Good Night Concert offers live entertainment under Busan's beautiful night sky.
The event will take place across three nights at 7 p.m. at Haeundae Beach. Each night presents a different theme, with various musicians performing.
On Oct. 3, six K-pop idol groups, including NCT Wish and the girl group TripleS, take the stage.
On Oct. 4, enjoy the musical styles of NCT member Doyoung, indie artist Ha Hyunsang, singer-songwriter Hynn and others.
Finally, the event ends on Oct. 5, with Korea's favorite trot singers slated to delight audiences. Dance along with "The Queen of Trot" Jang Yoon-jeong and other trot performers.
For more information, visit (k-musicseason.com)
K-Music Season Good Night Concert in 2023.