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Busan lights up for the holiday season

Local college students helped design the sets and light structures at the Millac Luce Festival.

　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 displays 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.

The 2024 Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival

A kid having fun time on a light sled at Gwangbok-ro.

A happy family at Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival.

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. 

Haeundae Light Festival in 2023

Haeundae Light Festival, until Feb. 2

　Haeundae Beach, Busan's most popular 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 and bright structures will be illuminated from 6 p.m. to midnight from Dec. 14 to Feb 2.

　Gunam-ro, the pedestrian walkway between the Haeundae metro station and the beach, offers media arts, illumination and live performances throughout the festival period. Booths for writing wish cards and taking photos will be set up for visitors.

　A mega-sized Christmas tree will be displayed at the entrance of the beach. Media art and message  boards will adorn the sand. 

　Finally, Christmas decorations 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.

Glittering lights at the Millac Luce Festival catch kids attention.

Kids enjoying a seesaw at the Millac Luce Festival.

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 Luce 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

The impressive upside-down Christmas tree at el ARENA.

el ARENA, the perfect backdrop for Christmas card pictures.

Tis the season all around town

　Shopping centers and tourist attractions citywide are already decked in holiday decor. 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 Department Store, Busan Main Branch is a must-stop for Christmas lovers. The exterior and interior of the department store has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Make sure to take a picture with the massive, upside-down tree hung from the ceiling. Then, stop by el ARENA on the 9th floor for some holiday treats.

　Lotte World Adventure in the Osiria Tourist Complex has special events and programs to help patrons warmly enjoy the cold winter. Take a walk in the brightly illuminated Magic Forest. 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 Cafe Street. The district's various restaurants, cafes and pubs provide excellent settings in which you and your loved ones can celebrate the holidays!