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■ Busan Lotus Lantern Festival, until May 12

The Busan Buddhist Association hosts the Busan Lotus Lantern Festival until May 12 at Songsanghyeon Square in Busanjin-gu District. The must-see lantern parade starts at 7:30 p.m. on May 11. It features 4,000 participants marching a 2.2-kilometer route between Busan Citizens Park and Songsanghyeon Square while carrying colorful lanterns of all shapes and sizes.

While Busan's major temples－Samgwangsa Temple, Beomeosa Temple and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple－will showcase stunning lantern displays, small temples citywide will also be illuminated to celebrate the Buddha. Lanterns traditionally come down on May 15, Buddha's Birthday.

website: http://www.bba48.or.kr

Gwangalli Eobang Festival

■ Gwangalli Eobang Festival, May 10 to 12

Starting May 10, the Gwangalli Eobang Festival will take place for three days at Gwangalli Beach. This is one of Busan's representative festivals, a spirited celebration of traditional fishing culture from the Joseon dynasty. "Eobang" refers to the fishing community in Suyeong-gu District, where fishing has been active since ancient times. 

Visitors can enjoy the Gyeongsang Jwasusa Parade, held in honor of an ancient naval commander from this area. Highlights include a musical based on Eobang folklore and hands-on activities like bare-handed fishing. 

website: https://www.suyeong.go.kr/festival/index.suyeong

Global Gathering

■ Global Gathering 2024, May 18

Global Gathering is Busan's largest multicultural festival, held to commemorate Together Day on May 20. Designated in 2007, Together Day is a national commemorative day to promote a society where Korean nationals and foreign residents respect each other's cultures and traditions while living together in harmony. This year's Global Gathering will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 18 at the Busan Cinema Center in Centum City. 

Festivalgoers can enjoy traditional performances, cultural experiences and artwork from different countries. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about other cultures and global citizenship through special film screenings. Enjoy English Week booths and programs will provide fun ways for visitors to learn and use English in their daily lives. In addition, the festival will feature a small crafts market for guests to buy interesting cultural trinkets.

Finally, BeFM, Busan's English broadcasting station, will record a live show of "All-Star English" to be streamed on its YouTube channel.

website: http://globalgathering.co.kr/2024/

Haeundae Sand Festival

■ Haeundae Sand Festival 2024, May 24 to 27

Every spring, Busan's most popular beach transforms into a gallery of amazing and unique sand sculptures. Walking decks help viewers take in each sculpture's incredible complexity and intricate detail.

Other programs include a crafts market and various activities. The sculptures will remain on display until June 6 for those who miss the festival period.

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandfestival_haeundae/

■ Geumjeongsanseong Festival, May 24 to 26

For a consecutive year, the Busan City Festival Promotion Committee selected the Geumjeongsanseong Fortress Festival as one of the best events on the city's calendar. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also lists it as a top attraction. The festival celebrates the cultural and historical heritage of Geumjeongsan Mountain and Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, the largest fortress in Korea.

Festivalgoers can enjoy live performances, tours of the historic grounds, crafts making and cultural experiences. The area is also known for producing "Sanseong makgeolli," a milky and lightly sparkling Korean rice wine. Visitors will have ample opportunity to enjoy makgeolli and other local delicacies.

Commemorate: 기념하다

adorned: 장식된

spirited: 활기찬

Together Day: 세계인의 날

sculpture: 조각

ample: 충분한