Busan is good

Opening the Magic Door of the 21st Busan International Magic Festival… “Magic Convention” to Be Held!

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) and the Busan International Magic Festival Organizing Committee (Executive Director Kang Yeol-woo) announced that the “Magic Convention” will be held at Busan Cinema Center for three days from June 26 to 28.

The event will be held as part of the 21st Busan International Magic Festival.

A wide range of programs has been prepared, including the “Magic Gala Show,” where audiences can enjoy dazzling performances by world-renowned magicians; the “International Magic Competition,” a gateway for emerging magicians; “Magic Lectures,” where professional magicians share their secrets and expertise; interactive side events where visitors can experience various forms of magic; and the 8th Busking Championship, where street performers compete to showcase their talents.

The “Magic Gala Show,” which marks the opening of the Magic Convention, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy spectacular performances by world-class magicians all in one place alongside a grand opening ceremony.

Nikki, one of Korea’s leading creators, will serve as the host (MC), and eight top-tier magicians from Korea and abroad, including performers from France, Taiwan, and Malaysia, will present unforgettable performances.

In particular, this year’s show is drawing heightened attention with the appearance of Jang Hae-seok, a contestant from the SBS entertainment program The Magic Star.

The “International Magic Competition,” the main program of the Magic Convention, serves as a gateway for emerging magicians from around the world to gather and demonstrate their skills.

Recognized by the International Federation of Magic Societies (FISM), the competition serves as a launching pad for future masters of magic and a stage where young magicians compete in creativity and artistry.

A total of 23 magicians from four countries—Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Indonesia—have advanced to the finals. A judging panel led by Domenico Dante of Italy, serving as chief judge, along with experts from various countries, will evaluate participants under the same rules used in the World Championships of Magic.

Notably, this competition is expected to be particularly fierce, as it represents the final opportunity to secure qualification for next year’s FISM Asia Championship of Magic (FISM ACM).

The festival’s grand finale will be the “Winner Show,” a celebratory performance featuring the champions of the International Magic Competition and the Busking Championship.

Hosted by Do Gi-moon, a former International Magic Competition champion, the show will feature rising magicians expected to gain global recognition, including Yang Jae-hyeok, winner of the 2025 International Magic Competition Stage Category, each presenting their own distinctive magical techniques.

The side events have been designed as interactive programs that can be enjoyed not only by magic enthusiasts but also by the general public. Visitors will be able to browse and purchase magic props at dealer booths, enjoy close-up magic demonstrations, and participate in various event zones, making the experience accessible to everyone.

From June 26 to 27, the 8th Busking Championship, often described as the Olympics of street performers, will be held free of charge on Gunam-ro in Haeundae.

Artists representing various street performance genres, selected through highly competitive preliminary rounds, will participate from four countries with a total of 10 teams. The event will provide both residents and tourists visiting Busan with an opportunity to experience magic and performance art up close in everyday settings.

Tickets for the performances can be purchased through YES24 Ticket, Naver, Interpark Ticket, and Discovery of Play.

For more information, visit the official Busan Magic Festival website at www.hibimf.org or its Instagram account at www.instagram.com/busanmagicfestival, or contact the Busan International Magic Festival Secretariat at 051-626-7002.

Cho Yu-jang, Director General of the Culture Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, stated, “As an art form that brings wonder and joy to people, magic has the power to enrich everyday life. We hope that this year’s Busan International Magic Festival will bring vitality and happiness to the daily lives of our citizens.”