Busan is good

What to do this weekend: Feed your stomach and soul at the 2026 Busan Food Film Festa

 source: bfff.krNow in its 10th year, the 2026 Busan Food Film Festa (BFFF) returns to the Busan Cinema Center from June 26 to 28 with 17 films. Under the theme “Familiar in the Unfamiliar,” this year’s edition invites audiences into a tempting world where cinema meets cuisine. Through carefully curated films, audiences are encouraged to discover comfort in unfamiliar settings and see familiar dishes from fresh perspectives. The festival is divided into four categories: Main Theme, 10th Anniversary Highlights, Short Film, and Movie Dining. 10th Anniversary Highlights revisits memorable titles from the past decade, handpicked by BFFF programmers as films they would love to share with audiences again. The selection includes “Delicious: The Beginning of French Cuisine,” “Mentai Piriri,” and “The Taste of Things.” Notably, “Mentai Pariri” was first introduced to Korean audiences through BFFF, which even prepared Korean subtitles for the film. Based on the real-life story of Japanese entrepreneur Toshio Kawahara, who was born in Busan, the film follows his efforts to popularize salted pollack roe, also known as “mentaiko,” in Japan. The Short Film category presents four works, including the opening film, “The Last Cannoli,” from Italy, alongside three Korean short films: “Breath,” “The Dinner,” and “Anti Late-Night Snack Club.” A single ticket grants access to all four movies. Meanwhile, the Movie Dining section introduces newly released food-centered films worth adding to your watchlist, such as “Holy Cow,” “We Live in Time,” “The Yeast,” and “Reunion: The Last Supper.” The Main Theme category brings together five films that encourage audiences to reflect on the hidden meanings and overlooked value found in familiar dishes and everyday moments. Featured works include Korean films “Number One” and “Curry of the Day,” “Shiso” by a Korean-Japanese filmmaker, “Left-Handed Girl” from Taiwan, and “Father Mother Sister Brother,” the 2025 Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion winner directed by Jim Jarmusch. The opening and closing films will be screened free of charge at the Busan Cinema Center’s outdoor theater. For more information, please visit the official Busan Food Film Festa website and its social media accounts at the links below. ※ 2026 Busan Food Film Festa, June 26 to 28 ◎ Busan Cinema Center: 120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu district◎ Google Maps: Click ◎ Website: Click ◎ Facebook: Click ◎ Instagram: @busanfoodfilmfesta◎ Tickets: Click  <Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>unfamiliar: 익숙하지 않은 perspective: 관점 subtitle: 자막 encourage: 장려하다 Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

Joseon Tongsinsa Parade Reenactment (June 27, Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu)

Joseon Tongsinsa Parade Reenactment (June 27, Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu)○ What is this program?- A citizen-participatory cultural heritage program centered on the reenactment of the Joseon Tongsinsa parade, based on the values of peace embodied in the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, Documents on Joseon Tongsinsa/Chosen Tsushinshi.○ When and Where?- June 27 (Sat), 5:30 PM- Gwangbok-ro car-free street, Jung-gu, Busan (City Spot ~ Nampo Station Exit 7)○ What was the Joseon Tongsinsa?- The Joseon Tongsinsa was an official diplomatic delegation dispatched by the Joseon Dynasty to restore diplomatic relations with Japan after the Imjin War. Between 1607 and 1811, a total of twelve missions were sent to Japan.Consisting of approximately 300 to 500 members, the Joseon Tongsinsa served not only to deliver official royal letters but also promote academic, artistic, and cultural exchanges, functioning as a comprehensive diplomatic mission.During the approximately 200 years of exchanges between Joseon and Japan through the Joseon Tongsinsa missions, no wars occurred between the two countries, and stable relations were maintained. As a result, the Joseon Tongsinsa is widely regarded as a representative example of peace and exchanges in the diplomatic history of East Asia.○ The Route of the Joseon Tongsinsa- Following the official appointment ceremony of its three principal envoys, the Joseon Tongsinsa departed from Hanyang (modern-day Seoul) and journeyed through Chungju, Mungyeong, and Yeongcheon before assembling in Busan. After performing a traditional sea ritual to pray for a safe voyage, the delegation set sail for Japan. The delegation then traveled through Tsushima, Shimonoseki, Osaka, Kyoto, and finally Edo (present-day Tokyo), covering a round-trip distance of approximately 4,500 kilometers over a period of six months to one year.Along the journey, they exchanged writings and ideas with scholars and intelligentsia in various regions, fostering vibrant academic,

Classic Busan Hosts Carmen, Busan Opera House Open-Air Opera Festival

Classic Busan Hosts Carmen, Busan Opera House Open-Air Opera Festival□ Classic Busan brings the Busan Opera House Open-Air Opera Festival, Carmen, to a specially constructed stage on the North Port Landmark Site from July 11–12, 2026.○ In cooperation with the Busan Port Authority, this cultural project is designed to give residents an opportunity to enjoy a world-class opera ahead of the launch of the Busan Opera House.○ Art Director Chung Myung-whun, the Asia Philharmonic Orchestra, and internationally renowned vocalists are expected to deliver a memorable summer evening in Busan.□ Carmen, one of the most celebrated operas in history, is a masterpiece by French composer Georges Bizet, featuring beloved arias such as Habanera and the Toreador Song.□ Anticipation is especially running high as Carmen returns under Chung’s baton.○ In 2025, Chung received acclaim from critics and audiences alike for mounting Carmen during the Busan Concert Hall Grand Opening Festival. This year, he is set to introduce a more refined aesthetic vision.○ Set against the vast backdrop of Busan’s North Port, the performance blends opera with the appeal of an outdoor event. Director Eom Suk-jeong promises a bold and spectacular presentation, with striking visual elements that fully utilize the expanse of the waterfront, making the opera accessible and engaging even for newcomers.○ Mezzo-soprano Michèle Losier, who earned widespread praise for her portrayal of Carmen last year, reprises the title role. She is joined by tenor Kim Jung-hoon, who has performed at prestigious opera institutions across Europe, including the Royal Opera House in London, as Don José, and baritone Lee Dong-hwan, a professor at the Korea National University of Arts, as Escamillo. Busan-based baritone Ahn Se-beom appears as Morales.○ Musical accompaniment is provided by the Asia Philharmonic Orchestra. The Classic Busan Chorus, the Haeundae-gu Juvenile Chorus, and Kairos Dance Company are also