As Korea’s most dynamic city, Busan hosts all kinds of festivals and cultural events throughout the year. There’s always a festival for you to celebrate whenever you visit Busan. For those who are looking for the best among them, here is the ultimate guide to the fantastic festivals in Busan. Follow the list and make your itinerary chock-full of pleasure!
*Please keep in mind most festivals are canceled due to the pandemic this year.
Spring Festivals in Busan
1. Joseon Tongsinsa Festival
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Joseon Tongsinsa Festival is a representative event of Busan. Joseon Tongsinsa were diplomatic envoys that were sent to Japan during the Joseon Dynasty in goodwill. This festival commemorates cultural exchanges between South Korea and Japan. It hosts the sailing ceremony of the Joseon Tongsinsa ship, Korea-Japan cultural street performances, and special exhibitions about Joseon Tongsinsa. This will be the perfect chance to learn about the development of the culture and history of Korea and Japan.
- Period: Oct 12~Nov 8, 2020
- Venue: 99, Jaseong-ro, Dong-gu, Busan & more places in Busan
Things to do around this district:
2. Haeundae Sand Festival
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Another spectacular event you must check out at Haeundae is Haeundae Sand Festival. You can see the masterpieces of international sand sculptors displayed on Haeundae Beach. All those works are so delicate that you will forget the fact that they are made of sand. The festival hosts not only sand arts but also the Fringe Festival, street parades, art-free markets, and even a survival water gunfight. Besides, a variety of lights will illuminate the sand sculptures at night. So pay a visit there if you have time to experience the different ambiance from the daytime!
- Period: Late May
- Venue: Haeundae Beach, U1-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Things to do around this district:
- Busan Diamond Bay Cruise
- Charter Your Own Crewed Yacht – Busan Marine City
- Busan Luxury Cruise Tour (Join-in/Private)
Summer Festivals in Busan
3. Busan International Rock Festival
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Be hyped up with exhilarating music from all over the world at Busan International Rock Festival. It’s one of the best festivals to experience both the dynamic and cultural features of Busan. It takes place only two days at Samnak Riverside Park. Check out the line-up before so that you won’t miss out on amazing performances brought by your favorite artists. Get ready to Rock n Roll with the most competent artists at the Busan International Rock Festival!
- Period: Late July
- Venue: Samnak Ecological Park, 686 Samnak-dong, Sasang-gu, Busan
Things to do around this district:
4. Busan Sea Festival
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What better way to enjoy both ocean and music at the same time than at the Busan Sea Festival? During the festival, various genres of music concerts are held in Busan’s major beaches, such as Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Dadaepo Beach, Songdo Beach, and Songjeong Beach. Of course, there are exciting activities like a pool party and dance party to keep visitors enchanted throughout the festival. It takes place only five days, so remember to check the schedule and line-up in advance.
- Period: Early August
- Venue: Haeundae Beach, U1-dong, Haeundae-gu / Busan Gwangalli Beach, Gwangan 2(i)-dong, Busan / Dadaepo Beach, 680 Dadae-ro, Dadae-dong, Saha-gu, Busan / Songdo Beach Seo-gu, Amnam-dong, Busan / Songjeong Beach, 58-1 Songjeonggwangeogol-ro, Songjeong-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Things to do around this district:
- Sea Life Busan Aquarium Discount Ticket
- Busan Marine City Yacht Tour
- Busan Surf Lesson & Rental (Songjeong Beach)
Autumn Festivals in Busan
5. Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)
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Here’s the best festival for cinephiles! If you are a film lover, you must have heard of Busan International Film Festival. As one of Asia’s most significant annual film festivals, BIFF introduces a wide range of films from all over the world. During the festival, you can have a chance to interact with your favorite filmmakers and actors. Also, watching a movie at the stunning outdoor auditorium in the Busan Cinema Center will be a special experience. Besides, don’t miss out on BIFF Square in Nampo-dong, where you can find the handprints of celebrities and filmmakers.
- Period: Oct 21~30, 2020
- Venue: Busan Cinema Center, 120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan / BIFF Square, 58-1 Gudeok-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan
6. Busan Yeong-do Bridge Festival
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If you’re looking for the most historical festivals in Busan, Busan Yeong-do Bridge Festival will meet your expectations. As Korea’s first mainland-island connecting bridge, Yeong-do Bridge has gone through the whole history of Busan since 1932. And it has now become Busan’s landmark. Busan Yeong-do Bridge Festival is held in the middle of October to commemorate its historical meaning. The festival offers marching band parades, a local food zone, and also exhibitions. So you can have fun as well as seeing how Yeong-do used to look like back in the past during the festival.
- Period: Oct 16~18, 2020
- Venue: Yeongdo-daegyo Bridge, Amir Park
Things to do around this district:
- VAUNCE Trampoline Park Busan Discount Ticket
- Running Man Theme Park & Poopoo Land Busan Discount Ticket
7. Busan Fireworks Festival
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Come and see the dazzling rays of light illuminating the night sky with the Gwangan Bridge in the background. Every year, tons of visitors flock to Busan to admire this fantastic scene. A myriad of unique fireworks, cultural events, and laser light shows will leave you with an unforgettable moment. Busan Fireworks Festival is annually held along Gwanganlli Beach. If you want to witness the magnificent scenery at the best spot, don’t forget to book a ticket to save a seat.
- Period: Late October
- Venue: 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
Things to do around this district:
Winter Festivals in Busan
8. Haeundae Light Festival
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Imagine tons of LED lights creating the milky way along the sandy beach while sparkling lights adorn the whole streets. This is what you can see only at Haeundae Light Festival. The festival is held from December to January at the Culture Plaza in front of Haeundae Beach. Aside from the fascinating lights, there are also various events to enjoy, such as the National Carol Contest, 100 Santa Clauses event, and Wish Tree event. Come over to Haeundae and light up your trip with dazzling lights.
- Period: Feb 15~Mar 28, 2021
- Venue: Haeundae Beach, U1-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Things to do around this district:
- Busan Private City Tour – 1 Day Private Van/Minibus Tour
- 1 Day Taekwondo (Traditional Korean Martial Arts) Experience in Busan
9. Nampo-dong Tree Festival
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Nampo-dong is already one of the must-visit attractions in Busan. However, Nampo-dong Tree Festival makes here even more popular in winter. During the festival, sparkling lights illuminate the area. And a great number of fascinating sculptures also offer visitors the best photo spots. Besides, you can also enjoy a variety of unique performances and concerts such as magic shows and singing contests. Don’t forget to savor the amazing local street food, Sat Hotteok. It’s a sweet Busan-style Korean pancake with seeds in it and it is beloved by both locals and visitors!
- Period: From early December to early January
- Venue: Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Nampo-dong, Busan
Things to do around this district:
If you want to know more about Busan, read our blogs!
- Guide to Busan, Korea’s Second Biggest City
- The Trendiest Cafes in Busan You Must Visit
- Top 6 Local Hidden Gems in Busan You Must Visit
If you want to explore nearby travel destinations in Busan, check out below!
- Tandem Paragliding in Gyeongju – from Gyeongju/Busan
- Gyeongju 1 Day Tour from Busan
- Tongyeong 1 Day Private Tour from Busan
- Oedo Island Botanical Garden 1 Day Tour from Busan
Above are the must-visit festivals in Busan we compiled for you. Are you excited about joining the festival now? Pick your favorite one and add it to your Busan itinerary. For more about this fascinating city, visit Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, and find out more best things to do in Busan!
