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Linh Yen
It’s no exaggeration to say that South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan, is its festival capital. A dynamic economic, cultural, and tourism hub, Busan draws visitors with its youthful energy and free-spirited charm. This summer, head to Busan and discover the vibrant festivals held beside its fresh blue sea.
Haeundae Sand Festival
This annual sand-sculpture event is held at Haeundae, one of the most beautiful and iconic beaches in Busan. First launched 20 years ago, the Haeundae Sand Festival has made its mark, turning Busan’s coast into a must-visit destination for both Koreans and international visitors at the start of summer. This year’s theme, “Festival Meets Korean Culture,” celebrates the harmony of tradition and modernity. The festival officially runs from May 16 to 19, but the public can still admire the artworks displayed along the beach until June 8. Dozens of intricate sand sculptures created by artists from around the globe promise a unique experience in Busan. Entry to the festival is free, but some interactive activities may require a fee.
For more information, visit www.visitbusan.net or www.haeundae.go.kr/eng/index.do
Busan One Asia Festival
The Busan One Asia Festival – commonly called BOF – is an annual cultural event highly anticipated by young audiences in South Korea and around the world. Now in its ninth year, the festival blends various performance arts and immersive cultural experiences, most notably K-POP. Previously held every October, starting from 2024, the city government rescheduled this event for June to align with the peak summer travel season. This year, BOF will take place from June 11 to 13, promising an explosive lineup of renowned groups like NCT WISH, ATEEZ, SUPER JUNIOR, WayV, Hearts2Hearts, LUCY, and Dragon Pony. In addition to the “Big Concert” events, the festival offers a dynamic array of activities, including showcases for emerging musical talent, talk shows about Korean culture featuring experts and celebrities, and fan zones with interactive experiences, exhibitions, and souvenir booths.
Tickets should be purchased in advance through online platforms like YES24, Kkday, Trazy, or other travel agencies.
More information is available at: www.bof.or.kr
Busan Sea Festival
Often dubbed the “summer capital” of South Korea, Busan has hosted the Busan Sea Festival since 1996 to promote its coastal tourism. This year marks the 29th edition of the festival, with the main venue at Dadaepo Beach. Other popular beaches like Haeundae, Gwangalli, Songdo, and Songjeong will also host various exciting events. The program, scheduled for late July, will feature captivating performances, fireworks shows, beachside dance parties, K-POP concerts, and water sports and beach volleyball competitions.
For official dates and the detailed event schedules, visit: www.bfo.or.kr
Drone Light Show
If your visit to Busan doesn’t coincide with any festivals, you can still catch one of the city’s most exciting programs: the famous Drone Light Show. Two shows are held on Saturday evenings at Gwangalli Beach, right next to Gwangan Bridge, lasting around 10 to 12 minutes each.
From March to September, the shows start at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. From October to February, they begin earlier, at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This truly spectacular light show uses modern technology and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Busan isn’t only lively during the summer. The last months of the year feature many well-known events associated with this iconic city, including the International Film Festival, the Rock Music Festival, Light Festivals at various locations, and Christmas events.
So, start planning your trip to Busan with Vietnam Airlines!
