Busan’s Festival Extravaganza: 26 Events In One Unforgettable City

Official poster for Festival Shiwol (Busan Metropolitan City)

Busan is turning into a vibrant festival hub, hosting 26 events across the city through early next month.

According to Busan Metropolitan City on Sept. 19, the 13-day Festival Shiwol (October), themed “Autumn Wind,” will run from Sept. 21 to Oct. 3, showcasing 26 events throughout Korea’s second-largest city.

The festival spans ten sectors, including film, performing arts, music, gastronomy, entrepreneurship, sports, and forums, drawing both domestic and international visitors. Key highlights include the Busan International Film Festival, Busan International Rock Festival, Busan International Performing Arts Market, Busan International Food Expo, and Busan Craft Beer Masters Challenge.

The festival kicked off on Sept. 21 with the Seven Bridge Tour, a cycling race across Busan’s sea bridges, followed by Fly Asia, Asia’s largest startup fair, at BEXCO (Busan Exhibition and Convention Center) in Haeundae-gu from Sept. 22-23. The Busan Craft Beer Masters Challenge runs daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the outdoor plaza of the Busan Cinema Center from Sept. 20-24.

From Sept. 24-28, the Busan International Performing Arts Market will take place at Busan Cultural Center, Busan Eurasia Platform, and other venues, featuring over 100 performances by 600 artists from 15 countries. During the same period, the Food Expo will showcase cuisines from around the world.

The Busan International Rock Festival is scheduled for Sept. 26-28 at Samnak Eco Park.

For schedules and participation details, visitors can check the festival’s official website at www.shiwol.com.

According to Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, “Busan is cementing its status as a global tourist destination, attracting over two million foreign visitors this year,”. He further added, “Festival Shiwol will serve as a catalyst for welcoming three million foreign tourists to our city.”