Busan City Emerges as a Leading Art and Cultural Destination
Busan, a city located by the sea in South Korea, is fast becoming a prominent cultural and artistic destination in Asia. Renowned for hosting events like the Busan International Film Festival and the Busan International Rock Festival, the city is attracting domestic and international travelers alike. According to Agoda, a popular travel platform, searches for accommodations in Busan increased by 6% and 42% before the start of each respective event.
Emphasizing its growing status as a hub for culture and leisure, Busan continuously hosts world-class festivals and events that draw in visitors from far and wide. One such event is the Busan International Film Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Being Korea’s first international film festival, it has significantly contributed to promoting Korean and Asian films globally, as well as nurturing emerging talents in the industry.
Another noteworthy event in Busan is the Busan International Rock Festival, which annually runs the “Rookies on the Village” competition program in collaboration with the city. This initiative aims to discover promising new artists, with the winning team getting a chance to perform at the festival and even at overseas events. These cultural celebrations not only capture the interest of local travelers but also attract a significant number of international visitors keen on experiencing K-culture.
In fact, searches for accommodations in Busan by overseas travelers surged by 31% before the events, with heightened demand seen from countries like Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. Vietnam, in particular, topped the list in search volume during both the Busan International Film Festival and the Busan International Rock Festival. Alongside these festivals, Busan’s attractions like the Gamcheon Culture Village and Haeundae Blue Line Park provide diverse experiences for tourists.
The Gamcheon Culture Village stands out for its vibrant aesthetics, featuring colorful buildings, murals depicting popular icons like the Little Prince and BTS, delectable street food options, souvenir shops, and picturesque photo spots. On the other hand, Haeundae Blue Line Park offers breathtaking coastal views and a distinctive travel experience, appealing to over 10 million visitors since its opening in 2020.
Lee Joon-hwan, the CEO of Agoda’s Korea branch, highlighted Busan’s transformation into a hub for arts and culture that extends beyond its reputation as a marine tourism city with pristine beaches. He encouraged travelers to explore Busan’s vibrant festival scene by availing accommodations and flights through Agoda. With its diverse range of events encompassing music, movies, games, and more, Busan is solidifying its status as a bustling cultural destination worth experiencing.