Three Busan Festivals Named as 2026-2027 Culture and Tourism Festivals
Busan, known for its vibrant culture and diverse festivals, has further solidified its position as a global festival hub city with the recent designation of three of its prominent festivals as Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) Culture and Tourism Festivals for the years 2026-2027. The Busan International Rock Festival, Dongnae Eupseong Historical Festival, and Gwangalli Eobang Festival have been recognized for their content competitiveness, visitor satisfaction, and regional impact, making them desirable destinations for local and international tourists alike.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism carefully selected 27 festivals nationwide to be part of the “2026-2027 Culture and Tourism Festivals” after evaluating their performances over the past two years. Busan’s achievement in having all three festivals chosen simultaneously is a testament to the city’s allure and reputation as a top tourist destination. This marks a significant milestone for Busan, as it solidifies its position as a leading city in the realm of global tourism and cultural events.
The Busan International Rock Festival, a longstanding music celebration in Korea, boasts an impressive lineup of both national and international musical talents, making it a premier music festival in the region. On the other hand, the Dongnae Eupseong Historical Festival aims to educate and entertain visitors about the region’s rich history and traditions through engaging programs centered around the Battle of Dongnae Fortress during the Imjin War. Lastly, the Gwangalli Eobang Festival offers a modern interpretation of fishing culture, appealing to both locals and tourists alike.
Each of the selected festivals will receive 40 million won in annual national funding from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Additionally, the ministry plans to support the festivals through international marketing initiatives, the development of tourism products, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance festival readiness. The new focus on “global festivals” emphasizes the importance of connecting different events to support the globalization of regional festivals.
Busan City has expressed its commitment to nurturing and growing these three festivals into global attractions that showcase the city’s unique historical, cultural, and artistic assets to visitors from around the world. Mayor Park Hyungjoon praised the city’s cultural assets, citizen involvement, and creativity for the festivals’ recognition, affirming that the local government will continue to provide administrative and financial support to establish Busan as a leading city in promoting K-culture on a global scale.
As Busan prepares to elevate these festivals to international standards, it aims to uphold its reputation as a global festival hub city that celebrates diversity, creativity, and cultural heritage. With these three diverse and captivating festivals at the forefront of its cultural landscape, Busan is poised to attract even more tourists and enthusiasts from across the globe, further enhancing its status as a must-visit destination for festival-goers and cultural enthusiasts alike.