Travel
What’s On in Busan: August 18-24
Haps Magazine Korea
August 18, 2025
Main image of What’s On in Busan (Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Here is what’s going on around the city this week.
NEW: Check out our new video of What’s On In Busan each Monday, which gives you a 90-second update of the top stories and events going on each week in Busan, as well as on Friday with our What’s On In Busan This Weekend each week. Please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel so you can keep up-to-date on what’s happening around the city.
YouTube: What’s on in Busan: August 18 - August 24
EVENTS HAPPENING
MUSIC
Starlight Concert for Gijang County Residents @ The Square, Lotte Mall Osiria — The Gijang Youth Orchestra is hosting the “2025 Starlight Concert for Gijang County Citizens”. The Square, Lotte Mall Osiria, Gijang-gun, Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
Jeongeun Park @ Busan Cultural Center — Enjoy a viola recital this Thursday evening. Busan Cultural Center, Centum City, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Flowering Bari @ Busan Concert Hall — Six performances over three days are taking place in the Chamber Hall. Busan Concert Hall, Busanjin-gu, Friday through Sunday
Lee Hee-kwang @ Busan Cultural Center — The popular bass singer performs a recital under the theme “memories”. Busan Cultural Center, Centum City, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Summer Movie Concert @ Busan Concert Hall — Enjoy songs from Studio Ghibli, Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, and Japanimation. Busan Concert Hall, Busanjin-gu, Saturday, 3 p.m.
Choi Baek-ho @ Sohyang Theater — Choi performs as part of his On Romance national tour. Sohyang Theater, Saturday, 5 p.m.
Anchado @ Busan Citizens Hall — Two performances of the thrller :Anchado; Children of That Island” are scheduled. Busan Citizens Hall, Busanjin-gu, Saturday and Sunday, 4 p.m.
Open Mic @ Basement — Head on out to hear some live local talent in PNU. Basement, PNU, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Open Mic @ Ol’55 — Open mic returns to Ol’55 each Wednesday evening. Ol’55, KSU, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
OTHER STUFF
Blue Planet Film Festival @ Busan Cinema Center — Dedicated to showcasing environmental films and documentaries, the festival aims to raise awareness of global environmental crises while fostering dialogue on potential solutions. Busan Cinema Center, Centum City, Thursday through Monday
Busan International Streaming Film Festival @ Busan Cinema Center — Check out the latest in series and the OTT industry . Busan Cinema Center, Centum City, Friday through Monday
Yeongdo Beer Festival @ Busan International Cruise Terminal — A Korean beer festival with food and nightly entertainment. Busan International Cruise Terminal, Yeongdo, August 16-24
Busan International Student Job Fair @ BEXCO — Potential employers will be on hand to meet with international students. BEXCO, Centum City, Tuesday
Book & Contents Fair @ BEXCO — Over 100 exhibitors with foreign and domestic books will be on hand. BEXCO, Centum City, Friday through Sunday
2025 Convenience Food and Meal Kit Exhibition @ BEXCO — Many varieties of meal kits will be available to sample. BEXCO, Centum City, Friday through Sunday
Study in Japan Fair @ BEXCO — Representatives from Japanese universities, vocational schools, and Japanese language schools will participate to provide school information and individual consultations. BEXCO, Centum City, Saturday
Busan Night Walk @ APEC Naru Park — Three courses up to 42km for the adventurous walkers. APEC Naru Park, Saturday and Sunday
Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams Music Show @ Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams — The fountain show is back for another year of excitement. Daily except for Monday, Dadaepo, 8 p.m.
Free Outdoor Theater @ Busan Cinema Center — The free outdoor theater season returns for another year on select Tuesdays. Busan Cinema Center, Centum City, Tuesday 8 p.m.
Gwangalli M Drone Light Show @ Gwangalli Beach — This week’s drone show returns to its regular schedule. Gwangalli Beach, Saturday, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Trivia @ HQ — The weekly trivia night changes back to Wednesday nights. HQ Bar, Gwangalli, Wednesday, 9 p.m.
Gorilla Running Club @ Gorilla Beach — Runners depart together from Gorilla’s new Haeundae location towards Gwangalli. Gorilla Beach, Haeundae, Monday
GALLERY EVENTS
HAEUNDAE FC @ Mezzanine Gallery – A group exhibition of 21 contemporary craft artists exploring tea culture through fine craft. Mezzanine Gallery (Maison de Karine), Haeundae-gu, Through August 31
Stone Heap: Artists’ Illustrated Letters @ Salt Gallery – Solo exhibition by Park Go-ul, whose past works include “Why Am I So Talkative” and “Dream Diary: Portugal.” Salt Gallery, Geumjeong-gu, Through August 21
Temporary Residence @ Gallery Jaehee – Jeong Eun-yul’s solo exhibition navigating memory and imaginary spaces through digital drawings and oil paintings. Gallery Jaehee, Haeundae-gu, Through August 30
Fake World @ Ssamm Cultural Space – International relay exhibition featuring Korean and Russian artists Baek Bo-rim, Cho Ye-sol, and Alexander Sokolov, exploring truth and fabrication in modern society. Ssamm Cultural Space, Suyeong-gu, Through August 31
Colonized Earth 2025 – Eyes of the Universe, Tears of the Earth @ Democracy Park – A large-scale group exhibition reflecting on environmental and social colonization through experimental art. Democracy Park, Jung-gu, Through August 31
Life of Others @ Romantic Time Lab – Choi Yeo-jeong’s debut solo exhibition reflecting on emotional discovery through observing others. Romantic Time Lab, Dong-gu, Through August 24
Alpha Hz @ Dasom Gallery, Busan Citizens Park – Organized by the Korean Craft Art Instructor Association (led by Yeo Mi-soon), 29 artists present works in ceramics, fiber, metal, wood, and more, exploring immersion and creativity. Dasom Gallery, Busanjin-gu, August 9–16
Echoes of Summer @ Lina Gallery Busan – Featuring Min Woo-gi, Jeon Hee-kyung, and Jung Go-yo-na, the exhibition captures the colors and impressions of summer through unique painterly expressions. Lina Gallery, Haeundae-gu, Through September 28
After Lifes – Floryan Varennes @ Hongti Art Center – French artist Floryan Varennes presents residency works inspired by Yeongdo divers and the sea. Hongti Art Center, Saha-gu, Through August 23
Around the Campfire @ Ewell Gallery – Ko Seong-min’s first solo exhibition, exploring themes of connection and comfort through painting. Ewell Gallery, Suyeong-gu, Through August 30
Aurora – Eternal Moments @ Kumsaem Museum – Park Hyun-joo’s 14th solo exhibition, featuring installations and sculptures that transform memory into aurora-like visuals. Kumsaem Museum, Geumjeong-gu, Through August 24
We Are Connected: Circular Heart @ Objethood Gallery – Yu Su-ji’s solo exhibition exploring empathy and interconnectedness among living beings. Objethood Gallery, Gijang-gun, Through September 7
Ordinary Life @ Space Topping – Ahn Da-eun’s solo exhibition on fleeting travel moments and emotions of daily life. Space Topping, Haeundae-gu, Through September 7
Patina – Busan Tour @ Busan Gallery – Park Nam-sa revitalizes damaged archival photos from the Library of Congress with new aesthetic interpretations. Busan Gallery, Saha-gu, Through August 30
The Room Remains @ Space Bv – Lee Jeong-yun’s installation inaugurates Space Bv’s new venue, using collected objects to create metaphoric connections. Space Bv, Geumjeong-gu, Through October 12
Module Logics @ Dioti Museum – Lee Sung-bok presents experimental works based on the artist’s self-designed number-symbol system, “C.P. Gradations.” Dioti Museum, Geumjeong-gu, Through September 20
2025 Busan Culture Award Winners’ Joint Exhibition @ Busan Citizens Hall – A showcase of 11 award-winning artists including Yang Chul-mo, Song Young-myung, Seo Sang-hwan, Yoon Jong-chul, Choi Bu-gil, Kwon Dal-sol, Kim Jin-hee, Lee Ki-joo, Jang In-young (Visual Arts), Kim Gwang-ja (Literature), and Kim Sook-hyun (Publishing). Busan Citizens Hall, Dong-gu, August 20–23
Breathe @ Chosun Gallery – Kim Min-young’s solo exhibition exploring cycles of breath, body, and nature through painting and mixed media. Chosun Gallery, Haeundae-gu, August 23–September 3
Liquid Frontiers @ Dongbaek Art Center – Group show featuring works by Cho In-seo, Park Ji-hoon, and Lee Ji-yeon, examining shifting boundaries between land, sea, and identity. Dongbaek Art Center, Haeundae-gu, August 24–September 15
Tracing Memory @ Yejin Gallery – Sculptor Kwon Hye-rim’s exhibition of organic forms inspired by geology and personal memory. Yejin Gallery, Nam-gu, August 24–September 10
Hilma af Klint: Proper Summons @ Busan Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery 5 — Enjoy a collection of 140 works, including paintings, drawings, videos, and archival materials. Busan Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery 5, July 19–October 26
Brise-Soleil and Rounded Corners: Art Deco and Modernist Architecture in Southeast Asia Today @ ASEAN Culture House — The event aims to understand the background of the formation of major ASEAN cities through modern and contemporary architectural heritage. ASEAN Culture House, Haeundae-gu, Through November 9
Steidl Book Culture Magic On Paper @ Domoheon — This cross-genre archival exhibition illuminates the multifaceted world of Gerhard Steidl, the renowned German publisher of photography and art books. Domoheon Multipurpose Room, Suyeong-gu, Through December 7
Hilma af Klint: Proper Summons @ Busan Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery 5 — Enjoy a collection of 140 works, including paintings, drawings, videos, and archival materials. Busan Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery 5, Through October 26
Aladdin @ Busan Dream Theatre — As the first Korean staging of Aladdin, the production is expected to introduce Busan audiences to this beloved musical in a grand new presentation setting over the summer. Dream Theatre, Busanjin-gu, Through September 28
Beach Season Opening — All seven beaches open for summer operations on Tuesday. Through August 31
Haeundae Festa @ Haeundae Beach – A summer’s worth of activities are taking place at the beach until the end of August. Haeundae Beach, Through August 31
Gwangalli Character Zone @ Gwangalli Beach — Popular Kakao characters Ryan and Chunsik take part at the “Friends Tour IN Gwangalli” pop-up. Gwangalli Beach, Through August 31
Essential @ Ezeli – Chris Miso’s solo exhibition uses animal figures to explore labor and human value in the post-pandemic era. Ezeli, Suyeong-gu, Through August 23
Summer Story Exhibition @ Bakery Cafe Gawon – Featuring three artists, this exhibition evokes forgotten emotions and quiet summer memories. Bakery Cafe Gawon, Nam-gu, Through September 29
Topography of Labor – 12 Scenes @ Busan Museum of Modern Art – Eunbi Kwon’s installation explores invisible and peripheral labor through moving sculptures. Busan Museum of Modern Art, Saha-gu, Through October 19
Ideal Phenomenon @ Asti Gallery – Lim In-gu’s exhibition examines capitalism and longing through his symbolic “Gold Bar” series. Asti Gallery, Dong-gu, Through August 31
FLOATING: THE OCEAN @ Gallery Haas – A multi-artist show exploring boundaries and the sense of water through diverse media. Gallery Haas, Haeundae-gu, Through September 2
The Blooming Tale @ Lotus Gallery – Lee Ki-taek’s paintings use nature and fairy tale imagery to explore imagination and nostalgia. Lotus Gallery, Haeundae-gu, Through August 30
Kim Dae-yoon Retrospective @ Picasso Gallery – A major retrospective of late artist Kim Dae-yoon’s vibrant depictions of everyday Busan life. Picasso Gallery, Haeundae-gu, Through August 31
Kariya Miki Invitational @ Maison de Karin – Fantastical yet familiar images explore childhood memories, emotion, and Japanese kawaii aesthetics. Maison de Karin, Haeundae-gu, Through August 31
Everyday Happiness @ Busan Police Agency Gallery – Myung Chae-kyung’s paintings reflect joy in daily moments and the memories they create. Busan Police Agency Gallery, Yeonje-gu, Through August 31
The Moment Between @ Gallery Playlist – Kim Yeon-su and Park Se-bin examine fleeting intersections between vitality and stillness. Gallery Playlist, Jung-gu, Through September 13
If the Time Comes When You Ask If You’ve Eaten @ Space Sail – Lee Hyeong-sa’s personal drawings reflect familial love and cycles of emotion. Space Sail, Jung-gu, Through August 29
Beom and Chu @ Open Space Bae & Annyeong Artist – Artists explore faith, doubt, and illusion through conceptual forms and experimental works. Open Space Bae & Annyeong Artist, Jung-gu, Through August 31
To Stand on This Land @ Gallery Woo – Han Chung-seok’s show explores a child’s journey to regain identity and belonging. Gallery Woo, Gijang-gun, Through August 23
Korean-Chinese Calligraphy Exchange @ Busan City Hall – Over 100 artworks explore shared traditions and creative reinterpretations of calligraphy and painting. Busan City Hall, Yeonje-gu, August 11–16
Mita Artist Invitational @ Gallery T (Lotte Department Store) – Known for shark imagery, Mita reinterprets fear into positive, vibrant iconography. Gallery T, Busanjin-gu, Through September 1
Return @ National Museum of Forced Mobilization – Commemorating Korea’s liberation, this exhibition tells stories of repatriated forced laborers. National Museum of Forced Mobilization, Nam-gu, Through October 31
The Comma Gaze @ Vitree Gallery – Summer’s solo show explores femininity, identity, and inner emotion through “comma-eyed” portraits. Vitree Gallery, Suyeong-gu, Through August 30
Seeing with Ten Fingers @ Busan Museum of Contemporary Art — Featuring the works of 20 multidisciplinary artists from Korea and abroad, the exhibition showcases over 70 synesthetic works. Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, Through September 7
Sawadee Thailand @ Sasang Life History Museum — 437 cultural items from the Land of Smiles are on display. Sasang Life History Museum, Through November
Arte Museum Busan — The exhibition features 19 works themed ‘CIRCLE’, highlighting the natural and cultural elements of Busan. Arte Museum Busan, Yeongdo-gu, Ongoing