KOREA
People are enjoying a show.

(Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

Check out what’s going on around the city this weekend in Busan.

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YouTube: Best Events in Busan this September

This weekend’s weather
Weather forecast from September 18 to 20.

(Illustration by Accuweather/courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

Music events

Busan International Music Festival 2026 (BIMF) @ Multiple Venues

One of Korea’s most prestigious classical music festivals opens its three-week run, with performances across Busan Concert Hall, Nakdong Art Center, Busan Cinema Center, Haeundae Cultural Center, and more. The opening week features the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra at Nakdong Art Center on September 2.

Busan Concert Hall, Nakdong Art Center & multiple venues | Through September 22

THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS @ Busan Asiad Stadium

One of Korea’s biggest K-pop awards shows comes to Busan for one spectacular night at Asiad Stadium.

Busan Asiad Stadium | Friday September 19

Little Boys @ Club Realize 

Italian garage-rock duo Little Boys bring their first South Korea tour to Busan for three shows — Club Realize on September 18 and 20, and Ol’55 on September 26.

Club Realize | Thursday September 18 & Saturday September 20

Lee Ju-hyung Flute Recital @ Busan Concert Hall

A solo flute recital by Lee Ju-hyung at the Busan Concert Hall Chamber Hall.

Busan Concert Hall, Chamber Hall | Friday September 18

Rudolf Buchbinder with Festival Strings Lucerne @ Busan Concert Hall

Legendary Austrian pianist Rudolf Buchbinder performs with the Festival Strings Lucerne — one of the most prestigious classical events in Busan this autumn as part of BIMF.

Busan Concert Hall | Saturday September 19

Orchestre National de Metz Grand Est @ Busan Concert Hall

The French national orchestra performs in Busan as part of the 140th anniversary of French-Korean diplomatic relations and the BIMF closing week.

Busan Concert Hall | Sunday September 20

2026 Hanwha Life Concert @ BEXCO Auditorium

A special concert event at BEXCO Auditorium presented by Hanwha Life.

BEXCO Auditorium, Haeundae-gu | Friday September 19

September Sunset Concert: Milena @ Big Dipper Library Art Hall

A free sunset concert by singer Milena at the Big Dipper Library Art Hall. Open to middle school students and older.

Big Dipper Library Art Hall | Sunday September 20, 5:00 p.m. | Free

Candlelight Concert @ Nurimaru APEC House

An intimate candlelit concert at the iconic Nurimaru APEC House overlooking the sea in Haeundae.

Nurimaru APEC House, Haeundae-gu | Friday September 19

Gwangbok-ro Balcony Music Show @ Gwangbokro

The second edition of the Byeolbada Busan Night Festa’s regular Balcony Music Show — K-pop, fusion gugak, film OST, and jazz performed from the second-floor balcony of the Busan Brand Shop on Gwangbokro. Every second and fourth Saturday through December.

Around Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu | Saturday September 12 (second edition)| Free

Live Music Nights @ Ol’55

A relaxed weekend vibe with open-stage performances featuring local musicians and guest acts. Expect an easygoing mix of genres and spontaneous sets every weekend. Nam-gu | Friday–Saturday, After 7 p.m.

Events

Environment & Energy Tech 2026 (ENTECH 2026) @ BEXCO

Korea’s premier environment and energy industry expo, showcasing the latest innovations in clean energy, environmental technology, and sustainable industry solutions. Open to industry and public visitors.

BEXCO, Haeundae-gu | Tuesday–Thursday, September 16–18

2026 World Climate Industry Expo (WCE) @ BEXCO

A major international expo on climate industry solutions, running alongside ENTECH 2026 at BEXCO.

BEXCO, Haeundae-gu | Tuesday–Thursday, September 16–18

10th Republic of Korea Youth Day Festival — ME+Youth Festival @ Gwangalli Beach

The national Youth Day festival takes over Gwangalli Beach for three days with performances, exhibitions, experience zones, and cultural events celebrating Korea’s youth. Running from Friday through Sunday.

Gwangalli Beach, Suyeong-gu | Friday–Sunday, September 18–20, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Free

2026 Busan Youth Week @ Busan Port Pier 1

A companion youth week event at Busan Port Pier 1, running alongside the Gwangalli Youth Day Festival with additional programming across three days.

Busan Port Pier 1, Jung-gu | Friday–Sunday, September 18–20

2026 Haeundae Youth Week Festival @ Haeundae Cultural Center

A full day of youth programming at Haeundae Cultural Center including a Youth Day Commemoration Ceremony, Kim Ho-young Youth Talk Concert, Job Mentoring Concert featuring Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix and 15 other companies, a youth improvisational musical, one-day classes in personal color, interview makeup, aromatherapy, and calligraphy, plus a Failure Daiso booth, Youth Photo Studio, and Youth Recharge Café.

Haeundae Cultural Center | Saturday September 19, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Free

2026 Saha Youth Festa @ Busan Transportation Corporation Sinpyeong Gymnasium

A youth festival at the Sinpyeong Gymnasium in Saha-gu.

Busan Transportation Corporation Sinpyeong Gymnasium, Saha-gu | Sunday September 20, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Free

2026 Youth Week — Youth Talk Concert ‘Challenging Youth, Talking Together’ @ Jung-gu Youth Space

A youth talk concert at the Jung-gu Youth Space as part of Youth Week programming.

3rd Floor, Jung-gu Youth Space | Saturday September 19, 1:00 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. | Free

168 The Deck Night Screening — September Dong-gu Residents’ Movie Day @ 168 The Deck

A free outdoor rooftop movie screening at 168 The Deck in Choryang-dong, Dong-gu.

168 The Deck, 994-351 Choryang-dong, Dong-gu | Wednesday September 16, 7:00 p.m. | Free

3rd Gijang Pet Culture Festival @ Jeonggwan Central Park

A free outdoor pet culture festival in Gijang with a walking rally, K-pet Got Talent showcase, dog agility race, grooming demonstrations, behavior correction consultations, pet treat making, a dog swimming pool and playground, and photo zones. A great family event for pet owners.

Jeonggwan Central Park, 27 Guyeon 3-ro, Jeonggwan-eup, Gijang | Saturday September 19, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Free

17th Yeongdo-gu Welfare Nuri Fair @ Yeongdo Indoor Gymnasium

A community welfare fair at the Yeongdo Indoor Gymnasium outdoor parking lot, featuring an opening ceremony, welfare awards, exhibitions, experience booths, and a children’s experience zone.

Yeongdo Indoor Gymnasium Outdoor Parking Lot, Yeongdo-gu | Saturday September 19, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Free

2026 Suyeong-gu Youth eSports Tournament @ Suyeong-gu Office Citizens’ Hall

A youth gaming tournament at the Suyeong-gu Office Citizens’ Hall, open to young participants across Suyeong-gu.

Suyeong-gu Office Citizens’ Hall | Saturday September 19, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Magic Drawing Show @ Busan Citizens’ Hall

A family-friendly performance combining magic and live drawing at Busan Citizens’ Hall across two days.

Busan Citizens’ Hall | Wednesday and Thursday, September 17–18

2026 Busan Youth Mega Job Fair @ BEXCO

A major job fair connecting Busan’s youth with leading employers across multiple industries. Open to all job seekers.

BEXCO Exhibition Hall 2, Halls 4A-C, Haeundae-gu | Sunday September 21

Culture Camping @ Millak Waterside Park

The 2026 Millak Culture Camping offers weekend visitors a mix of relaxation spaces, hands-on activities, and live performances through early October.. Busanjin-gu | Through October 5

Gwangalli M Drone Light Show @ Gwangalli Beach

This drone show returns for its regular schedule. Gwangalli Beach | Saturday, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. 

Dadaepo Dream Sunset Fountain @ Dadaepo Beach

Enjoy the nightly fountain and music shows at one of the city’s unique attractions. Gwangalli Beach | Through September 30

International Meet-up @ Cafe With

Join a new language exchange and culture program each Friday night Kyungsung University Area | Friday, 7 p.m.

Cultural events

Jean-Michel Othoniel: In the Labyrinth of Love @ F1963 Sukcheon Hall & Moonlight Garden

A major new exhibition from French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel opens this week at F1963. Known for his glass bead sculptures and architectural installations, this is one of the most significant gallery shows in Busan this autumn. Running through December 31.

F1963 Sukcheon Hall & Moonlight Garden | Opens Friday August 28 – December 31

Busan Biennale 2026: Dissident Chorus @ Busan Museum of Contemporary Art & Former Busan Nam High School

One of Korea’s most important contemporary art events opens this week. The 2026 edition is titled ‘Dissident Chorus’ and runs through November 1 at the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art and the neighbouring historic former Busan Nam High School building. A major event for anyone interested in contemporary art.

Busan Museum of Contemporary Art & Former Busan Nam High School, Nam-gu | Opens Saturday August 29 – November 1

Works and Other Political Things Not Necessarily Meant to be Viewed as Art’ @ Space Heem

A group exhibition featuring works by Kim Taehyun, Moon Suhjeen, Jung Donggyu, and Heo Yoonseok, curated by Jin Seyoung. Running through September 20. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Space Heem B1F, 3 Sumi-ro, Busan | August 19 – September 20 | Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays

Oh Hyuk-jin: ‘Names Before They Vanish’ @ LINA Gallery Busan

The Busan-based exhibition expands Oh Hyuk-jin’s visual world with new stories centered on nature, landscapes and the passage of time. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

LINA Gallery Busan, 85-1 Songjeong Gwang-eogol-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan | August 25 – October 10 | Closed Sundays and Mondays

Jung Sang-ji: ‘Mysterious and Beautiful Moments’ @ Salt Gallery

A new solo exhibition inspired by the perspective of children, featuring works based on dokkaebi and reinterpretations of the 12 zodiac animals as childhood comfort toys. Open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Salt Gallery, 538 Geumsaem-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan | August 27 – September 20

‘SEARCHING 2’ @ OKNP

Eleven artists from Korea, Japan and the United States explore surfing as more than a recreational activity, examining its relationship with nature, culture and everyday life. The exhibition also includes surfboards and goods from Busan brand Balansa. Open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

OKNP, Haeundae-gu, Busan | August 27 – September 30 | Closed Mondays

Song Kwang-ik: ‘Paper Things’ @ Lee & Bae

A solo exhibition centered on Song Kwang-ik’s long-running paper series, created through repeated tearing, cutting, folding and layering of traditional Korean paper.

Lee & Bae Galleries 1 & 2, 127 Jwasuyeong-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan | August 28 – October 10

Kim Yoo-kyung: ‘UNSEEN’ @ Gallery Gung

Paintings, installations, drawings and video examine layers of memory, place and history through works inspired by landscapes transformed by colonialism, the Cold War and urban change. Open 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Gallery Gung, 2F–3F, 21 Jwadong-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan | August 28 – October 25 | Closed Tuesdays and public holidays

Korakrit Arunanondchai: ‘Bodies Holding Ritual’ @ Kukje Gallery Busan

The Bangkok and New York-based artist uses painting, sculpture, video and thermal imagery to explore memory, family, technology and the relationship between people and cherished objects. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Kukje Gallery Busan, F1963, 20 Gurak-ro 123beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan | August 28 – October 31 | Closed Mondays

Cho Hyun-jong: ‘Fragment: Drawing Time’ @ Lotus Gallery

The illustrator’s 15th solo exhibition explores time and memory through repeated processes of applying, scratching and removing material. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Lotus Gallery, 1F, 39 Haeundae-ro 483beonga-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan | September 2 – 30 | Closed Sundays, Mondays and public holidays

‘We Make Each Other 1: Humans and Nature’ @ Project Herman

Part of the Polyphonic Lab: Busan program running alongside the Busan Biennale, this three-artist exhibition examines relationships between humans and the natural world. Open 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Project Herman, 2F Rodeo Outlet B Building, 473 Jwadongsunhwan-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan | September 3 – October 2 | Closed Sundays and Mondays

‘Dreaming Whale 4: 23 Dreams in Motion’ @ Sanmok & Hwi Gallery

Twenty-three artists interpret the whale through different media and perspectives, exploring ideas of freedom, hope and coexistence between people and nature. Open 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sanmok & Hwi Gallery, 23 Jwadongsunhwan-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan | September 5 – 18 | Closed Sundays and Mondays

Robin Special Exhibition @ Ocean Gallery LCT

A special exhibition featuring representative and new works by teenage artist Robin, known for a distinctive visual style and imaginative artistic world. Open 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Ocean Gallery LCT, 30 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan | September 5 – 19 | Closed Sundays and Mondays

Jung An-yong: ‘Layers of Memory’ @ Romantic Time Research Institute

Part of Polyphonic Lab: Busan, the exhibition looks at old homes, alleys, disappearing commercial districts and memories as layers accumulated beneath the modern city. Admission is free with advance Naver reservations. Open 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Romantic Time Research Institute, 1F, 79 Choryang-ro, Dong-gu, Busan | September 5 – 27

‘I ♥ ILSAN SUJI’ & ‘Will You Be My Penpal?’ @ Ilsan Suji

Two exhibitions explore memory, place and artistic exchange inside a former plastics factory, including a collaborative project connecting artists and students in Busan and Leipzig, Germany.

Ilsan Suji, 58 Gamjeoncheon-ro, Sasang-gu, Busan | September 5 – 27 | Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays | Closed September 25–26

‘Partial Light’ @ Gallery Playlist

A four-person exhibition featuring Park Yi-jae, Son Min-seok, Yeom Gi-nam and Jung Jae-in, exploring incomplete perception and things that often remain unseen or misunderstood.

Gallery Playlist, 3 Daecheong-ro 138beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan | September 5 – October 24 | Wednesday–Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Closed Sunday–Tuesday and public holidays

Ttottatoga Festival: ‘Spark Playground’ @ Multiple Venues

Twenty-three resident artist teams present exhibitions and programs inspired by connections between artists, local residents and the neighborhood. A festival ceremony and “Spark Tour” will take place September 18.

Space Dot, Space Dat and other Jung-gu venues, Busan | September 9 – 22 | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Park Byung-je: ‘Painting the Hillside Roads and Jagalchi’ @ Busan Jung-gu Cultural Center

A retrospective featuring around 40 works by the late Busan artist Park Byung-je, known for depicting hillside neighborhoods, Jagalchi, traditional markets and everyday life in the old downtown.

Busan Jung-gu Cultural Center Exhibition Hall, Jung-gu, Busan | September 9 – October 2 | Weekdays 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; weekends 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Closed during Chuseok

Shin Sung-ho: ‘See Abyss’ @ Migwang Gallery

A solo exhibition featuring around 20 abstract works by Busan-based artist Shin Sung-ho, using repeated actions and chance to explore the nature of abstraction.

Migwang Gallery, 2 Gwangnam-ro 172beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan | September 10 – 18 | Sundays by reservation

Kim Woon-gyu: ‘The Road to the Sea III’ @ Ewell Gallery

Kim Woon-gyu’s 37th solo exhibition continues his “Road to the Sea” series, using textured paint, scraping and knife work to explore the sea as memory, life and an ongoing journey.

Ewell Gallery, 7 Mangmibeonyeong-ro 110beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan | September 10 – 23

Hansung 1918 Open Studio: ‘Breaking Bricks’ @ Hansung 1918

Hansung 1918 opens its studios to the public with exhibitions, artist presentations, workshops and access to normally private working spaces. The opening day includes a talk by graffiti artist Gu Heon-ju. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Hansung 1918 B-Culture Plaza, 13 Baeksan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan | September 11 – 15

Alice Dalton Brown Retrospective: Briefly, and Forever @ Village de Ananti

The first Busan exhibition by renowned American artist Alice Dalton Brown, known as the “Painter of Light and Wind.” The retrospective features approximately 120 paintings and 40 drawings spanning nearly seven decades, highlighting her masterful depictions of sunlight, movement, and everyday landscapes.

Culture Club, Village de Ananti, Gijang | Through September 27

Busan, Maritime Capital 2050: Beyond the Waves to the Future @ Geumgo Art Museum

Created to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of Busan Port, this exhibition imagines the future of Busan in a world shaped by climate change and rising sea levels. Through contemporary art, visitors are invited to explore floating cities, Arctic shipping routes, and the future of Korea’s leading maritime city.

Geumgo Art Museum, Busan Museum of Modern and Contemporary History | Through September 27

Alice Dalton Brown: For a Moment, Forever @ Village de Ananti

The first Busan retrospective of the acclaimed American painter known for luminous depictions of light and water.

Village de Ananti | Through September 27

2050 Maritime Capital Busan: Beyond the Waves, Toward the Future @ Busan Modern & Contemporary History Museum

An exhibition imagining floating cities, Arctic shipping routes, and Busan’s future as a global maritime hub.

Busan Modern & Contemporary History Museum | Through September 27

Again, the Age of Romance @ Museum One

A contemporary reinterpretation of Romanticism featuring artists from four countries working across multiple media.

Museum One | Through October 11

ART WALK Project @ BNK Busan Bank Headquarters

A rotating exhibition series showcasing emerging and established Busan artists.

BNK Busan Bank Headquarters | Through October 16

Jaesoo’s Sketchbook @ Dong-gu Cultural Platform

A large-scale exhibition by Busan-born illustrator Jaesoo featuring thousands of drawings, comics, and original works.

Dong-gu Cultural Platform | Through October 25

The Greatest Colorist: Michel-Henry @ Busan Cultural Center

A vivid new exhibition spotlighting the French colorist’s work, with free docent tours running through summer.

Nam-gu | Through October 25

Arte Museum Busan

Immersive media art exhibition themed “CIRCLE,” highlighting the nature and culture of Busan. Yeongdo-gu | Ongoing

Sports events

Lotte Giants vs NC Dinos @ Sajik Stadium

The Giants host the Dinos for one game at Sajik Stadium.

Sajik Stadium, Dongnae-gu | Friday September 19, 6:30 p.m.

Lotte Giants vs Samsung Lions @ Sajik Stadium

The Giants host the Lions for two home games at Sajik Stadium.

Sajik Stadium, Dongnae-gu | Saturday September 20, 6:30 p.m. | Sunday September 21, 2:00 p.m.

2026 Seven Bridges Tour @ Citywide

Busan’s spectacular annual cycling and running tour across the city’s seven iconic bridges and major landmarks. One of the most unique sporting events in Busan.

Bridges, roads, and major landmarks across Busan | Sunday September 20

Moonlight Gymnastics Busan Challenge @ Multiple Outdoor Venues

A free weekly outdoor gymnastics and fitness event series running every Saturday through November 7 at three scenic Busan locations — Dasom Plaza at Busan Citizens Park, the Lawn Plaza at Bukhang Waterfront Park, and the Lotus Garden at Hwamyeong Ecological Park.

Busan Citizens Park, Bukhang Waterfront Park & Hwamyeong Ecological Park | Every Saturday through November 7, 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Free

Please note that event schedules may change or be postponed without notice, particularly due to weather. We strive to keep this information accurate, but recommend confirming details with the event organizer before visiting

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