Travel
Damage to Haeundae Sand Festival sculptures sparks concern in Busan
haps Magazine Korea
May 26, 2026
Haeundae Sand Festival (Photo courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
Repeated vandalism at the Haeundae Sand Festival has raised concerns over the protection of public art and the city’s tourism image.
Police recently booked a man in his 70s on suspicion of damaging a sand sculpture at Haeundae Beach after he allegedly crossed a restricted area and struck the artwork with a crutch, leaving it beyond repair. The piece, Mothers of the Sea by Russian artist Ilya Filimontsev, was removed the next day.
Another sculpture, an 8-meter sand observation tower, was also found partially damaged, prompting a separate police investigation.
Festival organizers say this is not the first case of vandalism, with similar incidents reported in past years. Critics argue that current barriers and patrol staffing are not enough to prevent damage.
Experts warn that repeated incidents could hurt the festival’s reputation, discourage artists from participating and damage Busan’s image as a cultural tourism destination.
About 1 million people attended this year’s festival.
Video: Inside Busan’s Annual Sand Festival — 17 Giant Sculptures at Haeundae Beach