This week in Busan
Updated Sunday, May 24, 2026
20 events across Busan this week, from arts & culture to family & lifestyle.
Haeundae Sand Festival 2026 is here! Planning a trip to Busan this May? 👉 May 15 – May 18 at Haeundae Beach Giant sand sculptures by international artists 🏆 Night light shows & media art 🌙✨ Fun activities like sandboarding & DIY sand art 🎪 📸 Perfect for…
Haeundae Beach, Haeundae-gu | Friday May 15 to Monday May 18 | Free
Samgwangsa is famous because the temple grounds turn into a huge lantern tunnel at night. The location on the slope of Baegyangsan Mountain also means that planning transport, shoes, and arrival time matters as much as planning photos.
77 Choeupcheon-ro 43beon-gil, Busanjin District, Busan, Busanjin-gu (Seomyeon) | Friday May 15 to Sunday May 24 | Free
The 2026 Africa Film Festival returns to Busan with a week-long showcase of contemporary African cinema from 15 countries across the continent.
Suyeong-gu | Thursday May 21 to Wednesday May 27 | Free
The 2026 Cine Global Citizen Film Festival is a multicultural film event in Busan that shares powerful international stories through the perspective of global citizens.
Haeundae-gu | Saturday May 23, 10:00 a.m. | Free
The Global Citizen Festival 2026 in Busan is a vibrant cultural event celebrating diversity and international community, held on May 23 at Busan North Port Waterfront Park.
Dong-gu | Saturday May 23, 11:00 a.m. | Free
The Gwangalli Marvelous Drone Light Show is a weekly nighttime spectacle held at Gwangalli Beach in Busan, featuring synchronized drone formations combined with lighting and laser effects.
Gwangali Beach, Suyeong-gu | Saturday May 23, 8:00 p.m. | Free
Experience the emotional musical drama Crescendo during Busan Cinema Center’s free outdoor movie series. Enjoy an atmospheric evening film screening surrounded by the vibrant energy of Busan’s summer nights.
Busan Cinema Center Outdoor Theater, Suyeong-gu | Tuesday May 19, 8:00 p.m. | Free
Our weekly pub quiz! A different host every week, always open to new people--bring a team or come alone and we'll introduce you to a team of intellectual peers. Quiz starts at 9:30 sharp, and it's usually done with plenty of time to catch the subway home.
HQ Gwangali, Suyeong-gu | Wednesday May 20, 9:30 p.m.
Every Wed through May 31
Mad Nomad is running their Language Exchange again this Friday and Saturday 8–10 PM. It’s still completely FREE, and after the session you can join the After Party — you’ll also get 1 Free Drink there.
Busanjin-gu (Seomyeon) | Friday May 22, 8:00 p.m. | Free
Every Fri, Sat through June 30
The Centum Beer Festival is a lively outdoor event held at the Busan Cinema Center, where visitors can enjoy a wide selection of domestic and international beers alongside food stalls, live music, and entertainment.
Suyeong-gu | Friday May 22 to Sunday May 31
🍕 BiP - Bitcoin in Pusan Pizza Day Meetup Info “Burned 10,000 BTC on two pizzas?” – A special meetup to celebrate the first real-world Bitcoin transaction and the ever-decreasing BTC price per slice!
BASE21, Suyeong-gu | Saturday May 23, 6:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION CLOSED! Join us in Busan for a weekend of adventure! Busan Con 2026 is a TTRPG convention hosted by The Wandering Tavern. We are welcoming to players of all experience levels.
Cafe With, Suyeong-gu | Saturday May 23 to Sunday May 24 | Free
Kyungsung University’s annual LIBESTA Festival returns for three days of live music, student performances, food trucks, and campus celebrations in Busan.
Kyungsung University, Nam-gu | Tuesday May 19 to Thursday May 21 | Free
Every Thursday @ Basement Two Free Drinks for Ladies from 9-11 Wildest Night in PNU Open 7:00 'Til LAAAAATE
Basement, Geumjeong-gu (PNU) | Thursday May 21, 7:00 p.m.
Every Thu through May 29
TONIGHT!! Buddha's Birthday Party! 정불타 and Friends! Special Sunday Show! Sunday, May 24th OL'55 is throwing a very special Buddha's Birthday Party! It's our way of helping you achieve enlightenment!! There can only be good vibes on a night like this!
Ol' 55, Suyeong-gu | Sunday May 24, 9:00 p.m. | Free
Tonight at HQ: Local musician Sea Eun takes her soulful blues singing straight from the blue waters of the South Sea while Smokin’ Lee oozes the sweet sounds of the Nakdong Delta Blues.
HQ Bar, Suyeong-gu | Sunday May 24, 5:00 p.m. | From ₩5,000
Busan Bids on the Beach 2026 (BBOTB) 🥏🏖️ Join us for the ultimate beach frisbee festival at Haeundae! 📅 Tournament Overview WHAT: 2026 Busan Bids on the Beach (BBOTB) WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, May 23rd–24th, 2026 WHERE: Haeundae Beach, Busan, South Korea…
Haeundae Beach, Haeundae-gu | Saturday May 23 to Sunday May 24 | ₩50,000–₩70,000
Early Birds Busan is a global running community that wakes up the city at dawn. We go beyond just running; we share morning energy and transform our mindset toward life.
Haeundae Beach, Haeundae-gu | Sunday May 24, 6:00 a.m.
Every Sun through May 25
MAY SALB RUN 💜 RUN · RECOVER · NOURISH 📍 Millak Waterfront Park Public Parking Lot 🗓 May 24, 2026 (Sun) ⏰ 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM 🏃🏻 Approx.
Millak Waterfront Park, Suyeong-gu | Sunday May 24, 7:00 a.m. | From ₩10,000
Weekend camping vibes right on the water at Millak. Relaxation spaces, hands-on activities, and live performances all summer long. An easy, free way to spend a chunk of your weekend by the sea.
Millak Waterfront Park, Suyeong-gu | Friday May 22, All day
Every Fri, Sat, Sun through October 5