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Spotlight · Written by Yoon Sui
Light Show by the Sea
Busan Fireworks Festival
Once the colorful fireworks start on Nov. 2, Busan becomes the site of one gigantic and dynamic festival.
As the largest fireworks party in Asia, the event provides fond memories to those who visit Korea’s
largest port city in November.
Growing in Stature
Rising in popularity every year since its debut in 2005, this annual festival attracts more than a million people to Busan’s famous Gwangalli Beach. As the fireworks are set off against the backdrop of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, barges or yachts set out to sea for a better view of the show. In addition, fireworks in unique shapes and gigantic sizes going off to the rhythm of songs and laser shows will be displayed.
Added Meaning
This year’s festival has added significance as Busan hosts the Korea-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) special summit from Nov. 25-27 to mark 30 years of dialogue relations between both sides. The pre-festival activities that last from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. will feature fireworks, busking, the opening ceremony and more. During a talk show, there will be a rehearsal of the fireworks products and presentation of people’s stories under the theme of “Love,” and a PR event for the summit is also slated.
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Busan:
Jam-Packed with Events
© Drone Show Korea
Drone Show Korea
/ Feb. 20-22, 2020
In 2020, Busan will host the greatest drone exhibition in both Korea and Asia, a gathering of all drone experts from the private sector, government, military, industry and academia. Everything related to drones is available here, from sensors, motors, batteries and all internal parts to a variety of advanced models and fixed-wing aircraft. Additionally, the latest software technology needed for drone operation can be found here including those for communications, ground control and autopilot systems.
Drone Show Korea proposes directions for the development of drones, machines that have become the center of the industrial ecosystem in connection with the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution such as 5G, artificial intelligence and self-driving vehicles. The exhibit hall will display the latest and greatest drones that are expected to profoundly affect human life.
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© Busan Port Festival
Busan Port Festival
/ May 26-27
Since its opening as Korea’s first modern port in 1876, Busan has ranked first in Korea in scale of trade and transported volume. Among container ports in the world, the city ranks fifth in cargo volume and processes 40% of all seaborne export freight, 80% of all container cargo and 42% of all seafood production in the country.
The festival began with a splendid fireworks show. A variety of food trucks kept visitors munching while they looked at the nightscape of the port, and other events were offered including a tour of the port on a cruise ship, leisure activities on a kayak, yacht or boat and a variety of exhibitions.
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© Haeundae Sand Festival
Haeundae Sand Festival
/ May 24-27
Haeundae Beach in Busan hosted an annual eco-friendly festival with sand as the theme. Launched in 2005 to complement the city’s hosting of the APEC Summit, this event is now a leading festival of Busan. The works created by the world’s best sand artists boasted enormous sizes and elaborate detail, making it difficult to believe that they are made of sand.
Events were also held at Haeundae Plaza like a street parade, an art flea market, a water gun fight and the Fringe Festival. The evening featured artworks made of sand illuminated by lights, a mini concert, a maritime fireworks show and a sand theater.
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© Busan One Asia Festival
Busan One Asia Festival
/ Oct. 19-25
A K-pop stage will be filled with diverse acts from breakdancing and bands to choreographed works and electronic dance music. Launched in 2016, the event will mark its fourth edition with a variety of K-pop and other music acts along with an array of events.
A K-pop concert put together by top stars for their fans, a mash-up performance by hip-hop artists and EDM DJs, a signing event, fan meetings and an event for sharing goods are all prepared. At the park, families can listen to the music and enjoy a picnic while being entertained by programs that hold auditions for the next generation of K-pop stars, a K-pop exhibition, cultural experiences and more.
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