Busan to Hold 29th Sea Festival at Dadaepo Beach from August 1

Busan, South Korea — The 29th Busan Sea Festival will be held from August 1 to 3 at Dadaepo Beach, with the city of Busan announcing an expanded event lineup and new crowd control measures to accommodate increased attendance and ensure public safety.

Organized by the Busan Metropolitan Government and the Busan Culture and Tourism Festival Organizing Committee, the annual summer festival will feature fireworks, performances, food zones, and various participatory programs across the three-day schedule.

The opening ceremony on August 1 will include the “Dadae Fireworks Show,” set to begin at 7:45 p.m., timed to coincide with the beach’s sunset. The event, titled “Sunset Hour,” will feature a sequence of water-based light and music performances leading to a grand fireworks finale. The show will take place along the beachfront, offering wide visibility from Dadaepo’s promenade and nearby ecological trails.

A notable addition to this year’s program is the “Sunset Beach Club,” a paid-entry zone operating on August 2 and 3 between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. The program includes live music performances, yoga sessions, and alcohol service for adult participants. Admission is limited, and ticketing is managed through the official festival website.

Another key feature is the expansion of “Dadaepocha,” the beachfront night market. Seating capacity has doubled from 1,000 in 2024 to 2,000 this year, accommodating more visitors seeking to enjoy local cuisine and beverages by the sea. An open-stage format in the center of the food court will allow diners to view performances while eating.

In a continuation of efforts to engage local businesses and visitors, the festival will again host “Dadae Yajang” on the eastern beach area, connecting nearby restaurants and vendors via QR-based digital payment systems. Busking performances will be scheduled at regular intervals throughout the evenings.

The event program also includes targeted activities for specific demographics. On August 1, a healing program for individuals with disabilities, “One Sea Festival for the Disabled,” will be held at Pureun Square. August 2 will feature the “Dadaepo Folk Rock Concert,” followed by the “Open Sea Open Concert” on August 3, targeting multi-generational audiences.

Additional zones include “Sunset Wellness Zone,” and “Sunset Lounge,” offering beachside wellness programs, dog-friendly spaces, and rest areas. For children, the “Fountain Pirate Zone” will utilize the Dadaepo Dream Sunset Fountain for interactive water play.

To manage congestion and ensure safety, Busan City will implement crowd control measures beginning on opening day. A cap of approximately 35,000 individuals will be enforced on the beach, with real-time adjustments based on field assessments.

From 4 p.m. on August 1, one lane on Dadae-ro and three public parking areas will be temporarily closed. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation. The Goouni Ecological Trail and nearby observation points will remain accessible for those unable to enter the main event zone.

Compared to the 2024 festival, which focused on post-pandemic recovery and recorded attendance of approximately 60,000 over three days, this year’s iteration reflects a shift toward controlled growth and thematic curation. The inclusion of wellness-focused zones and curated music programs suggests an emphasis on qualitative experience over volume.

In a statement, Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon noted, “This year’s festival aligns with Busan’s growing recognition as a global beach city. We aim to provide both residents and international visitors with a memorable cultural experience that reflects the city’s character and creativity.”