To Cinephiles, Busan, South Korea, is nothing short of heaven. After all, Busan is home to the most esteemed Busan International Film Festival as well as the Busan Film Commission, one of the longest running film Commissions in Asia. There are also two major production centers operating out of Busan, responsible for producing a whole slew of decorated films and shows such as Oldboy, Sea Fog and Reply 1997. The city playing such a prominent role in the Korean film industry means there’s lots to do for movie lovers in Busan.
Here’s a film (and television!) lover’s guide to the city of Busan.
Track down Black Panther's filming locations
Heads up Marvel fans! If the streets of Busan look familiar, that’s because the 2018 film Black Panther was filmed in Busan. More specifically, in locations like Jagalchi Market and Gwangan Bridge. Fans may recognise Jagalchi market as the start of an incredible car chase. Stalls filled to the brim with slimy seafood, winding paths and tents all culminated in that unforgettable bridge scene, with the breathtaking night view and glittering lights of Busan City. Sadly however, the mystical underground casino featured in the film does not exist, in Busan or elsewhere. Recreate the adrenaline-inducing car chase scene from Jagalchi Market to Gwangan Bridge from the comfort of a taxi, or get your heart pumping by trying some live octopus from one of the wet market stalls.
There are also two Black Panther statues that have been erected in Busan. One is in Gwangbok-ro, and the other on Gwangalli beach. Be sure to seek them out and strike a pose next to the awe-inspiring figure.
Though Wakanda may not exist, Busan may very well be the next best thing.
Explore BIFF Square
Busan’s International Film Festival (BIFF) Square started as a part of community cinemas during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Since Korea’s liberation, the square has undergone several major renovation works and is now known as Busan’s movie district. Today, its purpose is to serve as a cultural tourist attraction promoting the advancement of Korea’s film industry. The street stretches from Nampo-dong to Chungmu-dong and spans 428 metres.
Cinema after cinema is squeezed between cafes and shops, but forget your regular cinema complex. These cinemas, otherwise known as first-run theaters, often show independent films during their very first try-out run. If you’re feeling artsy, pop in for an impromptu screening. You never know what might end up inspiring you. The square also encompasses Star Street and Festival Street. Star Street is similar to the Hollywood walk of fame, you’ll find the famous handprints of directors and actors embedded on the ground. Try to spot any familiar names like Jeremy Irons, Oliver Stone and William Dafoe!
Every year, on the evening before the Busan International Film Festival, the BIFF square ground opening is held. During the ceremony, there are events like traditional Snow Flower lighting and Celebrity Hand Printing that take place, to kick off the festival.
The area is also known for its fantastic street food.
Visit the Busan Cinema Center
Along BIFF Square is the Busan Cinema Center. It is the first venue in the world meant for the synthesis of exhibition, performing arts, education and film. It was opened in 2011 and since then have had special events happening daily, from movie screenings to music classes and art workshops. It also serves as an Asian film archive, and is used to preserve classical and modern films that will last through time.
The building itself is a marvel, an architectural feat. An open space with glass panels, and twisting metal structures, it was designed to capture the effect of a floating roof whilst being integrated with surroundings views of nature. Its roof currently holds the Guinness World Record as the longest cantilever roof. Drop by to catch a film, or just to snap some shots of this very aesthetic building, a symbol of Busan and its aspirations towards supporting the filmmaking industry.
Every autumn, the Busan International Film Festival is held at the Busan Cinema Center. Movies will be screened, and you can purchase tickets for titles in advance. You can also attend master classes and open talks, where directors answer questions about their films.
Run with Running Man
Who hasn’t heard of Korea’s Running Man? The Variety show follows eight members of the running man team as they show off the top destinations of Korea. Often, the members have to undertake crazy and unbelievable challenges, or games throughout the episode, the most popular of which is name-tag ripping. Busan has been featured several times on the show. Episodes 18, 79, 82, 83, 111, 126 were all filmed in Busan.
During episode 126 in particular, the Running Man Cast visited Gamcheon Cultural Village. The Village itself is full of Insta-worthy shots. There are plenty of colourful houses and hidden cafes, as well as eye-catching murals. Known as the Santorini of Korea, the residential area is brimming with art, with decorative murals and sculptures tucked away in every corner. You can purchase a guide map for KRW 2,000, and use it to collect stamps found throughout the quaint village. Think of it as going on a running man mission of your own!
For diehard fans of the show, you can even transform into a running man member yourself at the Busan Running Thematic Experience Center. There, you’ll have to tackle six escape-room-style rooms, including the Maze Battle and City Pursuit Battle. As seen on the show, you’ll be tasked to collect r-coins; if you collect more than 80, you’ll win a certificate and a gift. Perfect for all ages, it’s a great way for fans of the show to try their hand at some of the games featured during the episodes.
Relive romance with We Got Married
Who can forget that episode of popular variety show We Got Married with CNBLUE’s Lee YongHwa and Girls Generation’s Seohyun? Well that was shot right here in Busan.
We Got Married is a long-running Korean variety show that pairs off couples and has them undergo a fictional wedding ceremony to experiment with married life. During the memorable episode, Yonghwa boards a train back to Busan with Seohyun with the intention of introducing her to his parents. During the episode, the two lovebirds chase each other around on the beach and attempt to feed seagulls. They also board a cruise trip for a tour of Busan from the water making for several cheesy moments , where the two show off their insane chemistry
If you’d like to spark a little romance of your own, head to Haeundae Beach, Busan’s most popular beach. There, you can try your luck with the seagulls, or just enjoy basking in the sun. You can also go on a tour, since there are two ferry terminals Mipo and Tiffany 21. Cruises will usually take you around Busan as well as show off some eye-catching cliff scapes, and usually last for around half an hour to an hour. The perfect time to cosy up with a loved one and have a heart to heart talk.
Since Black Panther shot in Busan, international interest in Busan is growing. The Pacific Rim film crew, for example, actually shot parts of Pacific Rim 2 in Busan, after getting tipped off by the crew of Black Panther about what a prime location Busan was. Though these never made the final cut, it’s expected that Busan will remain a prime shooting location for many movies to come. So be sure to take as many pictures as possible—one day you might end up watching them on the silver screen.
