Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Busan is a renowned film city that hosts the Busan International Film Festival every October. Having made its debut in 1996, the festival has established itself a leading film event not only in Korea but across Asia, showcasing a wide range of outstanding Korean and international films such as The Thieves and Parasite. Although the 2024 Busan International Film Festival is over, you can still immerse yourself the inspiring atmosphere of the festival by visiting various movie and drama filming locations scattered throughout the city.

| Busan Cinema Center

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

The Busan Cinema Center is the main venue for the Busan International Film Festival. Even outside the festival period, the center often screens independent Korean films and short films, as well as hosting various performances and exhibitions. The first episode of ZEROBASEONE’s reality show ZEROBASEONE PICK was filmed here, offering recommendations and information for fans planning a trip to Busan. The members had fun reminiscing about Busan-themed films like Friend, Wish, and Train to Busan.

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

The Busan Cinema Center is also known for its unique architectural design, considered a work of art. A massive roof, covering an area one and a half times the size of a soccer stadium, spans the three buildings. It boasts the largest size in the world as a cantilevered structure, with columns supporting the roof on only one side.

| Huinnyeoul Culture Village

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization – Lee Beomsu

Korea Tourism Organization - Busan Tourism Organization

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Reminiscent of the Greek island of Santorini, Huinnyeoul Culture Village features small and large houses nestled along coastal cliffs. It has been the backdrop for various K-content productions, including the TV show Infinite Challenge and the films Nameless Gangster: Rules of Time and The Attorney. Stroll through the narrow alleys, where the labyrinthine pathways and the vast ocean create a striking contrast. Cafes, workshops, and eateries are scattered throughout the village, offering something new and exciting at every turn. At the edge of the village, the Huinnyeoul Coastal Tunnel provides a perfect photo opportunity, so be sure not to miss it.

| Ahopsansup Forest

Korea Tourism Organization - Busan Tourism Organization

Korea Tourism Organization - Busan Tourism Organization

Ahopsansup Forest has been carefully cultivated by a single family for over 400 years. Having been closed off to the public for much of that time, the forest remains in its pristine, natural state. As you pass through the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a massive pine tree so large that you couldn’t wrap your arms around it. However, it's the bamboo grove that truly stands out. Spanning 30,000 square meters, this space is filled with such dense, giant Moso bamboo that it blocks out the sky. This location is where Lee Gon (played by Lee Min-ho) rides his horse in the drama The King: Eternal Monarch. The film KUNDO: Age of the Rampant and the drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo were also filmed here. Enjoy a relaxing stroll while listening to the soothing rustle of bamboo leaves in the breeze.

| Hwagukbanjeom

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Hwagukbanjeom is one of the top spots to enjoy jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles), a dish often featured in K-content. Its interior is so iconic that it has been used as a backdrop for films like New World and Nameless Gangster: Rules of Time, as well as the Netflix drama A Killer Paradox. Here, you can savor Busan-style jjajangmyeon uniquely topped with an egg fried in oil. Recently, Baek Jong-won, popular as a judge on the Netflix show Culinary Class Wars, visited for the food documentary, Jajangmyeon Rhapsody, where he enjoyed gan jjajangmyeon.

* This column was last updated in October 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to confirm details before visiting.