Busan is good

The 30th BIFF is now screening at a theater near you

 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), widely acclaimed as one of Asia’s most prominent film festivals, will bring a wave of cinematic artistry to the city from Sept. 17 to 26. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, BIFF takes place at the Busan Cinema Center and theaters citywide, including venues in Centum City and Nampo-dong in Jung-gu District.This milestone edition presents a lineup of films and famous guests that sparked excitement as soon as the full program was announced: 241 officially selected works from 64 countries, 87 screenings under the Community BIFF program and 32 screenings through the BIFF Everywhere event. The festival opened on Sept. 17 with “No Other Choice,” the much-anticipated new film by Chan-wook Park, one of Korea’s most renowned directors.For the first time, BIFF is introducing a competition section. The newly established Busan Awards will spotlight the most artistically accomplished Asian films produced over the past year. Fourteen films have been selected, each promising a fresh perspective and sparking lively discussion about Asian cinema in the global film industry. The awards cover five categories: Grand Prize, Best Director, Jury’s Special Award, Best Actor and Artistic Contribution Award. The film honored with the Grand Prize will also serve as the official Closing Film, marking a grand finale to the celebration in style.To make the festival more accessible and engaging, BIFF has expanded its outreach programs like Community BIFF and BIFF Everywhere. Community BIFF creates immersive film experiences that encourage active engagement and foster a strong sense of community among passionate moviegoers. Meanwhile, BIFF Everywhere brings the festival closer to residents by offering free outdoor screenings at 15 locations all over Busan. For detailed screening schedules, ticket information and more, please visit the official BIFF website. ※ Busan International Film Festival, Sept. 17 to 26◎ Website: https://www.biff.kr/eng/◎ Instagram: @busanfilmfest<Today's Vocabulary - 오늘의 단어>prominent: 저명한 artistry: 예술가적인 renowned: 잘알려진 competition: 경쟁  perspective: 관점 immersive: 몰입형의 engagement: 참여Editor: Song SoomiCopy Editors: Ryu Hyoseung, Anton J. Mapoy

Gwangalli Skateboard Festa from September 1–October 31

Gwangalli Skateboard Festa from September 1–October 31The Gwangalli Skateboard Festa will run from Monday, September 1 to Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Gwangalli SUP Zone.A 27 × 11.1-meter skateboarding facility, designed for tricks, curves, spins, and jumps, will be installed on Gwangalli Beach. It will operate every day as a practice space with safety staff on site. On weekends, complimentary beginner classes will provide structured instructions on posture and obstacle techniques.The Suyeong-gu Mayor’s Cup Skateboarding National Championship will be held on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27, 2025, where top boarders will demonstrate superb skills and performances.Once considered a pastime for younger generations, skateboarding rose to worldwide prominence after its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. The festival aims to channel that momentum into Gwangalli, positioning skateboarding as a cultural platform that reflects youthful creativity and vibrancy.Suyeong-gu seeks to present a compelling event that fuses youth culture and sports against the scenic beach backdrop, while fostering sports tourism and invigorating the local economy and businesses.Culture Tourism Division ☎ 610-4514○ Practice Space: September 1–October 31, daily 10:00–18:00- Next to the Gwangalli SUP Zone- Protective gear required; safety team on duty○ Beginner Classes: Saturdays and Sundays, September 6–October 26, 14:00–17:00- Ages 7–49- 50-minute sessions- Free equipment rental- Promenade in front of Samik Beach #301- Reservation ☎ 626-8816○ Suyeong-gu Mayor’s Cup Skateboarding National Championship: Friday, September 26–Saturday, September 27

2025 Exchange Exhibition: Writers Revealed – 500 Years of Literature and Art from Shakespeare Onward

2025 Exchange Exhibition: Writers Revealed – 500 Years of Literature and Art from Shakespeare OnwardWriters Revealedo Period: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 – Sunday, January 18, 2026- Tuesday – Sunday (closed on Mondays)※Exception: Open Monday, October 6; closed Friday, October 10o Venue: Special Exhibition Room, Busan Museumo Hours: 9:00–18:00 (last ticketing and admission at 17:00)o Highlights: 137 works, including portraits, manuscripts, letters, and rare first editions by Britain’s literary masters—such as the portrait of Shakespeare, Shakespeare’s first collected plays First Folio, and the handwritten manuscript of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectationso Hosted by: Busan Museum, National Portrait Gallery (United Kingdom)o Website: https://museum.busan.go.kr/busan/bsopboard/1696209◆ Online Reservation: NOL Interparkhttps://tickets.interpark.com/goods/25013175◆ Early Bird Offero Period: Tuesday, September 9–Monday, September 29, 2025o Discount: 40%- Adults: 15,000 → 9,000 won- Youth (13–18): 12,000 → 7,200 won- Children (7–12): 10,000 → 6,000 wono Valid Until: Sunday, December 7, 2025◆ AdmissionAdults (19–64): 15,000 won; Youth (13–18): 12,000 won; Children (7–12): 10,000 wonFree: Children under 7, seniors over 65, persons with disabilities one guardian, national merit recipients, etc.Busan citizens: 2,000 won off