BIFF Square (Busan International Film Festival)

Busan's modern cinema district was originally just a few movie theaters built after Korea's liberation from Japanese rule more than half a century ago. However, major renovations took place before the first Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), and after that transformational upgrade, the area of the district was newly named BIFF Square, on August 14, 1996.

After being renovated into a cultural tourist destination promoting the development of the Korean film industry, BIFF Square has contributed to Busan's new status as an international cultural tourism city. The 428-meter-long street that extends from Buyeong Theater in Nampo-dong to an overpass in Chungmu-dong is divided into “Star Street” and “Festival Street”, and on the eve of the annual BIFF festival, the area will hold “BIFF Square Opening Ceremony” on the street. During the ceremony, events such as hand printing of famous movie characters and Nunggot Jeomdeung (lighting of snowflakes) will be practiced.

A district like BIFF Square, crowded with first-time theaters in a single city is rare not only in Asia but also in Europe, and for this reason it has huge potential. In Nampodong, “BIFF Plaza” was installed. Nampodong is one of the downtown areas in Busan and is spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of people at once. During BIFF 2014, a stage was set up in the center of “BIFF Plaza” for fans to meet movie directors and actors. What's more, this place is especially interesting for movie lovers as it has a movie theater that was first built in Busan, in 1934. The theater has not been remodeled to appear more modern, so people can still see new movies at this oldest theater, attracting many fans of cinema history.

In recent years, the square has grown into a more complex that not only houses a cinema but also shops and entertainment facilities, attracting more young visitors and tourists. Visitors can find cinema chains such as Megabox, CGV and Lotte Cinema. All foreign films shown in Korea will usually be kept in the original language with Korean subtitles.

For street food lovers, BIFF Square is a popular foodie paradise. One of the most famous specialties at BIFF Square, often seen in Korean TV shows (including Running Man) and Asian food/travel TV shows is Ssiat Hotteok (sweet cakes). Korean stuffing seeds). Long lines of customers at the popular stalls visited by celebrities. This delicious Ssiat Hotteok is a must-try in Busan.

Address: 58-1 Gudeok-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan