Busan is a city that comes alive with festivals throughout the year, showcasing its vibrant culture and global appeal. From the colorful Global Gathering Festival, celebrating international cultures, to the renowned Busan International Film Festival in October, there’s always something exciting happening. Other highlights include the Busan Sea Festival, perfect for beach lovers. And the Gwangalli Eobang Festival, which celebrates the city’s fishing heritage. These events make Busan a must-visit destination for those looking to experience unique traditions, lively entertainment, and delicious food.
The Global Gathering Festival in Busan is one of South Korea’s most vibrant annual events. Held every May, it’s a celebration of cultural diversity that brings the world to one city. I attended this incredible festival and can’t recommend it enough.
The 2019 edition was particularly spectacular, attracting a record number of 10,000 visitors and featuring unforgettable highlights that left a lasting impression.
Highlights of 2019 Global Gathering Festival
Global Gathering 2019 included citizens of Busan, expats, ambassadors, and sister cities and held at APEC Naru Park on Sunday, May 19.
The 14th edition of the festival offered an impressive lineup of events and activities:
- International Performances: The main stage featured dazzling shows, including traditional dances from Africa, dynamic salsa performances, and mesmerizing K-pop acts, Asian countries
- Cultural Booths: Over 60 booths represented countries worldwide, each offering unique activities, displays, and traditional clothing. I stopped by a few to read what they did and was given numerous free brochures and fliers. The European Chamber of Commerce in Korea and a host of foreign offices were present.
- Global Food Village: A food lover’s paradise, the festival showcased dishes from every continent. I personally enjoyed Turkish kebabs, Korean fusion dishes, and a few snacks from some Asian countries.
One standout moment from 2019 was the vibrant parade, where participants dressed in their country’s traditional attire, dancing and celebrating through the festival grounds.
The Global Gathering Festival has something for all ages. In 2019, kids loved the interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and international art corners. Adults joined cooking classes, cultural demonstrations, and even live music jam sessions.
Check out some bright images from the festival here.
Why Visit the Global Gathering Festival in Busan
- Celebrate Global Cultures: The festival brings together cultures from around the world, offering traditional performances, cultural booths, and interactive workshops that showcase diversity and unity.
- Taste International Cuisines: Food lovers can indulge in a variety of global dishes, from savory street food to unfamiliar desserts, all in one place.
- Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities: With live music, art sessions, and fun games for kids, the festival offers something exciting for visitors of all ages.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early to enjoy the full festival experience.
- Dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes.
- Bring cash for food, crafts, and souvenirs.
The Global Gathering Festival in Busan is a cultural highlight of May. For me, the 2019 edition set a high standard with its incredible displays, performances, and food.
If you’re in South Korea during May, don’t miss this vibrant celebration of global unity and fun!
If you want to read about what happened in the past years, check out their website. Here’s the one for 2023.
Discover the vibrant energy of other festivals and many more cultural gems through my blog! From festival highlights to travel tips, I share honest reviews and experiences to inspire your adventures. Dive into this post and explore the world with me—start reading now!
