Haeundae Light Festival: Winter Night Lights Guide
The Haeundae Light Festival lights up Haeundae Beach and Gunam-ro every winter with large-scale light installations. Layout, nearby hotels, and what to know before you go.
[This article will be updated once the 2026-2027 dates are officially confirmed]
Every winter, Haeundae Beach and the Gunam-ro area light up with large-scale installations and media art, making it one of Busan’s most popular winter night events. It typically opens in late November and runs through mid-January, though exact dates shift year to year based on the official announcement.
The basics
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | [TBA — to be updated after the next official announcement] (typically late November through mid-January) |
| Time | Daily, 6:00pm-11:00pm (subject to that year’s announcement) |
| Location | Haeundae Beach and the Gunam-ro area |
| Cost | Free |
| Type | Winter light art festival |
📌 The most recent edition (the 12th) ran November 29, 2025 through January 18, 2026, themed “STELLAR HAEUNDAE.” Themes and installations change every year, so check the official announcement for the current edition’s details.
What you’ll see
The exact content changes year to year, but it typically includes:
- Large-scale light installations: Multiple sculptural light pieces set up along the beach, lit up at night and popular for photos.
- Media art / projections: Some editions add projection or interactive lighting elements.
- Experience activities: Depending on the year, this can include lantern-making workshops or market stalls.
Since the theme name and specific installations change every year, this article intentionally doesn’t commit to any single year’s theme — check the official announcement closer to your trip.
Gunam-ro or Haeundae Beach first?
- Gunam-ro: Lined with cafes and shops — a good place to grab a bite and browse in the early evening before heading toward the beach.
- Haeundae Beach: Where the main light installations are concentrated — best visited after dark for the full effect.
The usual route is Gunam-ro first while it’s still light out, then moving toward the beach as it gets dark to catch the main display.
Hotels with a good view nearby
If you want to stay close to the festival with an ocean view on top:
Walking distance to Haeundae Beach — good if you want sea views day and night without festival-season splurge prices.
Trip.com
High-floor panoramic sea views right on Haeundae Beach — a good pick if you also want a higher-end stay.
📌 One last step before you go: before booking flights, hotels, or tour tickets, check our latest discount codes for anything you can use.
Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you complete a booking through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Haeundae Light Festival free?
Yes, the public viewing areas are completely free — no ticket needed.
Is it okay to bring kids?
Yes, it's mostly light installations and photo spots with flat, easy walking routes. Winter nights by the sea get cold though, so dress warmly.
What happens if it rains or gets windy?
The outdoor light displays generally stay open, but some interactive elements or programs may pause due to weather. Check the official announcement for that year before you go.
Is parking available?
Haeundae is a popular area and parking is limited on weekends — taking the subway is the easier option.
💰 Check before you book
Before you go, check the latest KKday discount codes — one code can shave a meaningful amount off your booking.
See the latest discount codes →💡 Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you complete a booking through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate Disclosure