Busan Open Film Market

About

The Busan Open Film Market transforms the iconic Busan Cinema Center Plaza into a vibrant outdoor marketplace celebrating cinema culture each October during the Busan International Film Festival. While primarily a professional industry event, the festival atmosphere spills into family-friendly outdoor spaces where kids can experience Korea's dynamic film culture through screenings, interactive displays, and the electric energy of one of Asia's most prestigious film festivals. It's a unique opportunity for internationally-minded families to introduce children to global cinema in an accessible, festive setting.

What to Expect

Families will encounter a bustling outdoor marketplace atmosphere with film-related booths, vendor stalls, and public festival activities surrounding the professional market. The modern Busan Cinema Center's striking architecture and outdoor plaza create an impressive backdrop for browsing film merchandise, catching free outdoor screenings (often family-friendly Korean films with English subtitles), and soaking in the festival buzz. The event combines professional industry activity with public festival elements, so expect crowds, photo opportunities with festival installations, and a lively international atmosphere with film professionals and fans mingling together.

Highlights for Kids

• The stunning LED-roof Busan Cinema Center building, which becomes a spectacular light display after dark
• Free outdoor film screenings on the plaza's big screens featuring Korean cinema
• Festival merchandise stalls selling unique K-cinema memorabilia and film-themed goods
• Photo opportunities with festival mascots, movie props, and elaborate promotional installations
• Experiencing the international buzz of film industry professionals from around the world

Pro Tips for Families

1. Check the BIFF (Busan International Film Festival) English website in advance for family-friendly outdoor screening schedules and public events that coincide with the market days
2. Download a translation app before arriving, as most signage and vendor interactions will be in Korean, though festival staff at information booths typically speak English
3. Visit during late afternoon (4-6 PM) when the professional market activity winds down and the festival atmosphere becomes more relaxed and family-oriented
4. Bring layers and rain gear—October in Busan can be unpredictable, and the outdoor plaza offers limited shelter

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon around 4-6 PM offers the best family experience when professional market activities slow down and the plaza becomes more accessible. Weekend days during the market (if applicable) tend to have more public-facing activities and entertainment. Avoid peak midday hours (11 AM-2 PM) when industry professionals dominate the space and crowds are densest.

Food & Drinks

The outdoor market features various food vendors offering Korean street food favorites like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and fried chicken—most of which are kid-friendly and easy to eat while walking. Nearby convenience stores (GS25, CU) offer familiar snacks and drinks at lower prices. For sit-down meals, the surrounding Haeundae area has numerous family restaurants including Western chains, Korean BBQ (great for adventurous eaters), and noodle shops. Be prepared for limited English menus at smaller vendors; pointing and gestures work well.

Parking & Access

The Busan Cinema Center is accessible via Centum City Station (Metro Line 2, Exit 12), approximately a 10-minute walk—easiest for families with older kids. Taxis from Haeundae Beach area cost around 5,000-8,000 won and can drop off directly at the venue. If driving, the Cinema Center has underground parking (fees apply), but spaces fill quickly during festival periods. The outdoor plaza is stroller-accessible with smooth pavement, though crowds can make navigation challenging. Download the Kakao Map app for navigation, as Google Maps has limited functionality in Korea.