[Around us] Dive into the Gleaming Lights of Haeundae

Like the common saying that the summer of Haeundae in Busan refers to the sea, winter indicates the light. This is because the Haeundae Light Festival is held at the end of every year. The lights that seem to embroider the sky comfort the hearts of people who regret the passing year. We looked around the 9th Haeundae Light Festival, which opened on November 18th.

The Haeundae Light Festival, which starts around Haeundae Square in Gunam-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, will light up the distance between the buildings for 68 days until January 24th. It is held in Gunam-ro, Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Square, and Oncheon-gil.

Lighting-up time is from 6 PM to midnight in Gunam-ro and 6 PM to 11 PM in Haeundae Beach. Last year, the operating hours were shortened due to the strengthening of the government's policy due to the spread of COVID-19. This year, it will proceed to the original time. However, the operating booths are until 10 PM or will finish faster than the turn-off time.

This year's festival theme is "Again, and the Sea of Light." There are also keywords set in each zone. Gunam-ro collects light, which means it symbolizes "Assemble." Haeundae Market Road is "Twinkle Sky," a sparkling sky, and Oncheon-gil is "Golden Street." There is no room for boredom because the lights and structures suitable for keywords are varied everywhere.

■ Highlight of the Light festival is the “Photo Zone"

You can enjoy the festival by walking along the street comfortably. Passing through the entrance of Gunam-ro, you will see a tree exhibition, the "Welcome Tree." After that, the "Light tunnel," tree neon signs symbolizing Christmas and the dome-shaped structure in the form of a soccer ball related to the World Cup, follows the sight. Lastly, the number 2022 appears. The site was full of people of various ages, busy finding suitable photo spots and taking pictures of each other to leave memories.

The photos taken can be printed at a paid booth installed nearby. You can attach postcards with wishes written on the barbed wire named "*So-Won Wall.” The mood of the festival site is not interrupted because there are arched paths wrapped around with colorful light bulbs in the middle of the road. The structure of number 2023 and a large tree located at the edge of the street are representative photo zones, so many people try to take the best pictures.

On the sandy beach, there is a media zone where linear decorations shine to the rhythm of music that flows out sparkle brilliantly in succession. The central screen shows images of dozens of light spectra produced by designers. You can sit in the stepped seats and watch the massive artwork.

On the other side, there is a structure that is like a blue wave on the beach of Haeundae. The harmony of the glittering lights that light up the night sea and the sand that sparkles in the daytime sunlight matched the festival's catchphrase, " The Color of the Earth and the Sky.” The length of the light distance installed is about 400m, twice longer than last year. The number of visitors was limited to up to 2,000, reducing the risk of crowding.

■ Full of Famous Food

Another reason why Haeundae Light Street shines is the food. Gunam-ro is filled with places that are already known as famous restaurants, such as Gaemi, Miryang Sundae Pork Rice Soup, Choryang Milmyeon. Haeundae Market Road is full of shops with savories such as hot dogs, hotteok, and snacks. Also, you can enjoy seafood, raw fish, and kalguksu as a full-fledged meal. There are various kinds of desserts, too. Famous brand cafes and privately owned cafes on the streets at intervals are not far away so that you can sit and rest. "Cafe knotted Haeundae Branch," which was only in Seoul, is the hottest café now.

On Christmas Day, the Light Festival is held for citizens. The National Carol Song Contest is a talent donation event where citizens sing carols and receive awards for chorus, part song, and solo performances. The "Christmas Concert," a joint performance by UNICEF Children's Choir and civic groups, will be held at Haeundae Event Square. From 8 PM, the "200-person Haeundae Santa Festival" will continue, where Santa presents gifts and holds flash mobs.

The viewing fee is free, but there is no separate parking area. If you use your own car, an additional fee will be charged. You can get off at Haeundae Station on Busan Metro Line 2 and go through exit 1 and 3. Both places are completely in contact with the entrance to Gunam-ro. Buses have the advantage of having to cross the crosswalk only once. If you take city buses No. 100 and No. 100-1 from the main gate of Pusan National University, it takes about an hour and 10 to 20 minutes depending on the traffic situation. The stop is Haeundae Metro Station.

*So-Won : It means “wish” in Korean. 

Reporter Shin Ji-Won

Translated by Shin Ji-Won