Busan Opens 20th World Ocean Forum as South Korea Breaks Historic Tourism Records with 18.9 Million Visitors
Busan, one of Korea’s most popular destinations, is coming into the international limelight as South Korea’s largest annual number of foreign tourist arrivals is being achieved early. The port city is also in the spotlight for hosting a large international maritime convention, offering Korean food experiences to overseas tourists and gearing up for a week-long design festival in the city. All these activities and more put business travel, eating and cultural experiences in the spotlight.
World Ocean Forum Brings Maritime Leaders to Busan
The 20th World Ocean Forum 2026 opens in Busan on 3 November, running until 5 November at the Busan Port International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BPEX).
Held under the theme Ocean, Connect, the three-day event brings together participants from maritime research, industry, government and international organisations. The programme addresses subjects including the Northern Sea Route, artificial intelligence, maritime technology and green energy.
The forum is jointly hosted by the Busan Metropolitan Government, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Busan Ilbo. Its opening ceremony is scheduled for 3 pm on 3 November, with a special session on Busan’s future as a maritime capital planned for 4 November.
For the city’s business tourism sector, the gathering places an international conference programme at the centre of its port district. Delegates attending the forum can also access Busan’s wider hospitality, dining and waterfront attractions during their stay.
South Korea Breaks Its Annual Tourism Record Early
South Korea’s inbound tourism performance provides a wider backdrop to Busan’s latest developments.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported 17.11 million international visitors between January and September 2026. September alone recorded 2.06 million arrivals, representing a 21.1 per cent increase compared with the same month in 2025.
The country subsequently surpassed its previous annual record of 18.94 million visitors by 27 October, approximately two months earlier than it had achieved that milestone in 2025.
The figures point to sustained international demand for South Korea, while the increase in visitors arriving through regional airports and seaports also matters for destinations beyond the capital. Busan, with its international port, coastal attractions and established hospitality infrastructure, is well positioned to participate in this broader tourism activity.
The government’s earlier 2026 target was 23 million international visitors.
Busan Offers International Visitors a Hanwoo Food Experience
Busan is also using local cuisine to attract overseas travellers. The city’s Hanwoo Gourmet Tour, running from 23 October to 6 November, offers eligible international visitors up to KRW 30,000 towards a meal featuring Hanwoo, South Korea’s native beef.
The pilot programme is organised by the Busan Metropolitan Government in cooperation with the Hanwoo Board. It involves four restaurants selected for the city’s Taste of Busan 2026 guide.
Participating restaurants are located in Haeundae, Suyeong and Sasang districts. Visitors must photograph their Hanwoo meal, share it on their personal Instagram account and complete the registration process using the QR code provided at the restaurant.
The initiative is limited to 100 international visitors at each participating restaurant. It connects food promotion with destination marketing by encouraging visitors to explore local restaurants and experience a recognised part of Korean cuisine.
The programme runs until 6 November, subject to its participation limits.
Design-Busan 2026 Adds a City-Wide Cultural Programme
Another major event is scheduled to begin on 5 November. Design-Busan 2026 will run until 15 November, connecting venues across the city through exhibitions, design activities and industry events.
Its central theme, Ocean, Human, Environment, reflects Busan’s maritime identity and its relationship with industrial heritage, urban development and sustainability.
BPEX will host the Design Fair and key forum activities, while F1963 and other locations will stage additional exhibitions and collaborative programmes. The festival is designed to connect designers, businesses, institutions and the public through a city-wide programme.
For visitors, the event provides another reason to explore different districts rather than limiting a trip to Busan’s best-known waterfront areas.
Béla Tarr Retrospective Extends Busan’s Cultural Calendar
The Busan Cinema Centre will screen a retrospective of works by Hungarian director Béla Tarr from 27 October to 11 November 2026. This programme, which is listed on Busan’s official event calendar, is adding to the city’s variety of autumn festivals, and bringing film lovers to Busan. While the maritime forum and other events are likely attracting business and leisure visitors to the city, these two programmes show what Busan has to offer, ranging from international forums and conferences to Korean cuisine and cinema.
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