2012 Is Busan’s Year of Conventions, Fairs & Forums

Busan city

2012 is shaping up as one of the biggest ever for Busan city in South Korea due to a long list of prestigious international events which will capture international attention including exhibitions, conventions, cultural events and sporting events. Among those events the 95th Lions Clubs International Convention as well as the International Water Association (IWA)’s World Water Congress and Exhibition and the Busan International Motor Show are expected to draw thousands of visitors from around the world. 

The 95th Lions Clubs International Convention is expected to see around 70,000 people from around 200 countries descend on the city from June 22 to 26 with a good number of Australian participants expected.  Later the International Water Association’s World Water Congress and Exhibition will see 4,000 people from 130 countries gather in Busan from 16-21 September.

Busan city

The Busan International Motor Show which will be held from 24 May to 3 June at BEXCO has attracted foreign brands this year such as BMW (Mini), Jaguar (Land Rover), Toyota (Lexus), Nissan (Infiniti) and Audi who have all confirmed they will participate this year.

The global advertising industry will be keenly following developments at the AD STARS awards over three days 23-25 August.  Art lovers can get their fix at the 2012 Busan Biennale which will be held at the Busan Museum of Art from 22 September – 24 November.

Busan city

There are many events confirming Busan city’s status as a mecca of media content and online and other games.  The Busan Contents Market will run from 10-12 May at BEXCO, while the rapidly developing G-STAR2012, a leading international e-Sports exhibition is scheduled to take place in November at the same venue.

The Busan International Film Festival has made a name for itself in the world of film festivals.  The 17th Busan International Film Festival which is number one in Asia will no doubt draw film actors and stars from around the world.  It will take place in Busan from 4-12 October.

Cinema Centre

Busan has recently opened a new Cinema Centre which has drawn attention of filmmakers and movie industry figures from around the world.  The architectural landmark which was designed to represent the theme of communication between the sky and earth, features the world’s largest cantilevered roof.  The roof is 1.5 times the size of a soccer field and houses 120,000 light-emitting diodes. It has raised great expectations of the role the city will play in the future as an international movie hub.

Busan Sea Festival

Meanwhile, larger cultural events will enhance Busan’s image as a city of culture and festivals with events lined up to showcase its expertise in industries such as marine exploration technology, media and film.  One of the world’s most famous sea festivals, the Busan Sea Festival now in its 17th year will heat up the summer from 1-9 August at Haeundae Beach.  The Busan International Fireworks Festival also attracts visitors from overseas with its grand fireworks displays in October.

Further information on Busan city and its upcoming events in 2012 can be found on the website:  http://dynamic.busan.go.kr

General travel information for Korea can be found on the official travel website:

www.visitkorea.or.kr