Now that 2023 is nearing its end, many of us are restless as we wistfully let go of the previous year and anticipate the new one. Despite the restlessness, there are some good things about the year’s end, like light festivals held in many parts of the city.

We invite you to visit the mecca of Christmas trees, a place full of romance even in the coldest weather. Let's take a picture of the day at photo spots for unforgettable memories!

Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival

Gwangbok-ro in the old downtown area of Busan, is once again lighting up in colors. The Christmas Tree Cultural Festival is held in every December with a different theme for each year. This year’s theme is “Shining Heritage 345,” which reflects the past, present, and future of Jung-gu, and the festival will be lit up with lights until January 14, 2024. They say the event was inspired by Choryangwaegwan, which was a diplomatic post with the Japanese some 345 years ago, and the history is illuminated with the lights.

As you enter Gwangbok-ro on the opposite side of Lotte Department Store, the first thing you will see is a fountain of lights called the Light Fountain of Independence ('Gwangbok' in Korean).

The street trees along Gwangbok-ro are adorned with colorful lights and ribbons with snowflake images rustle in the wind under the night sky to create a romantic atmosphere. To complete the scene, there are also colorful Christmas trees, snowmen, and Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer in every corner of the streets. Once you get to the main attraction of the festival at the square, there you will find a giant tree, casting light in all directions. The excitement of the Christmas Tree Cultural Festival might just make you forget the cold weather and feel warm inside at the end of the year.


Operating period: December 8, 2023 (Fri) – January 14, 2024 (Sun)
Lighting time: 18:00~22:00

Busan Citizens Park Mirror Pond Light Festival

Busan Citizens Park, which has always been a popular place of relaxation for the local people of Busan, also hosts its annual winter light festival. This year’s theme is the fantastic Luminarie Island that brings good luck, installed with a sculpture that looks like cascades of light coming down from the sky to the pond.

A whopping 360,000 light bulbs are installed vertically, creating the illusion of standing in the middle of the starlit outer space. The hundreds of thousands of lights reflected in the pond also gives the illusion of a doorway to another dimension. In the center of the starry sky is a lucky dragon with a lucky pouch, a symbol of good fortune for the upcoming Year of the Dragon. The tree-lined street near Luminarie Island is also something you don’t want to miss. The colors of the lights change every moment, creating a mystical atmosphere. The reflection on the pond is also impressive. Against the backdrop of the still-white western sky, the buildings around the island are lit up one by one, and the trees turn red and blue.

The cold winter breeze makes the lights stand out even more clearly. You can enjoy Luminarie Island and tree-lined streets from various angles by walking along the deck path that crosses the pond.


Operating period: December 15, 2023 (Fri) – February 25, 2024 (Sun)
Lighting time: 17:30 - 23:30

Shinsegae Simon Busan Premium Outlets

Located in Gijang-gun, Shinsegae Simon Busan Premium Outlets are a photogenic place for Instagrammers, as it looks like an outlet mall straight out of a foreign country. The exotic scents wafting from the exterior of the building instantly transport you to a foreign city. In December, there's even a colorful Christmas tree, making the space more photogenic than any other. The central square, lit by a giant tree against a backdrop of European-style buildings, could be any city in Europe.

The Christmas tree that fills the round stage has extraordinary details. Divided into gold and silver, the color scheme is simple, but trees are full of the decorations and lights to add a touch of glamor.

The floor is white, as if it's covered in snow, and there are silver balls and deer of different sizes scattered throughout Christmas markets are spread out on both sides of the square. Here, you can find all sorts of Christmas-related props and decorations. The spirit of Christmas feels even stronger by the cheerful carols coming from everywhere.


Hours: Winter season (November to April) 10:30 - 20:30

Village de Ananti

When asked to choose the most beautiful Christmas tree spot in Busan this year, many people would probably choose ‘Village de Ananti’.

Recently opened in Gijang-gun, ‘Village de Ananti’ is a reproduction of a European Christmas village with a square installed with over 100 trees overlooking the sea. Centered around a 10-meter tall tree, small and large trees form a small forest, creating an enchanting atmosphere. It can be very pleasant to walk among the trees and see the scenery changing from moment to moment. The visual splendor created by thousands of light bulbs and ornaments cannot be missed. The place may be crowded, but winter in Villages de Ananti is beautiful enough to turn the downside of being in a crowd into the upside of enjoying the holiday excitement.

On weekends, snow is sprinkled twice a day. This is a fun event in Busan, a city where snow is rare. The cool view of the Gijang Coast from the Tree Square is also a highlight of the place. A place where you can enjoy the view of the the sea and twilight sky along with the tree – this is what makes Village de Ananti even more special.


Operating period: December 1st, 2023 (Fri) – January 14, 2024 (Sun)
Lighting time: 20:00 – 24:00
Snowfall time: Every Fri-Sat 14:00 & 18:00 (Twice a day, each time for 30 minutes)