Busan is famous for its International Film Festival, which is one of the largest film festivals in Asia. The annual event showcases over 200 films from all over the world. With the success of the festival, Busan is also becoming one of the most popular shooting locations for Asian moviemakers. Movies are viewed on an enormous outdoor screen during mid-October every year.

The Busan Sea Festival is held in the beginning of August for nine days on Haeundae, Gwangalli and Songdo beaches. Spectacular fireworks light up the sky on the opening night. Artistic performances, pop concerts, beach dancing, water sports, windsurfing, beach volleyball contests, and the Hanbada Festival for the Disabled are all included in this event. It is the biggest sea festival in Korea enjoyed together by tourists and locals.

The Cherry Blossom Tree Festival is held during April at Gwangalli Beach. Visitors can enjoy traditional Korean games such as archery and Sirum (Korean wrestling similar to Sumo of Japan), and other contests such as singing and children's drawing. Exhibitions include a market for Korean traditional food, Korean agricultural and special products, and of course, cherry blossom viewing and pictures. The entire city and country are in splendid bloom from late March through April.

The Dalmaji Festival draws some 200,000 to 300,000 moon watchers on each year's first full moon day (usually around 15 January). They gather and pray for their wishes, watching the full moon rise over Haeundae Beach. The festival consists of a variety of games including kite-flying, nol twigi (seesawing), farmer's music, traditional mask dance, and other customs. “Feeding the Dragon King” ceremony takes place on Haeundae Beach where people contribute specially prepared rice cakes and fruits as an offering to the sea, hold candles in their hands, and pray for year-long peace and happiness. A grand feast reaches its climax by the burning Daljip (Full Moon House) as the full moon rises above the sea.

The Jagalchi Festival spans several days in early October highlighting the local fresh seafood industry. After the opening ceremonies, which includes a parade of workers dressed like fish and other sea animals, visitors can enjoy eating fresh seafood and drinking soju (grain alcohol), as well as several events like a boat launch ceremony, fish dance exhibition, and fireworks. You are likely to get the chance to try free samples of raw fish. Participants join in the eel relay race, foreigners' cooking contest, and Jagalchi Ajuma Pageant. The Ajumas (married women) who work in the Jagalchi Fish Market are a very tough breed. Although they are kind inside, it does not always show through their strong exterior. They work hard doing the dirty work of cleaning the seafood, while still being highly devoted to their families. The Ajumas are responsible for building up the area into its present form. A most lively festival.

The Busan International Rock Festival hosts a multitude of local and international rock bands and is free to all. It first began as an opening performance for the Busan Sea Festival, however, it is now a festival of its own. It enables the youth of the world to get to know each other better and promote harmony among them through the international language of music. Famous rock stars along with amateur singers perform their music with a back drop of the summer sea throughout July and August every year.