Busan is known as Asia's entertainment portal

Busan is known as Asia's entertainment portal. One of the most important film festivals in Asia is the Busan International Film Festival, which takes place every year in Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea. The initial festival, which took place from September 13 to 21, 1996, was also Korea's first international film festival. The BIFF's primary goal is to spotlight new films and emerging filmmakers, particularly those from Asian nations. The festival's appeal to young people is another noteworthy aspect, as seen by the sizable number of young people it draws and its initiatives to nurture and promote emerging talent. Each fall, the Busan Cinema Center with a range of artworks from diverse sectors, and the Busan Biennale, an international contemporary art event held every two years, also draw many artists and tourists to this city.

Beginning in 2016, Busan will also host One Asia Event, the biggest K-pop festival in South Korea, solidifying its position as the hub of the genre.

The highest mural in Asia, "Portrait of a Fisherman" by German artist Hendrik Beikirch, was painted in 2012 on a structure close to Millak Raw Fish Town. There are 80 performance spaces in Busan, including 30 open ones such as the National Gugak Center, Busan Cultural Center, Busan Citizens, and Busan Cinema Center. There are 40 private enterprises, including the Kyungsung University Concert Hall, Sohyang Art Center, MBC Samjoo Art Room, and Shinsegae Store Culture Room.