🎬 KIOFF 2026 – Korea International Ocean Film Festival at Busan Cinema Center June 18–21
Watch 47 ocean films from 15 countries in Busan for just 5,000 KRW — and some screenings are free? 🎬 The 9th KIOFF runs June 18–21 at the iconic Busan Cinema Center, with GV sessions and a simultaneous streaming festival. Here's the full ticket guide, how to get there from Seoul, and what international visitors need to know. ✨
※ Always verify the latest schedule and ticket details on the official KIOFF and Busan city websites before visiting.
The 9th Korea International Ocean Film Festival (KIOFF 2026) is co-hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and Korea Ocean Business Corporation (한국해양진흥공사). Confirmed directly from Busan City's official English events page (busan.go.kr/eng), KIOFF 2026 runs from June 18 (Thursday) to June 21 (Sunday), 2026 at the Busan Cinema Center (영화의전당) in Haeundae — the same world-class venue that hosts the iconic Busan International Film Festival each October. This year's 9th edition screens 47 films from 15 countries, with tickets priced at just 5,000 KRW (approx. $3.70 USD) for standard screenings. Some programs are free, and a special screening ("Gyoyangsaa: Radiant Like Sunlight") is priced at 10,000 KRW. The Korea International Streaming Festival runs simultaneously at the same venue, making the four-day event an exceptionally rich film culture experience in Korea. For more summer cultural events in Korea, see our guide to the PSY Humbuk Show SUMMERSWAG Korea 2026.
See Official KIOFF Info (EN)
💡 Booking.com offers excellent deals on hotels near Haeundae Beach and Busan Cinema Center — book now before June weekends fill up!
The KIOFF festival runs over a Thursday-through-Sunday stretch, with the weekend particularly drawing large crowds to Haeundae. Hotels near Centum City (센텀시티) and Haeundae are your most convenient options — search on Booking.com or Agoda for rates starting from around 60,000 KRW (~$44 USD) per night. Booking 2–3 weeks in advance is strongly recommended for June festival weekend stays.📊 KIOFF 2026 – Quick Facts
15 countries, 47 films, just 5,000 KRW per ticket — some screenings FREE!
The 9th Korea International Ocean Film Festival brings the world's best ocean-themed films to Busan Cinema Center. Hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and Korea Ocean Business Corporation.
Dates: Thursday, June 18 – Sunday, June 21, 2026 (4 days)
Venue: Busan Cinema Center, 120 Suyeong-gangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Tickets: 5,000 KRW (~$3.70 USD) general / some programs FREE / special screening 10,000 KRW
Program: 15 countries, 47 films + GV sessions + Korea International Streaming Festival running simultaneously
⚡ 4 days only! Book popular GV sessions before they sell out!
KIOFF 2026 – Key Info
June 18 (Thursday) – June 21 (Sunday), 2026
9th KIOFF. Busan Cinema Center, Haeundae. 15 countries, 47 films. Standard tickets: 5,000 KRW. Some programs free. Special screening "Gyoyangsaa: Radiant Like Sunlight" at 10,000 KRW. Korea Intl Streaming Festival co-held at same venue.
🎬 June 18 opening ceremony! Book GV sessions early — they sell out fast.
🎬
1. What Is KIOFF? 3 Key Highlights
About KIOFF – Korea International Ocean Film Festival
KIOFF (Korea International Ocean Film Festival) is co-hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and Korea Ocean Business Corporation (a public agency under Korea's Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries). Now in its 9th edition, KIOFF is dedicated exclusively to ocean-themed films — covering marine ecology, maritime culture, ocean sports, and sea-inspired storytelling from around the world. The 2026 slogan is "A Sonic-Musical Baptism for the Ocean and Whales," reflecting the festival's focus on the emotional and artistic relationship between music, sound, and the sea. Unlike general film festivals, every film at KIOFF has the ocean at its heart, making it a uniquely immersive experience for ocean lovers and cinephiles alike.
2026 Program Scale – 15 Countries, 47 Films
The 9th KIOFF screens 47 ocean-themed films from 15 countries across 4 days. The lineup includes international feature films, documentaries, and short films, as well as a dedicated Korean Ocean Film section showcasing domestic filmmakers. Some screenings include Director Q&A (GV — Guest Visit) sessions where attending filmmakers discuss their creative process with the audience. The special screening "Gyoyangsaa: Radiant Like Sunlight" (교양사아: 눈부시게 빛나는 햇살) is ticketed separately at 10,000 KRW (~$7.40 USD). All standard screenings: 5,000 KRW (~$3.70 USD). Some free screenings also included.
Venue – Busan Cinema Center (영화의전당)
Busan Cinema Center — located at 120 Suyeong-gangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan — is Korea's premier dedicated film venue and the home of the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Its multiple screening halls, open-air stage, and state-of-the-art facilities make it the ideal host for an international film festival. The Korea International Streaming Festival also runs at the same venue during KIOFF's four days. From Busan City Hall or Haeundae, the Cinema Center is easily accessible via subway (Line 2, Centum City Station, approx. 10–15 min walk) or taxi.
View Official KIOFF 2026 Info
💡 Trip.com offers great KTX + hotel packages from Seoul to Busan — save up to 20% on June stays near Haeundae!
Traveling from Seoul? Trip.com makes it easy to combine KTX rail tickets (Seoul Station to Busan Station, approx. 2.5 hours, 55,000–70,000 KRW / ~$40–52 USD) with hotel bookings near Busan Cinema Center. Search "Centum City hotel" or "Haeundae hotel" on Trip.com or Agoda for the best rates. June weekends in Busan fill up fast — book at least 2 weeks ahead.2. KIOFF 2026 Schedule & Tickets
Festival Dates & Opening Ceremony
The 9th KIOFF runs Thursday, June 18 through Sunday, June 21, 2026 — four days of ocean cinema at Busan Cinema Center. The opening ceremony takes place on June 18, followed by the opening film screening and a range of special events. The Korea International Streaming Festival (코리아국제스트리밍페스티벌) runs concurrently at the same venue, making the overall programming exceptionally diverse. The festival closes on Sunday, June 21 with an awards ceremony and closing film.
Ticket Prices & Booking
Standard screening tickets: 5,000 KRW (~$3.70 USD). Special screening ("Gyoyangsaa: Radiant Like Sunlight"): 10,000 KRW (~$7.40 USD). Some programs are free — check the official KIOFF website (kioff.kr) for the complete free screening schedule and entry procedures. Online ticket booking is available via Busan Cinema Center's official website (dureraum.org). GV sessions and opening film screenings tend to sell out first — book online well before June 18. Most major credit cards are accepted at the venue. Cash (KRW) is also accepted.
Director Q&A (GV) Sessions
Select screenings include GV (Guest Visit) sessions — Director Q&A discussions held immediately after the film where attending filmmakers discuss their process with the audience. These are exceptionally rare opportunities for direct dialogue with international filmmakers at an accessible ticket price. GV session schedules are published on the KIOFF official website and SNS channels (@kioff.official). For more Korean cultural performances and discounts, check our guide to Korea Performance Discount Vouchers 2026.
3. How to Attend KIOFF 2026 – 4-Step Guide
Step 1: Browse the Full Program
Before booking, review the complete screening schedule on KIOFF's official website (kioff.kr) and Busan Cinema Center's booking page (dureraum.org). Identify which films you want to see, and note whether they include free admission, standard 5,000 KRW tickets, or the special 10,000 KRW screening. Check which sessions include GV opportunities — these tend to be the most memorable experiences at the festival.
Step 2: Book Tickets Online
Advance online booking is strongly recommended, especially for GV sessions and the opening film. Visit dureraum.org (Busan Cinema Center official booking site) and select your preferred screening date, time, and hall. Online tickets generate a QR code for direct fast-lane entry — no on-site queuing required. Most major international credit cards are accepted for online payment. For the free screenings, confirm in-advance reservation procedures on the KIOFF official site.
Step 3: Getting to Busan Cinema Center
From Seoul Station, take KTX to Busan Station (approx. 2.5 hours, 55,000–70,000 KRW / ~$40–52 USD). From Busan Station, transfer to Subway Line 1 toward Nopodong direction and switch to Line 2 at Seomyeon Station, heading to Centum City Station (센텀시티역). The Cinema Center is approximately 10–15 minutes on foot from the station. From Incheon Airport, the total journey is approximately 4–4.5 hours by KTX + subway. 💡 Trip.com offers excellent KTX discounts — compare fares and book your seats early, especially for the June 18 opening day.
Step 4: Explore Side Events & Streaming Festival
KIOFF is accompanied by the Korea International Streaming Festival at the same venue — explore both programs to fully maximize your visit. Exhibition spaces, film-related installations, and other side events run throughout the four days at Busan Cinema Center. Check the official KIOFF SNS (@kioff.official) for real-time updates on bonus events, surprise screenings, and GV schedule changes during the festival.
Book & Plan KIOFF 2026
💡 Klook offers Busan day-tour packages covering Haeundae, Gamcheon Culture Village & more — perfect for the KIOFF weekend!
Make the most of your Busan trip by pairing KIOFF 2026 with Busan's top attractions. Klook offers curated Busan day-tour packages covering Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을), Jagalchi Fish Market (자갈치시장), and Gwangalli Beach (광안리 해수욕장). Combine a morning Busan sightseeing tour with afternoon and evening film screenings at KIOFF for a perfectly packed June weekend itinerary. Search "Busan day tour" on Klook for current options and prices.4. Busan Cinema Center Area – Food & Accommodation
Haeundae Seafood Restaurants
Haeundae is renowned for fresh seafood dining. After an afternoon screening, head to the Haeundae Traditional Market (해운대시장) or waterfront pojangmacha (포장마차 — Korean outdoor food stalls) for fresh raw fish (회, hoe), grilled shellfish, and seafood stew. Expect to spend 15,000–30,000 KRW per person (~$11–22 USD). Search "Busan Cinema Center restaurant" on Kakao Maps or Naver Maps for live-rated options within walking distance.
Hotels Near Busan Cinema Center
The most convenient areas are Centum City (센텀시티) and Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장). Search "Centum City hotel" or "Haeundae accommodation" on Booking.com or Agoda — mid-range options start around 60,000–150,000 KRW (~$44–110 USD) per night. Airbnb also has stylish Haeundae Beach-view apartments available. The June 18–21 festival weekend will see elevated demand — book immediately.
Combined Busan Sightseeing
Busan is extraordinarily rich with one-day sightseeing options during your KIOFF visit. Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을) — a colorful hillside art district — is 30 minutes from Cinema Center by taxi. Jagalchi Fish Market is Korea's largest seafood market. Gwangalli Beach and its famous Gwangan Bridge lit up at night is just 10 minutes away. Klook lists well-reviewed guided Busan day tours at competitive prices.
5. Free vs. Paid Screenings at KIOFF 2026
| Category | Free Screening | Standard Paid Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (0 KRW) | 5,000 KRW (~$3.70 USD) |
| Booking | Confirm on official KIOFF site | Book at dureraum.org |
| GV Included | Some sessions possible | Select sessions include GV |
| Special Screening | Not applicable | 10,000 KRW option available |
| Seating | First-come, first-served | Reserved seat via online booking |
6. Tips for Foreign Visitors – 5 Things to Know
Opening Ceremony Day (June 18) Strategy
The opening ceremony and opening film on June 18 will be the busiest day of the festival. If you want to attend the opening, plan to arrive at Busan Cinema Center by early afternoon (before 2 PM) to absorb the pre-ceremony atmosphere. Opening film tickets should be booked online in advance — they typically sell out within days of going on sale. Subway travel to Centum City Station is strongly recommended over driving on opening day, as parking will be very congested.
Free Screenings – Arrive 20–30 Minutes Early
For free screenings, seating is typically first-come, first-served without reserved seats. Arriving 20–30 minutes before showtime ensures a good seat. Confirm free screening policies (some may still require free pre-registration) on the KIOFF official website before your visit day.
GV Sessions – Most Rewarding but Fastest to Sell Out
Director Q&A sessions (GV) are held immediately after select screenings. These offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear an international filmmaker discuss their work at a price of just 5,000 KRW (~$3.70 USD). GV screening times and filmmaker details are published on the KIOFF official website and Instagram (@kioff.official). These sessions consistently sell out first — prioritize booking GV sessions above all other screenings.
Combine with the Streaming Festival for Maximum Value
The concurrent Korea International Streaming Festival at the same venue means four days of double the film culture content. Plan your screening schedule to see films from both festivals. The combined experience is among the most unique and affordable international film festival events available anywhere in Asia in June 2026.
Getting Around Busan – Subway is King
Busan's subway system is clean, affordable, and highly reliable. A single journey costs 1,400–1,500 KRW (~$1 USD). A T-money transit card (available at airport convenience stores) works on Busan subways, city buses, and even convenience stores. From Incheon Airport, the fastest option is KTX from Seoul Station to Busan Station (total time Seoul-Busan: approx. 2.5 hours). Klook also lists airport transfer options from Busan Gimhae International Airport for international arrivals flying direct to Busan.
KIOFF 2026 Official Info & Tickets
💡 Trip.com offers great Seoul-to-Busan KTX + hotel packages — book now for KIOFF June 18–21!
Heading to Busan for KIOFF 2026? Trip.com lets you bundle KTX train tickets with hotel stays near Haeundae at a discounted combined rate. Klook offers guided Busan city tours and airport transfers, too. Lock in your accommodation now — June festival weekends in Busan fill up fast. A 2-night stay covering June 18–21 gives you access to the full KIOFF program from opening to closing ceremony.Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is KIOFF 2026 worth attending?
A. 47 ocean-themed films from 15 countries at just 5,000 KRW (~$3.70 USD) per standard screening — some programs are free. Director Q&A sessions are included at no extra charge for select screenings. It's one of the most accessible international film festival experiences in Asia.
Q2. How do I buy KIOFF 2026 tickets?
A. Book tickets online at Busan Cinema Center's official site (dureraum.org). Standard screenings: 5,000 KRW. Special screening: 10,000 KRW. Free screenings require checking procedures on kioff.kr. GV sessions sell out quickly — book as early as possible.
Q3. How do I get to Busan Cinema Center?
A. Take Busan Subway Line 2 to Centum City Station (센텀시티역), then walk approximately 10–15 minutes. From Seoul, take KTX to Busan Station (approx. 2.5 hours), then transfer by subway. Public transit is strongly recommended during the festival to avoid parking congestion.
Q4. When and where is KIOFF 2026?
A. The 9th KIOFF runs June 18 (Thursday) to June 21 (Sunday), 2026 at Busan Cinema Center, 120 Suyeong-gangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan. The Korea International Streaming Festival runs simultaneously at the same venue.
More to Explore
Planning more cultural events in Korea this summer? KIOFF is just the start. Book your Haeundae hotel now on Booking.com or Agoda, and check Klook for Busan day-tour options to make the most of your June trip.
For K-pop concerts in Korea this summer, see our guide to the PSY SUMMERSWAG tour across 9 Korean cities.
Want more Korean cultural performances at a discount? Check our guide to the Korea Performance Discount Voucher.
Soo Blog
Korea travel, events, and festivals expert — 5 years covering cultural programs, parks, and reservations firsthand.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
Korea travel, events, and festivals expert — 5 years covering cultural programs, parks, and reservations firsthand.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
#KIOFF2026 #BusanFilmFestival #OceanFilmFestival #BusanKorea #KoreaEvents #BusanCinemaCenter #KoreaFilm #JuneKorea #HaeundaeKorea #KoreaTravel
