International Film Festivals in Korea

Out of the many great and small film festivals that are held in Korea each year, the three international festivals, Busan International Film Festival, Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and Jeonju International Film Festival are not to be missed. As the locations and times vary by festival, the charms and the excitements of each festival are unique.

 

Busan International Film Festival LINK

When: October of each year

Website: www.biff.kr (Korean, English)

More info: Busan International Film Festival was the first international film festival in Korea and is held annually in Haeundae-gu, Busan every October. The festival has received much spotlight in Asia and has attracted the attention of professionals across all film industries. The festival screens a variety of movies including international premieres as well as showcases new experimental films.

Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival LINK

When: July of each year

Website: www.bifan.com (Korean, English)

More info: This is a non-competitive festival held every year in Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, introducing new films. The themes of the festival are ‘Love, Fantasy and Adventure’; yet, the festival is renowned for focusing largely on fantasy movies. Audiences will enter the exotic fantasy world, watching different genres of movies including horror, action and romance.

Jeonju International Film Festival LINK

When: April of each year

Website: www.jiff.or.kr (Korean, English)

More info: This international movie festival, held in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, is a non-competitive completion that still manages to feature a few elements of competition under the themes of 'Freedom, Independence and Communication'. These festival aims to screen the most-talked-about films in the digital and independent movie genres.