Meeting the Blue Breath of Busan, A Travel Record of the Samnak Riverside Festival in Sasang-gangbyeon

Walking by the Riverside of Sasang, Dyed in Green

On a day when the cool autumn breeze brushed against my cheeks, I made my way to Samnak-dong, Sasang-gu, Busan. My destination was Samnak Ecological Park(Samnak Saengtae Gongwon), home to the 'Sasang Riverside Festival(Sasang-gangbyeon Chukje)', which is celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year. Designated as Busan's No. 1 local garden, this place is a trail I truly love, as it allows me to encounter vast nature within the city center.

I heard this year's slogan is 'Garden City Sasang, Greening the City!', and as soon as I entered the park, I could feel its meaning with my whole body. The scent of grass carried by the river breeze and the cheerful sounds of young bands playing in the distance filled me with the excitement of the festival. Beyond just seeing and enjoying, the harmonious blend of nature and people was the greatest charm of this year's festival.

A Warm Festival Culture That Cares for the Environment

While looking around the festival venue, I was impressed by the thoughtfulness embedded in the smallest details. The spaces decorated under the name 'ESG Healing Shelter' were not just places to rest, but made me rethink our attitude toward nature. I could feel the sincere consideration of the organizers in the use of kiosks at food booths and the fact that every bowl for food was provided as a reusable container.

The scenery spread along the wide grounds of Samnak Ecological Park is a massive healing experience in itself. As the sun set, watching the sunset reflected in the river while listening to the melodies of the Sasang Riverside Concert(Sasang-gangbyeon Eumakhoe), I felt as if the complexities of the world were forgotten in an instant. Programs like the Sasang Youth Arts Festival and the Multicultural Fair added vitality to the festival grounds, completing the scene of a warm autumn day where everyone, young and old, could walk around with a smile.

An Unforgettable Night, Fireworks Blooming Above the Riverside

As darkness deepens, the highlight of the Sasang Riverside Festival begins. It is the fireworks that embroider the night sky. The colorful lights exploding over the riverside were projected onto the river, making them look twice as beautiful. People's exclamations burst out here and there at the sound of the fireworks touching their hearts, and even in the chilly night air, my heart was filled with warmth.

Since Samnak Ecological Park is so vast, I recommend arriving leisurely at sunset to enjoy the view. There are many visitors during the festival, so it is much easier to use public transportation and move from near Sasang Station to the riverside. Just bringing a light picnic mat to sit on the grass and listen to music, or walking along the trail feeling the river breeze, will be a perfect outing. It was a very special day where I could see the green future of the city of Sasang with my own eyes and catch my breath in the midst of that nature.