Where a Sea of Stars Washes Ashore on a Winter Night, the Romantic Nights of the Haeundae Light Festival

A Wave of Light Pouring Over the Cold Winter Sea

The unique, crisp, and cold air that comes to mind when thinking of the winter sea brushes against the tip of my nose. Arriving at Haeundae Beach (Haeundae Haesuyokjang), located at 280, Haeundae Haebyeon-ro, instead of the lively sound of waves during the day, a light festival blooming in the quiet darkness welcomed me. Celebrating its 12th anniversary this year, the Haeundae Light Festival is more than just an event with lights turned on; it has transformed the night sea into one massive canvas.

Just like the phrase of this year's theme, 'STELLAR HAEUNDAE: Waves of Stars Washing Ashore,' a sight unfolds as if stars from the night sky have been washed ashore onto the sandy beach. The contrast between the cold texture of the sand under my feet and the warm colors of the media art created a truly mysterious harmony. As you walk along the structures installed here and there, you soon forget the cold and become completely immersed in a world of light.

From Gunam-ro to the Sandy Beach, the Joy of Walking the Night

The festival stretches from Haeundae Beach to the Gunam-ro area. The very path you take after getting off at Haeundae Station on Subway Line 2 and walking toward the sea is the start of the festival. Since it is a point where the vibrant atmosphere of the downtown area meets the static scenery of the sea, there is nothing better for couples to walk together or for those who want to take a walk while contemplating.

Various media art displays are placed throughout the area, making you stop in your tracks. In particular, this festival features experiential programs that allow visitors to participate directly, providing small joys for solo travelers or families with children. I spent a long time overlapping my shadow in front of the lights and pressing the shutter; I think the lingering images of the light I captured with my own eyes will remain in my memory longer than the scenery captured in the camera.

The End of Winter 2025, A Time to be Remembered with Light

This festival begins on November 29, 2025, and continues for about two months until January 18, 2026. It is a period that fully embraces the winter of Haeundae, from the excitement of Christmas to the hopeful air of the New Year. The best time to visit is around 7 PM when the sun has completely set and darkness has settled deeply. If you take a light look at the nearby Mipo Railroad (Mipo Cheolgil) or have a warm cup of tea at a nearby cafe before coming out, you can finally encounter the most beautiful Haeundae with all the festival's lights turned on.

The sea breeze is quite biting, so a thick coat and a scarf are not optional, but essential. If you bundle up and walk along the waves of light, you are sure to get one of the best scenes of this winter. I hope you will also experience this record of a short yet long season created by the meeting of brilliant artificial light and the natural sea.