A Wave of Light Pouring Over the Night Sea of Gwangalli(광안리), The Romance of Countdown Busan(부산)

The Warmth Encountered at the End of the Cold Sea Breeze, the Night of Gwangalli(광안리)

I visited Busan(부산) again without fail this year. As soon as I stepped onto Gwangalli(광안리) Beach, where the lights of the Gwangan Bridge(광안대교) flicker, the bitter yet refreshing winter sea breeze brushed against my cheeks. Every year around this time, Gwangalli(광안리) becomes packed with people gathered from all over the country. Located at 219 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu(수영구), the countdown held here has now become a ritual for me to wrap up the year.

The scent of the sea, the murmurs of the crowd, and the beat of the celebratory performance coming from afar harmonize to strike my heart. Standing close enough to feel the warmth of the person next to me despite the cold air, we were all looking in the same direction. It was a night where the excitement of welcoming the New Year echoed louder than the sound of the waves in the front sea of Gwangalli(광안리), rather than the regret of letting the old year pass.

A Feast of Light Embroidering the Sky, Comfort Delivered by the Drone Show

The highlight of the Gwangalli(광안리) countdown is undoubtedly the dance of lights created by hundreds of drones. This drone show, which has established itself as an official festival program, seems to deliver a message for a new future beyond just a spectacular sight. Every time dots of light gather and scatter to complete a picture, using the dark night sky as a canvas, cheers erupt from everywhere.

Rather than complex phrases, just looking up quietly at the lights filling the night sky provides enough comfort. Last year, in honor of the Year of the Horse, I saw the dynamic shape of a horse running across the sky, and I was so overwhelmed by its grandeur that I almost shed tears. The roar of countless citizens gathered in the square shouting in one voice as the countdown numbers ticked down from 5, 4, 3, 2, to 1—that sound is something I will likely never forget for the rest of my life.

Tips for Using Gwangalli(광안리) for Travelers Without Cars

You can reach Gwangalli(광안리) Beach by getting off at Gwangan(광안) Station or Geumnyeonsan(금련산) Station on Busan(부산) Subway Line 2 and walking for about 10 minutes. However, you must keep in mind that the subway station will be extremely crowded on the day of the countdown because of the massive crowd. Bringing a car is practically discouraged. Traffic control zones are sometimes established, and finding a nearby parking lot is like finding a needle in a haystack.

I recommend arriving near Gwangalli(광안리) at least before 8 PM to enjoy the atmosphere. Since cafes right in front of the beach fill up early, a good alternative is to sit in a cafe on a side street a little further away, enjoy the sea view from the window, and then head to the beach right before the event. Since it is very difficult to catch a taxi right after the event, it is best to check the last subway train time and leave a little early, or stay at a nearby accommodation in Gwangalli(광안리) to enjoy the night sea at a leisurely pace.

The Winter Sentiment of Busan(부산) Extending Beyond the Sea

The sea at dawn after watching the countdown has a slightly different atmosphere than usual. Once the people leave one by one like an ebb tide, the quiet Gwangalli(광안리) welcomes us back. There are many raw fish restaurants (hoe-jip) and street food stalls (pojangmacha) open late nearby, which are perfect for warming your body with a hot soup and sharing your resolutions for the year.

If you have time, it is also nice to take a slow walk to the Millak(민락) Waterfront Park, which is not far from Gwangalli(광안리), the next morning. You will realize once again the deep charm that the city of Busan(부산) possesses as the cold sentiment of the winter sea and the aftermath of the passionate night intersect. I wonder if I will be searching for a train ticket to Busan(부산) around this time again next year, and the year after that.