🎬 Exploring BIFF Square in Busan
Where Film Stars, Street Food, and Neon Lights Collide
In the heart of Busan’s Nampo-dong district lies BIFF Square — a buzzing pedestrian street where Korean cinema, culture, and comfort food all come together.
Named after the Busan International Film Festival, this lively hub attracts visitors year-round, not just during the red-carpet season.
Whether you’re looking to trace the handprints of movie stars, snap neon-lit photos, or munch your way through Korea’s tastiest street snacks, BIFF Square offers a slice of urban energy that’s hard to resist.
📍 Basic Info
- Location: Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan
- Subway Access: Nampo Station (Line 1), Exit 1 — just a 3-minute walk
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (best visited late afternoon through evening)
- Admission: Free
🌟 What to Do in BIFF Square
🎬 Walk the Hall of Handprints
• The pavement here is lined with bronze handprints of famous Korean actors and directors — Busan’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Try spotting your favorite Hallyu star!
📸 Snap a Pic with the BIFF Sign
• The glowing “BIFF” letters and movie-themed murals make for a perfect photo backdrop, especially after sunset when the area lights up with LED screens.
🎥 Watch Outdoor Clips
• Huge digital displays run K-pop videos, festival montages, and trailers. The result? A sensory overload you won’t mind one bit.
🎭 Enjoy Street Performances
• From musicians and buskers to flash mobs and magicians, BIFF Square often doubles as an open-air stage for spontaneous entertainment.
📸 Where to Take Photos
- The BIFF Letter Sign – Perfect in golden hour or after dark
- Star Handprints – Fun for close-up selfies and action shots
- LED Screen Backdrops – Colorful and dynamic
- View from Café Rooftops – Great for wide-angle city shots
🍴 What to Eat in BIFF Square
If you're a street food lover, this is your playground. BIFF Square is packed with stalls serving hot, crispy, spicy, and sweet delights that’ll keep your hands (and mouth) busy the entire time.
- Ssiat Hotteok (씨앗호떡) – A deep-fried pancake stuffed with brown sugar, seeds, and chopped nuts. A local legend!
- Eomuk (어묵) – Steaming fish cake skewers served with broth — comforting and cheap.
- Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – Spicy rice cakes swimming in red chili sauce. Messy and addictive.
- Kkangtong Mandu (깡통만두) – Dumplings served in a paper cup, easy to eat on the go.
- Sundae (순대) – Korean blood sausage, often served with salt or chili dip.
💡 Pro tip: Bring cash — most vendors are cash-only.
🛍️ Nearby Attractions
🎥 Lotte Cinema Daeyoung
• A modern movie theater located just beside BIFF Square — perfect for catching the latest Korean or international releases after your food adventure.
• 🌏 Google Maps
🛍️ Gwangbok-ro Fashion Street
• A trendy street lined with shops, cosmetic stores, and snack cafés. Great for shopping and soaking up local vibes.
• 🌏 Google Maps
🐟 Jagalchi Fish Market
• Just a short walk away, this massive seafood market is a Busan must-see. You can browse fresh catch or enjoy sashimi in on-site restaurants.
• 🌏 Google Maps
• 🔗 More info
🎨 Gamcheon Culture Village
• Hop in a taxi (15–20 min) to visit this vibrant hillside neighborhood known for colorful murals, art shops, and jaw-dropping views.
• 🌏 Google Maps
• 🔗 More info
💡 Bonus Tips for BIFF Square Visitors
🎟Visit During the Busan International Film Festival (September ~ October)
• BIFF Square comes alive in late summer! Red carpets, celebrity appearances, and live fan events happen throughout the week.
• Be sure to check the official BIFF
• website here in advance to book screenings or see event times.
🕓Visit Between 4 PM – 9 PM
• That’s when the lights turn on, crowds buzz, and food stalls are busiest (in the best way).
• The sunset light is perfect for snapping selfies under the neon signs.
📷 Come with a Fully Charged Phone or Camera
• Between the street food, handprints, murals, and performances, there are tons of photo moments.
• Don’t run out of battery!
💸 Bring Cash (₩5,000 and above)
• Most food stalls still prefer cash over cards, especially for small snacks.
• Some even have a ₩3,000 minimum for card use, so small bills are your best friend.
🎭 Look for Pop-up Events on Weekends
• Local schools, dance teams, and indie musicians often host surprise shows in the center of the square on weekends.
🧼 Hand Wipes & Tissues = Lifesavers
• Street food is delicious but messy — especially with hotteok or tteokbokki.
• Have tissues or wet wipes ready.
📍 Combine with Nearby Spots
• BIFF Square is best enjoyed as part of a Nampo walking route
:Start at Gukje Market → BIFF Square → Jagalchi Fish Market → Yongdusan Park → Finish at Nampo Café Street.
✅ Final Thoughts
BIFF Square is a small but mighty spot in Busan that packs in everything from celebrity handprints and bright lights to comforting snacks and street life.
Whether you're a cinema fan, a casual stroller, or a hungry explorer, this place welcomes everyone with the same lively energy.
It’s the kind of street that makes you smile — and snack — every few steps.
🔗 Useful Links
- Visit Busan – BIFF Square Guide
- South Korea Hallyu - 21 Things to do at BIFF
📍 Visit Korea Snap Guide
• Discover Korea’s top coastal destinations, beach cafés, K-drama filming spots, and more.
👉 koreasnapguide.com