The 2026 Haeundae Sand Festival has opened on Haeundae Beach in Busan, South Korea, featuring large-scale sculptures by international artists [1, 2].
As one of Asia's largest sand sculpture events, the festival serves as a major tourist attraction that highlights global artistry and celebrates the cultural heritage of Busan [1, 2].
This year's edition is themed "A Journey Through Busan's History in Sand" [2]. The event transforms the coastline into an open-air gallery where detailed works reflect the city's evolution. The festival has been held annually on the iconic beach since 2005 [2].
Arirang News culture correspondent Chung Hye-lim said, "Good afternoon Eunji, I’m standing in front of the festival’s main sand sculpture" [1].
International sand-sculpture artists collaborated to create the installations, which draw crowds to the Busan waterfront [1, 2]. The festival continues to be a focal point for regional tourism in May, utilizing the beach's natural landscape to showcase temporary art [1, 3].
“"A Journey Through Busan's History in Sand"”
The longevity of the Haeundae Sand Festival, spanning over two decades, underscores Busan's strategy to leverage its natural geography for cultural tourism. By combining international artistic talent with local historical themes, the city reinforces its identity as a cultural hub in Asia while driving seasonal economic activity through large-scale public art.
