A sunflower field created last year at Gwangalli Beach Park in Suyeong District, Busan. This year, a similar sunflower field will be showcased at the same location. Courtesy of Suyeoung District Office

On the afternoon of June 23, visitors flocked to Minrak Seaside Park at Gwangalli Beach in Busan despite the cloudy weather following heavy rain.

Visitors were busy capturing photos with the backdrop of the 1,800 square meter sunflower field, Gwangan Bridge and Gwangalli Beach.

This sunflower field, first opened in 2022, features a stunning array of 13,750 sunflowers in various colors, including yellow, red and white. The flowers are expected to peak around Monday when the beach officially opens for the summer season.

Kim Ji-young, 49, from Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, said, "The wide sunflower field right next to the blue sea is unique. I want to come back when the flowers are in full bloom."

As it prepares to open next month, Gwangalli Beach is becoming a popular destination among the younger generation, in contrast to other beaches in Busan that are seeing fewer visitors. While Haeundae and other beaches saw a decline in visitors compared to the summer of 2022, Gwangalli Beach experienced a sharp increase.

In the summer of 2023, Gwangalli attracted 4.32 million visitors, over 100,000 more than the previous summer, while Haeundae saw a decrease of about 600,000 visitors.

Authorities plan to continue this momentum with beach expansions and various events. Currently, a sand replenishment project is underway to double the central section of the beach from its current width of 20 meters to a maximum of 48 meters.

Full of events attracting young visitors

A variety of cultural performances are also planned.

From July 6 through August, the beach road in front of Gwangalli Beach will become a "car-free cultural street" on weekend nights, hosting approximately 130 events, including balcony concerts and national street dance competitions.

Additionally, 200 to 300 busking performances are scheduled for July and August, with drone shows involving up to 1,700 drones every Saturday.

Since last year, the beach cinema in front of Minrak Fish Market has allowed visitors to enjoy free movies while sitting on the sandy beach.

Thanks to various attractions, Gwangalli Beach has become popular among young adults. Its proximity to major universities like Pukyong National University and Kyungsung University makes it easily accessible to young people.

Nearby Namcheon-dong, also known as "Bread Town," is home to 20 to 30 bakeries ranging from traditional to trendy, appealing to the tastes of the young generation.

Additionally, the multipurpose cultural space Millak The Market, created by repurposing a factory building, has become a must-visit destination.

A performance takes place at the car-free cultural street in Gwangalli Beach, Busan, last summer. Courtesy of Suyeoung District Office

Changing image of Gwangalli

It features busking squares, ocean-view stands, and a variety of restaurants. Kim Ye-ri, 28, an office worker, said, "Spaces that change the image of Gwangalli, which is often thought to have only raw fish restaurants, are attracting visitors of all ages, including (young people)."

Gwangalli's competitiveness is further enhanced by its many mid-range accommodations and lower prices compared to nearby Haeundae.

Kim Hyeong-mok, the CEO of Aqua Palace Hotel, said, "More than 90 percent of our guests are young people. This trend is not just limited to summer but is similar in spring and fall as well."

Most of the shops and hotels along Gwangalli Beach are lined up along the coastal road, offering direct views of Gwangandaegyo Bridge and the sea.

Dozens of yachts gathering under Gwangandaegyo Bridge to view the sunset over Hwangnyeongsan Mountain create a spectacular scene.

Huh Gwang-ho, a senior official from Suyeoung District, Busan, said, "We've been making continuous efforts to transform the beach into more than just a swimming spot. These recent improvements have been well received, and we expect even more visitors this summer."

A competitor clears the bar at the 2024 Busan International Pole Vaulting Competition held on a special stage at Gwangalli Beach, Busan, on June 7. Suyeong District hosts various events at the beach. Yonhap

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.