Busan’s galleries and cultural spaces are packed with exhibitions this September, ranging from major international shows and the Busan Biennale to smaller solo exhibitions spread across the city.
One of the biggest draws is the 2026 Busan Biennale, which continues through November 1 under the theme Dissident Chorus. Featuring 46 artists and teams from 22 countries, the exhibition is spread across the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, Space Oneji and the former Busan Nam High School. A free shuttle connects the three venues.
At F1963, French contemporary artist Jean-Michel Othoniel is presenting his first solo exhibition in Busan. In the Labyrinth of Love features around 100 works exploring love, nature and the cosmos and runs through December 31.
Also at F1963, Korakrit Arunanondchai brings Bodies Holding Ritual to Kukje Gallery Busan. The Bangkok and New York-based artist works across painting, sculpture, video and performance, with the exhibition examining family, memory and the connections between people and cherished objects. It continues through October 31.
Surf culture gets an artistic treatment at OKNP in Haeundae with SEARCHING 2. Eleven artists from Korea, Japan and the United States explore surfing as a way of interacting with nature and the surrounding environment. Surfboards and items from Busan brand Balansa are also incorporated into the exhibition, which runs through September 30.
Several new exhibitions are also opening this week. The Ttottatoga Festival’s Spark Playground begins September 9 across venues in Jung-gu, bringing together 23 resident artist teams, while a retrospective of late Busan artist Park Byung-je opens the same day with around 40 works depicting the city’s hillside neighborhoods, Jagalchi and old downtown.
Beginning September 11, Hansung 1918 will open its entire building for Breaking Bricks, giving visitors a chance to see exhibitions as well as artists’ working studios, presentations and workshops.
With exhibitions stretching from Yeongdo and Jung-gu to Haeundae and Suyeong, September offers plenty of opportunities to explore Busan’s art scene beyond the city’s major museums.
