BIFF Square (Busan International Film Festival Square) is Busan’s premier street food and entertainment district. It’s famous for its incredible variety of Korean street food, vibrant atmosphere, handprint installations of famous actors and directors, and being the heart of Korea’s film industry celebrations.
The area transforms into a bustling food paradise especially in the evenings.
Location and Getting There
From Busan Station to BIFF Square
Take Subway Line 1 to Nampo Station (Exit 1)
Walking time: 5 minutes from Nampo Station
Total journey: 15-20 minutes
Cost: ₩1,370 with transportation card
From Gamcheon Culture Village to BIFF Square
Take Village Bus (Seogu 2 or Seogu 2-1) to Toseong Station
Transfer to Subway Line 1 to Nampo Station
Total time: 45-60 minutes
Alternative: Direct taxi (20 minutes, ₩8,000-12,000)
BIFF Square Opening Hours
Most food stalls and shops: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
Peak hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Some vendors open until midnight on weekends
Individual restaurant hours may vary
The square is accessible 24/7 for walking
BIFF Square Food Scene
Must-Try Street Foods
Hotteok (sweet pancakes): ₩2,000-3,000
Famous filled with brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon
Ssiat Hotteok (seed hotteok): ₩3,000-4,000
BIFF Square’s signature version with sunflower seeds
Eomuk (fish cakes): ₩1,000-2,000 per piece
Served hot in flavorful broth
Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes): ₩3,000-5,000
Chewy rice cakes in sweet and spicy sauce
Korean corn dogs: ₩2,000-4,000
Various styles including potato-coated and squid versions
Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry): ₩1,500-2,500
Sweet red bean filling, perfect winter snack
Popular Food Stalls and Vendors
The area has dozens of street food vendors, most without specific names but recognized by their specialties. Look for the longest queues – they usually indicate the best taste and freshest food.
BIFF Square Restaurants
Sit-Down Dining Options
Several traditional Korean restaurants surround the square area:
- Local seafood restaurants: ₩15,000-25,000 per person
- Korean BBQ spots: ₩12,000-20,000 per person
- Traditional Korean meal sets: ₩8,000-15,000 per person
- International food options: ₹10,000-18,000 per person
Most restaurants have Korean menus with some English, and staff generally understand basic food-related English.
BIFF Square to Jagalchi Market
Distance: 800 meters (0.5 miles) Walking time: 8-10 minutes Direction: Head south toward the waterfront Route: Walk through Gukje Market area toward Busan Harbor
The walk is pleasant and takes you through traditional market areas, making it easy to combine both attractions in one visit.
Night Market Experience
BIFF Square transforms into a vibrant night market after 6:00 PM:
- Enhanced lighting creates festive atmosphere
- More food vendors open in the evening
- Street performances occasionally occur
- Crowds peak between 7:00-9:00 PM
- Some vendors stay open until midnight on weekends
- Night market vibe continues until around 11:00 PM on most days
Best Time to Visit BIFF Square
Weekday evenings (6:00-9:00 PM): Good food selection, manageable crowds
Weekend evenings (5:00-10:00 PM): Busiest time, maximum variety, festival atmosphere
Late morning (10:00 AM-12:00 PM): Fewer crowds, good for photos, limited food options
Rainy days: Many outdoor vendors close, indoor shops remain open
Avoid major Korean holidays when most vendors close.
Prices at BIFF Square
Street food items: ₩1,000-5,000 each
Full meal from street vendors: ₩5,000-10,000
Restaurant meals: ₩8,000-25,000 per person
Drinks and beverages: ₩1,500-3,000
Shopping items: ₩2,000-20,000 depending on item
Most vendors accept cash only, some accept Korean cards
Here what best things to do in Busan the and famous Haedong Yonggungsa Temple that are very close to you. Explore the most attractive Jeju Island
What to Do Near BIFF Square
Within Walking Distance (5-10 minutes)
Gukje Market: Traditional shopping, local goods, vintage items
Bosu Book Street: Used bookstores, literary culture, quiet browsing
Jagalchi Fish Market: Fresh seafood, sashimi, fish market culture
Yongdusan Park: City views, Busan Tower, peaceful walks
Nampo-dong Shopping District: Department stores, fashion, cosmetics
Nearby Attractions (10-20 minutes)
Busan Modern History Museum: Local history, Japanese colonial period
40-Step Culture & Tourism Theme Street: Art installations, cultural events
Busan Harbor: Waterfront walks, ferry rides, harbor views
Lotte Department Store: Shopping, dining, rooftop observations
Gwangbok-dong Fashion Street: Trendy shopping, young fashion brands
Getting Around BIFF Square
The square area is completely walkable and pedestrian-friendly. The main stretch runs for about 400 meters with connecting side streets. Most attractions, food stalls, and shops are within a 2-3 block radius.
Navigation tip: Use Nampo Station Exit 1 as your reference point – everything is within 5 minutes walking from this subway exit.
Practical Visiting Tips
Bring cash as most street vendors don’t accept cards
Come hungry – there’s an overwhelming variety of food to try
Visit during weekday evenings for the best experience without excessive crowds
Try the ssiat hotteok (seed hotteok) – it’s BIFF Square’s signature dish
Combine with visits to nearby Jagalchi Market and Gukje Market for a full cultural experience
Download a translation app for easier communication with vendors
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be standing and walking on uneven surfaces