"Ships Are Coming"... Busan Unveils Opening Ceremony Concept for National Sports Festival

The 106th National Sports Festival Kicks Off on the 17th
Sea, Passion, and Art United as One

A "ship" is coming to Busan. Instead of the Busan Port Terminal, a crowd of 40,000 people from across the country will gather at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium ground.

On October 15, the city of Busan (Mayor Park Heongjoon) unveiled the production concept for the opening ceremony of the "106th National Sports Festival," which will be held in Busan for the first time in 25 years.

The opening ceremony, scheduled for 6 p.m. on October 17 at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium, has set its vision as "A Unified Korea in Global Hub City Busan." The event is expected to go beyond a simple sports gathering, presenting a "comprehensive art show."

The overall director of the opening ceremony is musical director Park Kalin. Experts from both Korea and abroad, including Laurent St. Marie, a former technical director of Cirque du Soleil, will participate to capture Busan's energy through art.

This opening ceremony will focus on storytelling that embodies the spirit and dynamism of Busan, under the concept of "Park Kalin's Unprecedented Ground Show." The theme is "The Ship is Coming, Busan!" A massive stage, reminiscent of the actual Busan Port container terminal, will be installed.

Pre-show production image.

The preshow, which marks the beginning of the opening ceremony, will vividly convey the bustling atmosphere of the Busan Port Terminal through dynamic movements, offering the audience an immersive experience.

In "Show 1," musical actor Choi Jaerim and other performers will present an "omnibus musical themed on Busan." Actors emerging from containers will portray the growth of the port city and the dreams and struggles of Busan's people through a musical narrative, delivering messages of inspiration and hope.

"Show 2" will feature the torch-lighting ceremony. After welcoming the flame with the serene yet powerful movements of the Dongnae Crane Dance, the final torchbearer's performance and a fireworks show will lead the ceremony to its climax.

The official proceedings will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the opening announcement and the athletes' parade. The athletes will enter facing the central grandstand in front of the main podium, with delegations from each province, overseas Korean athletes, and athletes from the five northern provinces entering in order. This will be followed by the national anthem, oaths by athletes and referees, the opening declaration by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, a welcome speech by the Mayor of Busan, the opening address, and commemorative remarks.

The congratulatory performance will feature the band Daybreak and singer Kim Taewoo, who will energize the atmosphere with a Busan-themed cheer song and a sing-along event involving the audience.

The city has advised early arrival and the use of public transportation, anticipating congestion at the venue on the day of the opening ceremony.

Park Heongjoon, Mayor of Busan, emphasized, "This opening ceremony will be a stage of unity and inspiration that encapsulates the charm of Busan. I hope it becomes a festival that brings the highest honor to the athletes and instills pride and resonance in the citizens."

Show 1 Image.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.