Busking on Paddleboards at Sea Heats Up Gwangalli Summer Nights

by Jo Chunghyeon

Published 06 Sep.2025 08:51(KST)

A unique performance took place off the coast of Gwangalli Beach in Busan. A busking stage set up on paddleboards captured the attention of both locals and tourists.

Shilla University (President Heo Namsik) announced on September 6 that graduates and current students from the Department of Physical Education are establishing "busking on the sea," a fusion of marine sports and live performances.

Busking held at SUP RISE ZONE beach. Photo by Shilla University

This event was organized by a team led by Kwon Ikjun, head of Shilla Sports Academy and a doctoral student at Shilla University Graduate School. Every year, the team works as instructors and staff at the marine sports company Surf Marine, running programs aimed at popularizing marine sports in Busan.

Debuting last summer, the busking on the sea received a positive response and has expanded into a regular event held every Saturday from July to August this year. At the SUP RISE ZONE in Gwangalli, surfing and paddleboard experiences are offered alongside performances, establishing this as a new summer cultural trend.

A Shilla University graduate who participated as a Surf Marine instructor said, "It is rewarding to operate a program that combines marine sports and performances at one of Busan's top tourist destinations. We will create memorable stages for both locals and tourists."

Kwon Ikjun stated, "I wanted to promote marine sports by leveraging my expertise in physical education and over ten years of field experience. I will work to ensure that the fusion of marine sports and busking becomes a staple of local tourism content."

Shilla University, together with Surf Marine, is also running various programs such as the PET SUP CAMP, contributing to the expansion of the marine sports scene in Busan.