The Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC) announced on April 24th that it will hold the inaugural "2025 KOBC Ocean Art Festival" from May 2nd to June 1st at the National Maritime Museum in Yeongdo-gu, Busan. The festival, co-organized with the Busan Fine Arts Association under the theme of "The Discovery of the Ocean and the Encounter of Visual Arts," marks a significant step in KOBC's commitment to promoting maritime culture.

This year's festival, a key cultural and social contribution initiative by KOBC, will showcase approximately 60 pieces of ocean-themed artwork in collaboration with the Busan Fine Arts Association and the ChildFund Korea( 초록우산 어린이재단). The exhibition aims to highlight the beauty and importance of the ocean through the lens of various artistic expressions.

In addition to the art exhibition, a variety of hands-on ocean art experience events will be held to commemorate Children's Day. These activities are designed to engage visitors of all ages, particularly children, in creative exploration related to the marine environment.

The experience program includes:

Making Programs: Activities such as building motorized boat racing models and creating ocean-scented diffusers.
Interactive Programs: Opportunities for caricature drawings and face painting.
Event Programs: Features like an instant photo booth, a stamp tour, and the creation of custom goods.
The opening ceremony for the "2025 KOBC Ocean Art Festival" will take place on May 2nd at 10:00 AM on the 2nd floor of the National Maritime Museum's special exhibition hall. The various experience events will be held outdoors and will run until Children's Day on May 5th. Admission to both the exhibition and the experience programs is free of charge, making it accessible for a wide audience to participate and enjoy.

KOBC, as a state-run corporation dedicated to supporting the development of the Korean maritime industry, views this art festival as an integral part of its broader efforts to connect the public with the ocean. By partnering with the Busan Fine Arts Association, a well-established organization promoting local artistic endeavors, and ChildFund Korea, an organization focused on children's welfare, KOBC aims to create a meaningful and educational cultural experience.

The National Maritime Museum, located in the port city of Busan, serves as an ideal venue for this festival. Its mission to preserve and promote maritime heritage aligns perfectly with the festival's theme of exploring the ocean through art. The museum's existing exhibits and educational programs already attract a significant number of visitors, and the addition of the KOBC Ocean Art Festival is expected to further enhance its appeal as a cultural destination.

The collaboration with ChildFund Korea adds another layer of significance to the festival, particularly the Children's Day events. By offering engaging and creative activities for children, the festival aims to foster an early appreciation for the ocean and its importance, contributing to a future generation that is more aware of marine conservation and maritime culture.

The "2025 KOBC Ocean Art Festival" represents a novel approach to promoting maritime awareness. By integrating the emotional and aesthetic power of art with educational and interactive experiences, KOBC hopes to reach a broader audience and inspire a deeper connection with the ocean. This initiative underscores the corporation's commitment to not only supporting the economic aspects of the maritime industry but also enriching the cultural landscape related to the sea. The festival is anticipated to be a successful event, drawing significant public interest and potentially becoming an annual highlight in Busan's cultural calendar.