BUSAN, South Korea – The 2025 UN Nam-gu Busking Festival was held with great success at the outdoor performance stage of the Busan Arts Center on November 13, bringing together local youth, residents, and recent college entrance exam takers for a vibrant autumn evening celebration.

Hosted by Nam-gu District (District Mayor Oh Eun-taek), the festival was designed as a culmination of the year’s busking activities in the district, inviting performers who have graced Nam-gu’s streets, outstanding local teams, and regional university clubs. The event successfully created a communal space where students, residents, and, notably, high school seniors who had just completed the intense college scholastic ability test (CSAT), could relax and enjoy the arts.

A Night of Diverse Performances and Respite 

The stage was lit up by eight teams showcasing a diverse range of genres, including band performances, vocals, dance, and trot music. The performers captivated the audience, whose enthusiastic applause and cheers filled the venue, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

A significant theme of this year's festival was offering comfort and encouragement to the CSAT candidates. Recognizing the demanding journey of preparing for the national exam, the organizers specifically tailored the event to provide a much-needed break for the students. Many of the test-takers attended with friends and family, using the occasion to shed the academic tension of the past year and simply enjoy a joyful time together.

The warm ambiance of the festival extended beyond the stage. Nearby food trucks offered a variety of treats, adding to the festive mood and providing the perfect setting for attendees to socialize and enjoy diverse culinary experiences.

Encouragement from the District Mayor 

Nam-gu District Mayor Oh Eun-taek delivered a heartfelt message of support to the students in attendance. "To all the students who took the exam, you have all done well, you are doing well, and you will do well. I am incredibly proud of all of you who have run this long race without wavering," he stated, encouraging them to look forward to their futures.

Mayor Oh also expressed his commitment to the arts, concluding with a vision for the district: "We will continue to cultivate Nam-gu as a cultural city where music flows in every street, among every person, and in every heart."

The successful staging of the 2025 UN Nam-gu Busking Festival underscores the district's dedication to fostering a strong sense of community and culture. By providing a platform for local talent and creating inclusive events, especially those offering emotional support to its youth, Nam-gu continues to enhance the quality of life for its residents, proving that a thriving cultural scene is integral to community well-being.