“Light, Wind, and Samgyeopsal”
A Summer Night with HIBA in Busan

• Guest Writer: Chulho Park | thinkingbig1@gmail.com

It was the last weekend of August, right at summer’s edge. The city of Busan was still warm, but the breeze had begun to soften. As the sun dipped low, 19 people gathered — members of HIBA, a community where locals and foreigners come together to experience the heart of the city.

Their journey included three unforgettable moments: an immersive media art exhibition, the final night bridge lift of the year at Yeongdo, and a samgyeopsal dinner by the ocean. What might have seemed like an unlikely trio wove together seamlessly, turning the night into something cinematic.

A Journey You Can Trust

The adventure began at 4:50 p.m. at Nampo Station Exit 6. Two days prior, the organizers had personally scouted every location — bus stops, routes, the museum, and the restaurant — to make sure everything would run smoothly. That sense of care and intention lingered in every step, from the first gathering to the final toast.

A 30-minute bus ride brought the group to their first stop: ARTE MUSEUM.

A Forest of Light — ARTE MUSEUM Busan

It wasn’t just an exhibition — it was an entire universe of sound, light, and motion. Waves of imagery wrapped around the room, immersing participants not only visually but emotionally and physically. With locations already in Hong Kong, Las Vegas, and Dubai — and more opening soon in New York and LA — ARTE MUSEUM is a globally recognized space for digital art. For many, the idea that such world-class artistry could be found in Busan was a moment of quiet pride.

Thanks to generous support from ARTE MUSEUM Busan (Director Jang Su-jin), admission for all participants was fully waived, and a 20% discount coupon for future visits was gifted.

In this harmony of light and sound, art transcends the act of looking. It is no longer beyond the wall — it slowly becomes part of your body and your spirit.

The Final Bridge Lift of the Year

The group’s next destination was Yeongdo Bridge. Around 8 p.m., with the breeze growing cooler, the bridge slowly lifted — its dark silhouette rising against the night sky. This was the last night bridge lift of the year. It would not return until August of next year. “I would’ve never seen this in my life if not for this event.”For one international guest, that fleeting 15-minute show left a lasting memory.

Ocean, Fire, and Friendship — Samgyeopsal by the Sea

The night continued at a small samgyeopsal restaurant near the bridge, with a view of the ocean twinkling under the city lights. The sizzle of pork belly on the grill, the sound of laughter, and the clinking of glasses melted all boundaries. Language, nationality, and age faded away. What remained was something universal: food, people, and place. Among the 19 attendees, 14 were from overseas and 5 were locals, mostly in their 20s and 30s — but every age and background blended naturally. It was a scene that perfectly captured what HIBA aims to be.

Capturing the Moments That Mattered

Every part of the journey was beautifully documented by HIBA’s Media Director, Sukhwan Kwak. “I just wanted to capture everyone’s moment.” And he did. His lens didn’t just record the event — it told a story. The highlight video will be released soon, giving participants a second chance to relive the night.

HIBA — Open to Everyone, Always

HIBA stands for Hidden Busan Outdoor Adventures for Foreigners — a local community where people from around the world and Korea discover Busan together. Whether you’re new to the city or looking to see it with new eyes, HIBA offers something rare: connection. You can join through Meetup or talk directly with other members via the open Kakao group chat.

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📍How to Join HIBA

📱 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/hidden-busan-outdoor-adventures-for-foreigners

📝 Kakao Open Chat: https://open.kakao.com/o/gjS8dNqh

🙌 A summer night filled with light and wind, art and pork belly. Busan was the stage. And everyone there, the stars. HIBA’s next act is waiting — and maybe, it’s waiting for you.