Gwangalli Beach in Busan was filled with the cheers and vibrant energy of youth from across the country over three days. From university cheerleading squads to artists, entrepreneurs, and creators, participants showcased their dreams and talents, transforming the area into a true 'Sea of Youth.'
According to the organizing body, the Youth and Future Association, the 10th National Youth Day Festival, held from September 18 to 20 at Gwangalli Beach, attracted around 100,000 visitors, including young people, local residents, and tourists.
Young people were directly involved in the planning and execution of the festival. University student councils from the Busan region collaborated on the event, while youth volunteers and staff managed the on-site activities. Over the three days, young performers and organizers worked together to create a vibrant festival atmosphere.
On September 19, the 'Youth Dance Challenge' brought together cheerleaders and young participants dressed in matching white T-shirts and jeans against the backdrop of Gwangalli Beach. Participants, who had learned a pre-released choreography, performed a large-scale flash mob to the festival's theme song, synchronizing their movements despite coming from different regions and universities.
A participant from Saha District, Kim, expressed, "It was an indescribable thrill to see youth from all over the country gather at Gwangalli Beach, dressed alike and dancing together. Just being part of such a large festival in Busan was invigorating."
The same day, the 6th KOREA Cheerleading Championship featured 12 teams from universities across the nation. Chungbuk National University's 'Nulhaerang' won the grand prize and a cash award of 2 million won, while the cheerleading teams from Kyung Hee University's Seoul campus and Gumi University received the excellence and merit awards, respectively.
Young artists showcased their work in fashion, musicals, and film. The 'GIV Runway Performance' featured a fashion show that modernly reinterpreted traditional hanbok. The '2026 Youth Artist Awards' ceremony, highlighting creators in musicals and film, took place on September 20.
On September 20, a Creator Festival and fan meet-up allowed online creators to interact directly with citizens and fans. Youth businesses and organizations set up promotional booths. Attendees could enjoy performances, learn about creative activities and businesses, and meet creators they had previously followed online.
During the festival, performances were held by artists such as BewhY, No Brain, Maitri, MC Sniper, and Haha & Skull. A youth song contest, a musical gala show, and a silent DJ party also took place. On the evening of September 19, a drone show commemorating Youth Day was held against the backdrop of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge.
A couple visiting from Suwon for tourism remarked, "We came to Busan for a vacation and stumbled upon the festival. It was much larger than we expected, and the energy of the youth was infectious, making it hard to leave. We are creating wonderful memories enjoying the drone show and busking."
Jeong Hyun-gon, chairman of the Youth and Future Association, stated, "Building on the achievements of the past decade, we aim to further develop National Youth Day into a representative youth festival of Korea where young people are the main characters."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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