'Moonlight Festival in Yongdusan' at Busan Tower on Thursday night

Refracting telescopes set up for stargazing, constellation talks

A scene from the 2025 'Moonlight Festival in the City' event [Provided by Busan city]
A scene from the 2025 'Moonlight Festival in the City' event [Provided by Busan city]

Visitors to Yongdusan Park on the first day of the chuseok holiday will be able to view the rising full moon through an astronomical telescope.

The Busan Tourism Organization announced Tuesday that it will hold "Moonlight Festival in the City in Yongdusan," a public science and culture event, at the plaza in front of Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday.

Hosted by Busan city and the Busan Science and Technology Council and organized by the Busan Science Culture Hub Center, with support from the Busan Tourism Organization and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, the event offers astronomical observation and hands-on science activities at Yongdusan Park, a popular nighttime destination in Busan's historic downtown.

The event falls one day before chuseok on Friday, making it a natural blend of the holiday's moon-viewing tradition and science education. Attendees will be able to observe the full moon directly through telescopes from the heart of the old city center.

Eight refracting telescopes will be set up at the venue, and two science interpreters holding Level 2 astronomy guide certification will assist visitors with observation while introducing constellation stories and the latest developments in space and astronomy in accessible terms.

Alongside the telescope observation program "Twinkle Twinkle Stargazing Station," six hands-on science experience booths will also be in operation — a night-sky art activity, a traditional science spinning exhibit, a glowing star balloon craft, a sweet space journey activity, a lunar science exploration booth and a space OX quiz challenge. Busan tourism souvenirs will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis to quiz winners and program participants.

All programs are free and require no advance reservation. The schedule is subject to change or cancellation depending on weather conditions.

Yongdusan Park has emerged in recent years as a go-to nighttime tourism spot in Busan's old city center. Last year, as part of the "Star Sea Busan Night Festa," the park hosted multiple editions of a brand pop-up and flea market event combining experience programs. The moonlight festival is another effort to draw visitors to stay longer in the historic downtown by adding astronomy content to existing attractions such as Busan Tower.

The "Moonlight Festival in the City" was first held at Busan Station Plaza in 2023 before moving to Yongdusan Park in 2024. This year's edition features eight telescopes and six experience booths, expanding participation opportunities compared with last year.

"We will actively support the event's operation and promotion so that the science and culture programs prepared by specialist organizations can complement the nighttime tourism appeal of Yongdusan Park," a Busan Tourism Organization official said. "We hope citizens and tourists alike enjoy a special autumn evening in the heart of the old city."


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