Game playground vibes in the heart of the city: GamePlayground visit
Introduction
As the early winter air slowly turns colder, a small game playground full of light and sound is getting ready to open in the middle of the city. Just imagining a cozy indoor space where the breeze from Gwangalli Beach seeps in and the pixels on the screen blend with people’s laughter is already enough to make my heart flutter.
Game playground vibes in the heart of the city: GamePlayground visit
Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (planned) impressions
- Recommended accommodations
- Restaurants & cafés
- Nearby attractions
- How to get there
- Conclusion
- Photo snapshots
- Videos
- Related news
Guide
- Event name : Game experience pop-up exhibition “Game-Playground”
- Period : November 29 (Sat) – December 14 (Sun), 2025
- Opening hours : 11:00 – 20:00
- Venue : Podium Dive M, B1, Gwang-an Podium Prestige 1, 96 Gwangnam-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
- Admission : Free
- Hosted by : Busan Metropolitan City, Korea Creative Content Agency
- Organized by : Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency
- Inquiries : 010-8552-8044
- Closed : Open every day during the event
- Parking : On-site parking available in the building
- 11:00 Enter as soon as the exhibition opens and take a quick walk around all the booths to note down the games and developers you’re interested in.
- 11:30 Ease yourself into the atmosphere by first playing whatever catches your eye in the PC, tablet, and board game experience zones.
- 13:00 Visit each exhibition booth in turn, taking in the stories and visuals of the games as well as their development background and worldbuilding.
- 14:00 Join the “Stamp Tour,” where you collect stamps while enjoying the exhibition games, and complete your entry for the prize draw.
- 15:00 Take part in the scheduled “Special Game Event” and focus on experiencing a specific title in depth.
- 16:00 Take photos at the photo zone, jot down your impressions, and join the SNS review event using the designated hashtags.
Check out the booths of your favorite game developers first and plan your route around them.
If you plan to join the SNS review event, it helps to prepare your photos and thoughts in advance.
The game experience pop-up exhibition “Game-Playground” is an urban game experience space jointly created by six game developers based in Busan. It is designed so visitors can directly play and enjoy a variety of game content on PC, tablet, and board games, helping both locals and tourists feel much closer to Busan-made games in their everyday lives.
To ensure that even visitors who aren’t familiar with games can relax and have fun, exhibition booths presenting each game’s story and artwork are placed side by side with hands-on experience zones. From TwoHands Interactive’s “DIDIM,” Gamesters’ “Elgracia: Chronicles of the Kingdom,” Kkangto Studio’s “The Magic Wardrobe of Royal Blue,” Magic Cube’s “My Bias Became My Party,” CPlay’s “Cat Jump,” to OddBall Games’ “Worn and the Forgotten,” you can explore the unique titles of six Busan-based teams all in one place. Participatory programs such as the Stamp Tour, Special Game Events, and SNS Review Events will also run, turning the exhibition into a “festival you play together” rather than just a place you look around.
Program Information
Six game companies from Busan will present games from various genres and moods. In one space, you can experience TwoHands Interactive’s “DIDIM,” Gamesters’ “Elgracia: Chronicles of the Kingdom,” Kkangto Studio’s “The Magic Wardrobe of Royal Blue,” Magic Cube’s “My Bias Became My Party,” CPlay’s “Cat Jump,” and OddBall Games’ “Worn and the Forgotten.”
A dedicated experience zone using PCs, tablets, and board games allows you to feel the fun of each title more deeply through actual play. It’s designed so that even those unfamiliar with games can take their time and enjoy themselves, guided by staff, making it easy to step in without feeling intimidated.
At the exhibition booths that showcase each game’s narrative and imagery, you can explore concept art and worldbuilding materials. Experience the stories of the games more fully through character and background images that extend beyond the screen.
As you enjoy the games on display and collect stamps, you can take part in a prize draw through the Stamp Tour. This program encourages you to move calmly through each booth and naturally take in the exhibition as a whole.
Special Game Events will be held where you can focus intensively on particular titles. Through special missions and limited-time experiences prepared by the developers, you can dive even deeper into the games you already love.
If you share your impressions of the exhibition on SNS with the designated hashtags, you can enter a prize draw for mobile gift vouchers. Post a brief review along with photos taken at the photo zone and don’t miss out on a chance for a small reward.
Each game will have its own merchandise display and photo zone, letting you take pictures with your favorite characters and backgrounds behind you. It’s a lovely way to record small memories when visiting with friends, partners, or family.
If you visit around the opening time at 11:00, you can usually enjoy the games without much crowding. If you plan to come on a weekend, it’s a good idea to visit the most popular booths first.
If you already have a favorite game or a developer you’re curious about, check the booth locations as soon as you enter. This is especially helpful when your available playtime is limited.
If you’re planning to participate in the SNS review event, jot down short notes about memorable scenes and thoughts during your visit, then organize them slowly and post afterwards.
It’s a good idea to check the Special Game Event times in advance once you arrive.
Take plenty of photos in the photo zone so you can use them when writing your SNS review.
Visit (planned) impressions
As of today, I haven’t yet visited the “Game-Playground” exhibition. With the festival just around the corner, my excitement keeps growing. I’m already imagining how the lights, sounds, and people’s laughter will fill the space and appeal to all the senses. I’m looking forward to seeing how the games, events, and booth layouts that have been prepared all come together.
Held at Podium Dive M, B1 in Suyeong-gu, Busan from November 29 to December 14, 2025, “Game-Playground” is a pop-up exhibition where you can get up close and experience games from six local developers across various genres. Admission is free, so anyone can drop by comfortably. The venue is said to feature PC, tablet, and board game experience zones, exhibition booths steeped in each title’s story and imagery, and a photo zone.
The exhibition is designed so that visitors go beyond passive viewing and truly become part of the festival—by getting hands-on through the Stamp Tour, Special Game Events, and SNS Review Events, and by sharing their own voices. I can almost hear the crisp clicks of keyboards, feel the gentle vibration of touchscreens, and sense the cheers of other participants spreading through the air as people enjoy the games. I especially look forward to seeing how the organizers’ hope—that Busan’s game content will blend naturally into everyday culture—comes to life through the warmth of the actual venue.
I imagine this exhibition will be a place you can walk into without hesitation, even if you’re not that familiar with games. The contrast between the vividly lit booths under the spotlights, every sparkling pixel on the screens, and the collective held breath inside the experience zones—all of it is likely to remain as a sentimental memory. If you happen to go to the exhibition together with someone, I’d love for you to choose in advance which part you’re most curious about and experience it side by side.
Recommended accommodations
There are plenty of accommodation options around Podium Dive M, mainly in the Gwangalli and Haeundae areas, making it easy to combine the exhibition with a seaside stroll. Public transport access is convenient, so you can stay out comfortably even into the evening.
12, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 237beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
A city hotel close to Haeundae Beach with convenient access to nearby amenities.
A good match when planning a relaxed one-night stay with seaside walks.
Distance: 4.0 km
31, Gunam-ro 12beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
Located in the center of Haeundae, making it easy to access restaurants, cafés, and shops.
A convenient choice if you plan to use public transportation to reach the exhibition.
Distance: 4.0 km
287, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Jung-dong)
A hotel located right in front of Haeundae Beach, offering both great views and easy access.
Ideal for a schedule where you want to enjoy the night view of the beach after the exhibition.
Distance: 4.3 km
20-11, Hwangnyeong-daero 7beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Beomcheon-dong)
A business-style city hotel with convenient connections to the Seomyeon area.
A good fit if you’d like to look around the Seomyeon commercial district as well as visit the exhibition.
Distance: 4.8 km
30, Songjeonggwang-eogol-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Songjeong-dong)
Located near Songjeong Beach, perfect for enjoying a quieter seaside view.
Suited to travelers who want to get a little distance from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Distance: 8.0 km
114, Jungang-daero, Jung-gu, Busan (Jungang-dong 4-ga)
Located in Busan’s original downtown, ideal for enjoying both the port and the city.
A variety of subway and bus lines make it easy to plan your movements.
Distance: 8.4 km
11, Taejong-ro 65beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan (Daegyo-dong 1-ga)
Located near Yeongdo Bridge, allowing you to experience the harbor scenery up close.
Great to pair with a visit to Yeongdo’s café street after the exhibition.
Distance: 9.3 km
17, Dongbusan-gwangwang 7-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Located within the East Busan Tourism Complex, perfect for combining shopping and sightseeing.
A resort-style accommodation ideal for a relaxed stay if you’re traveling by car.
Distance: 9.8 km
On weekends and during peak seasons, ocean-view rooms can sell out quickly.
Restaurants & cafés
The area around the exhibition in Suyeong-gu is full of restaurants and cafés stretching between Gwangalli and Haeundae. Adding a light meal or a café with a sea view before or after your visit will make your day feel richer.
9-5, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 344beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan (Minrak-dong)
A Japanese-style dining restaurant located near Gwangalli.
There may be a wait in the evening, so it’s better to visit earlier after the exhibition.
Distance: 1.5 km
66-17, Bunpo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan (Yongho-dong)
A restaurant where you can enjoy a warm meal centered on shabu-shabu.
A good place to visit when you want a hearty meal after your experience at the exhibition.
Distance: 2.2 km
154, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
A restaurant near the marina where you can dine while enjoying the sea view.
Enjoy a leisurely meal with the ocean view during the day or the nightscape in the evening.
Distance: 3.1 km
52, Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Jung-dong)
A restaurant on Dalmaji-gil famous for its eel dishes.
Great to pair with a Haeundae and Dalmaji-gil drive after the exhibition.
Distance: 5.1 km
52, Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Jung-dong)
A place where you can enjoy a full seafood meal centered on mackerel dishes.
Especially suitable for families.
Distance: 5.1 km
134, Eomgwang-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Gaya-dong)
A well-known restaurant specializing in Korean beef (hanwoo).
Perfect when you want to celebrate a special day with a nice dinner along with your exhibition visit.
Distance: 7.6 km
13, Wachi-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan (Cheonghak-dong)
A stylish restaurant perched on a hill in Yeongdo.
Good to include in a course where you visit Yeongdo cafés and viewpoints around your exhibition visit.
Distance: 8.4 km
214, Bongnae-naru-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan (Bongnae-dong 2-ga)
A café and space known for its multi-purpose cultural vibe.
A nice spot to cool down your senses after the exhibition and have unhurried conversations.
Distance: 8.7 km
On weekend evenings, popular restaurants can have long waiting times, so visiting a bit earlier is recommended.
Nearby attractions
From the exhibition venue, you can easily reach a variety of attractions along the Suyeong River, in Gwangalli, Haeundae, and Yeongdo, making it perfect for a full day or weekend itinerary. Even if you choose just 2–3 spots and walk at a relaxed pace, it will be more than enough.
120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
A film-focused venue by the Suyeong River where you can browse materials in a quiet atmosphere.
A perfect place to catch your breath when you want a break from the lively atmosphere of the exhibition.
Distance: 2.5 km
40, Seojeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Jeonpo-dong)
A highly curated cultural and exhibition space near Jeonpo Café Street.
Combine it with the game exhibition if you’d like to see a different type of show in the same day.
Distance: 4.6 km
125, Beomil-ro, Dong-gu, Busan (Beomil-dong)
A contemporary cultural complex where exhibitions and shopping come together.
Visit if you want to enjoy a variety of urban content all in one place.
Distance: 5.1 km
13, Sincheon-daero 162beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Bujeon-dong)
An educational and cultural space that explores math through interactive exhibitions and programs.
A fun place to think about game rules and mathematical thinking from a fresh angle.
Distance: 5.7 km
Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
A viewpoint where you can take in the Haeundae sea and city nightscape at a glance.
If you head up around sunset after the exhibition, you can watch the city lights slowly spread out.
Distance: 6.0 km
164, Isunsin-daero, Dong-gu, Busan (Choryang-dong)
A walking park where you can feel the harbor up close.
Experience the contrast between an indoor game exhibition and the scenery of a working port.
Distance: 7.3 km
72, Chansaemi-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan (Bongnae-dong 5-ga)
A unique experience and exhibition space themed around wooden boats.
If you love the sea and ships, this can complement your game exhibition visit with another layer of interest.
Distance: 8.5 km
Dongdaesin-dong 2-ga, Seo-gu, Busan
A monorail that climbs a hillside, offering views over central Busan.
The ride is short, but it’s a fun, unique experience to share with children.
Distance: 9.0 km
Around sunset, a route that includes Haewol Observatory and Gwangalli is recommended.
How to get there
Public transportation — Podium Dive M is located at 96 Gwangnam-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan. It’s about a 3-minute walk from Exit 5 of Gwang-an Station on Busan Metro Line 2. You can also take Bus No. 42 from the Gwangalli Entrance stop, get off at Gwangil Mansion stop, and walk for about 1 minute.
By car — Enter “Podium Dive M” or the address into your navigation system. The building is equipped with parking facilities, so you can park comfortably while you visit the exhibition.
If you’re using public transport, base your route around Exit 5 of Gwang-an Station to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
“Game-Playground” is like a small game playground in the city where layers of light, sound, and people’s laughter accumulate. You can slowly savor the moments when the pixels on the screen blend with the air of the exhibition hall as you experience games from six Busan-based developers all in one place.
For those who know games well, it will be a time of new inspiration; for those who are less familiar, it offers a cultural experience that feels approachable and low-pressure. If you pair it with the sea and city scenery around Gwangalli, one winter day this year is likely to linger in your memory as a deeply emotional experience.
