Lights Embroidering the Night Sea: Let's Go See the Gwangalli MMarvelous Drone Light Show
Introduction
Carried by the sea breeze and the sound of waves, tiny lights rising into the night sky come together as a single painting. Against the soft glow of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, the drones’ trails that appear and fade away deliver a quiet, time-stopping awe.
Lights Embroidering the Night Sea: Let’s Go See the Gwangalli MMarvelous Drone Light Show
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Guide
- Visit Impressions (Planned)
- Where to Stay
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Dates — 2025-01-01 ~ 2025-12-31
- Operating Hours — Summer (Mar–Sep) 20:00·22:00 / Winter (Oct–Feb) 19:00·21:00
- Venue — Gwangalli Beach area (219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro (Gwangan-dong), Suyeong-gu, Busan)
- Admission — Free
- Hosted/Organized by — Suyeong-gu, Busan
- Inquiries — 051-610-6518
- 60–30 minutes before showtime Arrive at Gwangalli Beach and secure a prime spot (e.g., the sandy beach in front of Homers Hotel).
- First show Choose from winter 19:00/21:00 or summer 20:00/22:00 and watch from a head-on angle.
- Intermission Grab a light snack and rest; move to your second-show spot while avoiding the flow of people.
- Second show Shoot from a different angle (cafe terrace or a side view from the bridge) for a fresh composition.
- Special effects On days with laser/searchlight production, enjoy an additional run (about 20 minutes).
- Wrap-up Expect post-show crowding; check your public transit boarding point in advance.
Check operation status on the official website
Arrive 30–60 minutes early
Bring a mat or portable chair
The ‘M’ in Gwangalli M(Marvelous) Drone Light Show stands for “marvelous and wondrous.” Every Saturday night, a thousand drones illuminate the night in sync with the glow of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, creating a magical scene visible from anywhere along the beach. Shows run for about 10–12 minutes at 19:00 and 21:00 in winter, and 20:00 and 22:00 in summer; schedules may change depending on weather and other conditions.
For special performances such as Lunar New Year, Chuseok, and the New Year’s countdown, the drone fleet scales up to as many as 2,500 for an even more overwhelming spectacle. Come to Gwangalli to experience the fleeting art where sea, wind, and light intertwine.
Program Guide
A free, regular show held every Saturday night. There are two shows—19:00 and 21:00 in winter, 20:00 and 22:00 in summer—each about 10–12 minutes long, featuring synchronized formations by roughly 1,000 LED drones.
For Lunar New Year, Chuseok, year-end countdown, and similar occasions, the formation scale expands to up to 2,500 drones, delivering richer, theme-based storytelling sequences.
Additional effects featuring laser beams and searchlights continue with the music after the drone show. After a pilot run in July 2025, this is scheduled to become a regular feature.
Participatory events are held from time to time, such as voting for the best shot you’d like to see again and a proposal contest.
Arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour before the show to secure your spot. A mat or portable chair makes waiting and viewing more comfortable.
Popular head-on spots include the sandy beach in front of Homers Hotel and the outdoor terrace at Hollys Gwangandaegyo Branch.
Shows may be canceled or postponed due to weather or communication issues; check the latest notices on the official website and social media.
Outdoor terrace at Hollys Gwangandaegyo Branch recommended
Secure your spot 30–60 minutes before the show
Check official notices in advance
Visit Impressions (Planned)
Today is November 11, 2025. Since that’s within the festival period—January 1 to December 31, 2025—I’ve already been to the Gwangalli MMarvelous Drone Light Show. The excitement and emotion I felt under that night sky are still vivid.
As the night air at Gwangalli Beach tickled my nose, dozens to thousands of drones lifted off one by one, beginning to cover the darkness. Held twice every Saturday evening, the show runs for about 10 minutes—at 19:00 and 21:00 in winter, and a bit later in summer at 20:00 and 22:00. With each theme, the patterns of light whisking across the sky changed, as if stitching a living story into the firmament.
The special performance on October 4 for Chuseok, featuring a staggering 2,500 drones, was especially memorable. The sound of waves, the salty sea breeze, and the crowd’s gasps blended together, warming the very air of the moment. Though the regular show lasts around 12 minutes, it felt like a sweet, concentrated time that left me full. Sitting on the sand, gazing at the scene where the night view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge and the lights overlapped, I sensed something a photo could never quite capture. If you arrive early and change your angle to watch the second show, you’ll discover a completely different view.
Where to Stay
For convenient transfers and night views after the show, choose accommodations around Gwangalli or Haeundae. Consider public transit access, distance to the beach, and weekend crowding, and book in advance.
12, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 237beon-gil, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Great Haeundae access and beach route
Advance booking recommended for weekends/peak season
Distance: 3.6 km
31, Gunam-ro 12beon-gil, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Close to both downtown and the beach
Advance booking recommended for weekends/peak season
Distance: 3.6 km
287, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Easy beach access and sightseeing route
Advance booking recommended for weekends/peak season
Distance: 4.0 km
20-11, Hwangnyeong-daero 7beon-gil, Beomcheon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Good downtown access and mobility
Advance booking recommended for weekends/peak season
Distance: 5.2 km
Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
Quiet location · City access
Recommend checking operating status in advance
Distance: 5.5 km
30, Songjeong Gwang-eogol-ro, Songjeong-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Songjeong beach area · Quiet stay
Advance booking recommended for weekends/peak season
Distance: 7.5 km
114, Jungang-daero, Jungang-dong 4-ga, Jung-gu, Busan
Access to Nampo/Jungang · Business-friendly
Check parking and check-in info in advance
Distance: 8.9 km
11, Taejong-ro 65beon-gil, Daegyo-dong 1-ga, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
Access to Yeongdo · Connected to downtown
Advance booking recommended for weekends/peak season
Distance: 9.8 km
Restaurants & Cafes
We’ve selected restaurants and cafes around Gwangalli and Haeundae that are great for a quick stop before or after the show. Considering your route, browse from those closest to the beach toward downtown.
9-5, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 344beon-gil, Millak-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan
Near the beach · Casual dining
Possible wait at peak times before/after the show
Distance: 1.1 km
154, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Pairs well with a beach-walk route
Crowded during dinner hours
Distance: 2.7 km
52, Dalmaji-gil, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Haeundae area · Comfortable meal
Reservations recommended at dinner peak
Distance: 4.7 km
52, Dalmaji-gil, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Fits routes toward the sea
Possible wait at peak times
Distance: 4.7 km
143, Songjeongjungang-ro 6beon-gil, Songjeong-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Songjeong vibes · Relaxed mood
Visit during quieter hours
Distance: 7.5 km
134, Eomgwang-ro, Gaya-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Downtown access · Hearty meal
Crowded during dinner hours
Distance: 7.9 km
807, Hana-gil, Cheonghak-dong, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
Yeongdo views · Atmospheric spot
Leisurely afternoon visit recommended
Distance: 8.6 km
214, Bongnaenaru-ro, Bongnae-dong 2-ga, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
Harbor vibes · Check break times
Possible wait at peak times
Distance: 9.1 km
Nearby Attractions
We recommend pairing a beach stroll with nearby exhibits and viewpoints. Choose 1–2 spots within a comfortable radius and drop by at leisure before or after the show.
120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Quiet reading · Appreciate the architecture
Check hours before visiting
Distance: 2.1 km
40, Seojeon-ro, Jeonpo-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Jeonpo vibes · Street stroll
Plenty of alley photo spots
Distance: 4.8 km
125, Beomil-ro, Beomil-dong, Dong-gu, Busan
Exhibitions and culture in the city
Check exhibition schedule in advance
Distance: 5.5 km
Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Coastline views · Nightscape spot
Best around sunset
Distance: 5.7 km
13, Sincheon-daero 162beon-gil, Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Hands-on exhibits · Educational space
Check operating days/closures
Distance: 5.9 km
164, Isunshin-daero, Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan
Maritime atmosphere · Walking route
Explore night-view spots
Distance: 7.7 km
72, Chansaemi-gil, Bongnae-dong 5-ga, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
Wooden boats · Harbor scenery
Check operating info in advance
Distance: 8.9 km
Dongdaesin-dong 2-ga, Seo-gu, Busan
Access to hillside viewpoints
Recommended around sunset
Distance: 9.4 km
Getting There
Public Transportation — Get off at Gwang-an Station or Geumnyeonsan Station on Line 2 and walk about 5–10 minutes. As traffic congestion is expected during event hours, public transportation is recommended.
By Car — Use public or private parking lots around Gwangalli, but allow extra time as parking congestion and traffic control may occur before and after showtimes.
Use public transportation
Expect parking congestion/control
Closing
Over Gwangalli’s night sea, the drones’ lights overlap with the night view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge to complete a poem. Every Saturday night at set times, a short but dense regular show unfolds, offering marvelous scenes for free from anywhere along the beach.
With a bit of preparation and an early arrival, you can enjoy it even more fully. Before the year ends, be sure to tuck away that moment where waves, wind, and light converge—right into your heart.
Photo Snapshots
Videos
Related News
