Busan International Performing Arts Festival Begins a New Leap, Deepening Its Artistic Vision.
Greetings, this is the Festival Director, SON Baung-tae.

In the lush and vibrant month of May, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the citizens who have continuously supported and cherished the Busan International Performing Arts Festival.

Thanks to the enthusiastic support you showed us last year, the BIPAF—one of Busan’s leading performing arts festivals—celebrates its 23rd edition this year. From May 9 to May 17, 2026, over the course of nine days, we are honored to once again welcome audiences to various venues across Busan, including the Haneulyeon Theatre at the Busan Cinema Center and the Small Theater at the Busan Citizens’ Hall.

Over the past 22 years, our festival has remained steadfast in preserving the intrinsic value of the performing arts amid changing times, while creating a festive space that all citizens can enjoy.

This year, the Busan International Performing Arts Festival invites you under the theme ‘Difference and Repetition’. Based on the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze, this concept resonates deeply with the very essence of the performing arts. Every performance on stage is repeated, yet never the same; within these subtle differences, new sensations and meanings are born. Through this festival, we hope to share the power of the performing arts as diverse cultures, languages, and forms meet, repeat, and expand.

This year’s festival presents a wide spectrum of programs, including internationally acclaimed productions from abroad;
‘K-Stage’, a program designed to support outstanding Korean performing arts groups in entering the global stage;
‘Theater Link: Busan is good!’, which fosters exchange and networking between Busan-based performing arts groups and overseas festivals and theaters;
‘Dynamic Street’, a street arts program that transforms urban spaces into stages;
and the ‘10-Minute Open Plays’, where citizens themselves become active creators.

For the past 22 years, BIPAF has never ceased, continuing its role as a bridge connecting artists and citizens, the local community and the world. This year as well, we aim to share Busan’s openness and vibrant energy with the global community through a performing arts platform that respects “difference” and grows through “repetition.”

Each and every one of you—your participation and your presence—is the most essential force that completes this festival.
We warmly invite you to join us in experiencing the countless moments of difference and repetition that will unfold on stages throughout Busan.

Thank you.