Soul of the Sea

The 2025 Busan International Photography Festival (BIPF) International Open Call Exhibition, titled "Soul of the Sea," will focus on the philosophical reflections of humanity through the theme of the sea and its many coasts. Drawing on naturalism and Eastern philosophies rooted in Korean culture and history, this exhibition will be South Korea’s largest international open call, inviting photographers from around the world to participate.

As South Korea’s largest coastal city, Busan is a hub for maritime culture. Yet, aside from its "Sea Art Festival," most cultural events centered around the "sea" remain focused on local history and traditions. With this in mind, the 2025 Busan International Photography Festival will launch a large-scale open call exhibition on the theme of the "sea," reflecting Busan’s identity as it connects to other coastal cities around the world. This exhibition will unite local and international photographers with the public, positioning the festival as a key cultural force for Busan and supporting the city’s rise as a hub for maritime arts.