How to enjoy the 2026 Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival: screenings, tickets, transportation
Travelers who like movies should pay attention to the 2026 Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, BIFAN. As of the official introduction, the 30th BIFAN will be held for 11 days from Thursday, July 2, 2026 to Sunday, July 12, 2026. The opening ceremony will be held at the Bucheon Arts Center Concert Hall on July 2, and major theaters include Bucheon City Hall, Korea Cartoon Museum, CGV Sopoong, Lotte Cinema Bucheon, Bucheon Art Bunker B39, and Bucheon Astronomical Science Museum.
What kind of film festival is BIFAN?
Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival is an international film festival focusing on genre films, imagination, and experimental video culture. The slogan for 2026 is ‘NEW ERA NEW SKIN’, and the official guide introduces 321 episodes in 50 countries. The biggest attraction is that you can watch Asian genre movies, AI movies, XR content, shorts and features that are difficult to find in regular theaters all at once.
What should I enjoy?
The first is to reserve tickets for screenings. At BIFAN, popular films can sell out quickly, so if there is a movie you want to see, it is best to check the reservation opening time first. According to the official ticket information, the general screening is 10,000 won, the opening ceremony, master class, and megatalk are 15,000 won, and the late-night screening is 20,000 won. The AI Frontier and Visiting Neighborhood Cinema sections are free, but ticket reservations are required to view them.
The second is a film festival event. The official website introduces the July Carnival, the neighborhood movie theater, the FunFun arcade, and the 30th commemorative project. Rather than just watching the movie screening, you can better feel the festival atmosphere by looking around the Bucheon City Hall lawn plaza or event space.
Ticketing and viewing tips
Online ticket reservations require registration and login to the official website, and it is indicated that up to 4 tickets can be reserved at a time. You can enter directly with a mobile ticket, but captured images cannot be used, so be sure to have your reservation information ready so you can open it right away on site. Refunds may be difficult if you mistake the theater or are late due to traffic, so we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the screening starts.
Preparation and route
To fully enjoy the film festival, it is a good idea to bring a spare battery, a thin outerwear, water, a small bag, and a cell phone to check reservation details. If you plan to travel to multiple theaters, allow at least 40 minutes between showings. Indoor theaters can be very air-conditioned, and outdoor events can be hot and humid on summer nights, so it's a good idea to prepare clothes that are easy to adjust.
How should I go?
BIFAN will be held in several locations in Bucheon. Events around Bucheon City Hall are easily accessible from Bucheon City Hall Station on Line 7, and the locations of the Korea Cartoon Museum, CGV Sopoong, and Lotte Cinema Bucheon are different for each theater. After purchasing a ticket, check the theater name and address before the movie title. Parking can be crowded during events, so it is safer to use the subway or bus.
2026 BIFAN is a festival that includes screenings in movie theaters and events throughout the city. If you want to experience Korean genre films and new visual culture, a full day in Bucheon with a film festival schedule is a good option.
