G-STAR 2026 Busan Visitor Guide | Dates, Tickets, OWCS Asia Grand Finals & Getting to BEXCO

During the third week of November, the Centum City area in Haeundae, Busan, comes alive with gaming enthusiasts. Korea's premier international gaming exhibition, G-STAR 2026, takes place at BEXCO from Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, November 22. Running alongside it at the BEXCO Auditorium is the esports showdown OWCS ASIA Stage 3 Grand Finals 2026, Blizzard's official Asian Overwatch tournament.

This year, general admission (BTC) tickets for G-STAR are strictly sold via online advance booking—there will be no on-site ticket sales. If your travel dates are set, securing your ticket early is an absolute must. Here is your ultimate guide covering everything from event schedules and tickets to key highlights, directions, recommended stay areas, and local food spots.

1. G-STAR 2026 at a Glance

① Dates & Venue [Confirmed]

While G-STAR 2026 officially runs from Wednesday, November 18 to Sunday, November 22, the first day is dedicated to the online showcase broadcast 'G-STAR Premiere.' The exhibition floor opens to general visitors for four days, from Thursday, November 19 through Sunday, November 22.

• Dates: Thursday, November 19 – Sunday, November 22, 2026 (4 days for general public / BTC)
• Location: BEXCO Exhibition Centers 1 & 2, Haeundae-gu, Busan
• Day 1 Opening Hours: Thursday, November 19 opens at 11:00 AM
• Last Entry: Ticket verification closes at 5:00 PM; final entry at 5:30 PM
• Check the official website (gstar.or.kr) for opening hours on other days.

② Ticket Prices & Booking Info [Confirmed]

Tickets: Adults are 18,000 KRW, and youth (born on or after January 1, 2008) are 8,000 KRW. You can purchase tickets via Ticketlink through the official G-STAR website (gstar.or.kr). Look for the 'Buy Ticket' button on the English (EN) version of the site.

• Tickets must be purchased online by 24:00 (midnight) on the day before your visit. On-site sales are NOT available.
• You can purchase up to 2 tickets per person per day. Tickets are valid ONLY on the selected date.
• Exchange your online ticket for an admission wristband on-site before entering.
• If you purchased youth tickets, you may be asked to show ID that confirms your date of birth (such as a passport).
• Visitors eligible for free entry (e.g., preschoolers) can collect a physical ticket at the Info Desk on-site.
• Cancellation fees apply based on your scheduled visit date, not the purchase date.
• Inquiries: Ticketlink International Customer Center (+82-1644-3850) / Event Support (ticket@gstar.or.kr)

③ What to Expect on the Show Floor [Based on Announcements]

Exhibition Center 1 hosts major gaming giants with massive booths, including main sponsor Crack, along with KRAFTON, HoYoverse, WEBZEN, Team42, and NetEase Games. Over at Exhibition Center 2 (1F), the 'G-STAR Global Game Showcase' brings top international studios to Busan—featuring Koei Tecmo (showcasing titles like Nioh 3), SEGA (offering the first public hands-on demo in Korea for Total War: Warhammer 40,000), and CD PROJEKT RED (with dedicated experience zones for The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077).

If you love indie games, make sure to check out the 'G-STAR Indie Showcase 2.0: Galaxy,' featuring 250 dedicated booths. Game lineups and booth layouts are subject to change, so be sure to double-check the 'BTC Exhibitor Guide' and floor map on the official website.

2. For Esports Fans: OWCS Asia Grand Finals

① Schedule & Free G-STAR Admission Perks [Confirmed]

Blizzard's official Overwatch Asian regional tournament, the "OWCS ASIA Stage 3 Grand Finals 2026," is taking place at the BEXCO Auditorium from Friday, November 20 to Sunday, November 22. Top qualifying teams from Korea, Japan, and the Pacific region will battle it out right here in Busan.

• Ticketing: Tickets are available on Ticketlink. Check the sales page and official announcements for seating options, prices, and international payment methods.
• Free G-STAR Admission: OWCS ticket holders get complimentary entry to the main G-STAR BTC exhibition hall on the same day as their tournament ticket. (Valid only on the date printed on your ticket.)
• Schedule: The opening day (Nov 20) broadcast kicks off at 15:30. The full match schedule and bracket will be released once finalized.
• Live Stream: You can catch the Korean broadcast live on SOOP.

3. How to Get to BEXCO

① Taking the Subway Is Your Best Bet

Getting There: BEXCO is conveniently located right near BEXCO Station and Centum City Station on Busan Metro Line 2. From Gimhae International Airport, take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail to Sasang Station and transfer to Line 2. From KTX Busan Station, take Line 1 to Seomyeon Station, then transfer to Line 2.

Traveling with heavy luggage or in a group? Book a WOWKOREA SERVICE Private Van for a seamless, direct ride from the airport or Busan Station straight to your hotel—no need to haul suitcases through subway transfers!

Pro Tip: Crowds may be heavy during the weekend (Nov 21–22) and on OWCS match days. Give yourself plenty of extra time to pick up your entry wristband, and make sure your transit card is topped up beforehand.

4. Where to Stay in Busan

① Choosing the Right Neighborhood

• Centum City & Haeundae: Right next to BEXCO, making early morning starts hassle-free. Plus, you are close to the beach, shopping, and great dining spots.
• Gwangalli: Easily accessible to BEXCO via Subway Line 2. Stay here if you want to catch the Saturday night drone show over the ocean.
• Seomyeon: Busan's main transit hub where Subway Lines 1 and 2 meet. Convenient for traveling to and from Busan Station (KTX), with a wide range of accommodation options.

5. Nightlife & After-Hours in Busan

① Nov 21 (Sat) Gwangalli M Drone Light Show [Confirmed]

If you're visiting G-STAR on Saturday, head over to Gwangalli Beach in the evening. The Gwangalli M Drone Light Show lights up the night sky against the backdrop of Gwangan Bridge every Saturday. The theme for Nov 21 (Sat) is 'Guardian of the Castle,' featuring a special drone and laser show held on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

• When: Twice daily at 19:00 and 21:00 during the winter season (Oct–Feb)
• Where: Free to watch from anywhere along Gwangalli Beach
• Inquiries: Suyeong-gu Office Tourism & Sports Division (+82-51-610-6518)
• Schedules are subject to change depending on weather conditions, so be sure to check for updates on the official website (gwangallimdrone.co.kr).

6. Food & Dining Options at G-STAR

① Outdoor Food Truck Zone at BEXCO

According to the official venue guide, a dedicated food truck zone will be set up in the BEXCO outdoor parking lot. Lines can get quite long around peak lunch hours, so consider eating a bit early or late to beat the crowd. Carrying a bottle of water and some light snacks is also highly recommended.

② Unwind at Your Hotel with Korean Fried Chicken Delivery

After a long day of walking around and testing out game demos, nothing beats kicking back at your hotel with fresh Korean fried chicken. With WOWKOREA SERVICE Food Delivery, you can browse menus in English and order popular options like Kyochon Chicken's iconic 'Half & Half (Red + Honey Garlic).' Check the Food Delivery section to see which nearby locations deliver directly to your address.

7. Essential Visitor Tips for G-STAR 2026

• Tickets are sold exclusively online until 24:00 (midnight) the day prior to your visit date.
• Tickets are strictly valid only for the date chosen during purchase.
• On opening day (Thursday, Nov 19), doors open at 11:00 AM, with final entry at 5:30 PM (17:30).
• Decide which booths and game demos you want to visit in advance to map out an efficient route.
• Be sure to bring a portable power bank and wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Busan gets quite chilly after sunset in November due to ocean breezes, so pack a warm jacket.
• Dangerous objects or cosplays that violate public safety regulations may be refused entry.
• For emergencies, dial 112 for Police or 119 for Fire and Medical services.

8. Travel to G-STAR Made Easy with WOWKOREA SERVICE

Book a Private Van in advance for seamless transfers between your hotel and the airport or Busan Station. Once you're settled in, order meals using Food Delivery, or get snacks and drinks delivered directly to your door with Mart Delivery. Don't forget to check the WOW Special tab for handy local coupons, including deals for the Busan Duty Free Yongdusan Branch.

On non-expo days, check out Ticket & Activities to discover fun tours and unique local experiences during your trip.

Event schedules, showcase lineups, and match times are subject to change. Please be sure to check the official G-STAR website (gstar.or.kr) and OWCS Asia channels before your visit.