BIFF 2026: subtitle codes, tickets and screening rules

International visitors should check each BIFF 2026 screening code before buying: KE includes English, while KN does not; KK indicates Korean dialogue and Korean subtitles; an unmarked screening combines Korean dialogue with English subtitles. NO means that the work has no dialogue. Subtitles, however, do not guarantee English interpretation during guest events.

That distinction matters in an edition featuring 315 films, including 246 official selections from 59 countries and 69 Community BIFF titles. The 31st Busan International Film Festival runs from October 6 to 15, 2026, on 31 screens across eight theaters, according to the official BIFF overview.

KE, KN, KK, NO and no marking

The official schedule guide defines KE as Korean subtitles together with English subtitles or English dialogue. For viewers who follow English, it is the safest code—although the screening page should still be opened to determine whether English is supplied through subtitles or is already spoken in the film.

KN identifies Korean subtitles and non-English dialogue, without English subtitles. It is therefore unsuitable for viewers who rely on English and do not understand the film’s original language. KK means Korean subtitles and Korean dialogue. NO is used for works without dialogue.

An unmarked screening also conveys specific information: Korean dialogue with English subtitles. “Unmarked” does not mean that subtitles are absent. In practice, find the title first, then its code, and only afterward check the time, rating and venue. This prevents treating every Korean film—or every international title—as linguistically equivalent.

GV does not guarantee English interpretation

GV means *Guest Visit*, an event with guests connected to the screening. The schedule warns that some GVs for Korean films may not provide English interpretation. The same applies to international-film events conducted in a language other than Korean or English.

The film’s language accessibility and that of the conversation afterward must therefore be assessed separately. A KE film may be accessible in English while its GV is not. The festival also says GV schedules may change without prior notice. Before leaving, reopen the screening in the official schedule and check BIFF notices.

Which tickets went on sale and when

BIFF divided sales into two groups. Tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies, Open Cinema, Midnight Passion, Actors’ House and Community BIFF went on sale on September 17 at 2 p.m. KST. All other general screenings, Cine Class and Master Class went on sale on September 21 at 2 p.m. KST, according to the official reservation announcement. The festival homepage also highlights the opening of general-screening sales.

Standard seats are sold online, with a limit of two tickets per screening code. During the festival, tickets unsold online or released through cancellations may become available at BIFF ticket boxes. A mobile ticket allows direct entry and can also be exchanged for a paper ticket there. Availability changes continuously, so check the official system before building a day around one screening.

Cancellations, age ratings and late arrival

Cancellations and refunds are accepted online or at ticket boxes until 60 minutes before the screening. The announcement says cancellation fees may apply according to when the request is made, but the reviewed extract does not show the amounts. Confirm the conditions displayed during booking.

Schedule ratings are ALL, 12, 15 and 19; viewers below the stated age are not admitted to the last three categories. Children under four cannot enter even with a parent. Photography and video recording are prohibited, including during trailers and end credits.

Entry is no longer allowed after 15 minutes from the screening’s start. Anyone arriving after it begins may also lose the guarantee of their reserved seat. To reduce that risk, treat the listed time as the start deadline, not as an arrival time.

A simple way to build an itinerary

Start by filtering for screenings you can follow linguistically: KE or unmarked for English readers; KN and KK only when you understand the indicated languages. Then check the rating, venue, time and whether there is a GV. Finally, keep alternatives in the same period because events and scheduling may change.

The festival takes place at Busan Cinema Center and nearby venues. BIFF lists its institutional address as 3rd Floor, BIFF HILL, Busan Cinema Center, 120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan 48058, Korea. Because the program spans several theaters, this address does not replace the venue printed on the ticket. Recheck the screening, location and any updates through the official links before traveling.