Handprints & History of BIFF Square
Star Road at BIFF Square is paved with the handprints and footprints of over a hundred film directors and actors — one of Busan's most recognizable film landmarks. The square's story is tied to the Busan International Film Festival, founded here in 1996.
The Star Road handprints
The pavement holds handprint (and some footprint) plates of Korean and international filmmakers. Among the names are directors such as Hou Hsiao-hsien, Akira Kurosawa and Takeshi Kitano, alongside Korean auteurs — a fan pilgrimage spot embedded in the street.
- Over 100 filmmakers' handprints are set into Star Road.
- Plates are embedded in the pavement; crouch low for better photos.
- Dawn and dusk light are best and the crowds are thinnest.
History of the square
The Busan International Film Festival (then PIFF) was founded in 1996, and this Nampo-dong corner became its birthplace. As the festival's acronym changed from PIFF to BIFF, the area was redeveloped and renamed BIFF Square in 2011 — a Korean film-culture landmark.
- 1996: Busan International Film Festival (PIFF) founded; this corner is its birthplace.
- 2011: area redeveloped and renamed BIFF Square as PIFF became BIFF.
- Today: core stage of 'Community BIFF' and a free public film landmark.
BIFF vs PIFF
Both refer to the same festival. 'PIFF' was the original name (Pusan International Film Festival); the city's romanization changed from Pusan to Busan and the festival became BIFF. The square name follows the current BIFF branding.
What to see
Beyond the handprints, look for the red-carpet marker and the BIFF marker wall, then link the surrounding market and harbor for the full 'film and city' story.
- Red-carpet marker — the square's most recognizable photo spot.
- BIFF marker wall and Nampo-dong neon.
- Gukje Market and Bosudong Bookstreet next door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whose handprints are on Star Road?
Over a hundred Korean and international film directors and actors, including names such as Hou Hsiao-hsien, Akira Kurosawa and Takeshi Kitano, alongside Korean auteurs.
When was BIFF Square built / renamed?
The Busan International Film Festival was founded here in 1996; the area was redeveloped and renamed BIFF Square in 2011 as the festival changed from PIFF to BIFF.
What is the difference between BIFF and PIFF?
They are the same festival. PIFF was the original name (Pusan International Film Festival); after the city's name changed to Busan, the festival became BIFF. The square follows the current BIFF name.
Is it free to see the handprints?
Yes. Star Road is an open public space — the handprint plates are free to view any time, day or night.
How many handprints are there?
Over 100 filmmakers' handprints are set into Star Road, making it one of Busan's most photographed film landmarks.