Are you visiting G-STAR for the first time? Here’s how G-STAR changes this year!
Every November, Busan becomes electrifying.
As the sea breeze turns cool, gamers from all over Korea gather at BEXCO.
Because this is when G-STAR 2025 opens.
This year, Korea’s largest game festival, G-STAR 2025, returns once again.
It’s the kind of place where even people who don’t usually enjoy games can have fun —
a festival full of play, interaction, and immersive experiences.
From Thursday, November 13 to Sunday, November 16,
G-STAR 2025 will fill the entire city of Busan with games for four full days.
You’ll see major publishers announcing new titles, indie developers showcasing creative works,
vibrant cosplay parades and performances,
and crowds gathered for limited-edition goods.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to enjoy a perfect day at G-STAR 2025,
from admission, booths, and events, to insider tips.
Let’s design your first G-STAR experience properly.
🎟️ 1. G-STAR 2025 Basic Info — “Four days when Busan becomes a game city”
During G-STAR week, Busan feels completely different.
The moment you step out of Centum City Station, you’ll notice people’s outfits, the badge passes around their necks, and giant banners hanging across the streets — all telling you, “It’s G-STAR season.”
G-STAR 2025 will be held at Busan BEXCO from November 13 (Thu) to November 16 (Sun), four days in total.
Operating hours are from 10 AM to 6 PM,
with long lines forming early in the morning and a steady flow of visitors until closing.
This year, NCSOFT joins as the main sponsor,
and with a massive booth showcasing new titles,
G-STAR is expected to attract the largest number of visitors in its history.
Inside BEXCO, the event is divided into Exhibition Hall 1, Exhibition Hall 2, and the Convention Hall,
each with different purposes.
Exhibition Hall 1 hosts booths from major publishers such as NCSOFT, KRAFTON, and Netmarble.
Exhibition Hall 2 focuses on indie games, hands-on booths, and cosplay stages.
The Convention Hall holds G-CON, a conference for developers and industry professionals.
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
You can book through the official website or platforms like Naver, Ticket Link, and Interpark.
Adult tickets: 18,000 KRW
Youth tickets: 8,000 KRW
On-site purchase is available but lines are long and tickets may sell out.
Most importantly, issuing your QR ticket in advance will save you from long gate lines.
💡 Tip:
Busan in November is chilly in the mornings and evenings, but indoor areas are warm.
Bring a light jacket and wear comfortable sneakers — you’ll walk a lot.
The true charm of G-STAR is that you can see the entire Korean gaming industry in one place.
If you love games,
BEXCO will feel like heaven for these four days.
🧭 2. BTC vs BTB — “Two different worlds: general visitors vs industry professionals”
One of the most confusing terms for first-time visitors is “BTC” and “BTB.”
At first glance, they may seem like the same exhibition,
but in reality, these zones represent completely different worlds.
First, BTC (Business To Consumer).
This is the main hall for general visitors —
the area you enter with a standard ticket.
Here, you can play games, shop for goods, watch cosplay shows, and spend the entire day exploring.
The main keyword of the BTC zone is “experience.”
Each publisher builds huge booths to promote new titles,
and visitors can try out demos on-site.
For example, last year KRAFTON’s “The Callisto Protocol” demo zone had over two hours of waiting,
and NCSOFT offered limited-edition goods for completing missions.
This year will be similar.
At the center of the BTC hall stands the main sponsor NCSOFT,
surrounded by Netmarble, Webzen, Nexon, KRAFTON, and many indie studios presenting their unique worlds.
You’ll find stamp tours, mission events, cosplay parades — endless entertainment throughout the day.
Meanwhile, BTB (Business To Business) has a completely different atmosphere.
This is where business meetings happen.
It operates only from November 13 to 15,
and hosts investment meetings, global publisher sessions, and partnership discussions.
It requires a separate pass; general visitors cannot enter.
Still, you don’t need to feel excluded.
BTB is located on the 3rd floor of Exhibition Hall 2,
so even while exploring BTC, you can feel the atmosphere of industry deals happening above you.
🎯 Summary
- BTC: A festival zone for general visitors to try out new games.
- BTB: A business zone for developers, investors, and marketers.
If you want to enjoy G-STAR,
design your route around BTC
and keep BTB in mind as “another world that exists upstairs.”
💬 A fun way to enjoy G-STAR
For first-time visitors, BTC might feel overwhelmingly large.
Here’s what I recommend:
- One day: game experience route
- Another day: cosplay & event route
If you walk through the BTC hall all day,
time will fly by.
After lining up for demos, joining event missions, taking photos, and watching cosplay performances,
you’ll probably think, “Next year, I should dress up too.”
This is the charm of G-STAR.
It’s not a passive exhibition —
it’s an interactive festival where you participate directly.
🎤 3. G-STAR 2025 Programs – Hands-on content, events, performances
G-STAR 2025 is far more than a simple exhibition.
It’s packed with programs you can touch, watch, and experience with your whole body.
This year especially, there are so many hands-on activities that one day won’t be enough.
🎮 Indie Showcase 2.0
Exhibition Hall 2 will once again host the Indie Showcase.
Indie developers from Korea and abroad present their new titles,
allowing visitors to play and provide feedback.
Compared to major booths, these areas are smaller and closer to the developers.
You often get to hear direct explanations from the person who actually made the game.
Last year, many titles were first revealed here before launching on Steam,
and developers incorporated visitor feedback into final builds.
This year, about 50 indie games will participate,
and visitors who play and complete surveys or SNS tasks can receive small gifts prepared by developers.
🎯 Tip:
The Indie Zone is quieter after 3 PM.
If lines at big booths are too long, head here for a smoother experience.
🎧 G-CON 2025 (Game Conference)
This year’s theme focuses on story, narrative, console, and design.
Top developers and art directors will give talks about how games evolve into storytelling.
Last year featured developers from the Persona series and the Art Director of Final Fantasy,
and this year also includes many console-focused sessions.
Some sessions allow visitor entry with pre-registration,
but seats are first-come, first-served, so arrive early for topics you care about.
💡 Note:
G-CON is like a mini-class where you can watch how games are made from the inside out.
🏆 Korea Game Awards (Pre-Event, Nov 12)
A day before G-STAR 2025 opens, the Korea Game Awards honors games loved throughout the year.
With impressive stage production, developers gather to receive awards for Game of the Year, Popularity Award, Technical Award, and more.
Visitors may watch from designated zones,
and watching trailer videos on a giant screen feels like a movie premiere.
👗 Cosplay Awards & Photo Zones
If there’s one thing you must watch at G-STAR 2025, it’s the Cosplay Awards.
Held on Sunday, November 16, on the central stage,
cosplayers bring game characters to life with impressive costumes and performances.
Visitors can watch from free-seating zones,
and during photo-allowed times, the sound of camera shutters fills the hall.
There are also photo zones throughout the venue:
brand backdrops, giant character statues,
and booths with famous cosplayers.
Your SNS feed will be overflowing with content after just one visit.
🎯 Major Publisher Booth Events
This year’s main sponsor NCSOFT will operate a massive 300-booth experience zone.
You can try new titles, take photos with game characters, and participate in mission events to collect limited goods.
KRAFTON, Netmarble, Webzen, and others also run their own experience zones and quiz events.
For example,
after playing demo sessions and completing QR events,
you may receive in-game currency coupons, souvenirs,
or enter special prize draws for SNS participation.
🔸 Tip:
Expect 1–2 hours of waiting time at popular booths.
Visit right after opening or after 4 PM for shorter lines.
🎵 Live Performances & Stage Shows
The main G-STAR stage hosts short performances and talk shows every afternoon.
Popular streamers, esports players, voice actors, and developers appear on stage.
Some game booths also host live music shows.
On weekends, indie bands and DJs remix game OSTs, creating a vibrant atmosphere for everyone, even non-gamers.
🎁 Stamp Tour & Mission Events
The beloved stamp tour returns this year.
Get a stamp book via the official app or at the info desk,
visit marked booths to collect stamps,
and exchange them for gifts or enter raffle events.
Completing each mission gives a sense of achievement and makes exploring BEXCO even more fun.
🎮 Summary
- Want to watch something? → Korea Game Awards, Cosplay Awards, G-CON
- Want to experience gameplay? → Indie Showcase, NCSOFT/KRAFTON/Netmarble booths
- Want to participate? → Mission events, Stamp Tour, SNS tasks
- Want to enjoy? → Stage shows, photo zones, goods shops
G-STAR is a festival where even non-gamers can enjoy the energy of the crowd.
This November, create your own unforgettable day at BEXCO.
🧭 4. Perfect One-Day G-STAR 2025 Visit Routine
G-STAR is not a “walk around casually” type of exhibition.
You’ll run, queue, participate, complete missions — it’s an interactive festival.
This year offers even more hands-on content than before,
so moving without a plan means you’ll miss half of the fun.
Here’s a perfect one-day course suitable for both first-timers and veterans.
🌅 09:30–10:00 — Prepare for entry
Although G-STAR 2025 opens at 10 AM,
entry lines start forming at least 30 minutes early.
On weekends, arriving before 09:30 is the default.
Have your QR ticket ready at the gate.
After entering, head directly to the main booths (NCSOFT, KRAFTON, Netmarble).
At this time, waiting time is only 30–40 minutes,
but after 11 AM, the wait exceeds an hour.
💡 Tip:
Don’t forget to collect stamps right after each experience —
you’ll need them to claim gifts later.
🎮 10:00–12:30 — Prime gameplay time
This is the golden window for hands-on gameplay.
Major booths showcase demos, trailers, photo zones, and mission events.
- NCSOFT: Main sponsor. New game demos, photo zones, mission events.
- KRAFTON: “Palworld Mobile” expected to be the most popular.
- Netmarble: New action RPG and anime-IP-based games available.
- Webzen: New MMORPG “Gate of Gates” revealed.
Each booth runs its own stamp missions, and SNS posts earn you limited goods.
🍱 12:30–14:00 — Lunch & rest
BEXCO’s food court becomes chaotic after 12 PM.
Queues exceed 30 minutes.
Eat before noon or leave the venue for Centum City Mall or Shinsegae basement dining hall.
After lunch, relax in BEXCO’s 2F hallways or nearby cafés.
🔋 Portable battery is essential.
Your battery will drop below 30% by noon.
🎨 14:00–16:00 — Indie Showcase & G-CON
After lunch, crowds return to the major booths.
This is the best time to explore the Indie Showcase — quieter and more immersive.
Play indie games, fill out survey sheets, and receive small gifts.
Some booths give out Steam trial codes.
During this time, G-CON sessions are also ongoing.
If you’re interested in topics like console design, narrative, art, or sound,
head to the Convention Hall.
Hearing developers’ behind-the-scenes stories is a rare treat.
📸 16:00–17:30 — Cosplay stage & events
By afternoon, the central stage becomes lively.
Cosplay parades, esports mini-matches, OST performances, and streamer talk shows continue.
Front seats are first-come,
but large screens allow viewing from the back as well.
If you want great photos, move to the stage around 3:30 PM.
Cosplayers roam freely throughout the event days, not just on the final day.
A friendly “Can we take a photo together?” usually gets a positive response.
🌙 17:30–18:00 — Goods & stamp finishing
The last 30 minutes are for wrapping up.
Visit goods redemption booths or stamp-tour prize counters.
Some goods are Busan-exclusive limited editions —
rare items you won’t find later.
If you didn’t finish stamps, come back tomorrow.
G-STAR lasts four days.
💡 5. Insider Tips — Real advice only people who’ve been there know
Here are 10 practical tips to maximize your experience:
① Always book tickets in advance.
On-site lines are extremely long; QR tickets allow instant entry.
② Use the subway.
Centum City Station Exit 1 → 5 minutes on foot.
Parking fills before 10 AM.
③ Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.
Expect over 20,000 steps.
④ Bring a power bank, water, snacks.
Charging stations are rare.
A bottle of water and a small chocolate bar help maintain energy.
⑤ Visit the goods zone after 4 PM.
Less crowded.
But popular goods may sell out early.
⑥ Best photo zone: 2F connecting hallway.
Good lighting and many cosplayers gather here.
⑦ Avoid BEXCO food court during peak times.
Use Centum City Mall or Shinsegae restaurants instead.
⑧ Indie Zone after 3 PM is optimal.
⑨ Join SNS events.
Hashtags like #GSTAR2025 + brand tags = high chance of winning prizes.
⑩ Cosplay etiquette.
Ask permission before taking photos.
Never touch costumes or props.
🎮 Summary
G-STAR 2025 is an event you’ll want to revisit.
There’s so much to see and do that even non-gamers can enjoy the atmosphere.
Plan your day well,
and your first G-STAR will be a complete success.
🔋 6. Tickets, Entry & Operating Info Guide
If it’s your first time, you may wonder how to buy tickets or where to enter.
Many people get confused at the gate.
Knowing the structure beforehand makes everything easier.
🎟️ How to purchase tickets
Pre-booking is required.
Buy via the official website or major platforms (Naver, Ticketlink, Interpark).
Adults: 18,000 KRW
Teens: 8,000 KRW
On-site purchase is possible but expect 30–40 minute lines after lunch.
With QR tickets, you can pass the entry gate quickly.
💡 Tip:
Screenshot your QR code.
Mobile data slows down inside the venue.
🚪 Entry process
Enter through the main gate of Exhibition Hall 1.
Scan your QR code → receive your wristband → enter.
The wristband allows re-entry, so keep it on for lunch breaks.
🪩 Group tip:
One person can manage the group’s QR codes and hand out wristbands at the gate for quick entry.
🕙 Operating hours & schedule
Event dates: Nov 13 (Thu) – Nov 16 (Sun), 2025
Opening: 10 AM
Closing: 6 PM
BTB: Nov 13–15 (closed to general visitors)
BTC: Nov 13–16 (open to all)
Some booths begin closing around 5:30 PM,
so finish gameplay and goods redemption before 5 PM.
🧾 Storage & facilities
Paid lockers are available on BEXCO 1F and 2F.
Prices: 1,000–3,000 KRW depending on size.
They fill up quickly, so store items early.
Large suitcases are not allowed inside.
For heavy items or photography equipment, a shoulder bag works best.
💡 Important:
Metal cans and PET bottles are prohibited.
Bring a tumbler or paper-cup drink instead.
🛍️ 7. Goods, Limited Editions & Stamp Events
Another charm of G-STAR 2025 is collecting items.
Stamp rewards, booth-exclusive merchandise, and purchasable goods —
every year, collectors gather for limited editions.
🎁 Main booth limited goods
NCSOFT will offer exclusive character figures, logo T-shirts, and sticker sets.
Completing missions or SNS uploads can earn you limited keyrings or posters.
KRAFTON will distribute “Palworld Mobile” & PUBG collaboration keyrings and item coupon cards.
Netmarble will offer “Solo Leveling” posters, postcard sets, and mini-figures for “Project Evilbane.”
Webzen will give away logo T-shirts for those who complete surveys after the “Gate of Gates” demo.
🧡 Key point:
Most goods require:
- Experience →
- Mission completion →
- SNS proof post
Simply walking through the booth isn’t enough.
🧩 G-STAR 2025 Stamp Tour
Receive a stamp book at the info desk.
Collect stamps from major booths.
Rewards:
- 3+ stamps → discount coupon
- 5+ stamps → limited souvenir lottery
- 7+ stamps → main stage prize entry
(Last year’s prizes included Nintendo Switch, wireless earbuds, hotel vouchers.)
Stamp tours are popular for families and couples.
🎯 Tip:
Stamp books are limited daily — pick them up immediately after entering.
🛒 Goods market & special events
The 1F lobby runs the “G-STAR Goods Market.”
Buy fan-made products like illustrations, art books, badges, posters, and stickers.
This year includes the first-ever “G-STAR Special Café,” selling logo cups and tumblers.
Photo zones are set up here as well — perfect for rest and photos.
💡 Final tip:
Keep receipts.
Some vendors require proof for exchanges due to limited inventory.
G-STAR 2025 is not just a game exhibition.
It’s a year-end cultural festival where passionate players and creators gather.
This year features major publishers, indie developers, artists, and countless fans creating the atmosphere together.
Every step you take, every queue you wait in, and every good you collect will become your memory.
Next article: “G-STAR 2025 New Titles Overview”
I’ll summarize all newly announced games and what you can experience on-site.
See you at BEXCO this November. 🎮
https://easykorealife.com/wp-admin
About the Author
