Busan Film Fest Off to Smooth Start Despite Aftermath of Typhoon

The Busan International Film Festival opens in the southern port city on Thursday.

This year's Busan International Film Festival kicked off its 10-day run on Thursday, just a day after typhoon Chaba caused heavy damage along Busan's coastline as it ripped through southern Korea on Wednesday.

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On the festival's opening day, long lines formed at ticket booths and, as usual, fans crowded around the red carpet in hopes of glimpsing their favorite stars.

Other than the relocation of some outdoor events from Haeundae Beach due to the aftermath of the typhoon, the festival's first day went smoothly.

In its 21st year, this year's festival is similar in scope to the past few years, with 301 films from 69 countries to be screened, compared to 312 films from 79 countries in 2014 and 302 films from 75 countries in 2015.

Some 160 invitees (about 40 fewer than in previous years) and 5,000 spectators attended the opening ceremony hosted by actors Sol Kyung-gu and Han Hyo-joo.

For the first time in five years, the festival opened with a Korean film, "A Quiet Dream" directed by Zhang Lu. Starring Park Jung-bum, Yang Ik-june and Yoon Jong-bin -- who are better known as directors than for their acting -- the movie tells the story of three young men who have crushes on a woman who runs a small bar.

"I hope the movie leaves viewers feeling warm", Zhang said.