제5회 광주 버스킹월드컵

Recruitment Period
April 1, 2026 (Wed) ~ May 31, 2026 (Sun) 24:00 (Korea Standard Time, KST)
Eligibility
Musicians aged 19 and over from anywhere in the world (regardless of nationality)
Selection Scale
Total of 23 teams (8 teams advancing to the finals, 15 Busking Fringe teams)
Application Categories & Participation Rules

Category: Live performances centered on vocals, instrumental performance, etc.

Song Selection: Both original and cover songs are permitted; cover songs are mandatory in the finals. ※ Cover songs must be music that holds personal memories meaningful to the musician, in line with the 2026 Chungjang Festival theme.
Application Method & Required Documents

Application : Online application via the official website (buskingworldcup.com)

Submission : 1 performance video (submit as a YouTube URL link)
• Duration : Within 5 minutes (1 entry per team, no duplicate submissions)
• Filming Location : Indoor or outdoor (newly filmed or existing footage both accepted)
• Required : Must be a live video; include the hashtag #GwangjuBuskingWorldCup when uploading to YouTube
※ If a team advances to the finals, the number of members, lineup, and instrument configuration from the preliminary video cannot be changed. Any changes will result in immediate disqualification.

Teams that reached the Round of 32 in 2025 and past prize winners are not eligible to apply
Performances involving religious activities, commercial promotion, or content causing social controversy are excluded

2 nights accommodation provided (up to 4 members per team, varies by number of members)
Opportunity for Busking Fringe street performances provided (one performance required, additional performances at non-designated locations possible)

Mandatory street performances for finalist teams (500,000 KRW support per team, tip boxes allowed)

Street performances can promote the team and partially cover accommodation costs during the event.
Performance videos of participating teams posted on the Gwangju Busking World Cup website and social media
Support for music distribution through ‘Audioguy’, a label specializing in spatial audio and album recording/release (distribution period negotiable)
※ Limited to teams owning the music

Transportation expense support for participating teams (up to 500,000 KRW per team, differential support based on the number of members)
The top two domestic winning teams are invited to perform at the Busking World Cup celebration next year.

The celebratory performance will be supported within the budget limits after consultation with the host.

Round-trip airfare (international economy class, maximum 3 people per team)

Domestic travel costs within the home country are self-funded; baggage fees not covered

Airfare is provided for musicians only (managers, companions, etc. excluded)

Overseas members belonging to domestic teams are not eligible for airfare support
Actual transportation costs between Incheon International Airport ↔ Gwangju Bus Terminal (receipt required)

500,000 KRW support per team, tip box allowed (1 mandatory performance at a designated venue)
Additional performances at non-designated venues permitted (no performance fee, tip box allowed)

No airfare, transportation, or accommodation support

Indicate Busking Fringe participation preference when applying (selected from applicants)

Place	Award	Teams	Prize (KRW)	Presenter
1st	Golden Busking Award	1 team	10,000,000	Mayor of Gwangju
2nd	Silver Busking Award	1 team	5,000,000	Dong-gu District Mayor
3rd	Bronze Busking Award	1 team	3,000,000	Chairman of Dong-gu Council
4th	Chungjang Busking Award	1 team	2,000,000	Foundation CEO
Total		4 teams	20,000,000

A stage that attracts the attention of global festival planners and music experts
Operate a music market where you can showcase and sell music

Application for participation