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Busan

The 15 best things to do in Busan

Get ready for historic temples, bustling markets and so much more in this South Korea city

Anna Rahmanan

If you’re looking for a travel destination, don’t underestimate Busan. In our opinion, Busan is one of the most underrated cities in the world, but let’s not go there right now. See the magic for yourselves. This huge, sprawling city at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula is home to three and a half million people, and to fully embrace it, you’ve just got to go along for the ride. 

Busan has huge beaches, a seriously good food scene and plenty of markets and shopping spots to explore. The best part? You can get all this alongside the bright lights of city life, which lends itself to trendy micro-breweries, cool coffee shops and vintage bargains. Fancy fresh seafood from the biggest fish market in Korea? An underground photographer’s gallery? You’ve got it all here. Read on for the best things to do in Busan right now. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Seoul 🇰🇷 The best things to do in South Korea ✈️ The world’s most underrated travel destinations 🌆 The best cities in the world 🏬 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world

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The best things to do in Busan

Busan Tower

1.  Busan Tower

What is it?  A spectacular 389-foot-high tower with fantastic views over the city. 

Why go?  Gazing at this tower from outside it is worth the journey itself, but it’s worth paying the fee to see the inside. Once in, you can really get a sense of the vastness of the city of Busan. Oh and don’t panic, there’s a café up there as a reward for all that walkin’. 

Kim Jae Sun Gallery

2.  Kim Jae Sun Gallery

What is it? An art gallery specialising in contemporary works.

Why go?  Put simply,  the Kim Jae Sun is one of Busan’s most important art galleries. In  ‘Marine City’, this place showcases an enormous range of art from some of the finest contemporary Korean artists. Prepare to see artists cutting edges like you’ve never before!

Gamcheon Culture Village

3.  Gamcheon Culture Village

What is it? A stunning, kaleidoscopically coloured village. If it had the means, your Instagram would pat you on the back for the gift of this picture.

Why go? Because it’s so darn pretty! After being revitalised in 2009, this former slum is now known as the ‘Machu Picchu of Busan’. Gamcheon’s houses are all painted different colours, and within them, tiny streets and steep stairways lead you to street art a-go-go, with public sculptures scattered throughout.

Jagalchi Fish Market

4.  Jagalchi Fish Market

What is it? It’s only the biggest darn fish market in Korea, that’s all.

Why go? Open from 5am, going to Jagalchi is a must-do for food-lovers visiting Busan. Not only can you experience the organised chaos – run by middle-aged or married Korean women known as ‘Jagalchi Ajumma’ – but you can also stop to eat the fresh fish raw at the end of your visit.

Haeundae Beach

5.  Haeundae Beach

What is it? A ridiculously gorgeous beach that you can barely believe is at the edge of such a massive city.

Why go? For sunny, sandy good times, obvs. Haeundae Beach is only 40 minutes on the train from Busan station, or an hour from the airport, and is considered one of South Korea’s most beautiful beaches. And the sunsets are the stuff of legend.

Gwangbokdong Food Street

6.  Gwangbokdong Food Street

What is it? A skinny street teaming with food stalls and restaurants.

Why go? Arrive with an appetite, because you are here to eat. Situated in the labyrinthine Gwangbokdong area, Gwangbokdong Food Street is an absolute feast for the eyes and mouth. Dumplings are always a good idea, or go on an adventure and order at random (warning: may contain fish).

Haedong Yonggung Temple

7.  Haedong Yonggung Temple

What is it? A beautiful beachside Buddhist temple.

Why go?  Traditional temples? Beautiful. The sea? Obviously, also gorgeous. Combined? Well, that’s another beast entirely. Haedong Yonggung is one of very, very few temples in South Korea that overlooks the ocean – so, naturally, it’s one of the most jaw-dropping. Haedong Yonggung is also pretty close to Haeundae Beach, so it ’s both accessible and primed for a post-temple dip. 

Cimer Spa

8.  Cimer Spa

What is it? A seriously spectacular hot springs destination.

Why go? To bathe in luxuriant, mineral-rich waters overlooking the ocean. South Korea is scattered with hot springs, but Cimer Spa is one of its prettiest. You have to be a guest at the Paradise Hotel to get access, but it’s worth it. Plus there’s a bar onsite so you can sip a vino while taking in all those minerals.

Nampodong Market

9.  Nampodong Market

What is it? A bustling market in the Jung district of Busan.

Why go? To pick up pretty much anything you could want. One-of-a-kind souvenirs and gorgeous vintage offerings are all here, often for much, much lower prices than you’ll come close to in the West. Nampodong is best accessed by  hopping off the train at Nampo Station.

Samjin Eomuk

10.  Samjin Eomuk

What is it? A Busan Station eatery serving some of the best fish cakes (‘eomuk’) in town.

Why go? Because Busan is said to have the best fish cakes in all of Korea, thanks to its seaside locale. They are made from the offcuts of white fish, transformed into various shapes and guises. Some even feature cheese. You can’t leave Busan without trying one.

Radium Art Center

11.  Radium Art Center

What is it?

An art gallery jam-packed with fascinating creations.

For the culture , obvs. Radium Art Center showcases a head-spinning range of art – from painting and photography to digital installations, and even music. You’re dead certain to find something that tickles your fancy.

Galmegi Brewing Co

12.  Galmegi Brewing Co

What is it? A buzzing brewery a mere block away from Gwangalli Beach, with pub locations scattered across the city.

Why go? Because beer. Galmegi Brewing Co is an American-style brewery and brewpub decorated with the works of local artists. Designed in polished concrete and pale wood, it’s a delightful place to drop in for a cold beer on a hot day. Tired of Korean fare? Try their American food menu.

Choryang Milmyeon

13.  Choryang Milmyeon

What is it? A restaurant serving real, proper Korean fare.

Why go? For an authentic Korean experience. Seated on the floor, order giant dumplings (‘wangmandu’) and traditional Busan iced soup squiggling with noodles (‘milmyeon’). It’s within short walking distance from Busan KTX Station, so frankly you have no excuse.

Taejongdae

14.  Taejongdae

What is it? A beautiful spot where you can hike through bushlands and end up with foodie rewards.

Why go? To get a break from the city and see a spot of nature. Situated on the southerly edge of Yeongdo Island, trek through the bush (there’s also a train if your legs get weary), then head back to the seashore to feast on fishy fare from little tents pumping out local seafood.

AnGa

15.  AnGa

What is it? A Korean barbecue restaurant known for its deliciousness.

Why go? You’ve probably had Korean barbecue in the West, but to really know this sort of food, you’ve got to try the real deal. AnGa is one of Busan’s best. Come with a crowd if you can, so you can sample a bit of everything.

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Home » Asia » South Korea » Busan

11 BEST Places to Visit in Busan (2024)

Situated on the south-east coast of the country, Korea’s second city has everything you could dream of from a vacation. When you travel to Busan, you’ll find rugged mountains, gorgeous beaches, and a world-famous film festival.

All of this, and we haven’t even got started on the city’s culinary scene yet! Busan’s markets are teeming with more species of fish than you can imagine. You can eat at those, or head to the city’s restaurants. From street food to tent cafes, to high-end gourmet establishments, there’s definitely something to suit all tastes.

After dark, the twinkling lights of the city’s skyscrapers and the Gwangan Bridge make for an incredible time to explore Busan!

In this post, we’ll take a look at the best places to visit in Busan. We hope that you’ll find our list useful when it comes to giving you Busan vacation ideas and planning your trip!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Busan:

These are the best places to visit in busan, faq on the best places to visit in busan.

Nampo, Busan

Nampo is our number one pick for the best neighbourhood in Busan to stay in if you’re visiting for the first time. This busy and bustling neighbourhood is located in central Busan.

  • Browse the shops at Gukje Market.
  • Climb to the top of Busan Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
  • Explore the lively and vibrant BIFF Square.

If you were wondering about accommodation, we’ve got you covered. Check out where to stay in Busan before venturing into the excitement below!

busan tourism places

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#1 – Haeundae Beach – One of the most incredible free places to go in Busan

Haeundae Beach

  • Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of South Korea
  • One of the most popular hotspots in Busan
  • Don’t miss watching a sunset from here – they’re amazing!

Why it’s awesome: One of the most popular hotspots in Busan for tourists, travellers, and locals alike, you will definitely want to spend some time on Haeundae Beach! It’s hard to believe that such a beautiful beach could be right on the edge of a city, but that’s exactly what you get here. If you’re backpacking, you might end up staying here as there are a number of cool hostels in this area. There are also plenty of international restaurants if you haven’t plucked up the courage to try proper Korean food yet! Backpackers in South Korea love the food and you will too.

What to do there: It’s impossible to be bored on Haeundae Beach. Of course, you have the regular stuff like sunbathing and swimming, but there’s way more to this stretch of sand than that. During the day, you’ll find art exhibits and music events, while it really comes alive at night. Some of the city’s best nightlife is along the streets by Haeundae Beach so you’ll want to come here for a night out! Incredibly, you can see the coast of Japan from this beach on a clear day.

#2 – Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village

  • A formerly run-down neighbourhood, revived by community artists
  • Stop off at souvenir shops, art galleries, and cool cafes
  • One of the coolest points of interest in Busan

Why it’s awesome: Sometimes referred to as Korea’s Santorini, Gamcheon Culture Village is where you’ll want to go to get an alternative perspective on this Asian country. It’s hard to say it’s a traditional and authentic side of South Korea, but it’s certainly a cool one. Admire the old-style Korean architecture which has been restored and decorated by local artists. This colourful area is chock-full of places to duck into if the weather gets too hot and you need a break. Definitely one of the best places in Busan to spend a day!

What to do there: Bring a pair of comfortable shoes as you’re going to spend a lot of time wandering the alleyways of Gamcheon Cultural Village. There are tons of surprises throughout the streets, and you’re likely to come across a cute café or a tiny art gallery. It’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs for friends and family back home! Make sure you bring a camera, or at least your phone. The colourful houses, which look like they’ve just been dropped on the hillside, make for some great Insta shots!

#3 – Haedong Yonggung Temple – One of the best religious places to see in Busan

Haedong Yonggung Temple

  • Considered one of the most beautiful temples in the whole of South Korea
  • One of the few temples in South Korea that overlooks the ocean
  • Easy to get to from the city centre

Why it’s awesome: Dating back to the 14th century, Haedong Yonggung Temple is worth visiting as much for is history as it is for its serene and sublime location. It was built by Naong, a Buddhist teacher during the Goryeo Dynasty. Most temples in Korea are either in cities or up in the mountains. It’s very rare that you’ll get one so near the ocean, so that is a reason to visit in itself! This is without a doubt one of the most recognisable landmarks in Busan.

What to do there: The good news is its really easy to get to from the centre of Busan, and even more so from Haeundae Beach. So, if you’ve maxed out your sunbathing and swimming time, make this your next stop. During Buddha month, this is an incredible place to be, especially at night, as the temple is adorned with many lanterns. If you find the walk to the temple tricky, you can always stop for food on the way. Lining the steps up to the temple there are lots of street food kiosks selling street food, so you’ll have no trouble keeping your energy up!

#4 – Busan Tower and Yongdusan Park

Busan Tower and Yongdusan Park

  • 120-metre tower with city views
  • Park packed with attractions – one of the best places in Busan for a day out
  • One of the major landmarks in Busan

Why it’s awesome: If you liked the sound of the city views from our best luxury hotel in Busan but your budget doesn’t stretch to staying at the Park Hyatt, we’ve got an alternative for you. Yongdusan Park houses one of the tallest attractions in Busan, the 120-metre tower.  From here you’ll get great views of the city, as Yongdusan Park is actually pretty high up. Yes, Yongdusan translates as ‘dragon’s head mountain!’

What to do there: After you’ve taken in fantastic views of the city and snapped a few pictures, there’s plenty more to do on ground level in the park. See the traditional Korean Bell housed in a building at the foot of the tower. Then, head to the Museum of World Folk Instruments to see beautifully preserved examples of instruments. If those aren’t quite enough, be sure to check out the Flower Clock, the Bronze Dragon Statue, and the Locks of Love!

#5 – Jagalchi Fish Market

Jagalchi Fish Market

  • The biggest fish market in the whole of Korea
  • See species of fish you’ve never even dreamed of… then eat them!
  • Houses some of the best places to eat in Busan

Why it’s awesome: Yes, it’s impressive that Jagalchi Fish Market is the biggest of its type in Korea, but there’s a lot more to get excited about than just that. Centuries-old methods have been passed down families to the vendors who work there today, who know a thing or two about how to prepare their fish. You’ll see more species than you knew existed being prepared in a variety of different ways. Get to the market at 5 am to see it at its most vibrant and exciting!

What to do there: If you’ve managed to get to the market at the crack of dawn, well done you! Your reward is seeing the organised chaos of the middle-aged and married Korean women who work at the market. They’re known as the jagalchi ajumma. It’s hardly surprising that such a huge fish market is home to some of the best places to eat in Busan. Make sure you buy your fish off these women, before taking it upstairs. The restaurants on the top floor of the market will happily prepare your catch for you, exactly to your taste!

#6 – Jangsan Mountain – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Busan

Jangsan Mountain

  • How to see Busan from the surrounding mountains
  • A moderate to difficult hiking trail
  • Especially beautiful in October and November

Why it’s awesome: Sometimes you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and really get some fresh air. Going hiking is a great way to do that, and in a city surrounded by mountains, it would be rude not to! There are a number of cool hiking spots, but one of our favourites is Jangsan Mountain. The mountain is split into lots of hiking trails suitable for different levels of fitness and experience. It takes about 2 hours to get to the top of the 634-metre high mountain!

What to do there: If you ask the locals what they like to do on a weekend, a fair few would recommend Jangsan Mountain! If you don’t feel confident in getting to the top of the mountain, then select one of the routes that will take you halfway up. It’ll still give you stunning views of the city. The mountain is dotted with silver grass fields, which sparkle in the sun. This effect is most noticeable and prettiest during October and November. So, don’t miss one of the best places in Busan for hiking if you’re visiting during those months!

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#7 – Shinsegae Centum City – A great place in Busan if you love to shop

Shinsegae Centum City

  • The largest department store in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records
  • You can buy pretty much anything you want in here
  • Head to one of the biggest spas in Busan

Why it’s awesome: Shoppers, listen up. Not only is this one of the best places in Busan for retail therapy, it’s possibly one of the best in the world! That’s because it’s the largest department store in the world. At least according to the Guinness Book of Records anyway! It was originally Korea’s first department store, built-in 1930. However, since then, it’s expanded into the mega centre that it is today. Needless to stay, it’s one of the fashion hotspots in Busan!

What to do there: It’s not all about shopping though. There’s lots to see in the shopping centre, including Busan Cinema Centre and the city’s Museum of Art. There’s even a golf course where you can practise your swing! If you’re tired from trailing around the centre, don’t miss Spa Land in the department store. Originally it was meant to be a water park, but when hot springs were discovered during the centre’s construction, that plan changed. Now, 20 spas with a number of themed rooms for you to relax in!

#8 – Hurshimchung

  • One of the oldest spas in the Dongnae District
  • More than 40 baths to choose from
  • One of the hotspots in Busan – literally!

Why it’s awesome: While you’re in Busan, you’ll want to experience the city’s jjimjilbang culture, right? There are over 450 spas in the city so it can be hard knowing which one to choose. Although it won’t offer you the most intimate experience, Hurshimchung (also spelled Heosimcheong) is one of the most popular. There’s space here for more than 3,000 people, but don’t worry, you won’t all be in the same water! There are more than 40 baths here, so you should be able to find your own spot to relax and disconnect from the world!

What to do there: The name of these spas means “cleaning one’s mind”. So, try out a few of the different baths and see which one does that best! You can try the Cave Bath, Outdoor Bath, or Longevity Bath. Maybe the last one will extend your trip to Busan, who knows! The Dongnae District has been synonymous with spas for more than 2,000 years, and there are a couple of others to check out here if Hurshimchung isn’t the one for you. Dongnae Outdoor Footbath is another spa with curative waters that are great for your skin.

#9 – Gwangbokdong Food Street – A must-see for foodies in Busan!

  • A narrow street with food stalls and restaurants
  • More of the best places to eat in Busan
  • A total feast for the senses

Why it’s awesome: A whole street full of traditional Korean food ? And you’re asking us why it’s awesome… Well, we’d better tell you anyways. The narrow streets of the Gwangbokdong District are home to this hidden gem – a food street that has every type of Korean food you could hope for and imagine. There are also a few spots to buy clothes here, but let’s not pretend – it’s the food we’re here for!

What to do there: Wander down this narrow street before trying as many restaurants and food stalls as you can. It truly is a feast for the senses, so take in the sights of stall owners preparing their dishes, the smells of garlic and chilli frying and oil, which will really whet your appetite. Be adventurous! One of the best things to eat are tasty Korean dumplings. Just be aware – quite a lot here contains fish!

#10 – Gwangan Bridge

Gwangan Bridge

  • One of the most beautiful nightscapes in the country
  • The longest bridge in Korea
  • One of the most emblematic points of interest in Busan

Why it’s awesome: Nightlife in South Korea isn’t all about going to bars and clubs (although you’re guaranteed a good time if you do that). No, sometimes it’s just finding a beautiful spot to watch the city lights twinkling. One of those places is Gwangan Bridge. Whether you want to watch the 100,000 lighting effects from afar or stroll across the bridge which connects Haeundae-Gu and Suyeong-Gu, you shouldn’t miss this off your Busan itinerary!

What to do there: As well as watching the magnificent light shows, this is just one more place you can experience the city’s incredible seafood-centric cuisine. On the bridge itself, you’ll find more of the best places to eat in Busan, whether you want to go fancy with fine dining, or just chill out with some street food!

Need help figuring out what to do and see? Use our  Busan itinerary  to gain some insider tips and knowledge!

#11 – Busan Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Busan

Busan Museum

Why it’s awesome: We’ve included a lot of outdoor, shopping, and culinary activities on our list of the best places to visit in Busan, but not too much in the way of history and culture. However, there’s still plenty of it in the city, and the Busan Museum is the best place to learn about Korea’s past. It was renovated and re-opened in 2002 and is packed with fascinating exhibits to help you learn more about this incredible country.

What to do there: Check out the ancient artefacts that date back to long before any borders were drawn around Korea. This museum will guide you through the country’s history all the way to the Japanese occupation and the years after World War II. You can get involved with a Busan must do at the museum too – a tea ceremony. This is the perfect end to a day where you’ll explore Busan’s biggest and most comprehensive history museum!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Busan

What are the best places to visit in Busan?

Gamcheon Culture Village is probably the most iconic sight in the city. The multicoloured hillside town is known as Korea’s Santorini.

What is the best area to stay in Busan?

Nampo is a great shout as it’s at the heart of the city and an ideal spot for first time visitors.

What is the best time to visit Busan?

Truthfully, Busan is great all year round. Summer is great for hititng the beach but can be busy. Winter can bring snow but Autumn and Spring are beautiful, mild and quiet!

What are some free things to do in Busan?

Hang out on Haeundae Beach, known as one of the most stunning beaches in the whole country it’s incredible how close it is to the city!

Final Thoughts

So, that’s all from our list of the best places to visit in Busan. We hope you’ve found this list useful, informative, and you’re reading to make the most of your vacation in South Korea’s 2nd city.

There are so many Busan vacation ideas on our list that you might actually struggle to fit them into a short trip. So, you can see just how much this incredible city offers to tourists. Whether you want to sample the culinary scene, learn about Korean history, or visit natural attractions like the beach and the mountains, you’ll find something for you. One thing’s for sure – your Busan itinerary is going to be pretty packed!

Just remember to keep our list of the best places to visit in Busan at hand. It’ll take any stress out of planning your vacation. We hope you have a great time!

busan tourism places

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aaron

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Top 20 Must-visit Busan Attractions!

Busan is the second largest city in Korea. Its deep harbor and gentle tides have allowed it to grow into the largest container handling port in the country and the fifth largest in the world. 

The city’s natural endowments and rich history have resulted in Busan’s increasing reputation as a world class city for tourism and culture, and it is also becoming renowned as a hot spot destination for international conventions. Busan enjoys four distinct seasons and a temperate climate that never gets too hot or too cold.

Busan history

Busan is geographically located in the south-east corner of the Korean Peninsula, and this might explain the late arrival of the Bronze Age there. The ruins and remains of the Bronze Age are being discovered in places such as Guseo-dong, Geumgang Park, Geumsa-dong, Sajik-dong, Bugok-dong, Goijeong-dong, and Nopo-dong.

In the middle of the 6th century, the Silla Kingdom annexed Gaya and the name for the Busan region was changed from Geochilsanguk to Geochilsangun. During the reign of King Gyeongdeok (757 CE) it was changed again from Geochilsangun to Dongnaehyeon. At that time, the name Dongnae appeared for the first time in historical records.

In the Joseon Period (1392-1897) during the reign of King Taejo (1392-1398), the administrative boundary (jin) around Dongnae was established. Later, in the reign of King Taejong (1400-1418), the “Daeil Gyoyeokjang” (trading center) was also established. By 1470 trade was flourishing between the Kingdom of Joseon and Japan.

Upon the outbreak of the Korean War, Busan became an enormous city of refugees and the last bastion of national power as the provisional capital. Busan was upgraded to a “Jikhalsi” (city under direct control of the government) in 1963 and a metropolitan city in January, 1995.

For history reference, please visit Busan Museum, Dongsam-dong Shell Mounds, Bokcheon Museum, Chungnyeolsa Shrine, Baeksan Memorial Hall and the many other historical facilities in Busan.

Click here to check on their website

Busan Attractions

  • Haeundae Beach
  • Taejongdae Cliffed Coast Resort Park
  • Jagalchi Market
  • Busan Songdo Beach
  • Marine City
  • Gamcheon Culture Village
  • Haedong Yonggungsa
  • Gwangalli Beach
  • Seomyeon Mall
  • Yongdusan Park
  • BIFF Square
  • Busan Aquarium
  • Oryukdo Island
  • Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory
  • Bupyeong Kkangtong Market
  • Dadaepo Fountain of dream
  • Ahopsan forest

1. Haeundae Beach

Busan is famous for it’s short term for beachscape (Beach escape), especially Haeundae beach. It is the most famous beach in Busan with 1.5km wide area, such a beautiful coastline and perfect place to escape the hectic busy daily life and swimming, especially in summer, so this one is kind of perfect place for summer vacation. There is other things you can do in this area such as Dongbaek island, Busan aquarium, and yachting dock.

Useful Informations

  • Swimming Opening Hours : 09.00-18.00
  • Phone: (051)749-7612
  • Address: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

How to get here By Subway Haeundae Station (Subway line 2), exit 5 or 7. walk 500m.

2. Museum Dah

Credit to KoreaJoongangDaily

Museum DAH officially opens Aug. 14, is the ambitious project of digital art duo col.l.age+ (Sho Jang and Min Kim) and Kunst1, an art production company. According to Jang, the museum takes inspiration from the art nouveau movement of the late 1800s that sought to break down the barriers between fine art and applied art, defined as any object or structure that features decorations intended to be aesthetically-pleasing.

  • Opening Hours Weekdays 10.00-19.00 Weekends 10.00-20.00
  • Fee Adult: 18.000 won, teenager 15.000 won​
  • Phone: 051-731-3302
  • Address: Museum, 20, Centumseo-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, Korea
  • Homepage: https://www.museumdah.com/

How to get here By Subway Haeundae Station (Subway line 2), exit 5 or 7. walk 500m.​

3. Taejongdae Cliffed Coast [National Geopark] (태종대 (부산 국가지질공원))

Taejongdae Cliffed Coast was formed by many layers of rock being forced together beneath a lake during the Cretaceous period, and then worn away over time by the sea. The coast features many geological formations, including sea caves and uniquely shaped rocks. Visitors can enjoy walking on the forested paths, or take the train course to easily access Taejongdae Observatory and Yeongdo Coastal Culture Space.

Other than that, Taejongdae is also famous for the ritual of praying for rain.

  • Operating Hours: 04:00-24:00
  • Travel Hotline : +82-51-888-3636
  • Address : 24, Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 부산광역시 영도구 전망로 24 (동삼동)
  • Homepage:   www.busan.go.kr/geopark
  • [Danubi Train] Fee: – Ticket office hours: 09:00-17:30 – Operating hours: 09:20 – 17:30 – Admission: Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers 2,000 won / Children 1,500 won * Closed in the case of adverse weather * Ticketing may end 2-3 hours before closing time

How to get here By [Bus] From Busan station, take bus no.88 or 101 and get off at Taejongdae Cliff Bus stop.

4. Jagalchi Market (부산 자갈치시장)

Jagalchi Market, located on the seaside road in Busan’s Jung-gu, is Korea’s largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish. After the Korean War, the market solidified itself as a fish market. Most of the people who sell fish are women, so the vendors here are called Jagalchi Ajumma, “ajumma” meaning middle-aged or married woman in Korean.

This market represents Busan and is famous throughout the country. Visitors can eat fresh raw fish right at the market. Even nowadays visitors can see women selling mackerel, sea squirts (ascidians) and whale meat on wooden boxes along the road outside of the market and along the shore.

  • Operating Hours: 02:00-22:00
  • Travel Hotline : +82-51-245-2594
  • Address : 52, Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan 부산광역시 중구 자갈치해안로 52 (남포동4가)
  • Homepage: jagalchimarket.bisco.or.kr
  • Store Information 1F: Fresh fish market (live fish/live eel/albalone/live fresh fish) 2F: Hoe Center (East.West Hoe Center/Resaurant zone/dried fish zone) 3F: Soribada noraebang, exhibition room 4F: Dadohae Korean restaurant 5F: Oase Seafood Buffet 6F: Oase convention center, buffet 7F: Guesthouse, observatory

How to get here By [Subway] Jagalchi Station (Busan subway line 1), exit 10. turn right unto Jagalchi 3(sam)-gil street and walk for 5 min.

5. Songdo Beach

Songdo Beach, first opened in July 1913, is the first public beach in Korea. Sea diving board at Songdo Beach is open to the public this summer. There are two sea diving boards (5 meters and 3 meters high) installed about 70 meters from the beach, so beachgoers need to swim to the diving boards. For the safety of divers, people can only dive from the 3-meter high board from this summer and have to dive in feet first. The sea diving boards will be in operation from July 1 to August 31 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It may be closed due to inclement weather.

  • Operating Hours:  09:00-18:00
  • Travel Hotline : (051)240-6442
  • Address : 50, Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan 부산광역시 서구 송도해변로 50 (암남동)
  • Homepage: tour.busan.go.kr

How to get here By [Subway+Bus] Jagalchi Station (Metro line 1), exit 1 → Transfer to bus nos. 7, 26, 71, 96→ Get off at Songdo Beach Bus Stop.

6. Marine City

When the lights lit up after sundown, the nightscape of the Marine City can compete with world famous nightscape locations such as Hong Kong and Shanghai. With various restaurants, cafes and bars along the street, it is a popular destination for people of all ages.

  • Phone : +82-51-749-5700
  • Homepage: www.haeundae.go.kr

How to get here By [Subway] Suyeong Station (Busan Subway Line 3), Exit 2. Walk for approx. 11 min.

7. Gamcheon Culture Village

Busan is having various attraction with Gamcheon culture village as one of them. Gamcheon culture village is formed by houses built in staircase design on the foothills of coastal mountain, similar to Machu Pichu. This is one of the hotspot in Busan for tourist, or Instagrammable spot seeker, so you definitely don’t wanna miss this :).

Many place here decorated with murals and sculptures made by the residents and remember to try  Cafe Avant Garde when you come here.

  • Operating hours: 09:00-16:00 Gamcheon Culture Village Experience Program
  • Phone : +82-51-204-1444
  • Address : 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan 부산광역시 사하구 감내2로 203 (감천동)
  • Homepage: www.gamcheon.or.kr
  • Available Facilities – Gamcheon Cultural Village Information Center – Gamnae Eoulteo – Haneulmaru – Small Museum – Art shop – Mini shop – Cafe – Restaurant – Workshops
  • Interpretation Services Offered Cultural Tourism Explanation Guide: +82-51-780-2177

How to get here By [Subway + Bus] Goejeong Station (Busan Subway Line 1), Exit 6. Take Bus Sakha 1 or Sakha 1-1 and get off at to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop.

8. Amnam Park

The magnificent cliffs and tree-lined seaside views of Amnam Park bring the harmony of the bluish-green waters and the forested landscape together. Originally a protected area, entrance was not permitted until its opening to the public in 1996, when visitors could first experience the untouched landscape. Now, visitors can fish, explore the observatory, and enjoy the walking path and the elevated bridge. The abundunt pine trees along the walking path make for a pleasant stroll while the path up to the observatory offers great views. If it is fishing that you want, here you can fish on the ocean as well as off the fantastically shaped rocks. There is also a famous road to go for a drive, leading from Songdo Beach to Amnam Park. This drive takes approximately 5 minutes, but it takes about 20 minutes on foot from Songdo beach.

  • Phone : +82-51-240-4538
  • Address : 185, Amnamgongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan 부산광역시 서구 암남공원로 185 (암남동)
  • Homepage: culture.bsseogu.go.kr

How to get here By [Subway + Bus] Jagalchi Station (Busan Subway Line 1), Exit 2. Turn left at the corner, and cross the road, go for 70m to arrive at the bus stop. Take Bus No. 7, 9 or 71, and get off at Amnam Park Bus Stop.

9. Haedong yonggungsa

  • Operating hours: 05:00-Sunset
  • Phone : +82-51-722-7744
  • Address : 86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan 부산광역시 기장군 기장읍 용궁길 86
  • Homepage: www.yongkungsa.or.kr  

How to get here By [Subway + Bus] Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 7. Take Bus No. 181 and get off at Yonggungsa Temple Bus Stop.

10. Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장)

Gwangalli Beach is 1.4 km long, 25~110 m wide, and is famous for its fine sand. The area has undergone a water cleaning program, and as a result, the water of the beach is pristine, drawing many young tourists. In addition to the beachfront, the Gwangalli area is filled with romantic restaurants and cafes, as well as stores selling famous fashion brands. The area has plenty to offer, but many people come in the evening to take in the bright lights of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, stretching across the horizon.

  • Swimming Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
  • Phone : (051)610-4744
  • Address : 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
  • Homepage: www.suyeong.go.kr

How to get here By [Subway] Gwangan Station (Metro line 2), exit 3 or 5

11. Seomyeon Mall

I know i know, many of you might wondering who the heaven and why I put Shopping mall in this pages as one of the great attractions and things you can do in Busan. Well before you say that, I just want you to know that some of you might be shopaholic and also stay more than 7 days, in which you don’t just wanna stay in the beach whole week isn’t it? So I put it here in case some of you want to buy some stuff to bring back home or just to enjoy Korea shopping mall.

Seomyeon mall is a good place to find clothing, acessory and shoe stores, same like any other shopping mall, it’s a good place for shopping. The shopping area also continues to the ground level, making it one of the best spots to wander around in the city.

  • Operating hours: 10:00-22:00 (Closed second Monday of every month)
  • Address : 737 Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
  • Homepage: undershop.bisco.or.kr

How to get here By [Subway] Seomyeon station (Busan subway line 1,2). – The shopping center is connected to the station.

12. Yongdusan Park(용두산공원)

Yongdusan Mountain in downtown Busan is one of Busan’s three famous mountains. It was originally called Songhyeonsan Mountain, which means a mountain with a view of the sea through the dense pine tree forest. Later, the name was changed to Yongdusan Mountain, as the mountain peak was shaped similar to a dragon’s head, protecting the area against foreign invaders overseas.

  • Phone : +82-51-860-7820
  • Address : 37-55, Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
  • Homepage: http://yongdusanpark.bisco.or.kr/

How to get here By [Subway] Nampo Station (Busan subway line 1), exit 7. walk for 5 min.​

13. BIFF square (BIFF 광장)

Busan’s modern movie district was originally little more than a pair of cinemas that were built following Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule over half a century ago. However, major renovations took place ahead of the first Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), and the newly transformed district was named BIFF Square. However, it’s not just an area for movie theaters but also shops and leisure facilities.

  • Operating hours: 10:00-22:00
  • Phone : +82-51-253-8523
  • Address : 4, Nampo-gil, Jung-gu, Busan 부산광역시 중구 남포길 4 (남포동3가)
  • Homepage: www.bsjunggu.go.kr

How to get here By [Subway] Jagalchi Station (Busan Subway Line 1), Exit 7. – 5 min walk from the station (Walk straight and turn left).

14. Beomeosa

Beomeosa Temple is located on the eastern side of Geumjeongsan Mountain, a famous mountain in Busan. It was founded by monk Uisang in 678, the 18th year of King Munmu (r. 661-681) of the Silla Kingdom. It is one of the three most famous temples in the Yeongnam region, along with Haeinsa Temple and Tongdosa Temple.

  • Phone : +82-51-508-3122
  • Address : 250, Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 부산광역시 금정구 범어사로 250 금정산 범어사
  • Homepage: www.beomeo.kr www.templestay.com
  • Hiking Course Beomeosa Temple parking lot – Naewonam Hermitage – Godangbong Peak – Bukmun (North) Gate – Jeongsuam Hermitage – Sanseong Village (9 km, 2 hr 40 min)

How to get here By [Subway + Bus] Beomeosa Station (Busan subway line no.1), exit 5 or 7. walk along the main road for 5 min to arrive at Samsin transportation bus stop. take bus no. 90 and get off at Beomeosa ticket office bus stop.​

15. SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium (SEA LIFE 부산아쿠아리움)

The Busan Aquarium takes visitors into the exciting world of life under the sea. The aquarium covers an area of 36,000 ㎡ and is spread over 3 underground levels and one above-ground level with different sections divided into special themes. The underwater tunnel experience resembles a walk along the ocean floor with various sea creatures swimming above, serving as a popular attraction within the aquarium. The aquarium is home to over 250 different species of fish, algae, reptiles, and amphibians, including large sharks, turtles, seahorses, and more, for total of over 10,000 sea creatures.

  • Opening Hours Monday-Thursday 10:00-20:00 Friday & weekends 09:00-22:00 * Last admission 1 hr before closing
  • Admission Fee Adults 29,000 won / Children 23,000 won * Adults (ages 13 & older) / Children (ages 3-12)
  • Phone : +82-51-740-1700
  • Address : 266, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan 부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 266 (중동)
  • Homepage: www.busanaquarium.com

How to get here By [Subway] Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 5. Walk 600 m towards Haeundae Beach.

16. Oryukdo Island (오륙도)

Oryukdo Island is composed of Usakdo Island, Surido Island, Gonggotdo Island, Guldo Island and Deungdaedo (Lighthouse) Island, but because the upper part of Usakdo divides into two segments, the island is sometimes known as Bangpaedo Island and Sol Island as well, depending on the level of the water. Because many ships coming to Busan Port pass by Oryukdo Island, it serves as a symbol of Busan’s cultural heritage as well.

  • Tour Course Information [Half-day course] Igidae Costal Path – Oryukdo Island – Baengunpo – Sinseondae [One-day course] Igidae – Jangjasan Mountain – Oryukdo Island – Baengunpo – Sinseondae – Hwangryeongsan Mountain
  • Phone : +82-51-888-3636
  • Address : Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan 부산광역시 남구 용호동
  • Homepage: www.busan.go.kr/geopark

How to get here By [Bus] Kyungsung Univ./Pukyong Nat’l Univ. Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 5. Upon exiting the station, make a u-turn, and turn right at the corner. Walk for approx. 100m to the bus stop and take Bus No. 27 or 131 and get off at Oryukdo SK View Back Gate Bus Stop.

17. Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory

Cheongsapo Port is located on the right side near the end of Dalmaji Hill in the direction of Songjeong in Haeundae. Along with Gudeokpo Port and Mipo Port, Cheongsapo Port is among the three ports lined against the coastal shore between Haeundae and Songjeong. 

Cheongsapo Port is famous as a place to view beautiful sunrises and where quality seaweed can be found. The rocks scattered along the port’s shore are crowded with fishers. 

Railroad tracks that run along the shoreline make the area even more special, known to be one of the only two railroad tracks in Korea to be situated near the sea. The area around the port gained popularity after appearing in a movie, and many restaurants have opened up, selling the freshest seafood.

  • Phone : +82-51-253-8253
  • Address : Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan 부산광역시 해운대구 중동

How to get here By [Taxi] Approx. 50 min from Busan Station. Approx. 10 min from Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2)

18. Bupyeong (Kkangtong) Market (부평시장(깡통시장))

Busan’s Bupyeong Market is also known as Kkangtong (tin can) Market. It earned that funny name when it had a variety of imported canned goods from the United States for the US forces stationed in Korea during the Korean War. It was also known as “Dottegi (bustling plea) Market.” 

All foreign products found in the country at that time were supplied from this market. Due to its vast property and many rare goods that were hard to find anywhere else during the time, it was also referred as “Gukje (International) Market.”

A night market opens from 19:30-24:00 at the public parking lot and at Arcade 2 of the market . Along the 110m-long street market are 11 kiosks selling Korean food, 6 kiosks selling international food such as Japanese and Filipino foods, and 13 vendors selling clothes and accessories. 

The entrance of the market greets visitors with bright LED lights and fun performances. 

  • Operating Hours 08:00-20:00 (Varies by store) Night market 19:30-23:30
  • Phone : +82-51-243-1128
  • Address : 48, Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-gu, Busan 부산광역시 중구 부평1길 48
  • Homepage: www.bupyeong-market.com

How to get here By [Subway] Jagalchi Station (Busan Subway Line 1), Exit 7. Walk straight then turn at your first left. Walk straight approx. 340m. Turn left and walk approx. 115m and you will find it on your right.

19. Dadaepo Fountain Of Dream

Credit to Jae Young Kim

Dadaepo Beach is made from sands deposited by Nakdonggang River and features shallow water and wide sand beach suitable for children to enjoy. Water activities can be enjoyed at the beach such as paddleboarding, kiteboarding and more. By adding Beach Park and walking path, the crowd has become bigger year after year. At the entrance of the beach, the large plaza has the biggest musical fountain in the world. Visitors can enjoy the musical fountain from late-April to October.

Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams is located at the plaza of Dadaepo Beach. The music fountain, the first of its kind in Busan, shoots water up to 55 m above the ground and displays a choreographed show of water dancing along with the background music. Most fountain shows in the world are located within a lake or small pool, which makes this fountain stand out for being performed straight out of an open plaza. From April to October, visitors can watch a fantastic fusion of sound, light and water along with various cultural events, performed nearby.

[Music Fountain (20 minutes)] Spring (from April opening): Weekdays 19:30 / Weekends & Public Holidays 19:30, 20:30 Summer (May-August): Weekdays 20:00 / Weekends & Public Holidays 20:00, 21:00 Fall (September-October): Weekdays 19:30 / Weekends & Public Holidays 19:30, 20:30 * Subject to change depending on weather conditions. *During summer vacation period (July 22-August 20) musical fountain will perform at 20:00 and 21:00.

  • Phone : (051)220-4161
  • Address : 14, Morundae 1-gil, Saha-gu, Busan
  • Homepage: fountain.saha.go.kr  

How to get here By [Subway] Dadaepo Beach Station (Metro line 1), exit 2 → walk about 4 minutes to the beach

20. Ahopsan Forest

“Ahopsan” of Ahopsan Forest is a pure Korean word that means embracing the nine valleys. After going to all the iconic spot of Busan, some of you might wondering one of k-drama hotspot that used on The king Eternal Monarch  and  Moon lovers Scarlet Ryeo.

Yes, it’s named is Ahopsan Forest. Ahopsan Forest is private owned forest, famous for its bamboo trees. It is located in the village of Uncheon in Gijang County.

It takes 1 to 2 hours to explore all the trails of the Ahopsan Forest. The fragrance of trees, the birds singing, and the cool shade created by trees are more than enough to rejuvenate the hearts of those tired of busy daily life. Why don’t you walk through the old trees at the Ahopsan Forest this weekend to relieve stress?

  • Operating Hours: 09.00-18.00 Closed on Monday
  • Fee: 5.000 won
  • Phone : +82 51-721-9183
  • Address : South Korea, Busan, Gijang-gun, Cheolma-myeon, 미동길 37-1
  • Homepage:   visitbusan

How to get here By [Bus] Take a bus no. 184 and get off at ungcheon bus stop. walk for 500m to ahopsan forest.​

Attractions In Busan

Which one of these attractions you love most in busan? Make sure you check out on my post about top 14 cafe you can find in busan and also Blue Line Park, The most beautiful Coastal View Track in Busan!

Every share and every ounce of your support brings my passion for Korea to life – Thank you for visit.

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Busan Travel Guide: What To Do and Must-Visit Attractions

Jason Park

Booking a trip to South Korea and wondering what all the hype in Busan is about?

The port city of Busan is a major sea, land, and air transportation center in South Korea. Bathing beaches and coastal parks are therefore among the coastal tourism attractions of Busan.

Historical structures, museums, and art galleries are just a few of the city’s other attractions that draw visitors from all over the world.

Continue reading to learn more about what to do in Busan including some tourist popular activities to try, what Busan is known for, as well as the top 3 places to stay during your trip and more.

Why Visit Busan?

busan tourism places

There are many reasons to visit Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city. 

After all, Busan offers some fantastic tourist attractions. For example, many tourists flock to Busan simply to experience their hiking trails. 

Overall, Busan is a city that can only be fully comprehended through experience. 

This city never sleeps, with its vibrant beaches, delectable seafood, busy marketplaces, painted village streets, and outstanding cultural attractions.

What To Do in Busan?

Whether you’re looking for a historical, cultural, or natural experience, Busan offers it all. 

Tourists can delve deep into the historical roots of South Korea by touring many museums and art galleries littered throughout the city. Temples can also offer visitors a cultural experience unique to Busan.

If you’re looking for a more secluded, peaceful trip, Busan also offers a multitude of hiking trails for hikers of all experience levels. 

So, while you may enjoy the hustle and bustle of Busan life, it is also quite easy to escape the city and experience the whole other side of South Korea .

Experiencing the Local Busan Cuisine

busan tourism places

A crucial component of experiencing a foreign culture is eating local food.

 Who knows when or if you will return to South Korea, let alone Busan, so why pass up the opportunity to purchase Busan cuisine when it won’t likely be available on the Wal-Mart shelves when you get home?

For example, many tourists are rumored to enjoy Dwaeji Gukbap.  In this cuisine, a stew is prepared using a broth made from cooked pork bones, vegetables, and spices. 

Fortunately, the best places to try this stew are thought to be the Twin Pork Soup Restaurant and Wonjo Halmae Gukbap, both of which are located in the heart of Busan.

Visit Gamcheon Culture Village

busan tourism places

One of the best things to do in Busan includes visiting the Gamcheon Culture Village.

Gamecheon is regarded as South Korea’s mural village. This indicates that it was formerly in disrepair. 

The people sought to transform the town into the rainbow tourist destination it is today after deciding they were unhappy with the neighborhood’s run-down appearance. 

This settlement, which is perched in the hills above Busan, is now embellished with stores and businesses that are painted in vibrant pastel colors

Today, the hamlet is completely covered in intriguing murals and street art. Visitors can get a bite to eat in a restaurant or cafe while taking in whatever theme has been chosen for that location.

Visit or Hike Taejongdae Park

busan tourism places

Taejongdae Park is a rocky beach park located along the coast of Yeongdo, Busan. 

With hundreds of hiking routes that provide views of forests as well as Buddhist temples, these trails are an excellent way to enjoy Busan’s spectacular clifftop vistas.

Taejongdae Resort Park, one of Busan’s most popular outdoor areas, is also a stop on various city sightseeing excursions. 

Admission to the park is free, but tourists can also buy a cheap ticket to ride a tiny train that stops at several spots of interest throughout the park.

The park also features a tiny dock where visitors can take short boat rides to see the island’s coastline from a different point of view.

Relax At Haeundae Beach

busan tourism places

Haeundae Beach in Busan is one of the most well-known beaches in South Korea due to the several miles of sand that make up its shoreline.  

Haeundae Beach is, therefore, regarded as a popular destination for both tourists and residents. Relax and get a tan here or go on a trip with loved ones.

Tourists can also wander along the boardwalk once they’ve had their fill of sunbathing and resting. At the boardwalk, visitors can relax and enjoy a nice local meal.

Relax At Hurshimchung Spa

The biggest and most well-known spa in Busan is Hurshimchung. 

With roughly forty distinct baths, including the longevity bath, hinoki wood bath, cave bath, and open-air outdoor bath, this spa can accommodate up to 3,000 spa guests. 

The spa’s stunning facilities, which reflect exquisite architectural appeal and are furnished with extra-large hot spring tubs in spacious areas with skylights allowing in natural light, offer a uniquely soothing experience that can only be experienced at Hurshimchung. 

Other amenities, such as jjimjilbang saunas, are also accessible for spending quality time with your family while unwinding at Hurshimchung spa.

Witnessing The Sunset at Gwangalli Beach

busan tourism places

Gwangalli Beach is viewed as a more tranquil and quiet alternative to Haeundae Beach. This beach also provides stunning views of the Gwangandaegyo bridge. 

After nightfall, the bridge is illuminated with glittering lights in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. 

So, if you stay after dark, the sunset, in conjunction with the lit-up bridge is a spectacle not to be missed. In addition to the sunset and bridge, an evening trip to the beach can occasionally include singers and performers.

Shop at Jagalchi Fish Market

busan tourism places

The largest fish market in South Korea, Jagalchi Fish Market, offers both live and dried seafood. 

When compared to other fish markets in Korea, Jagalchi Market stands out for its easy access to public transportation, an enormous selection of live seafood, a pleasant atmosphere, the occasional outdoor street act, and stunning views of the ocean. 

When the outside market area is excluded, it is also considered relatively clean.

You can either go to one of the numerous restaurants on the second story and choose the meals you want, or you can buy the live seafood on the ground floor and bring it there to be prepared and cooked for an extra fee.

As an alternative, you can also sample a vast variety of fish dishes in the seafood buffet restaurant on the fifth floor of the market.

Shop at Gukje Market

busan tourism places

Following the Korean War, refugees who fled to Busan set up stalls to sell illegal or imported goods to make a livelihood, which eventually expanded into the modern Gukje Market.

Today, one of Korea’s biggest marketplaces is Gukje Market. The market’s aisles are lined with vendors offering a variety of items, especially apparel, housewares, and mechanical tools. 

A charity store-lined alleyway also lies to the right of the market, and Kkangtong Market can be found to the left.

Explore Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

busan tourism places

One of the rare South Korean temples with a waterfront location is Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which is, fortunately, located in the city of Busan. It’s a unique find and a fantastic chance to escape the city and take in some breathtaking scenery.

For both locals and visitors from abroad, this picturesque area has emerged as one of Busan’s top tourism destinations. 

This temple is special and intriguing for a variety of reasons, including the rocks that surround it and the sea wind. 

Although Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is rather out of the way from the heart of Busan, it is still worthwhile to see!

Naong, a Buddhist instructor, erected the temple in 1376. It was unfortunately destroyed during the Japanese invasion, but it was reconstructed in 1930. 

In 1974, the temple was given its current name, Haedong Yonggungsa, which translates as “Korean Dragon Palace Temple.”

Before reaching the temple, you must first pass past 12 stone zodiac figures with human bodies and animal faces, which are filled with statues and pagodas and give spectacular views of the sea. 

These 12 figures, which appear to be defending the temple, will take you to this stunning 8-story pagoda. 

Explore the Wide Range of Korean Products at Nampo-dong 

busan tourism places

Nampo-dong is a southern Busan neighborhood located miles from the city’s well-known beaches. 

Every year, tourists flock to this neighborhood to shop, dine, drink, and soak in the unique atmosphere, making it the hub of shopping in Busan.

Here you can find the finest of both old and new Korea. 

Many of the wartime-built markets are still thriving today, and travelers continue to flock to the famed BIFF Square to sample traditional Korean street food .

Where to Stay in Busan? 

Finding a place to stay is a crucial part of vacation preparation. Busan, fortunately, offers a wide range of choices. 

You can, therefore, choose whatever form of accommodation you wish to fit your budget since there are so many options available.

It is important to take note, however, that Busan is conveniently divided into three primary locations where travelers can stay. These are referred to as Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Gwangan.

Staying in Haeundae or Gwangan

busan tourism places

The two most well-liked beachy areas of Busan are Gwangan and Haeundae. Numerous hotels can also be found in both of these neighborhoods.

 is the place to go if you want to treat yourself to a luxurious hotel stay. 

On the other hand, Gwangan is preferable if you’re seeking accommodations that are more affordable.

Overall, Haeundae and Gwangan are considered the best locations if you want to spend some relaxing days sunbathing while your kids construct sandcastles on Busan’s world-famous beaches.

Staying in Seomyeon

busan tourism places

Stay in Seomyeon to get the most out of your time in Busan. This is the most central area of the city and the ideal starting point for your exploration of Busan. 

It’s a bustling area with lots of places to eat and shop as well as convenient access to the rest of the city.

Seomyeon offers a wide variety of food and shopping establishments as well as a vibrant nightlife. 

The city’s main attractions are also only a short bus or metro ride away, making this the ideal starting point for day trips across Busan.

What is Busan Known for?

Busan is known for many things such as historical and cultural attractions.

Historical Attractions in Busan

busan tourism places

Are you interested in learning more about Busan’s past? 

There are several historical sites in Busan, such as venerable structures, monuments, palaces, and parks, where you can discover more about the city’s illustrious past. 

These historical landmarks and museums will offer you a tour of Busan’s colorful past.

It is advised that you join a guided tour to cover the main historical attractions if you want to experience Busan’s history in greater detail.

Cultural Attractions in Busan

busan tourism places

Busan boasts a rich cultural history, fascinating food, a plethora of temples, beach activities, and a relatively pleasant and inviting community.

As a result, visiting Busan would be incomplete without learning about its rich history. Busan’s art and cultural events will provide you with an understanding of the city’s history, customs, and artwork.

Best of all, compared to other South Korean cities, Busan is relatively calm, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing getaway.

Final Thoughts

Busan, South Korea’s port city, is a significant sea, land, and air transportation hub. Bathing beaches and coastal parks are therefore among Busan’s coastal tourism highlights.

Other attractions that lure people from all around the world include historical sites, museums, and art galleries.

Overall, Busan is a city that can only be completely understood through personal experience. With its lively beaches, scrumptious seafood, bustling marketplaces, painted village streets, and excellent cultural attractions, this city never sleeps.

Busan has it all, whether you want a historical, cultural, or natural experience. Tourists can dig deep into South Korea’s historical past by visiting the city’s various museums and art galleries.

Temples can also provide visitors with a cultural experience that is unique to South Korea.

On the other hand, if you want to go somewhere more quiet and tranquil, Busan has a plethora of hiking paths for hikers of all skill levels.

While you may appreciate the rush and bustle of Busan life, this city also provides a rather simple escape to see a different side of South Korea.

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Busan Cityscape

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Home to majestic mountains, glistening beaches, steaming hot springs and fantastic seafood, South Korea’s second-largest city is a rollicking port town with tons to offer. From casual tent bars and chic designer cafes to fish markets teeming with every species imaginable, Busan (부산) has something for all tastes. Rugged mountain ranges slice through the urban landscape, and events such as the Busan International Film Festival underscore the city’s desire to be a global meeting place.

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Home » Travel Guides » South Korea » 15 Best Things to Do in Busan (South Korea)

15 Best Things to Do in Busan (South Korea)

South Korea’s second city and main port is in the south-east of the country on mountainous terrain.

Busan has Korea’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi, and is the source of some of Korea’s favourite snacks and dishes, like fishcakes (eomuk) and seafood scallion pancakes (dongnae pajeon). At Haeundae Beach there’s an inviting sandy bay framed by skyscrapers, while the downtown Nampo-dong is an intoxicating warren of markets and high street stores.

In Busan you can try to make sense of the largest department store in the world, Shinsegae Centum City, leave the city behind in search of Buddhist temples in the mountains, or journey to Taejongdae, on a natural balcony over the Korea Strait.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Busan :

1. Jagalchi Fish Market

Jagalchi Fish Market

The leading fish market in South Korea lies on the waterfront at a seven-storey building in Nampo-dong.

Of course, there’s an obvious culinary appeal to a place like this, but it’s also worthwhile to roam the trading floor on the first level just to see an operation of this size in action and take the pulse of daily life in Busan.

As early as 07:00 you can pay for whatever takes your fancy (try haggling), be it octopus, king crab, lobster, shrimp, eel, squid, scallops or a huge array of fish.

Then take it up to one of the restaurants on the second floor where it will be cooked or simply cut for you if you’re having sashimi.

For a less hands-on experience there are restaurants and buffets on the floors above, while at the top is a sky park overlooking the harbour.

2. Taejongdae

Taejongdae

Yeong Island is joined by a bridge to Busan’s mainland at the downtown neighbourhood of Nampo-dong, and pushes out south-east into the Korea Strait.

The further you travel the sparser the development on this mountainous island, and at its very tip is a natural wonder.

Buffeted by the sea, Taeongdae is all dense evergreen forest and rocky coastal scenery with caves and lofty cliffs.

There’s a lighthouse, temples, a small amusement park, a wild pebble beach, a cruise terminal and an observatory on the cliff-top where you can make out Japan’s Tsushima some 40 kilometres to the south on clear days.

A road train (Danubi) will carry you to the most scenic spots, which are also linked by a walking path if you’re feeling energetic in this steep environment.

3. Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach

The pick of Busan’s beaches is on the coast of the Haeundae District in eastern Busan.

The great allure of this sandy shoreline, has sparked incredible development in the last couple of decades, and the beach is now skirted by a crescent of supertall skyscrapers like Haeundae LCT The Sharp and Haeundae Doosan We’ve the Zenith, both above 300 metres.

Haeundae Beach is a 1.5-kilometre arc of pale sand, and, unlike the other major beaches in Busan, faces south, which opens it up to the south wind and creates rolling waves of up to 1.5 metres that break far out in this low-shelving bay.

All summer long there’s a line-up of festivals and events here, like a sand sculpture festival in June and the city-wide Busan Sea Festival in August.

This opes with concerts and a beach-side fireworks display and continuing a few days later with a Water Carnival, presenting dance teams and EDM performances.

4. Yongdusan Park

Yongdusan Park

Downtown Busan’s main park covers the 50-metre Yongdusan Mountain, which takes its name for the Korean for dragon’s head (yongdu) to describe the shape of the peak.

The mountain is littered with monuments, like a 12-metre statue for Admiral Yi Sun-sin who gained key victories during the Japanese invasions (1592-1598), a flower clock, the Palgakjeong octagonal pavilion and the citizens’ bell pavilion.

At the very top is the 120-metre Busan Tower, which we’ll cover below.

During the Korean War (1950-53) the entire mountainside was a shanty town for refugees, but this was twice burnt down.

After the conflict, Yongdusan Mountain was replanted, becoming a welcome oasis in a dense area of Busan, and is a joy in spring when the cherry trees are in flower.

5. Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village

Cascading down the slopes of a coastal mountain Gamcheon Culture Village is a picturesque neighbourhood of brightly painted houses on scurrying alleys and stairways.

This part of Gamechon-dong began life as a shanty town settled by refugees in the wake of the Korean War, and coming into the 21st century was down-at-heel and underdeveloped.

Initiatives like an area-wide repainting scheme, public art commissions and the “Empty House Residency Preservation Project” have reinvigorated the area, now full of character and one of the most arty in Busan.

You can come to look around, take insta-worthy photos of the townscape and murals, browse art studios and get a little background on the neighbourhood’s rebirth at Gamcheon Cultural Village Information Center.

6. Haedong Yonggungsa

Haedong Yonggungsa

An easy excursion from Haeundae Beach and eastern Busan, Haedong Yonggungsa is a Buddhist temple in a marvellous setting, resting atop granite outcrops and looking east out to sea.

The location is unusual as most temples in Korea are posted high in the mountains.

The temple goes back to 1376 during the last years of the Goryeo Dynasty and after being pulled down during the Japanese invasions (1592-1598) was reconstructed in the 1930s.

Some of the monuments to discover are the 108 steps, the Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (tucked in a cave), the Haesu Gwaneum Daebul statue (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), a three-storey pagoda embellished with four lions and the magical Daeungjeon (Main Hall). If you can, try to visit at sunrise, while there’s a sublime lantern show to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday, in April or May.

7. Busan Tower

Busan Tower

An emblem for Busan, the 120-metre tower in Yongdusan Park has been here since 1973 and unlike many towers of its kind was raised purely as a visitor attraction, without any broadcasting equipment.

At the foot of Busan Tower are souvenir shops, an aquarium and a science exhibition hall, while the observatory at the top is set on two floors.

Catching an elevator to the top is one of those things all first-time visitors have to do in Busan, especially if the sky is clear.

At night there’s a knockout panorama of the harbour, the Busan Bridge, Jagalchi Market and out as far as Japan’s Tsushima Island in the Korea Strait if conditions are right.

8. Beomeosa

Beomeosa

Perched on the secluded eastern slopes of the 800-metre mountain, Geumjeongsan, Beomeosa is a head temple for Korean Buddhism’s Jongye Order.

It is one of the three most important temples in South Korea’s Yeongnam region and has a history that can be traced back to 678 CE, in the reign of the Silla King Munmu.

A lot of what you see today dates from the beginning of the 17th century as the temple was badly damaged in the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598). The complex is wreathed in wild wisteria and lavender, which is breathtaking when it blooms in late-spring.

You’ll have a series of Korean National Treasures to take in, like the highly ornate main temple hall (Daeungjeon), held as one of the great works of Joseon Dynasty architecture in Korea.

Other sights savour are the three-storey stone pagoda, the Iljumun (one-pillar gate), the eastern and western pagodas for the nearby Wonhyoam hermitage and a historic stone lamp and flagpole holder.

There’s a templestay programme for people who want to get a feel for Jongye Buddhism and escape the city for a couple of days.

9. Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach

Curling round for 1.4 kilometres, and more than 100 metres across in places, Gwangalli Beach has soft, fine sand and high water quality after improvements in recent years.

You’ll never go hungry at Gwangalli Beach as there are more than 300 restaurants, cafes and sushi bars within a few steps.

What will hit you right away is the view of mammoth Gwangandaegyo suspension bridge spanning the bay a few hundred metres out to sea.

The shore here is the best place to catch the bridge’s LED lightshow after dark.

More than a million people gather at the beach and the promenade behind for the Busan International Fireworks Festival, one of the largest fireworks events in Asia and held across two evenings in late-October.

10. Seokbulsa

Stone Carvings At Seokbulsa

Like Beomeosa this temple is a little removed from the city, high past the west side of Geumgang Park in Buk-gu.

The simplest way to get there is to catch the park’s cable car, and then make the hike from the upper station through beautiful evergreen woodland via the South Gate of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress to this peaceful mountain haven.

The journey is half the fun, especially on the cable car, which has photo-worthy views of Busan between the trees.

The name Seokbulsa (Rock Buddha Temple) most likely comes from the reliefs of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and muscular guardians carved into the high walls of rock behind the temple up to ten metres.

These are Seokbulsa’s must-see, as is the main hall carved from the rock and occupied by the single Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) on the ground floor and hundreds of smaller Buddha statues on the level above.

Here, Birojana-bul (The Buddha of Cosmic Energy), is at the centre of the main altar, flanked by Moonsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom) and Bohyun-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power).

11. Nampo-dong

Nampo-dong

It can take a while to get yourself oriented in Busan’s chaotic central shopping area, but before long you’ll notice that the various alleys are reserved for specific products.

Kang-tong Gol-mok (Tin Can Alley) has bargain market items, while Vintage Clothes Alley is a crazy jumble of second-hand clothing, with some real finds among the chaos if you’re persistent.

Book Alley is self-explanatory, while Gukje Market is for international goods and arrived in the 1950s when American items smuggled through Busan Port would end up here.

Fashion Street, formerly a gritty place to buy camera parts, is now lined with brand name clothes retailers and is the scene for Nampo-dong’s Christmas lights festival.

In 2017 a new Lotte Department Store opened to the east Gwangbok, hosting fast fashion brands like Uniqlo, Zara and Mango, and drawing more visitors from the beach to this bustling downtown area.

12. BIFF Square

BIFF Square

This dining, shopping and entertainment district, also in Nampo-dong, is named after the Busan International Film Festival, which was launched in 1996. Held across ten days every October, the festival took off right away and screens hundreds of movies from scores of countries, welcoming prestigious international guests from Ennio Morricone to Wim Wenders.

The festival has had a transformative effect on BIFF Square, giving rise to a modern movie district loaded with first-run theatres.

A roll-call of directors and actors have left their hand prints on the pavement on this 428-metre street, and in between the cinemas there’s a lot of shopping to be done.

This is also just place to munch on proper Busan street food.

A local signature is ssiat hotteok, a pancake with a sweet filling of pine nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, brown sugar and cinnamon, and a warming treat on winter nights.

13. Samjin Eomuk

Eomuk, Korean Fishcake

Hard to miss at Busan Station for the long line trailing out its door, Samjin Eomuk is a wildly popular chain selling fishcakes (eomuk), close relatives to croquettes and made with 70% fish and sold for pocket change.

These are a classic Busan street food, introduced during the Japanese occupation, and elevated to a delicacy in the last decade by this very company, whose shop at the station is laid out like a bakery.

Along with the classic Samjin Eomuk offers a range of fillings in its fishcake croquettes, like cheese, sweet potato, hot pepper, curry, shrimp and potato.

The company has a number of locations around Busan, including a sleek cafe concept and a factory/museum in Yeongdo where you can see fish paste being processed and sign up one day in advance for workshops.

14. Gwangandaegyo Bridge

Gwangandaegyo Bridge

Tying the massive urban development project at Centum City to Busan’s central Suyeong-gu, is the second-longest bridge in the country, with a total length of 7.42 kilometres.

This giant structure crosses the mouth of the Suyeong River, took nine years to complete and is on two storeys, with one-way traffic in opposite directions on each level.

Tens of thousands of LED lights put on a light show that changes by the season and runs from sunset until midnight or the early hours of the morning.

Cross the bridge and you’ll be treated to satisfying vistas of the Korea Strait, Gwangalli Beach Hwangnyeongsan Mountain, Oryukdo Island, Dongbaekseom Island and Dalmaji Hill.

15. Shinsegae Centum City

Shinsegae Centum City

A good reason to head over to Centum City is for what is officially the largest department store in the world.

Here since 2009, Shinsegae Centum City is the flagship store for the Shinegae chain, outstripping Macy’s Herald Square in New York.

The surrounding Centum City is an urban regeneration project at what used to be Suyeong Airport and is now offices, exhibition halls and large-scale shopping amenities, all hooked up to Line Two of the Busan Metro.

Shinsegae Centum City has mind-boggling proportions, especially when you look up in awe at the atrium.

There are ten floors of shopping, for clothing, cosmetics, accessories, sportswear, footwear and a groceries, complemented by a multiplex cinema on the upper levels and an ice rink.

15 Best Things to Do in Busan (South Korea):

  • Jagalchi Fish Market
  • Haeundae Beach
  • Yongdusan Park
  • Gamcheon Culture Village
  • Haedong Yonggungsa
  • Busan Tower
  • Gwangalli Beach
  • BIFF Square
  • Samjin Eomuk
  • Gwangandaegyo Bridge
  • Shinsegae Centum City

Top 15 Things To Do In Busan (South Korea)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: May 27, 2019  - Last updated: October 17, 2023

Things To Do In Busan

Busan is the second largest city in South Korea with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing.

If you are a traveler who has been searching for a new place to experience, a trip to Busan in South Korea is strongly recommended.

Busan has dozens of attractions and activities available.

Even with a typical one week stay full of adventures, it is unlikely that you will see half of what Busan has to offer.

From the mountains to the coastlines and everything within the city itself, Busan is definitely a city that requires multiple trips just to be able to experience it all.

The city of Busan is composed of so many different areas that there’s no way you will be bored for even a minute during your visit.

You barely have to go half a mile before finding yourself in a completely new neighborhood.

You can relax on the beach, go for a walk in the park or check out some South Korea food vendors.

Whether you are interested in history, being out in nature or sightseeing, there are plenty of things to do in Busan.

If you are wondering about what to do in Busan, here are the top suggestions (along with travel tips and travel hacks ).

Table of Contents

1. Enjoy The Scenic Hikes Of Taejongdae Park

Taejongdae Park In Busan

Sanga Park / Shutterstock

Taejongdae Park is along the coastline of Yeongdo, Busan and consists of rocky beaches.

There are dozens of trails to hike that give you the chance to see woodlands along with Buddhist temples.

These trails will take you up to the clifftops for scenic and breathtaking views.

There is a known legend that aside from the people who are local to the area, gods and goddesses also like to take in the views and surrounding scenery.

They like to sit on Sinseon Rock near the lighthouse while being mesmerized by the sea.

Even for those who are not big fans of hiking, these views must be incredible if gods and goddesses approve of them.

If you enjoy the clifftop views (who wouldn’t?), you can head up to the lighthouse for more incredible views.

Taejongdae lighthouse in busan

If you were not already taking photos while on the clifftops, this is the place to do it. Aside from picture-worthy views, lighthouses can be fun to check out.

Hiking these trails is a good way to get a bit of exercise.

For those who do not have the time or ability to go hiking, there is a Danubi train that will take you to see all of the main attractions.

Address: 24 Jeonmang-ro, Dongsam-dong, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea

2. Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan

Pinglabel / Shutterstock

Visiting the Gamcheon Culture Village is among the top things to do in Busan.

If you are interested in unique things to do in Busan, Gamcheon Culture Village should definitely be in your plans.

This village is located in the hills high above Busan and has pastel painted shops and stores.

Every surface of the village has been decorated with interesting street art and murals.

Stop by a restaurant or cafe for a bite to eat and witness whatever theme has been set for that particular place.

Several restaurants have their own unique theme which gives you a reason to come back and check out different places.

Gamcheon Culture Village

ST_Travel / Shutterstock

Gamecheon is seen as a mural village of South Korea. This means that it was once in a run down condition.

The locals decided that they were getting tired of the neighborhood looking so run down and worked to turn the village into the rainbow tourist attraction it is today.

They offer a map of the village that will take visitors on a scavenger hunt.

This scavenger hunt involves collecting postcards and stamps to see various notable artwork on display.

Address: 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea

3. Haeundae Beach

Busan Haeundae beach

Chen Chiu Ling / Shutterstock

This beach in Busan is one of the most popular in South Korea due to the few miles of its sandy coastline.

Haeundae Beach is a popular beach that both tourists and locals like to visit. Relax and get a tan or enjoy an outing with family and friends.

Once you are tired of lounging and soaking in the sun, you can head up the boardwalk. Seek some shade while drinking a cup of coffee or eating lunch.

Haeundae beach restaurant street

There is a market near Haeundae station which sells reasonably priced Korean food.

The Busan Aquarium is also nearby for the enjoyment of marine life.

If you are a night owl, Haeundae is a popular destination for partying, drinking and karaoke.

Address: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

4. Sunset At Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach

Dmitry Rukhlenko / Shutterstock

Gwangalli Beach is seen as a quieter and more peaceful alternative to Haeundae Beach.

It has views of Gwangandaegyo bridge that people who are local to Busan cannot help but adore.

Sunset is considered the best time to visit Gwangalli Beach. Relax after a day filled with fun by staring at a sky of red and orange. There is not a better way to end a day in Busan.

If you stay after dark, the bridge will be lit up with red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple twinkling lights.

Gwangan bridge in Busan

Panwasin seemala / Shutterstock

You don’t have to be obsessed with rainbows to be mesmerized by such a breathtaking view.

Aside from the sunset and bridge, an evening trip to the beach may include musicians and performers.

Staring at the beauty of the bridge while enjoying street performers is a perfectly valid reason to not go to bed.

Address: 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea

5. HurShimChung Spa

HurShimChung Spa

South Korea is well known for having excellent spas and beauty centers. Visiting a spa on a trip to South Korea is a must and Hur Shim Chung Spa is located in Busan.

Hur Shim Chung Spa is among the oldest in South Korea and is hence one of everyone’s favorites. They provide visitors with an authentic spa experience.

It is best to start off with their Korean body scrubs that are known to be rejuvenating.

There are pools and saunas provided with herbs and fragrances that provide various ailments.

Just like Gwangalli Beach’s sunset, a spa like Hur Shim Chung Spa is a perfect way to relax after seeing the sights of Busan.

Address: 23 Geumganggongwon-ro 20beon-gil, Oncheon 1(il)-dong, Dongnae-gu, Busan, South Korea

6. Jagalchi Fish Market

Jagalchi Fish Market

Ivan Marc / Shutterstock

Busan is a port town, so it has the largest fish market in South Korea. If you decide to visit the Jagalchi Fish Market, you would be well advised to wear shoes.

You should basically put on whatever footwear that completely covers your feet.

The fish at Jagalchi Fish Market are fresh and are brought in immediately after being caught. They are then sliced, chopped and prepared to be served and eaten.

If you are planning to try octopus, there is a chance it will still be alive when you eat it. Do not be surprised or hesitant because that is not unusual in Busan or South Korea.

Fresh fish can be bought in a stall and taken to a tented restaurant to be prepared. Hang out under a tent with a local while enjoying your seafood with a beverage called soju (alcohol).

If you want to be able to see the various seafood being brought in and prepared, you should set an alarm to be sure you are up early.

Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

7. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Guitar photographer / Shutterstock

Go north to the outskirts of Busan to visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple . This Buddhist temple is located on top of a cliff.

Most temples in South Korea are located up in the mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the few temples located near the sea.

The temple site has been around since the thirteen hundreds. A Buddhist teacher built the site because he was told to while having a vision.

The Haedong Yonggungsa Temple has had to be rebuilt after being destroyed multiple times throughout the previous centuries.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan

Despite this, it is currently seen as a beautiful temple because of its structure and its setting.

This temple is said to have numerous reports of strange and unusual incidents occurring throughout the years.

Also, by praying to the Buddha statue outside of the pagoda, you will be free of diseases.

To top it all off, there is a market that sells unusual treats of South Korea if you are brave enough to try them.

Address: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang, Busan, South Korea

8. Go Haggle At Gukje Market

Gukje Market

nunawwoofy / Shutterstock

At this point in the list, it is obvious that Busan, and South Korea in general, have a good amount of different markets.

These markets sell a variety of items from food to accessories. When you go visit Busan, odds are you will end up visiting a few markets.

Your trip to Busan should include at least one visit to Gukje Market .

They basically have everything. So if you happen to need or want a particular item, you are bound to find it.

This market has been around since the Korean war when refugees were in Busan.

If you get a chance to check out Gukje Market, it is recommended that you also go see Kkangtong and Bupyeong Markets nearby.

Address: 25 Gukjesijang 2-gil, Gwangbok-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

9. Try Some Busan Cuisine

Dwaeji Gukbap

crystaltmc / Shutterstock – Korean pork rice soup (Dwaeji-gukbap)

Trying the food that is local to the area is a part of experiencing a foreign country.

Busan cuisine is not something that is likely to appear on the shelves of Wal-Mart when you go back home.

Who knows if and when you will be returning to South Korea or Busan specifically, so why pass it up?

Trying new food might be one of the things to do in Seoul , but do not be afraid to go off the beaten path.

Dwaeji Gukbap is the most famous of Busan and is a definite dish to try.

It is a stew that is made with a broth from boiled pork bones. It has pork and vegetables in it along with some seasoning.

Twin Pork Soup Restaurant and Wonjo Halmae Gukbap both in the center of Busan are considered the best places to visit for this stew.

While visiting food markets, try to find some Ssiat Hotteok which is the Busan version of pancakes.

With that being said, why would you not try them? And with them being so available, they should not be hard to find.

Address (Twin Pork soup): 887-1 Daeyeon 1(il)-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea

Address (Wonjo Halmae Gukbap): 27 Gunam-ro 21beon-gil, U 1(il)-dong, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea

10. Stay At The Temple Of Beomeosa

Beomeosa Temple

Agnieszka Skalska / Shutterstock

Any temple in Busan is worth a visit, especially the Temple of Beomeosa .

Just as most temples in South Korea are, the Temple of Beomeosa is up in the mountains surrounded by serene and peaceful seclusion.

The history of the temple goes back over a thousand years and the temple has the most important site in South Korea.

The Beomeosa Temple has a Korean Temple Stay program to participate in for those who are interested.

By participating in this program, you will spend a few days living in the temple along with all of its accommodations.

You can either meditate while enjoying the South Korea mountain scenery or shadow monks to learn about their daily lives.

Address: 250 Beomeosa-ro, Cheongnyongnopo-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea

11. Shinsegae Centum City Department Store

Shinsegae Centum City Department Store

Keith Homan / Shutterstock

Busan has the biggest shopping center in the world. Shinsegae Centum City actually has the title of the largest shopping center in the world to make it official.

Shinsegae is well known throughout South Korea. It is like a department store, only much larger and spread out across fourteen floors.

There are no taxes while shopping for some people and anyone who loves to shop is sure to have a field day at Shinsegae Centum City.

Address: 35 Centumnam-daero, U-dong, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea

12. Shop At Nampo-dong For Korean Products

Nampo-dong Busan

f11photo / Shutterstock

Aside from Shinsegae, another go to shopping area is Nampo-dong. The Nampo-dong district has plenty of apparel stores and boutiques to check out.

The stores in this district have unique items you will not be able to find anywhere else.

No matter how much or how little money you are willing to spend, you will find something for a price you can agree to.

The Nampo-dong district also has restaurants that serve different kinds of cuisine.

Interesting shops to visit and new food to try are all the reasons you need to go and visit the Nampo-dong district.

Address: 2-6 Nampodong 5(o)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

13. Hiking The Geumjeongsan Mountain

Geumjeongsan mountain in busan

Pradit.Ph / Shutterstock

Geumjeongsan Mountain has woodlands, hot springs, rock formations and Buddhist temples.

All of this makes Geumjeongsan Mountain one of the best places for hiking in Busan and South Korea.

If you have a good amount of free time or love to be in the middle of the great outdoors, you should definitely go for a hike along the Geumjeongsan Mountain.

The Temple of Beomeosa is actually located on Geumjeongsan Mountain which means you can stop for a short visit while on a hike.

This mountain is not too difficult of a hike and reaching the top will reward you with the amazing sky view of Busan down below.

The ruins of what was once the Geumjeongsan Fortress is also a sight that is worth seeing.

Address: 38, Dongmun-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea

14. Oryukdo Skywalk In Igidae Park

Oryukdo sky walk in Busan city

ARTYOORAN / Shutterstock

Igidae Park is one of the “off the beaten track” things to do in Busan. This coastal walk will take you past the Gwangan Bridge and Haeundae Beach.

A walk down this trail will allow you to see plenty of Busan, possibly including some attractions you have already visited or plan to visit.

It is a way to get some exercise and do some sightseeing.

The south end of the park has a spot that looks out to the five Oryukdo islands. If you want to visit Oryukdo via a ferry, you can walk along the sky bridge that has a glass bottom.

It can be a cool and somewhat nerve-wracking experience which makes it an opportunity that should not be passed up.

While visiting Igidae Park, you can also visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple that is nearby. Both attractions are close enough to be able to visit in one day.

Address: 137 Oryuk-doro, Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea

15. Busan Modern History Museum

Busan Modern History Museum

桂鷺淵 / Katsura Roen [CC BY-SA 3.0]

The Busan Modern History Museum has a few exhibition halls where you can learn about the history of Busan and the Korean War.

This museum offers a history class you can take if you happen to be fascinated with the information available in the museum or about the city of Busan.

Regardless of how much you are into history, it can be a fun activity to participate in.

Address: 104 Daecheong-ro, Daecheongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

Explore South Korea

And if Busan has so much to experience as the second largest city in South Korea, then just imagine what Seoul, the largest city in South Korea has to offer.

If you are interested in Seoul, check out this article on the things to do in Seoul .

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30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BUSAN [KOREA GUIDE]

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What to do in Busan? Is Busan Worth Visiting? Where to go shopping in Busan?

Do you want to visit Busan and wonder what to do in South Korea ‘s second-largest city? Or you are in Seoul and simply debating: should I go to Busan? Whether you are already convinced or still hesitant, here are our top suggestions for the best things to do in Busan!

From sandy beaches to popular markets, including temples, parks, and cultural spaces, there is something for everyone in Busan!

In this post, we listed all you need to know about Busan.

We absolutely love this place. Enjoy your trip to Busan!

Busan

Busan (부산광역시) is the second largest city in South Korea, after Seoul. It is located at the southern end of the Korean Peninsula. Previously, Busan was referred to as Pusan. This spelling is still sometimes found in South Korea.

Busan’s port is ranked among the 10 largest commercial ports in the world! Very impressive.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT A VISIT TO BUSAN

– There are several landmarks to visit in Busan which are absolutely stunning. Busan even has the most beautiful temple in South Korea ! Excited? Oh yes, you should be. – As there are many attractions in Busan, we recommend at least 3 days for your trip, 4 days being ideal. – In terms of climate, Busan is one of the few cities in South Korea where the temperature rarely drops below zero. Unlike Seoul where negative temperatures are very common in winter. – If you plan to visit Busan and enjoy the beach, then it is best to go between June and September.

Here is a glimpse of what you can expect during a visit to Busan:

What to do in Busan?

1. haeundae, the most popular beach in south korea.

Busan 02

Haeundae Beach is the most famous place in the city of Busan. This sandy beach, sometimes overcrowded in summer, is one of South Korea ‘s most popular swimming spots. At the foot of very tall buildings, in a lively district full of cafes and restaurants, Haeundae is a pleasant place to relax while enjoying the sea.

Also, if you are looking for a place to stay during your trip, we highly recommend staying in Haeundae. We recommend Shilla Stay Haeundae which for us has the best value for money, check it out here . There is more about hotels in Busan later in this post…

In Haeundae don’t miss Dongbaek Park, which is located at the foot of the huge luxury hotel Westin Chosun Busan Hotel. This park is also called “Camellia Island”. There are very nice views of Haeundae Beach and the Gwangangdaegyo Bridge. It takes an hour to go around it.

How to get to Haeundae?

Take metro line 2 at Seomyeon station, get off at Haeundae, exit 5. Then walk for 15 minutes (800 meters). Travel time from Busan station: approximately 1 hour. ( LOCATION )

Here is our full post about Haeundae for more detailed information.

2. Hop on the beach train or Blue Line Sky Capsule

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The best way to admire Busan’s beautiful coastline is to hop on the Sky Capsule. This attraction is accessible from Haeundae, just a few minutes walk from the beach.

Formerly, the Donghae Nambu Line ran along the coast from Busan to Pohang. While most of this railway has been assimilated into the Donghae Line, there is a small section that has been renovated into the Haeundae Blueline Park. The attraction opened in October 2020.

You have 2 options, the Sky Capsule or the Beach Train:

The Sky Capsules are individual trains that seat 4 people. It drives along the coastline, with a beautiful view of the sea. The ride lasts for about 30min. You will have plenty of time to take amazing photos. The Sky Capsules are all very colorful, adding to the charm of Busan. This whole train experience has a European vacation feel. It’s such a magical adventure.

The last stop is at Cheongsapo. From there you can continue by foot all the way to Songjeong Beach, another famous beach in Busan.

The Beach Train is also a really nice experience. The starting point is the same as the Sky Capsule. The train runs all the way to Songjeong with different stops along the way including the Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, one of the famous skybridge of Busan. More about it later.

Taking the Sky Capsule is one of the best things to do in Busan!

More info about the Haeundae Blueline Park:

How to get there: Jangsan Station (metro line 2), exit 7. Go straight for 600 meters. Cross the road in the direction of Haeundae Wonjo Halmae Gukbap at the five-way intersection and walk for an additional 140 meters. ( LOCATION )

Website: bluelinepark.com

Cost: Capsule: 30,000 Won for 2 person

3. Check out Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory

Busan 09

After stopping with the Sky Capsule, continue your journey along the coast and you will be able to reach Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory. This skywalk opened in August 2017 and is located at the end of the beautiful Cheongsapo fishing village in Haeundae .

Cheongsapo Daridol is a skywalk, which means a transparent glass platform above a cliff. The entrance is free. The only thing you need to do is to wear some sort of slippers to avoid damaging the glass.

The view from Cheongsapo Daridol Skywalk is stunning .

This is the third ocean observatory in Busan, after Oryukdo Skywalk (15m long) and Songdo Skywalk (104m long). A bit more about these 2 later in this post. ( LOCATION )

4. Enjoy a catamaran tour, one of the best things to do in Busan

Busan 03

As we absolutely love boats, we were so excited when we heard we could go on a boat tour in Busan. The catamaran started near Haeundae Beach , which was really convenient. The tour was absolutely stunning.

The catamaran tour last for 1 hour. You can enjoy the view of the majestic Gwangandaegyo Bridge, also called Diamond Bridge, Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae Beach, and simply have a relaxing time on the water.

There are free drinks on the boat for you to enjoy. We picked the timing just before sunset, and it was absolutely fabulous. We highly recommend this tour if you are in Busan.

The departure is from Suyeong Bay Yachting Center, which is just a few minutes ride from Haeundae. You can book directly here . Booking in advance is recommended as this attraction is very popular in Busan…

5. Songjeong Beach, the best place for surfing in Busan

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Songjeong is a lovely beach located near Haeundae . You can access it by taking the Beach Train or Sky Capsule (+20min walk along the coast) or by a short taxi or bus ride.

Songjeong is the surfer paradise in Busan. There are many surf shops along the beach and is one of the most popular places for surfing in Korea. We wrote a full guide about surfing in Korea here .

Songjeong is much less crowded than Haeundae and has plenty of restaurants and cafes. We really enjoyed spending some time there and we also went surfing on a rainy day. We loved it!

To book your surf lesson with a discount, you can purchase your pass on Trazy: here .

( LOCATION )

6. Spend a romantic evening at Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach - Busan

Almost as famous as its neighbor Haeundae, Gwangalli Beach is best visited at nightfall, when the Gwangandaegyo Bridge (Diamond Bridge) that crosses the bay lights up with a thousand lights. With the luxurious skyscrapers in the background, like those at the Marine City luxury residential complex, Gwangalli is magical. It is a must-see place for a pleasant romantic evening.

We actually enjoyed a drink at night on a terrace enjoying the view of the Bridge. There were lots of people walking along the beach and fancy cars passing by roaring their engines. We must have spent a few hours just watching around. This is a must-see in Busan!

To get there

  • Take metro line 2 at Seomyeon and get off at Gwangan, exit 5. Then walk 15 to 20 minutes for 1 km.
  • Take the # 41 bus from Busan Station and get off at Seoho Byeonwon stop. Then walk 5 minutes. Travel time from Busan station: between 45 and 50 minutes.

7. Discover Jagalchi Fish Market

Busan 19

Jagalchi market is one of the major landmarks in Busan and the largest fish market in South Korea .

Easily accessible by metro, you really have to go and see this market located on the edge of the port. It is huge, so be ready to see lots of fish.

It is best to go early in the morning, as this it the time when the market is most active. Koreans like to have breakfast in the market, with fish of course. You can also go there for lunch, there is a large hall with several food stalls on the upper floor of the indoor building with a great view of the sea and port.

The market spans several streets and buildings. There is a covered part but the biggest area is outdoors. They have of course fresh fish, but also dried fish, also popular in Korea.

Enjoy a meal, while you are visiting Jagalchi for a great Korean traditional experience. We ate one of our best meals in Busan there, with 2 grilled fish and 1 Korean seafood pancake for only 20,000 won. Incredible!

Jagalchi is located in the Nampo-dong district, where you can also find BIFF Square, Gukje Market, and Yongdusan Park, which are also the main attractions of Busan. More on it later in this post.

Discover Jagalchi Market and other Busan’s most famous markets during this Busan history and market food tour with local chef. With this tour you will also try some local popular street foods and get insider food suggestions for the rest of your vacation.

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR A VISIT TO JAGALCHI MARKET IN BUSAN

8. Explore Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the “most beautiful Temple in Korea”

Busan 11

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple offers an exceptional setting. For many, it is the most beautiful temple in South Korea .

The charm of this temple is its location by the sea. This Buddhist temple was built in 1376. It is a rather unique site in Korea. You will have the opportunity to contemplate the statue of the great golden Buddha.

To access the temple, you will have to walk along an alley of statues symbolizing Buddhist astrological signs. This temple is dedicated to the goddess of mercy.

The temple was destroyed during the Japanese invasion before being rebuilt around 1930.

We really enjoyed our visit of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. With the waves crashing on the cliffs right by the temple and being surrounded by nature, this place is really gorgeous.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is not very far from Haeundae . Take bus 100 from Haeundae and it will take about 45min. By taxi count less than 20min.

Full post here about Haedong Yonggungsa.

9. Get lost in Gamcheon Cultural Village

Busan 16

Gamcheon Culture Village was one of our highlights during our trip to Busan. It is a pretty colorful village on the outskirts of Busan, with small houses leaning against a mountain.

Gamcheon has long been a refuge for the poor. It was not until the 1990s that it benefited from a huge renovation project: artists painted the walls, and others installed works of art. Today, the village attracts many tourists, who appreciate its picturesque side and the lovely views of the coastline.

Before heading out into the steep lanes, be sure to pick up the Gamcheon map at the tourist information center, and plan on good walking shoes as there are many stairs. Count a bit more than 1 hour to visit the village. We also enjoyed a coffee at one of the many coffee shops in Gamcheon .

Discover Gamcheon Culture Village better

Enjoy nine of Busan’s main attractions, including Gamcheon Culture Village, Haedong Yonggungsa, Songdo Skywalk and more during the Small Group Full Day Busan Tour . You will learn a lot about the city’s culture and history from your guide. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.

How To get there

From Busan station, take bus number 87 and get off at Kkachi Saegil Ipgu. Walk about 10 minutes. Travel time from Busan station: 30 minutes. ( LOCATION )

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR VISITING GAMCHEON VILLAGE

10. Visit Oryukdo Skywalk and Igidae Park

Busan 12

A former military zone, the Igidae Park is now the playground for hikers who wish to walk between land and sea on coastal and forest trails.

At the end of the trail, enjoy your reward at the Oryukdo Skywalk, a platform whose transparent “u” shaped floor extends above a cliff 30 meters high.

This is a thrilling experience.

If you enjoy nature and watching the sea, then we highly recommend a trip to Igidae. If you do not have time for a hike, then simply head to Oryukdo Skywalk directly, and enjoy the platform only. It is worth the trip and it’s free.

For a north-south route, take metro line 2 to Kyungsun University-Pukyong National University station (Kyeongseongdae-Bugyeongdae), exit no.3 or 5. Then take a bus no.20, 22, 27, 39 or 131, and get off at the Igidae ipgu stop. Finally, walk about 25 minutes towards the park. Travel time from Busan station: about 1h15. ( LOCATION )

11. Go to BIFF Square, one of the main things to do in Busan

Busan 20

BIFF Square: time to immerse yourself in the crowds of the Nampo-dong shopping district. The main square of the district has helped to make Busan an international cultural city.

Indeed, this square host the Busan International Film Festival ( BIFF ) – considered the most important in Asia – and has developed as the cultural center of the city, with its many cinemas, theaters, and, like Hollywood, handprints of renowned artists on the floor.

This is also the place to be for some amazing street food, and feast on ssiat hotteok, one of Busan’s specialties.

BIFF is located just a few minutes walk from Jagalchi Market , hence you can combine a visit of both places.

From Busan station, take bus 17, 26, 27, 61, 87 1003 or 1004. Get off at Busan Depateu stop. Walk 5 minutes. Travel time from Busan station: approximately 20 minutes. ( LOCATION )

12. Take the Songdo Cable Car

松島天空步道, 松島雲端散步路, 松島海水浴場, 釜山, 釜山廣域市, 韓國, 南韓, 大韓民國, Songdo Cloud Trails, Skywalk, Songdo Beach, Busan, Pusan, Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea, Republic of Korea, ROK, Daehan Minguk, 송도구름산책로, 부산송도해수욕장, 부산, 광역시, 부산광역시, 대한민국

For 15,000 to 20,000 won, you can enjoy one of Busan’s newest attractions: Songdo cable car that takes you in ten minutes from Songdo Beach to Annam Park.

As you travel in the cabin, you will have an incredible view of Busan Harbor and the Songdo Coastal Path. If you have chosen a cabin with a glass bottom, you will be able to see the ocean beneath your feet ;-).

Finally, you can continue the visit by exploring Annam Park, which offers pretty hiking trails and even a dinosaur park! And why not have a picnic there? There are many food stalls.

Take bus number 26 from Busan station, and get off at Annam Dongjumin Senteo stop. Walk along Songdo Haebyeon-ro Street and Songnim Park to the cable car (approx. 10-minute walk). Travel time from Busan station: 35 minutes. ( LOCATION )

13. Stroll at Songdo Skywalk

松島天空步道, 松島雲端散步路, 松島海水浴場, 釜山, 釜山廣域市, 韓國, 南韓, 大韓民國, Songdo Cloud Trails, Skywalk, Songdo Beach, Busan, Pusan, Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea, Republic of Korea, ROK, Daehan Minguk, 송도구름산책로, 부산송도해수욕장, 부산, 광역시, 부산광역시, 대한민국

Songdo Skywalk is the third skywalk in Busan. This one is the longest as it extends from Songdo Beach and overhanging on top of Turtle Island. It is a very exciting sight in Busan and one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the sea and its natural surroundings.

You can also enjoy a great view of Songdo Skywalk from Songdo Cable Car which is about 50 meters above sea level. ( LOCATION )

14. Have a drink at Bay 101

Busan 04

The Bay 101 is not far from Dongbaek Island. It is now a trendy spot at the foot of the luxurious skyscrapers of Marine City. Cafes and restaurants attract the trendy youth of Busan . The marina and the Yacht Club are also in the surrounding area.

After our catamaran tour, we enjoyed some delicious fish and chips and beer right by the sea. Such a lovely evening.

If you are a fan of cinema, do not miss the Haeundae Cinema Route, 500 meters away.

Take the line from Busan Station to Seomyeon Station. From there, take line 2, and get off at Dongbaek. Expect around 15 minutes to walk. Travel time from Busan station: 1h10. ( LOCATION )

15. Shop at the Seomyeon district

DSC_7605

The very central Seomyeon district is at the crossroads of metro lines 1 and 2, making it an ideal place to stay.

It is also the main place if you want to go shopping in Busan .

Seomyeong also has many restaurants and cafes. The atmosphere is very lively, especially in the evening. Head to Seomyeon Food Alley to enjoy some great street food at some of the many stalls.

16. Hike at Taejongdae Park

Taejongdae

On foot or by train, it is quite easy to explore Taejongdae Park , which is often crowded on weekends. Go to its observatory first . Then continue with a visit to its famous lighthouse, which offers lovely views of the coastal shoreline (and to the Japanese islands of Tsushima on a clear day), as well as a rocky beach below.

The small Taejongsa Buddhist temple completes this pleasant walk of around 2 hours.

Taejongdae Park is often overlooked by first-time travelers to Busan. If you are wondering what to do in Busan on a beautiful sunny afternoon, then we highly recommend going to this park.

The park is located by the sea and expect a magical view from the top of the cliffs . This is our favorite park in Busan.

  • Take metro line 1, get off at Jungang station, exit 6. Then take the No. 30 or No. 8 bus and get off at Taejongdae. Walk 5 minutes.
  • You can also take the No. 101 bus from Busan Station and get off at Taejongdae stop.
  • If you don’t want to walk in the park, the Danubi Toy Train (3,000 won per person,) stops at the observatory, lighthouse and temple. Take a ticket, and wait for your number to be called before boarding the train. Travel time from Busan station: between 35 and 40 minutes.

17. Explore the charming Huinnyeoul Culture Village one of the best things to do in Busan

Huinnyeoul Culture Village(흰여울문화마을)

Although not mentioned in most guidebooks, Huinnyeoul Culture Village is one of our favorite places in Busan . This coastal village is full of colors, gorgeous cafés facing the sea, and many colorful houses with beachy vibes.

We actually preferred Huinnyeoul Village to Gamcheon Village as it’s directly by the sea , whereas Gamcheong is on the side of a mountain.

This coastside village is super beautiful not only due to the ocean scenery but also because it has a ton of beautiful murals, that make perfect Instagram shots! They have a small museum to introduce all the movies and dramas that were filmed here, so a must-visit if you are in Busan!

18. Visit Beomeosa temple

Beomeosa Temple

Built on the edge of Geumjeongsan Mountain since the 7th century, Beomeosa is an important Buddhist temple of the Jogye dynasty. It is famous for the beauty of its buildings and its landscapes.

Beomeosa is particularly beautitful in Spring with all flowers in full bloom . In the fall, you can take a rocky forest path to reach the hermitages located on the heights.

The trail is surrounded by flamboyant vegetation that mixes the whole palette of yellows, oranges and reds. Stunning!

Take metro line 1, get off at Beomeosa station, exit no. 5 or 7. Then walk 5 minutes to the terminal of bus no. 90, and get off at the Beomeosa Maepyoso stop. Travel time from Busan station: about 1h15. ( LOCATION )

19. Get to know more about the city at Busan Modern History Museum

Best things to do in Busan

If you want to know the history of Busan, this free museum, housed in a former building from the Japanese colonial era , will provide you with an informative and interesting insight into the city and its port activity.

Watch the filmed documentary before entering the collection rooms, which feature many relics from modern history.

The museum is small, you can walk around it in less than an hour.

Take the # 81 bus from Busan station, get off at Gukje Shijang, and walk about 3 minutes, retracing your steps for less than 200 meters. Travel time from Busan station: 15 minutes. ( LOCATION )

20. Eat local delicacies at Gukje market

Gukje Market

You can find everything at the Gukje market! Thousands of stalls gather in this place filled with history, clothes, dishes, and books: it’s a real fair for new or used products. An essential walk to feel the Korean culture.

Do not hesitate to get lost in its countless alleys , you will go from surprise to surprise. And you won’t go hungry: it’s easy to grab a quick bite to eat.

Take the # 81 bus from Busan Station, get off at Gukje Shijang, and walk for about 5 minutes. Duration from Busan station: 20 minutes. ( LOCATION )

21. Honor soldiers from all around the world at the UN Memorial Cemetery

48308-Busan

This United Nations cemetery is a place of meditation where Korea honor the soldiers of all nationalities who died during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953. The moving visit to the cemetery complements that of Seodaemun Prison in Seoul .

Other than the historical part, the UN cemetery of Busan is also a nice place to visit, with lots of green spaces.

  • Take the # 134 bus from Busan station and get off at Yuen kongwon stop. Walk for 500 meters.
  • Take metro line 2 to Seomyeon and get off at Daeyeon station, exit 3. Walk straight for 20 to 25 minutes (1.3 km). Travel time from Busan station: 45 minutes.

22. Busan Cinema Center

Busan Cinema Center

Busan and cinema are a long love affair. Since 1996, the city is hosting the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), the most famous Film Festival in Asia.

The Busan Film Center was built in 2011 to celebrate this success and is now a symbol of it. It is a building with futuristic architecture, which offers outdoor and indoor spaces.

Its two roofs are equipped with LEDs. You have to see it at night when the light show gives it a magical aspect.

Take metro line 1 to Seomyeon, then transfer to metro line 2, and get off at Centum City stop. Take Exit No.12 and then walk for about 15 minutes heading towards Suyeonggang River and Centum Marina Park. Travel time from Busan station: approximately 1 hour.

23. Spend a day at Shinsegae Centum City, the largest shopping mall in the world!

IMG_8639

Recorded in the Guinness World Records for a while as the largest shopping center in the world, this gigantic complex is a city within a city! In case of rain, this is a great spot to spend a day in Busan.

There are countless shops, restaurants, and cafes. There is a children’s play area, an ice rink, an art gallery, bookstore, cinema on three floors, food court in the basement, and above all: SpaLand Centum City . A huge spa, not to be missed if you want to experience Korean hot baths, for only 15,000 won for 4 hours.

( Shinsegae Mall Website )

Take metro line 1 to Seomyeon, then line 2. Get off at Centum City (Senteom Siti), exit 12. Walk 5 minutes. ( LOCATION )

24. Enjoy the view at Busan Tower and Yongdusan Park

Busan Tower

The highlight of the Nampo-dong district is Yongdusan Park accessible by an escalator from Gwangbok-ro shopping street. There you will find a traditional pavilion, many statues, and even a floral clock.

But the best thing to do there is to climb to the Busan Tower Observatory to appreciate the superb view of the city and its famous port. A perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

25. Have fun at Sea Life Aquarium

Busan 05

A perfect place especially if you have children. The aquarium is designed specifically for kids. Fun and educational, it offers interactive activities and even a mermaid show.

You can touch some marine animals there, and marvel at the large pool where sharks, rays, and turtles roam. The aquarium is located on Haeundae beach , which is very convenient if you are staying there.

You can purchase discounted tickets here .

Take the metro line, get off at Seomyeon. Then take line 2 and get off at Haeundae, exit n ° 5. Walk about 10 minutes. Travel time from Busan station: 1 hour. ( LOCATION )

26. Discover Geumjeong fortress

Co-Busan-Forteresse-Geumjeong sud (6)

There is no fort in Geumjeong , just a 17 km long stone wall with four gates. It is, however, a perfect place for hiking, usually reached via the cable car from Geumgang Park.

Choose this mode of transportation to enjoy the breathtaking views of Busan’s buildings and its stunning mountains. But if you are good walkers, join the fortress from the Beomeosa temple. The trail is 9km long but with quite some steps..

  • Take metro line 1, get off at Dongnae station, exit no.3. Then take bus number 77 and get off at Geumgang’won ipgu. Walk for 500 meters to reach the cable car.
  • Take metro line 1, get off at Oncheonjang station, exit no. 5 and walk for approx. 25 minutes. to the cable car. Travel time from Busan station: 50 minutes.

27. Chill at Dadaepo Beach

Best things to do in Busan

Dadaepo Beach is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches in Busan due to its natural surroundings. Surrounded by a pine forest, it offers a magnificent and very large sandy beach, as well as a pretty coastal path easily accessible via a footbridge.

It is a family beach, which will leave you with great memories if you have the chance to witness a magnificent sunset.

In Dadaepo there is also a fountain and an incredible show with sound and light in the evening. This is the highlight of the visit, so don’t miss it if you are going to Dadaepo!

Take metro line 1, get off at Dadaepo Beach terminus (Dadaepo Haesu Yokjang), exit n ° 2. Walk about 10 minutes. Travel time from Busan station: 40 minutes. ( LOCATION )

28. Get spiritual at Samgwangsa temple

busan tourism places

This temple, enclosed in a narrow valley, is one of the most visited Buddhist places of worship in the run-up to the Buddha’s birthday festivities . Indeed, it is then adorned with thousands of colored lanterns, all illuminated in the evening.

Even if you have lost your childhood soul, you will not be able to resist the beauty of this event. It’s just magic.

Take the # 81 bus from Busan station, get off at Samgwangsa Ipgu, then walk for about 10 minutes. Travel time from Busan station: 45 minutes. ( LOCATION )

29. Enjoy the Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA Busan)

Best things to do in Busan

This museum, which is a link between Man and Nature, was created on Eulsukdo Island, a refuge for migratory birds. It is to the French botanist Patrick Blanc that we owe the “Vertical Garden” which adorns the facade of the building, inaugurated in June 2018.

MOCA aims to be an experimental space: the contemporary works on display use a variety of media, such as LED light, sound, and plants. The idea is to immerse the visitor in a place where the arts and nature coexist.

Take bus # 1001 from Busan station. Get off at Sahagucheong (Dangni yeok) stop and take bus number 58-2, 58-3 or 520, then get off at Busan Hyeondae Misulgwan. Travel time from Busan station: 45 minutes. ( LOCATION )

30. Eat Busan famous fish cake

Best things to do in Busan

Samjin is the most famous fish cake in Korea. The shop was established in 1953 , which also makes it the oldest fish cake producer in Busan. It has more than a few outlets in the city including a museum and store in Busan Station.

In 2017, Samjin opened its first outlet in Singapore.

Try it! It is so delicious. We recommend you visit the main branch in Busan. Here is their website .

Where to stay in Busan?

Busan is a very large city. Therefore, to avoid wasting time commuting between main sights, we recommend choosing a hotel conveniently located and depending on what you wish to visit and do during your trip.

As such we recommend 2 main locations, the first one is Haeundae Beach . There you can not only enjoy the beach but also the nearby attractions, such as Bay 101, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Songjeong Beach, taking the Sky Capsule, or visiting Gwangalli Beach.

Our second recommendation if you wish to focus more on the city and see Jagalchi Fish Market, BIFF, Oryukdo, Taejongdae etc. then staying at the Seomyeon shopping district wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Here is the list of our favorite hotels in Busan:

Shilla Stay Haeundae

Best things to do in Busan

In terms of location, value for money, and quality of the facilities, our favorite hotel in Busan is Shilla Stay located in Haeundae. Directly facing the most famous beach in Korea, the view from the room or the rooftop pool is absolutely stunning.

You can also enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast every morning. The hotel also has different restaurants on the first floor with Japanese food, Korean food and a bar serving all kinds of draft beer.

Overall we highly recommend staying here if you go to Busan.

Paradise Hotel Haeundae

Best things to do in Busan

For the ultimate luxury experience by the beach, we love the Paradise Hotel in Haeundae . This hotel is pricier than Shilla Stay, but it’s a really gorgeous place. We especially love the pool, which directly faces the sea.

We felt just like in Bali for a moment 🙂 Besides, Paradise Hotel also has a casino with a fair amount of slot machines, blackjack tables and roulettes.

Fairfield by Marriot in Haeundae

Best things to do in Busan

For a more affordable option in Haeundae , we recommend a stay at Fairfield by Marriot . The hotel is in the prime location of Haeundae, just a few minutes from the beach. The rooms are very neat and clean.

This hotel doesn’t have a pool, so if you do not intend to relax by a pool during your stay in Busan, then we highly recommend Fairfield by Marriot.

IBIS Hotel in Seomyeon

Best things to do in Busan

For first-time travelers to Busan who wish to maximize their time visiting the city, then we recommend a stay at Ibis Hotel located very near Seomyeon the most entertaining area of Busan. From there you can easily reach Jagalchi Market or Gamcheon Village.

The hotel has good value for money and serves a delicious breakfast.

There are other Ibis in Busan, and also 1 in Haeundae, so make sure you book the correct one.

How to get to Busan?

Busan 17

Several options are possible to get to Busan in South Korea , from aborad or from Korea.

From abroad

First of all, you should know that Busan Airport is an international airport, served by many companies. It is, therefore, possible to arrive or depart from Korea to/from Busan.

Indeed, Busan is located completely opposite Seoul. Arriving in Seoul and leaving from Busan would be a very good option to maximize your time in Korea and avoid unnecessary trip. Even though the country is not huge, it still saves time and saves money.

To find such a flight, all you have to do is use the “multi-destination” option on a price comparator like Skyscanner, click here to find out .

From South Korea

To get to Busan in South Korea from the rest of the territory, several options are possible.

From Seoul, it is possible to reach Busan by plane (just under an hour’s flight, click here for the best prices) but the best option is by train. By KTX (Korean Fast train), it takes 2:30 and there are many departures every day. The price of the Seoul-Busan KTX is around 60,000 won. You can check the schedule and book here .

Best places to eat in Busan

Best places to eat in Busan

When it comes to culinary delights, Busan offers a plethora of options to satisfy your taste buds. From fresh seafood to traditional Korean dishes and international cuisines, the city has a vibrant food scene that caters to all preferences.

Here are some of the best places to eat in Busan:

Jagalchi Fish Market:

As Korea’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi Fish Market is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Explore the vibrant market stalls, where you can choose live fish, crabs, clams, and other seafood delicacies. Many restaurants located within the market will cook your selected seafood on the spot, ensuring a fresh and delicious dining experience.

Gwangbokdong Food Street

Located near the Nampo-dong area, Gwangbokdong Food Street is a popular destination for street food enthusiasts. Explore the bustling street lined with food stalls and sample a variety of Korean street snacks such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), sundae (Korean blood sausage), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and fish cakes.

Busan Milmyeon

Busan is famous for its milmyeon, a local specialty dish consisting of wheat noodles in a spicy and tangy broth topped with vegetables and often accompanied by boiled pork. This restaurant is a renowned place that has been serving this delicious dish for decades, offering a true taste of Busan’s culinary heritage.

Samjin Eomuk:

If you’re a fan of fish cakes, make sure to visit Samjin Eomuk, a famous fish cake restaurant with multiple branches in Busan . The restaurant offers a wide variety of fish cakes, ranging from the classic eomuk (fish cake on skewers) to eomuk soups and stews. Enjoy the unique flavors and textures of these savory treats.

Dongnae Halmae Pajeon

Pajeon, a savory Korean pancake, is a popular dish in Busan, and Dongnae Halmae Pajeon is renowned for serving some of the best. The restaurant is known for its traditional-style pajeon made with a variety of ingredients such as green onions, seafood, and kimchi. Pair it with makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, for a complete culinary experience.

Haeundae Market

Located near Haeundae Beach, Haeundae Market is a bustling traditional market where you can find an array of food stalls and small eateries. Indulge in local favorites such as gimbap (rice rolls), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and eomuk (fish cake) soup . The market also offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, which can be prepared on-site.

Jeolyeong Sikdang:

For a taste of authentic Korean cuisine, Jeolyeong Sikdang is a popular restaurant serving classic dishes with a modern twist . From bulgogi (marinated grilled beef) to bibimbap (mixed rice bowl) and kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), the restaurant offers a range of flavors that showcase the essence of Korean cooking.

These are just a few of the many fantastic dining options available in Busan. Whether you’re exploring traditional markets, savoring street food, or indulging in fine dining, Busan’s culinary

Other useful information about Busan

Getting around busan.

To get around Busan in South Korea, the public transportation is sufficient most of the time. For example, the metro or Bus allows you to reach Jagalchi market , Haeundae district or even Gamcheon .

Occasionally, depending on what you plan to do in Busan, you may need to take a taxi which are relatively affordable.

Busan City Tour

A very convenient way to see most of Busan in a short period of time is to hop on the Busan City Tour Bus. This is also the most budget-friendly option. There are 3 different lines, which allow you to visit all of Busan’s main sights. Check it out here for more info.

Best Time to visit Busan

Like anywhere in Korea, the best time to visit is Spring and Autumn. However, the good thing about Busan contrary to Seoul, is that Winter is not that harsh, and summer more breathable as the city is located along the sea with many great beaches to get refreshed. For more info about the best time to visit South Korea , check out our full guide here.

✈️ Planning your trip to Busan and looking for cheap flight tickets? Find and buy them right now!

Always stay connected with an e-Sim card

Did you know that you don’t need to buy physical sim cards anymore? Simply purchase an e-Sim card before your trip to Korea.  You can do so here.

Other things to see outside Busan

Geoje Korea

Geoje is an island in South Korea and one of our favorite places in the country. Geoje is located 1.5 hours from Busan. Much less known than Seoul or Busan, Geoje particularly surprised us with its natural beauty.

Surrounded by the blue sea and mountains all around, it is a great place to visit after your trip to Busan for a more secluded and peaceful experience.

In Geoje, expect gorgeous beaches, great hikes, amazing fresh seafood, stunning cafes and so much more. We wrote a full post here about Geoje.

You can easily reach Geoje by bus from Busan. There is a long bridge going directly to the island of Geoje.

Oedo Island

Oedo Island Geoje

Oedo Island, officially called Oedo Botania, (in Korean: 외도 보타니아) is a botanical maritime garden located on a small rocky island, 4km from the coast of Geoje Island ( check out our full post about Geoje here ). It takes about 20min by boat from Gujora after passing the island of Naedo. Oedo is also accessible by boat from other areas of Geoje.

In 1969, Lee Chang-Ho was the first to arrive on this island to escape bad weather as he was fishing. Since then, he and his wife have created this tourist attraction with all their heart and soul for 30 years.

The garden covers an area of ​​264 km², is filled with camellias and other exotic plants such as cactus and palm trees. Full post about Oedo here.

You can also book a 1-day tour from Busan with Trazy, which is very convenient as everything will be organized for you. Check it out here.

In conclusion about the best things to do in Busan

Busan 06

With this information about Busan in South Korea , you should be ready to prepare for your stay and visit this amazing city. There would still be other places of interest in Busan that could be mentioned here.

However, visiting Busan is often a stopover of a few days on a trip to Korea. If you are wondering what to do in Busan and you plan to stay there for 2 or 3 nights, you already have plenty to do during these days …

You will probably even have to make a choice because many of these places mentioned in this blog could be a bit far from the center of Busan.

If you are planning to visit Busan in the near future and have any questions that this post does not answer, please send them to us by adding a comment below. we respond quickly to the various comments posted on the blog!

For more posts related to South Korea, check out this link here .

Related posts

  • SOUTH KOREA :  best things to do in South Korea
  • HAEUNDAE : the most famous beach in South Korea
  • GAMCHEON CULTURE VILLAGE
  • JAGALCHI , the largest fish market in Korea
  • HAEDONG YONGGUNGSA , the most beautiful temple in Korea
  • TAEAN : amazing national park on the west coast of Korea
  • NAMHAE : the hidden gem of South Korea on the south coast
  • MOKPO : a port city in the south, worth a visit
  • SEOUL :  Full guide for the best things to do in the city
  • JEJU :  All you need to know before you go to Jeju
  • BOSEONG :  best green tea planation in Korea

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We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple traveling the world. We will take you to some of the most amazing places on earth. Hammer is a yoga instructor and Guillaume a true water baby, enjoying all kinds of water sports. Follow-us to get the latest update about our travels.

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If I may offer a suggested edit… “Great Goddess Buddha Gwaneum Daebul” is leaving me perplexed. Did you find that name somewhere? Gwaneum is a Bodhisattva, not a Buddha. Usually referred to as Gwanseum Bosal, in Korea. The thing is, though, that statue is famously Jijang Bosal, the Bodhisattva who vowed to rescue beings from Hell realms. He’s distinguished from Gwanum by his staff and green hair.

Hi JB, thanks for your comment. We would not be able to confirm whether it’s a Buddha or Gwaneum, but when we google, or look on Wikipedia ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haedong_Yonggungsa ), it says that Gwaneum is the Sea Goddess Buddha of Mercy… So we concluded that she is Buddha also…

Hi Fun Couple, thanks for the recommendation, Based on your itinerary, how many days do we need to stay at Busan comfortably to visit most of the places that u suggested? Do we need to move around different hotels or we can stay at one location? We planning to go during spring time, Is it good to self drive or taking train is good enough?

Thanks in advance.

To visit Busan you generally need 2-3 days to visit most sites. However, if you want to take your time, include a hike or even a day trip to Geoje or Gyeongju you can decide to stay much longer.

In Busan you can stay at the same place the whole time. We recommend Haeundae Beach for more convenience. From there, you can either take the bus or taxi anywhere in the city.

Spring time is the perfect time to visit Busan! You gonna love it 😉

Wapiti Travel

What to do in Busan? 13 EPIC experiences + practical tips

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: February 2, 2024

Wondering what to do in Busan, South Korea? We got you covered.

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and is not to be missed while visiting South Korea. 

The pleasant beaches, the numerous festivals, and the growing economy have attracted many new inhabitants. 

The city already has 3.5 million residents and many more tall and shiny skyscrapers are appearing along the coastline to accommodate the influx of residents. 

Busan has tonnes of activities to offer. It’s nestled in the mountains and bordered by some of South Korea’s best beaches on the other side.

So keep reading.

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There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Best things to do in Busan

Here we list the best Busan attractions.

If you are looking for Busan sightseeing ideas, take a look at our Busan itinerary blog.

1. Visit the Jagalchi Fish Market

One of Busan’s tourist spots is the Jagalchi Fish Market. Busan is Korea’s largest harbor so naturally, the city also has a huge seafood market.

The Jagalchi Market offers all sorts of live and dried seafood including whale meat.

The place is bursting at the seams and vendors are no longer only selling their products in the fish market building but also in all the side streets.

You can have lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants in the market and enjoy the freshest seafood.

If you love cooking, you can also book the Jagalchi Fish Market with a guided tour package that includes a cooking class

Info icon

Click here to get more information about visiting the Jagalchi Fish Market & taking a cooking class: More info

How to get there:

Take the subway to Jagalchi Station (Metro Line 1).  Take exit number 10 and make a turn to the right at the next intersection.  When you reach the shoreline the fish market is on your left.

Busan Tower, South Korea

2. Relax in Yongdusan Park and see Busan from above from the Busan Tower

Yongdusan Park is located on a mountain, close to the shoreline, the Jagalchi Fish Market, and the Lotte Department Store.

The 120-meter-high Busan Tower is located inside the park, on top of the mountain and it’s an absolute must-see when you are visiting Busan.

The park is popular with both tourists and locals for the views on the city and the ocean.

Couples in love also find their way to this romantic place, certainly at sunset. The many love locks give the fences a colorful and cheerful look.

Busan Tower South Korea

Click here to get your tower tickets on Klook: Tower Tickets

Take Exit 7 of Nampo station (Metro Line 1) and walk along Gwangbok-ro until on your right you see the escalator that leads up to the park.

Several flights of escalators take you up the mountain to the park.

Enjoying the views from the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the best things to do in Busan.

3. Enjoy the breathtaking views from Haedong Yonggungsa

This photogenic temple is generally known as the Water Temple for its location along the coastline. 

The temple awards its visitors with breathtaking views over the East Sea and Songjeong Beach. This is one of the best places to visit in South Korea.

The unique location of this Buddhist temple, most temples are situated in the mountains, makes it very popular. It’s one of Busan’s tourist spots.

It can get really busy during the weekends so we recommend visiting the temple on a weekday if you can.

Some cherry blossom trees will make the place even more charming in April.

Haedong Yonggungsa Busan, South Korea

How to get there :

Take the subway to Haeundae Station (Metro Line 2).  Make your way to exit 7, right in front of exit 7 is a bus stop.  Wait at this bus stop for bus 181. The bus trip should take approximately another hour. You leave the bus at the Yonggungsa Temple (용궁사) stop. Signage will lead you from the bus stop to the entrance of the temple.

It takes some time to reach Haedong Yonggungsa and Oryukdo Skywalk by public transport.

If you’re short on time you could opt to combine both on a half-day guided tour.

You will find here more information about a guided tour to Haedong Yonggungsa and the Oryukdo Skywalk: More info

Taejongdae Resort Park in Busan

4. Go hiking in Taejongdae Resort Park

Taejongdae Resort Park is a peninsula a little outside Busan. The peninsula forms the southernmost point of the Yeongdo-gu island and attracts visitors to the magnificent rocky cliffs.

If you like hiking it’s a place where you should absolutely go when you are in Busan.

Except for hiking among the pine trees along the coastline, visitors can also visit the lighthouse and enjoy a 40-minute boat trip that offers spectacular views on the park.

Taejongdae Resort Park Lighthouse Busan, South Korea

Visit Taejongdae, Gamcheon and the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple with an excellent full-day guided tour: More info

Taejongdae can only be reached by bus.  Bus lines 8, 30, 66, 88, 88-A, and 101 all head to Taejongdae.  Taejongdae is the bus terminus for all these lines so you don’t have to worry about where to get off.

We would suggest taking metro line 1 (orange line) to Nampo-dong station.  Take exit 6 and walk straight until you reach a bus stop for buses 8, 30, 88 and 88-A (The bus stop is opposite the Lotte Department Store). The bus journey to the park is around 40 minutes.

Haeunda beach in Busan

5. Get a tan at Haeundae & Gwangalli Beach

Busan is home to 2 famous beaches , Haeundae and Gwangalli.

Both beaches have their fair share of fans.

Haeundae tends to be slightly more popular with tourists and locals tend to flock more to Gwangalli.

Both beaches are packed from June to August but even in September, the ocean water is still warm enough for swimming and windsurfing.

At the Western end of Haeundae beach is Dongbaekseom Island.

The name is misleading as the place used to be an island but is now connected to the mainland.

The island has a small park with many camelia (Dongbaek in Korean) and pine trees

From the top of the Dongbaekseom island, you will have fantastic nocturnal views on the 7,4 km long Gwangandaegyo Bridge, better known as the Diamond bridge.

The bridge is also beautifully lit at night and you will find various cafes and restaurants along the beachfront. It’s one of the best things to do in Busan at night. 

Also on the island, and open to visitors, is the APEC house where the 2005 APEC Summit was held. It’s not to be missed when you are doing a sightseeing trip in Busan.

Take an evening stroll along Dalmaji-gil Road, which is also called Busan’s Montmartre.

The multitude of bars and restaurants that line Gwangalli beach are the best place for evening food and drinks and to admire the views on the beautifully illuminated Diamond bridge.

How to get to Haeundae Beach:

The closest metro station to  Haeundae Beach  is  Haeundae  Station.  This is a stop on line 2, the green line. Exit the train station at exit 3 or 5 and walk down Gunam-ro until you reach the beach.

How to get to Gwangali Beach:

The closest metro station to  Gwangalli Beach  is  Gwangan  Station.  This is a stop on line 2, the green line.

Exit the train station at exit 3 or 5 and walk down Gwangan-ro until you reach the beach.

Admire the Diamond bridge at night.

6. Go diving with sharks at the Sea Life Busan Aquarium

The SEA Life Busan Aquarium is a nice place to go with kids.

The aquarium is mainly situated in a 3-story building underground and uses some state-of-the-art technology.

The highlights are the 2 ocean tunnels that bring you up close to the sharks and sea turtles.

For an extra fee, the aquarium offers various other experiences like a shark dive or 4D underwater ride.

Sea Life Busan Aquarium

More information and booking: Sea Life Tickets

How to get there: 

The closest metro station is  Haeundae  Station.  This is a stop on line 2, the green line. Exit the train station at exit 3 or 5 and walk down Gunam-ro until you reach the beach.  Busan Sea Life Aquarium is just across the street on your right.

7. Take colorful pictures at the Gamcheon Cultural village

Historically Gamcheon Cultural Village started as a shanty town built by Korean war refugees but by painting their houses in lovely pastel hues the residents ensured that their village over the years became nicknamed Korea’s Santorini.

The little village started to draw tourists about 3 years ago. It is now one of Busan’s top attractions. 

The houses seem to be stacked against the hillslope in an unorderly way and it’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of small alleys.

It’s also fun to wander through these cozy alleys as many are richly decorated.

For the best panoramic views on this colorful village, you should make your way up towards the library in the old hot spring building.

Visitors can get a paid guide map at the visitor center that shows the major sights.

busan tourism places

Visit Taejongdae, Gamcheon and the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple with an excellent full-day guided tour: More Info

Take subway line 1 (the orange line) to Toseong station. Continue on the local bus to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus.  (the stop will be announced in English).  You can take bus Saha-1-1, Seogu 2 or Seogu 2-2.

8. See Busan from above with the Busan Air Cruise – Songdo Cable Car

The cable car starts in Song Nim Park and takes you to the observatory station at Amnam Park.

Since 1996 Amnam Park is open to visitors who can fish, enjoy the views from the observatory, and hike the many walking paths. 

Along the way, the cable cars offer views of the harbor and the shoreline.

A third of the cars are equipped with a glass floor, to ride these you have to pay extra for the “crystal cruise”.

Busan air Cruise South Korea

Take subway line 1 (the orange line) to Jagalchi station and take exit 2. Walk down Chungmu-daero for about 50 meters until you see a bus stop where you take bus 7, 26, 71, or 96 to Songdo beach.  From here it’s about 15 minutes on foot to the cable car.

Take a bus (7, 21, 71, or 96) or taxi from Jagalchi Station. It should take less than thirty minutes.

9. Walk over water on the Oryukdo Skywalk bridge

Another place to visit in Busan is the Oryukdo Skywalk .

This skywalk is a 15-meter-long glass bridge that gives you the ability to walk over the water. It is one of the best Busan activities.

You will see the waves crash on the rocks of the 35-meter-high coastal cliffs beneath you.

The skywalk itself is rather small and can get very crowded.

Oryukdo Skywalk Busan, South Korea

Take the metro to Busan Station (line 1/orange), exit 10.  From Busan station, you continue your journey on bus 27 for about 30-40 minutes.  The bus stop is called Oryukdo SK back gate. It takes some time to reach Haedong Yonggungsa and Oryukdo Skywalk by public transport.  If you’re short on time you could opt to combine both on a half-day guided tour.

Book a guided tour to Haedong Yonggungsa and the Oryukdo Skywalk: Booking.com

10. Relax in Korean style in Spa Land

Spa Land is probably South Korea’s most extravagant spa and one of the largest as well. It’s an absolute must-do in Busan when you like to pamper yourself in Korean style.

As many Koreans head to the jjimjilbangs (Korean-style sauna/spa) with friends or family for some quality time they tend to get crowded pretty fast. But Spa Land is a more leisurely and classy experience.

Here one makes sure that everyone can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in all areas. Stays in Spa Land are limited to 4 hours.

This means you probably won’t have enough time to enjoy the many theme rooms and the 22 different baths and pools that range from 26 degrees to 40 degrees Celsius.

Some of the theme rooms are designed like Roman or Finish saunas. There is also a charcoal room, a salt room, a SEV room a wave dream room, and even more.

The spa is to be enjoyed naked and you will be provided with a pair of shorts and a shirt to wear in the public areas. All around the spa all instructions are posted in both Korean and English.

Shinsegae Centrum City Busan, South Korea

Spa Land is located on the first floor in the Shinsegae Centrum city shopping center which is directly connected to Centum City Station on Subway Line 2 (green line).

Purchase your tickets for Spa Land here: Spa Land Tickets

11. Shop till you drop

When it comes to shopping in Busan, you will never fall short of options. Here we list the best places to shop.

Visit world’s largest department store: Shinsegae Centum City

The world’s largest department store is not located in Dubai or any other oil emirate, it’s right here in Busan. You will probably need more than one day to visit all the stores. Inside the complex is also an ice skating rink and a multiplex theater.

After a day of shopping, you can unwind in Spa Land.

Foreigners can make use of VIP coupon book and tax refunds are possible for a purchase of 30.000 KRW (+/-23€)

The shopping center is directly connected to Centum City Station on Subway Line 2 (green line).

Admire the largest indoor musical water fountain in the Lotte Department Store (Gwangbok)

This department store holds another Guinness world record.

In the aqua mall of the Lotte Department store, shoppers can admire a 10-minute spectacle of the largest indoor musical water fountain .

The fountains come alive once per hour.

Another hidden gem of the department store is the rooftop observation deck, called Sky Garden .

The observation deck offers great views over the whole city and is located on the 12th floor.

Location-wise a visit to the department store can easily be combined with the Busan Tower and the Jagalchi Fish Market.

busan tourism places

How to get there?

Get to Nampo-dong Station (Line 1/Orange Line), and take exit 10.

Go bargain hunting in the Lotte Premium Outlet

This is Asia’s largest premium outlet mall.  The complex goes officially by the name ‘Lotte Mall Dongbusan branch’.

It contains 407 outlet stores, a shopping mall with an additional 114 shops, a Lotte Mart and a Lotte Cinema.

The outlet mall is located almost right next to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple so you can visit both on the same day.

Lotte Premium Outlet Busan, South Korea

Take the metro to Nopo station, the final station of line 1(orange line). From here continue on bus 37.

You could also take the metro to Jangsan station, the final station of line 2 (green line). From here continue on 182.  As a third alternative, you could take the metro to Anpyeong station, the final station on line 4 (blue line), and continue onwards on bus 188.

Timewise the 3 routes are equal.

You could also book a guided half-day tour to the Oryukdo Skywalk and the Haedong Yonggungsa temple and end the tour in the premium outlet mall.

Book a guided tour to Haedong Yonggungsa and the Oryukdo Skywalk: More Info

Busan by night, South Korea

How to get from Seoul to Busan

Busan is well connected to the rest of Korea by train, bus, and flight.

Busan International Airport is called ‘Gimhae’.  The airport offers multiple daily flights to Seoul (both Incheon and Gimpo airports) and Jeju.

There are several flights per hour between Seoul and Busan. Flights are offered by Korean Air,   Air Busan, and Jeju Air.   The flight time is approximately 1 hour.

Because of the heavy competition, it will sometimes be cheaper to fly than to travel by KTX.

If you want to score cheap flights to Busan we advise you to have a look at Momondo  and  Skyscanner. 

There is a direct KTX service between Busan, Seoul, and Gyeongju.

The KTX train is the fastest option, it takes 45 minutes to reach Gyeongju from Seoul and about 3 hours to reach Busan. 

The KTX trains depart in Seoul at KTX Seoul Station or KTX Yongsan Station. 

Korail, Korea’s state-owned operator, runs the KTX train but also offers slower and cheaper alternatives to Seoul.  These would be the ITX and the Mugunghwa trains.

Supreme Railways is a private high-speed operator offering train services between Seoul and Busan. Tickets tend to be slightly cheaper than those for the KTX. 

The journey takes 2,5 hours. 

The perfect Seoul itinerary f or first-time visitors and things to do in Seoul in 4 days.  Here you will find a Seoul 4 day itinerary. If you are looking for the best area to stay in Seoul, click here.

The trains depart from Suseo station in the Gangnam district of Seoul.

Korail offers various train passes to foreign visitors.

You can choose passes for 3 or 5 consecutive days or you can opt for the more flexible select passes.

With the select passes, you can select either two or four days within a 10-window period. 

The passes offer unlimited train travel on all trains operated by Korail, including the high-speed KTX trains.

The passes are not always a good deal so make sure to compare the prices of the individual segments with the price of the pass before you buy a pass.

A return ticket for the KTX between Seoul and Busan is cheaper than the cheapest Korail pass option.

Click here to get more info about the Korail pass: Korail Pass

Various bus operators run express buses throughout South Korea. Hourly 3 different buses run between Seoul and Busan.  Every hour and a half a bus leaves for Gyeongju.

It’s very convenient to check the bus schedule on the website of Kobus .  The website shows the departure time and comfort level of each bus.  In the next step, you can reserve your tickets and seats on the bus.

It’s very convenient to do a self-drive in South Korea.  All road signs are bilingual and we used the Naver maps app to get around. 

The app is perfectly bilingual.  It should take approximately 4,5 hours to get from Seoul to Busan by car.

We shared our experience with driving in South Korea along with tips about the toll roads and the local GPS apps here.

How many days should you spend in Busan?

2 days should be enough for sightseeing in Busan and to visit Busan’s main attractions but if you want to see everything you would need to stay 4 or 5 days.

7 days in Korea, the perfect Korea itinerary for first-timers. 

Busan is a city not to be missed when you are making a road trip through South Korea.  There is so much to see and do. 

After a day full of sightseeing you can feast on excellent fresh seafood. Busan offers more than the traditional sights. You can also shop till you drop in the impressive world record-winning shopping centers and the next day you can relax on the nice sandy beaches or in extravagant Spa Land.

As Busan is so easy to reach it’s even worth considering a day trip from Seoul.

If you have more days to spend in Busan, it could be fun to make a day trip.  Here you can find  a complete overview of the best Busan day trips. 

Have you ever visited Busan in South Korea? Do you have tips about other things to see in Busan?

Let us know in the comments.

If you like this article, pin it.

What to do in Busan, South Korea

Tuesday 9th of April 2019

What a great post! Definitely has some great suggestions! Thank you

Wednesday 10th of April 2019

Thanks for the compliment. We do our best to provide in-depth information.

Spiritual Travels

50 Unmissable Things to Do in Busan in 2024

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

South Korea’s second largest city and largest port has a wealth of attractions to entice visitors, from jaw-dropping temples and bustling markets to spectacular beaches and to-die-for street food & seafood. If you wondering what to do in Busan, you’re going to be spoiled for choices after getting through this guide!

The city has a penchant for doing things in the biggest way possible; top Busan attractions include the world’s largest shopping mall, as well as the country’s largest spa, seafood market, and traditional market.

With so many things to do in Busan, I’ve crafted this beast of a guide based on multiple visits in the last 12 years from where I live in nearby Taipei, Taiwan (which, by the way, is a really cheap flight !)

To find out how to piece the best of these sights together for your Busan trip, see my recommended Busan 5-day itinerary here.

Table of Contents

Busan Travel Essentials

– Be sure to also check out my guide to where to stay in Busan and review of my favorite hotel in Busan . – Order my favorite South Korea guidebook . – Find the best cooking classes in Busan . – Order a SIM card or portable WiFi device for pickup when you arrive in Seoul or Busan or try an Airalo eSIM . – Get a discounted Korean Rail Pass for travel between Seoul and Busan. – This is one of Busan’s most popular day tours , or you can hire a private driver to get around. – Get a ₩3833-discount on any of the above Klook deals by signing up with my referral link first! –  See here to learn some fun facts about South Korea .

Best Temples in Busan

Busan has a surprisingly diverse array of unique Buddhist temples. In fact, this is the main thing that attracted me to visit the city in the first place.

For more comprehensive information about each one, see my article on the top 10 temples in Busan .

Temple Stay at Beomeosa

Wondering what to do in Busan? Start with Beomeosa temple!

Beomeosa is the most important temple in Busan, as it is one of the head temples of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is also the largest temple in Busan, due in part to the 11 hermitages dotting the slopes of Mount Geumjeong around it.

Beomeosa is the only temple in Busan offering a temple stay program. This experience was the highlight of all my week in Korea , which is why it gets the top spot on my list.

During the temple stay, I got to learn how to do Korean meditation and prostration, tour the temple grounds, make a beaded bracelet, dine of Buddhist vegetarian food, and chat with Korean monks for hours.

See my full Beomeosa temple stay review to read more about this eye-opening experience.

How to get to Beomeosa:  Take a taxi (₩4000) or bus #90 from exit #5 or #7 of Beomeosa subway station.

Lantern Festival at Samgwangsa

Lantern Festival at Samgwangsa Temple in Busan

Every year on the Buddha’s birthday, temples across the country are decorated with thousands of paper lotus lanterns. Samgwangsa Temple in Busan hosts what is probably the most incredible display, with tens (or hundreds) of thousands of lanterns covering the temple’s various structures and forming a canopy over the enormous courtyard.

The festival usually takes place in May and the lanterns can be seen for about two weeks leading up to that date.

However, you don’t have to wait for the Lantern Festival to visit Samgwangsa. I loved the temple when I visited it on a regular day, and wrote this article about Samgwangsa to convince you that the temple is beautiful enough to visit on any day of the year.

How to get to Samgwangsa: The temple is surprisingly close to the city center. Take a taxi (₩5000) or bus #15 from Seomyeon.

Hiking to the Cliff Carvings of Seokbulsa

Seokbulsa Temple, a great off-the-beaten-path Busan attraction

If you want to get a little off the beaten track in Busan, then hiking to Seokbulsa is a truly rewarding experience. At the southern end of the same mountain group where Beomeosa (see above) is located, Seokbulsa is a much smaller and lesser known temple.

The main highlight of the temple is a hidden alcove in which 10-meter cliff walls are carved with towering Buddhas and temple guardians. Getting there is also half the fun, starting with a ride on the Geumgang Cable Car (see below), followed by a three-hour return hike past Namun (South) gate, part of Geumjeongsan Fortress, the largest remaining city fortress in South Korea.

Finish off by taking a dip in Heosimcheong Spa (see the end of this article).

How to get to Seokbulsa: Consult my guide to Seokbulsa Temple to avoid getting lost on this hike.   

Haedong Yonggungsa, the Temple by the Sea

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the temple by the sea, one of the top Busan attractions

On a normal day, Haedong Yonggungsa probably gets more visitors than the above three temples combined. This ancient temple now attracts masses of visitors who come to marvel at one of the country’s only temples by the sea.

I had mixed feelings about this temple, which you can read all about in my Haedong Yonggungsa article , but I can’t deny the views here are one-of-a-kind, and must be seen to be believed. If you want to see the sunrise here, which is a popular thing to do, consider staying nearby, such as this apartment .

Haedong Yonggungsa is also included on this East Busan Tour and this photography-focused tour .

How to get to Haedong Yonggungsa: This temple is a little out of the way, on the northeast coast of Busan. Take the subway past Haeundae to the terminal Jangsan station, then a taxi (₩7000) or bus #181 from exit 7 (45 minutes).  

Recommended Half-Day trip from Busan: Tongdosa Temple South Korea’s largest temple, Tongdosa, is so close to Busan that it deserves a mention on this list. Tongdosa is one of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea and houses important Buddha relics. Get there by taking the bus from gate 33-34 at Central Bus Terminal in the north of Busan. The ride takes 30 minutes. Tongdosa can also be visited as a part of this tour .

Best Beaches in Busan

Busan is blessed with so many good beaches that I must admit I am seriously tempted to pick up and move there right now.

Below I’ll cover the five best ones, roughly in descending order of fame/popularity, but there are many more smaller ones for you to discover (check out Ilgwang and Imnang in the far northeast for example) if you have the time.

If you are overwhelmed by the number of things to do in Busan, you might be better off just ripping up your itinerary and wasting your days away soaking up the sun and surf on one of these great beaches.

Haeundae Beach

Summer beach umbrellas on Haeundae, the most popular beach in Busan

Haeundae is generally recognized as South Korea’s most famous beach. The insanely long (1.5 km), curving stretch of sand can pack in 120,000 beachgoers, which won’t feel like an exaggeration if you visit in summer.

Even in winter, when you can’t swim, the beach is still quite beautiful, as I learned the first time I visited Busan in winter of 2008.

The neighborhood around Haeundae houses the Sea Life Busan Aquarium (save money and skip the line by buying your tickets online here ), some of the city’s best luxury resorts, numerous cafés and eateries, museums and art galleries, and the Haeundae food market.

Haeundae is also a popular place for expats to live and the location of many festivals.

Dongbaekseom, the Bay 101, and Dalmaji Road (all to be covered below) are also located nearby. Haeundae is also on my list of best places to stay in Busan .

How to get to Haeundae: Take the subway line 2 to Haeundae station and walk five minutes.

Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli beach, one of the best beaches in Busan, with Gwangan Bridge in the background

Gwangalli Beach in Gwangan neighborhood nearly rivals Haeundae in popularity, but has more of a relaxed city-by-the-sea vibe, while Haeundae feels more like a resort. It is six subway stops before Haeundae on the same line, so it’s a little faster to reach from other parts of the city.

One of the most impressive features of the beach is the incredible view of Gwangan Bridge, which runs over the sea parallel to the beach, especially at sunset and at night.

Gwangalli also hosts a popular fireworks festival in autumn, and visitors like to shoot fireworks from the beach throughout the year.

Gwangan is also on my list of best places to stay in Busan .

How to get to Gwangalli Beach: Take the subway line 2 to Geumnyeongsan station for the southern end of the beach, or Gwangan station (slightly longer walk) to the northern end of the beach.

Songdo Beach

Songdo Beach, yet another of the most popular beaches in Busan

Songdo is another very popular beach in Busan, and easier to reach if you are staying in Nampo-dong, Gwangbok-dong, or Yeongdo Island. The beach is famously the site of the first cable car in Korea and two awesome ocean walkways.

Songdo beach itself is a good place to swim and popular among locals and visitors alike. There are public showers and a large water fountain roughly in the middle, and colorful whales and other statues stick out from the sea.

You can visit Songdo and Gamcheon Culture Village on this wall painting tour or on this Busan night tour .

How to get to Songdo Beach: From Jagalchi station exit 2, go left around the corner, cross the small street, then cross the large street to a bus stop where you catch bus 7, 26, 71, or 96 to Songdo Beach.

For a cool side trip from Busan featuring more excellent beaches, check out Jeju Island, the “Hawaii of Korea”! Here’s a list of things to do at Jeju Island .

Dadaepo Beach

Dadaepo Beach, Busan

Located in the southwest of the city and created by deposits from Nakdonggang River as it reaches the sea, Dadaebo is popular among local families but less crowded than the above entries and off the radar for most short-term visitors to Busan.

Come here for a relaxed beach day trip a little further from city center, to let the kids run wild on the long and very wide stretch of sand, or to enjoy the huge Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams water, lights, and music display at 8 p.m.

How to get to Dadaepo Beach: Take bus #11 from Nampo subway station exit 3 (about 20 minutes).

Songjeong Beach

Songjeong Beach, Busan

Another good option for escaping the crowds of the more popular beaches is Songjeong, located north of Haeundae on the east coast of Busan. It’s another very long (1.2 km) curving stretch, but less developed than the others.

The water is shallow so it’s great for kids, swimming, and also one of the best spots in Korea to try surfing.

How to get to Songjeong Beach: Take bus 9, 63, 100, or 181 from Haeundae station exit 7.

Also consider a day trip to Geyongju , the ancient capital of Korea!

Best Coastal Walkways in Busan

As you might expect in a city that is practically surrounded by the sea, there is a plethora of rocky bays, coves, peninsulas, and bluffs on the coasts of Busan.

These are best experienced by walking one of the city’s many coastal walkways. Busan’s three glass walkways over the sea have become top tourist attractions in Busan in recent years and are included on most city tours.

Here’s a tour that takes in all three walkways over the sea .

Taejongdae Resort Park

Lighthouse at Taejongdae Resort Park, one of the most popular tourist sights in Busan

Taejongdae is one of the most popular (and touristy) of Busan’s many coastal walkways, but for good reason. The views are spectacular, and there is a variety of sights to enjoy. Read my full guide to Taejongdae Resort Park here !

The park occupies the southern end of Yeongdo Island (where my favorite hotel in Busan is located) and is accessed via a 4.3-kilometer loop road.

It’s possible to walk it, but most tourists hop on the convenient “Danubi Train”. The first two stop feature jaw-dropping coastal views, while the third takes visitors to a serene forest temple.

Near the entrance to the park, seafood lovers can also make their way down to Gamji Beach, where dozens of stalls serve seafood from little tents with sea views.

Taejongdae is included on this popular East Coast Cultural day tour .

How to get to Taejongdae Rsort Park: Take bus 8, 30, or 114 from Nampo subway exit 6, across from Lotte Mall Gwangbokdong. The bus takes 40 minutes.

Oryukdo Skywalk

Oryukdo Skywalk, Busan

In recent years Oryukdo has become a major attraction among visiting tourists for its death-defying glass skywalk over the sea. It is included on many tours of Busan, including this one and this one . See here for photos and more info about Oryukdo Skywalk .

The horseshoe-shaped skywalk sits atop a 35-meter cliffs and offers views of Oryukdo Island, which actually consists of five small islands, at the point where the East Sea meets the South Sea.

The skywalk is actually fairly small, and some visitors report feeling a little underwhelmed. Still, the surrounding area and views are stunning, and getting that skywalk photo for Instagram may be worth the trip for others.

How to get to Oryukdo Skywalk: Catch bus 27 from Busan Station (30-40 minutes). The skywalk is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free. It is also possible to take a ferry to Oryukdo Islands from Mipo ferry terminal at Haeundae Beach .

Igidae Coastal Walkway

Igidae Coastal Walkway in Busan along the coast

Igidae is another stunning coastal walkway, on the same peninsula as Oryukdo, but further north near Gwangan Bridge and Gwangalli Beach. This one hugs the coastline for nearly 5 kilometers, so you could actually walk all the way from Oryukdo to here or vice versa.

For most of the trail, which was once only used by the military, you’ll have dense forest on one side and sea cliffs on the other. You’ll enjoy impressive views of Gwangan Bridge as you approach the northern end of the trail.

How to get to Igidae Coastal Walkway: You can walk there from Namcheon subway station in about 30 minutes.

Songdo Beach’s Two Walkways

Songdo Cloud Trails walkway on Songdo Beach, one of the best places to see in Busan

Songdo Beach features two great walkways: popular Songdo Cloud Trails, located on the side of the beach near the Songdo Cable Car station, and a lesser-know walkway along the cliffs at the other end of the beach.

104-meter-long Songdo Cloud Trails features spiraling walkways over the sea and connects the mainland to a small island, beyond which it terminates at a platform with fantastic views of Yeongdo Island. Note that Songdo Cloud Trails was recently closed due to typhoon damage, so double check whether it is open again when you go.

Songdo ocean walkway to Amnam Park, an off-the-beaten-track Busan sight

Songdo’s second walkway is a red metal walkway hugging the cliffs of the peninsula that leads from Songdo Beach to Amnam Park, the same place the cable car goes to. Great sea views and the cable car passing by overhead make for an awesome experience, and the walkway is much less crowded.

In total, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Amnam Park on the walkway. Personally, this was my favorite of all the Busan coastal walkways that I tried.

How to get to the Amnam Park Walkway: Follow the directions to Songdo Beach (#7). To go directly to Amnam park, you can also catch bus 7, 9, or 71 from the same bus stop near Jagalchi station (or take one of these buses back after doing the walkway).

Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory

Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk, Busan

The newest of Busan’s three over-the-sea walkways, this 72.5-meter long, 20-meter high walkway was built in 2017, perhaps to take some pressure off the crowds of Oryukdo and Songdo.

The pretty blue walkway is shaped (sort of…) like a dragon and sticks out over the East Sea, and people say it is especially lovely around sunset.

Just south of the walkway on the coast, the harbor village of Cheongsapo is so famous for its clam and seafood BBQ restaurants that it has been dubbed “Cheongsapo Seafood Town” or “Cheongsapo Clam Village.” The harbor also features a lovely pink lighthouse.

You can also explore an abandoned railroad of the Donghae Nambu Line, or walk to along a coastal path to Songjeong Beach to the north.

How to get to Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory: The easiest way is to hop in a taxi from Haeundae or Jangsan, which should cost around ₩6000/5000. You can also walk (about 20 minutes) from Songjeong Beach.

Dongbaekseom Island, Haeundae

Mermaid statue on Dongbaekseom Island, Haeundae, Busan

If Dongbaekseom Island doesn’t look like an island on the map to you, that’s because it isn’t…anymore.

The “Island of Camellias” (a type of flower) in now connected to the mainland and sticks out into the sea at the western end of Haeundae Beach and makes for a wonderful escape into nature from Busan’s most luxurious beach.

To reach the coastal path around Dongbaekseom, walk past the Westin, which dominates the western end of the beach. As you circumnavigate island, you’ll pass a famous mermaid statue and the large, round Nurimaru APEC House, a conference house by the sea.

The trail terminates at the Bay 101 an upscale yacht club.

Dongbaekseom is included on this photography-focused tour .

How to get to Dongbaekseom Island: Walk from Haeundae Beach. The trail around the island begins behind the Westin. To reach the Bay 101 side, take exit 1 of Dongbaek station and walk 10 minutes.

Best Markets and Foodie Attractions in Busan

Even if you’ve come to Busan just for the food, you won’t leave disappointed (or with an empty belly). Busan lays claim to both South Korea’s largest traditional market as well as largest seafood market, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in Korean food culture .

There are also so many great street foods that you may not even visit a restaurant during your stay. You can find pretty much all the same awesome street foods from Myeongdong in Seoul , but with a few Busan-only specialties to discover.

The city is deeply in love with seafood, but many other options abound. You’ll notice the following 7 entries are all in the Nampo-dong/Gwangbok-dong area, so true foodies will probably want to stay in this area. See my guide to Busan’s neighborhoods and hotels for my top recommendations.

Jagalchi Fish Market

Jagalchi Fish Market, one of Busan's top attractions

Often touted as the #1 Busan attraction, Jaglachi Fish Market is a cruise ship-sized landmark to the city’s love for creatures from the sea.

You can think of Jagalchi as more of an entire neighborhood devoted to seafood than one market. The main building is seven stories tall, but most visitors head directly to the fish market on the first floor.

There you can choose what you like and take it to the second floor to be prepared, or trust one of the dozens of seafood restaurants to choose for you. Try to visit with a friend or group, since (I found out the hard way) most of these restaurants offer large set meals which they kind of push on you, so you’ll spend a small fortune if eating alone. It’s not easy to just order a small snack to try.

A fish stall vendor asleep by various seafoods at Jagalchi Market, Busan

I personally recommend Jacky’s Seafood (stall #8 on the second floor), where they can speak English.

There are several other seafood markets in the connecting buildings and spreading out into the adjacent streets. I found the whole thing to be very clean (by Asian standards) and not even too stinky, but those who are grossed out by unidentifiable slimy things from the sea may want to give it a miss.

Don’t forget your camera, as you are going to see marine life forms you didn’t know existed. Also read on below for a secret thing to do at Jagalchi Market. You can visit Jagalchi Market on this walking tour .

How to get to Jagalchi Market: Take exit 10 of Jagalchi station. It’s a five-minute walk. Jagalchi Market is closed on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. It is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., but stalls start setting up as early as 5 a.m.

Gukje Market

Gukje Market, the largest market in Busan and most popular market in Busan

A 10-minute walk from Jagalchi Fish Market via BIFF square will bring you to South Korea’s largest traditional market, another top tourist attraction in Busan.

The market is about 6 blocks by 5 blocks in size, with the traditional covered market area on the western side. It’s somewhat divided into sections, including household goods, lights, vintage clothing, traditional produce, and so on.

K-pop product stall in Gukje Market, the biggest market in Busan

The market is fun for a wander, but don’t miss the best part: the awesome food street, and neighboring Tin Can Alley, which I personally found more interesting and better for photos.

Gukje Market is included on several Busan day tours, like this one and this one .

How to get to Gukje Market: The market is pretty huge so there are many ways to get there, but Jagalchi station exit 7 is probably the easiest.

Gukje market is closed on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month. It is open roughly 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

Gwangbokdong Food Street

Gwangbokdong food street, also known as Gukje Market Food Street, one of the best places to eat in Busan

Gwangbokdong Food Street is a narrow lane that feeds into Gukje Market. One of the most unique things to do in Busan is to choose a low chair at one of the many food vendors operated here by Korean ahjummas (grandmas) and dig in to a bowl of delicious and very cheap milmyeon (wheat noodles) or bibimyeon (glass noodles). Breakfast or lunch is the best time to come.

In my research before arriving, I was confused because the street seems to have so many different names: Changseondong Meokja Golmuk is the street’s local name, while the actual street name is Gwangbok-ro 35 beon-gil. A large red and white curving gate at the entrance says Arirang Street. Many websites simply refer to it as Gukje Market Food Street.

Meanwhile, Tripadvisor lists this entry for Gwangbokdong Food Street in a completely different part of Gukje Market that I was unable to find, even after searching at different times of the day, so I’m fairly certain that all the above names refer to this street only.

How to get to Gwangbokdong Food Street: The easiest way to find it is to walk through BIFF square from Jagalchi subway. BIFF square leads directly to it. You can also find it by walking down Gwangbokdong Cultural and Fashion Street and watching out for the entrance (picture below).

Tin Can Market (Bupyeong Kkangtong Market)

Tin Can Market (also known as Khangtong Market and Bupyeong Market) in Busan, which I thought was the best market in Busan

You’ll hear about it much less often, but I personally found neighboring Tin Can Market to be more interesting and photogenic than Gukje Market, and it’s nearly as huge.

While Gukje Market is more focused on household wares, Tin Can Market is almost entirely devoted to food, from seafood, herbs, and produce to ready-made meals, sushi, and even a pizza shop.

The market got its name because it used to be where canned imported goods were sold to stationed US soldiers. You can see a large can hanging in the middle, while hanging sea creates demarcate the seafood sections.

How to get to Tin Can Market: From the western side of Gukje Market, roughly in the middle, simply cross Junggu-ro (road) to enter it.

BIFF Square

BIFF Square, of the best places to visit in Busan

Connecting Jagalchi Fish Market to Gukje Market, BIFF Square is another unmissable foodie spot in the Nampodong-Gwangbokdong area.

The area is named after the Busan International Film Festival, which takes place here annually, and has had movie theaters going back to the end of Japanese colonial rule in Korea. It is Busan’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with celebrity handprints in plaques on the street.

Ssiat hotteok at BIFF Square, one of the best things to eat in Busan

Many visitors, however, come just for the food. The #1 treat to try is ssiat hotteok (a Busan specialty of fried pancakes stuffed with seeds, nuts, cinnamon and brown sugar syrup; to die for), but you can also find kimbap, tteokbokii, and many other Korean street food classics.

Come earlier in the day if you don’t want to wait in a line for the most famous ssiat hotteok stall!

BIFF Market is also included in this day tour .

How to get to BIFF Square: Jagalchi subway exit 7 is the closest. BIFF Square is more like a lane, and it connects Jagalchi Market at the south end to Gwangbokdong Food Street at the north end. There are also side lanes branching out to the east and west with more food stalls.

Samjin Eomuk Main Store & Museum

Samjin Eomuk Main Store (headquarters) on Yeongdo Island, Busan

Another thing you’ll see on almost every list of things to do in Busan is paying a visit to Samjin Eomuk, the most famous chain store serving eomuk (fish cakes), a Busan specialty famous across South Korea.

The Busan train station branch is a popular one, but I would personally recommend the Samjin Eomuk headquarters on Yeongdo Island, where you can see the eomuk being made through windows in the shop, check out the eomuk museum (weekends only). They even offer occasional classes on how to make the fish cakes , but they aren’t easy to book.

The store is sometimes called a bakery, as customers grab the items with tongs and place them on a tray just like in a bread bakery. Most locals take items home to prepare, but you can also ask them to heat the fish cakes up to eat on the spot.

I’m a fan of fish cakes, but where I live (Taiwan) they don’t vary much. That’s why this store blew me away. There were so many varieties and delicious flavors; I tried ones stuffed with cheese, chili pepper ones, and paprika flavored ones. So yummy!

How to get to Samjin Eomuk Main Store: The shop is located on Yeongdo Island, which lies just south of the Nampodong area and Lotte Mall Gwangbokdong. Walk across Yeongdo Bridge, then it’s a 10-minute walk from the other side (it’s best to see the exact location on my map at the top).

Seomyeon Food Alley

Seomyeon Food Alley, one of the best places to eat in Busan

After you’re done shopping or night clubbing in Seomyeon, Busan’s fashionable commercial center, you’re likely going to need a snack. Head directly to Seomyeon Food Alley.

More of an entire neighborhood devoted to food that one single alley, here small restaurants and food stalls abound. It’s also one of the best places in Busan to try eating in a pojangmacha (an enclosed tent where a handful of people can sit around a cook and dine on local foods).

A pojangmacha, or covered food tent, a unique way to eat in South Korea

Just as a heads up: some visitors complain that the food served in these tents is overpriced and felt they were ripped off.

The area southeast of Lotte Department Store with lots of eateries and cafés is also sometimes called Seomyeon Art Street.

How to get to Seomyeon Food Alley: The biggest collection of food stalls line the streets at the side and back of the Lotte Department Store. The surrounding streets are filled with small restaurants, bars, cafés, and nightclubs. Seomyeon subway exit 7 is the best place to start.

Traditional Korean Tea in Busan

Traditional Korean tea in Busan

Few people in the West know it, but Korea is a tea-producing nation, especially of green tea ( nokcha ), yellow tea ( hwangcha , similar to oolong), and black tea ( hongcha ). I’m kind of a tea geek, so feel free to check out my tea articles here!

Korea also specializes in a variety of tea-based beverages infused with other ingredients, including herbs, grains, roots, flowers, fruits, and even mushrooms or seaweed. Chinese pu-er tea is also quite popular in South Korea, and this is what you may encounter if you visit a traditional tea shop in Busan.

One way to experience traditional Korean teas is on this tea ceremony experience in Busan .

You can also Try Da Hae Jeong in Nampo-dong for great Pu-er tea and delicious accompanying treats, or Nae Go Hyeong Jun Tong Chat Jib in Seomyeon for medicinal and flavored teas. Find more details for both in this article on best places to have tea in Busan .

Craft Beer at Galmegi Brewing

Galmegi Brewing, the best craft beer in Busan, Korea

Like just about everywhere in the world, craft beer has caught on big time in South Korea and Busan (you can even find some great ones at Lotte Mart inside every Lotte Department Store).

In Busan, the leader of the bunch is Galmegi Brewing, the city’s first American style craft beer operation. There are many locations throughout the city, but the original one is in Gwangan just off Gwangalli Beach.

Galmegi Nampo, one of the best places to have craft beer in Busan

When I dropped by the Nampo location (photos above), which boasts an open front looking down on Gwangbokdong Cultural & Fashion Street, I started with a sample rack featuring some of the latest offerings.

I followed this with pints of Yuja (yuzu)-flavored gose, espresso vanilla stout, and 4-cheese pizza. Drool…

Looking for unusual experiences? Try this poo-themed park, Poo Poo Land or the Running Man Themed Park .

Best Views and Parks in Busan

In this city of hills, bays, beaches, and ports, there’s no shortage of phenomenal views. I only scratch the surface here, with some of the best viewpoints I enjoyed on my various Busan trips.

Busan Tower & Yongdusan Park

Busan Tower, Yongdusan Park, a famous Busan landmark

Busan Tower is easily Busan’s most recognizable landmark. The 120-meter tower pokes up into the sky from a hill in the middle of Yongdusan Park in Gwangbokdong.

The top of the tower holds an observation deck that is modeled on Bulguksa Temple’s Dabotap Pagoda. The 360-degree view from the tower is unbeatable. Save money by booking your ticket first online !

Yongdusan Street Escalators

How to get to Busan Tower and Yongdusan Park: The entrance to the park is one of the coolest things about it. A metallic, retro-style multi-level escalator ascends from Gwangbokdong Cultural & Fashion Street to the southern end of the park, where you’ll find Busan Tower.

Lotte Department Store Gwangbokdong

One of the best views of Busan, from Lotte Department store Gwangbokdong

Don’t be turned off by the fact that it’s a department store; the 11th to 13th floors boast connected rooftop areas that offer some of the best city views you can get of Busan, all for free.

Also see one of the final entries below for another reason to visit this mall.

How to get to Lotte Department Store Gwangbokdong: From Nampo subway station, the underground mall feeds directly into B1 of the mall; just keep walking east.

La Valse Hotel, Yeongdo

Busan Port viewed from La Valse Hotel, Busan

The brand new hotel where I stayed on Yeongdo Island, La Valse Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) offered what I believe to be the best possible view one can find of Busan.

Read my full review of La Valse Hotel here.

One of the best views of Busan, from La Valse Hotel

The reason that the view from this hotel is unique is that it lies just to the south of Nampodong, so there is literally nowhere else where you can squeeze such a high concentration of top Busan sights into one view, including the entire Busan Port, Jagalchi Fish Market, Busan Tower, and more.

How to get to La Valse Hotel: The distinctively designed hotel is easy to spot from Nampodong. To reach it, simply walk across Yeongdo Bridge, go left, and walk along the little harbor to reach it.

Yeongdo Bridge

Yeongdo Bridge, Busan

If you walk across Yeongdo Bridge, which connects Nampodong to Yeongdo Island, you can enjoy magnificent views, especially of the front of massive Jagalchi Market.

The bridge itself is something of a tourist attraction, as it is the first bascule bridge in Korea (dating to 1934) and first one connecting the mainland to an island. If you are lucky, you may see the bridge being lifted up to allow ships to enter the Busan Port.

Roof of Jagalchi Fish Market

View from the rooftop of Jagalchi Market, one of the best views of Busan

While most visitors don’t make it past the first two floors of Jagalchi Market, you can take the elevator up to the 7th floor for a pretty epic view of the Busan Port.

It’s not quite as amazing as the view from the top of nearby Lotte Department Store, but it offers a different angle, and is easy to do if you are going to Jagalchi anyway.

Songdo Cable Car (Busan Air Cruise)

Songdo Cable Car, Busan

One of the many appeals of Songdo Beach is the Songdo Cable Car, now called Busan Air Cruise.  The cable car was the first in Korea, opened in 1964, closed in 1988, and then reopened in 2017.

The cable car whisks passengers from Songdo Beach over the sea to Amnam Park at the tip of the peninsula. The ride includes awesome views down over the beach, Songdo Cloud Trails, ocean, and further afield. You can book your cable car tickets online here .

How to get to Songdo Cable Car: The cable car is located at the eastern end of the beach (you can’t really miss it…just head to where the cable cars are coming from).

Choryang Ibagu-gil & Sanbok Road

View of Busan from Sanbok Road

For a pretty unique view over the city center’s rooftops and the Busan Port, especially at night, walk up a winding road to these two streets perched on top of a hill in central Busan near Busan Station.

There are several lookout points, colorful wall paintings, and artworks along the way.

How to get to Choryang Ibagu-gil & Sanbok Road: From Busan subway station exit 1, you can walk there in about 30 minutes (2.5 km), take a short taxi ride, or take a left at the first corner and walk about 80 meters to Busan Station bus stop, where you can hop on bus #333.

Citizen’s Park

Skylight Waterfall in Citizens Park, Busan

Enormous, 133-acre Citizen’s Park is the largest park space in the Busan city center. Once a Japanese then American army base, it has now been converted into a sprawling park featuring numerous ponds, squares, performance venues, water fountains, gardens, and over 1 million trees.

One feature that stands out is the 25-meter Skylight Waterfall, an artificial waterfall. The waterfall runs for an hour at noon, 3, 6 and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m., noon, 2, 4, 6, and 8 p.m. on weekends between April and October.

How to get to Citizen’s Park: It’s a 10-minute walk from Bujeon station exit 5 or 7. There over a dozen buses that pass the park as well .

The Bay 101

The Bay 101, Haeundae Beach at night

The Bay 101 is a luxury public yacht club & marine center that draws droves of tourists and photographers for its unbelievable views across the water at a wall of skyscrapers in Haeundae district, especially at night.

The center includes multiple upscale restaurants, both indoors and outdoors, and is a starting point for luxury cruises around Busan. It’s free to enter and enjoy the view.

The Bay 101 is included on this Busan Night Tour .

View from Bay 101 in Busan at night

How to get to Bay 101: It’s a 10-minute walk from Dongbaek subway station exit 1, or you can reach it from Haeundae Beach (#5) by cutting across Dongbaekseom Island.

Hwangnyeongsan and Geumnyeonsan Mountains

View of Busan from Geumnyeonsan

Spanning three districts between Cental Busan and Gwangalli Beach, Hwangnyeongsan and connected Geumnyeonsan Mountains offer hiking trails and lookout points with some of the city’s most impressive views.

How to get to Hwangnyeongsan and Geumnyeonsan Mountains: The mountains cover a huge area with many access points. You can find hiking trails near Mulmangol, Geumnyeonsan, or Yangjeong subway stations.

An easy and popular way to enjoy a quick view is by grabbing a taxi from Geumnyeonsan subway station.

Cherry blossoms on Dalmaji Road

Cherry Blossoms at Dalmaji Road

If you happen to be visiting Busan during the cherry blossom season (late March to early April), one of the best places in Busan to see cherry blossoms is Dalmaji-gil (road), near the coast between Haeundae and Songjeong beach.

The neighborhood around winding Dalmaji road is filled with an impressive number of cherry blossom trees, including cafés with views of the flowers. Even outside of the cherry blossoms season, it’s a lovely area for a romantic stroll with many pine trees and nice sea views.

If you’re visiting at the right time, you can also take this cherry blossom day tour from Busan .

How to get to Dalmaji Road: Take bus #100 from Haeundae Station and get off at Yeongnam Apartment Bus Stop. It’s a 10-minute walk from there; just follow the signs.

Geumgang Park Ropeway and Geumjeong Fortress

Geumgang Cable Car going up, Busan

In Northern Busan, the best views to be had are from Geumjeongsan (Mt. Geumjeong), the tallest mountain in Busan, at 801.5 meters. The best way to get up there is by riding the Geumgang Park Ropeway.

The ropeway rises steeply on a five-minute ride, offering phenomenal city views after only a few seconds of going up.

From the top, a network of hiking trails lead to Seokbulsa Temple, Geumjeong Fortress (the largest remaining city fortress in South Korea), and as far as Beomeosa Temple.

How to get to Geumgang Park Ropeway: Walk 20 minutes from Oncheonjang subway station exit 1. As of 2019, a ride costs ₩ 9000 (return) or ₩ 6000 (one-way).

Best Museums, Cultural, and Historical Sights in Busan

There are truly some great museums, art galleries, and historical sights in Busan, not to mention enormously popular Gamcheon Culture Village, which has grown into one of the most popular things to do in Busan in recent years.

Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan

While it comes low on my list, Gamcheon Culture Village is arguably one of the most compelling Busan attractions, and it may even be the #1 reason you are visiting the city. Read my guide to the Busan Gamcheon Culture Village .

This large seaside neighborhood was originally a ghetto built by refugees of the Korean War in the 1950s. Later, the neighborhood received government funding to transform it into a brightly colored arts district.

Today the area features winding roads filled with public art, cutesy cafés, restaurants, art galleries, shops, and numerous lookout points. It’s not a place you’ll want to miss.

Make sure to grab a detailed map with suggested walking tours from the information center at the top.

A great way to visit Gamcheon Culture Village is on this wall painting tour and this East and West Busan tour .

How to get to Gamcheon Culture Village: From Toseong subway station, take bus 1-1, 2, or 2-1. The ride takes about 10 minutes. Budget 2-3 hours to walk down through the village, and you can catch buses from the bottom to return.

Also read about the super colorful Rainbow Village in Taichung, Taiwan .

Jukseong Dream Church

Jukseong Dream Church, one of the quirkiest places to visit in Busan

While it may look like a beautiful place of worship by the sea (Catholicism’s answer to Haedong Yonggungsa, the Buddhist temple by the sea?), Jukseong Dream church is a fake church built for the Korean series Dream.

Nevertheless, the church and surroundings are quite beautiful, and worth the trip for photographers or Korean drama fans.

How to get to Jukseong Dream Church: the church is quite out of the way, so it’s easiest to come here by joining a tour such as this one .

UN Memorial Cemetery

United Nations Memorial Cemetery Busan

In Nam-gu (South District), the UN Memorial Cemetery inters soldiers from 16 countries who died during the Korean War.

There are numerous halls paying tribute to the brave, and many annual events are held here. The cemetery is very tranquil and beautifully maintained.

How to get to UN Memorial Cemetery: The cemetery is a 10-minute walk from Daeyeon subway station exit 3.

Busan Museum

Busan Museum

At the western end of the UN Memorial Cemetery, Busan Museum is an excellent, comprehensive (and free!) museum covering local history and culture.

When you enter, don’t forget to sign up for the cultural experiences on offer, including Korean tea making and dressing up in traditional local clothing.

How to get to Busan Museum: The museum is located at the western end of UN Memorial Cemetery Park.

Busan Museum of Art

MoCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) in Busan

The Busan Museum of Art is dedicated to modern art and is located next to BEXCO and Shinsegae Centum City, not to be confused with the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art on Elsukdo Island.

Besides numerous exhibitions, the museum features the largest hanging garden in Korea, a children’s art library, café, and more.

How to get to MoCA Busan: It’s a 7-minute walk from Busan Museum of Art station exit 5.

3D Trick Eye Museum

Busan Trick Eye Museum

For something a little sillier (and for good Instagram photo ops), head to Trick Eye Museum at the northeast corner of Yongdusan Park.

The small museum features painted walls where you can take photos of yourself immersed in fake scenes like pouring lava or arctic glaciers. You can also download their app to interact with the installations.

You can also get a combined ticket online that includes entrance to the nearby Museum of Movies.

How to get to Trick Eye Museum Busan: The museum is a 10-minute walk from exit 7 of Jagalchi station. Note that it’s on the 9th floor of Nampo Plaza. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Mondays.

National Maritime Museum

Exterior of the Busan National Maritime Museum

One often-overlooked Busan attraction is the National Maritime Museum on Yeongdo Island. The large facility includes multiple exhibitions, a 4D theater, an outdoor exhibition featuring a real submarine, and a dedicated children’s area.

The building itself is architecturally impressive. It sits right at the entrance to the Busan Port. Note than after a period of closure in 2022, the museum is now up and running again.

How to get to the National Maritime Museum Busan: Take exit 1 of Nampo subway station and catch bus 66 or 186 to Korea National Maritime Museum stop. The museum is closed on Mondays

Best Malls, Shopping, & Architecture in Busan

If you’ve come to shop, Busan’s got some of the country’s (and world’s) largest department stores.

The dominating modern architecture of Centum City, a collection of oversized urban feats sitting on what was once the Suyeong Airport, shows off just how much this city is capable of.

Shinsegae Centum City

Shinsegae Centum City, the biggest shopping mall in the world

Shisegae Centrum City was once the world’s largest department store. This behemoth of a mall is officially listed at 293,900 m 2 and was opened in 2009.

There are no major surprises for what you’ll find inside, with the exception of Spa Land (see below), sometimes cited as South Korea’s largest spa.

How to get to Shinsegae Centum City: Centum City subway feeds directly into the depths of the mall.

BEXCO Busan

The Busan Exhibition and Convention Center is another gigantic building, or network of interconnected buildings. The main exhibition hall is as large as three football fields combined.

The facility hosts a wide range of international events and concerts. If you stroll by or view it from MoCA Busan, you can get a feel for just how large it is.

How to get to BEXCO Busan: Exit 1 of Centum City or exit 9 of Busan Museum of Art are closest.

Busan Cinema Center

Busan Cinema Center, a famous attraction in Busan

Yet another towering construction in the Centum City area, Busan Cinema Center is the headquarters of BIFF (the Busan International Film Festival – see also BIFF Square above).

The structure’s most unique feature is its enormous sloping roof, which is listed as the largest cantilever roof in the world. Busan Cinema Center is especially lovely in the evening or at night when parts of it are lit up, and is a good spot for urban photography in Busan.

How to get to Busan Cinema Center: From Centum City subway station, cut through Shinsegae Centum City to reach it on the other side. If you want to avoid the mall, head around it and walk along APEC Naru Park, a lovely riverside park that is a popular place for couples to stroll.

Shopping and bar hopping in Seomyeon

Seomyeon, Busan at night

The commercial heart of Busan, Seomyeon, is also one of the best neighborhoods in town for shopping. Start with the huge Lotte Department Store or by exploring the maze of underground shopping streets lying below.

This is also a great area for dining – find the best restaurants in Seomyeon here .

How to get to Seomyeon: Seomyeon station is at the intersection of Busan’s two most important subway lines, line 1 and line 2.

Musical water fountain, Lotte Department Store Gwangbokdong, Busan

Besides the awesome views from the roof, this iconic department store on the Busan Port gets another mention for its incredible indoor musical water fountain, the largest in the world (notice this recurring theme in Busan?)

The best place to see the water fountain is from B1, and it plays every day at 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5, and 7 p.m (double check in case these times have changed).

Gwangbokdong Cultural and Fashion Street

Gwangbokdong Cultural Fashion Street Busan

What used to be the best place in Busan to buy cameras and camera gear is now a trendy hub for buying brand name products. Gwangbok-ro (the street’s actual name) is a winding roadway lined with shops and is a center of art and fashion in popular Gwangbok neighborhood.

The street provides access to Yongdusan Park, Gukje Market, and BIFF Square (all covered above). It is also the best place in Busan to see Christmas lights in December.

How to get to Gwangbokdong Cultural and Fashion Street: Various exits of Nampo and Jagalchi Market provide access to the street.

Best Hot Springs in Busan

Jimjilbang , or Korean spas, are aplenty in Busan. Be prepared to get naked and kick back with a few hundred new local friends. For  mor info on what to expect, here’s a guide to public bathing in Korea !

The below are two of the largest spas in Korea (and all of Asia), but many hotels in the city also have their own.

Hurshimchung Spa

Heosimcheong Spa, one of the best hot springs in Busan

The first time I visited Busan (2008), Hurshumchung Spa (also spelled Heosimcheong Spa) was billed as the largest hot spring spa in the world, but has since been surpassed by Centum City’s Spa Land (see below), and possibly others.

Many still claim this one is their favorite, though. I visited it again recently in 2019, and I’ll keep coming back for its enormous and very impressive domed main room, which features a mind-boggling assortment of scented pools, massage tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and more.

The spa is at the base of Mt. Geumjeong, so it makes sense to visit it after hiking to Seokbulsa or and/or riding the Geumgang Park Ropeway to Geumjeong Fortress (both covered above).

If you don’t want to get nude, you can just soak your feet in hot spring water at nearby Dongnae Outdoor Footbath .

How to get to Heosimcheong Spa: Walk 10 minutes from Oncheonjang station exit 3 or 5.

Spa Land Centum City

Lobby of Spa Land Centum City, the biggest hot spring in Busan

Located inside Shinsegae Centum City, South Korea’s largest spa has gone and outdone Hurshumchung Spa with what CNN has called “ South Korea’s most outrageous spa .”

Featuring numerous themed rooms, outdoor rock pools, and so much more, the spa is a testament to South Korean’s love for soaking in hot water. Kids under 13 are now allowed, which is unusual for a large Korean spa, so you may enjoy a quieter soak than at Heosimcheong.

How to get to Centum City Spa Land: The entrance is located on the ground floor of Shinsegae Centum City Department store.

Well, that brings us to the end of this ginormous list of Busan attractions, activities, and other things to do in Busan. I hope you’ve found more than enough ideas for planning an epic Busan trip. Let me know in the comments how it goes!

Related Posts

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7 thoughts on “50 Unmissable Things to Do in Busan in 2024”

Beautiful pictures!!

You sure packed a lot into your short trip.

Absolutely wonderful list. I’ve been to Busan a couple of times and done a few of these things, but it turns out that there is still so much I have to do! Thanks for making this page 🙂

Thanks for reading!

Hello Nick how are you? Thank you for your tips for Busan. I used a lot of your comments and …. I stayed in La Valse and no regret. I was a little surprise to see a journal at the reception with your article. But in any case you perfectly described the hotel and i enjoyed so much. Thanks for your talent!!

Thank you very much! I actually published my review of La Valse on this website first (it wasn’t a sponsored stay). Then a few months later, La Valse hotel saw it and liked it, and they asked me for permission to publish it in their journal. I’m glad you enjoyed your stay there and my articles!

Hello! Just want to thank you for your post, it’s amazing and so useful! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks a lot for reading!

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  • 8 Enchanting Places to Visit In Busan For An Incredibly Fun Getaway In 2024!

23 Mar 2023

Busan is the second largest city of South Korea, situated in the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula. Also known as the “City Of Tomorrow”, it is a hidden gem of South Korea. It is a hub of great beaches, religious temples, majestic cliffs for adventurous hiking or be it wandering in the colorful alleys of a World Heritage village. This city has an array of attractions that will make you fall in love with South Korea even more. We have shortlisted awesome places to Visit in Busan to make your trip super exciting and fun!

Top 8 Places to Visit In Busan

Busan is undoubtedly one of South Korea’s greatest travel destinations with exotic beaches, local seafood delicacies, and beautiful tourist attractions. Here is the list of 8 best places to visit in Busan to give you a snippet of what awaits for you.

  • Haeundae Beach
  • Gamcheon Culture Village
  • Sea Life Busan Aquarium
  • Haedong Yonggungsa
  • Taejong Dae
  • Jagalchi Fish Market
  • Nampodong Market
  • Gwangalli Beach

1. Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach In Busan

Image Source Busan is popular for its exotic beaches and Haeundae tops the list of best beaches in Busan. Located at the edge of the city, this beach is best for chilling and relaxing and soaking in the sun or you can try thrilling water sports like snorkeling, skiing, and surfing. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Busan. You can head to this gorgeous beach on weekends and enjoy a calm time with your friends and family. There are many restaurants near this beach serving authentic and delicious fresh seafood, you can satisfy your taste buds by trying the delicious seafood while enjoying a mesmerizing view of the sunset.

Suggested Read: Top 10 Reasons To Visit South Korea & Have A Blast With Your Family

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2. Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village In Busan

Image Source Gamcheon Culture Village is the quintessence of beauty and chaos, all round into one. This former slum area is known for its steep streets, twisting alleys, and brightly painted houses. This is a major tourist attraction Busan. The picturesque lego-like houses painted in vibrant colors will aw-struck you. This area is perfect for Instagram worthy pictures and even unique photo shoots. It is also known as the open art museum of Busan. This area is flocked by both travelers and as well as Koreans to see the colorful alleys and get lost in the streets to explore the village to its fullest.

Suggested Read: Banpo Bridge: All You Need To Know For Your Visit To South Korea’s Marvelous Attraction

3. Sea Life Busan Aquarium

Aquarium

Image Source Located in the Haeundae Beach, Busan, Sea Life Busan is a ginormous aquarium displaying about 250 species and up to 35,000 marine animals viewed through acrylic windows or from an underwater tunnel. It is a paradise for marine lovers. Best to visit with your family and if you are traveling with kids, this place is perfect for you to visit. There are around 40 exhibits in this Aquarium including Penguins, Piranha, otters and sea jellies. Add this place in your list of places to visit in Busan and explore the marine life closely.

Suggested Read: 8 Hotels In South Korea That Are All About Class, Comfort, And Convenience!

4. Haedong Yonggungsa

Haedong Yonggungsa In Busan

Image Source Nestled on a beautiful cliffy coastline in northeastern Busan, Haedong Yonggungsa is the only Buddhist temple which overlooks the sea as most of the Buddhist temples are located on mountains. It is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in South Korea, popular for its calm are serene environment it is the best place to enjoy a relaxing time with yourself. It was built during the Goryeo Dynasty and is the oldest temple of Busan. You can head to this divine place with your family and seek blessings for good health and prosperity of your loved ones.

Suggested Read: Top 10 Things To Do In South Korea To Experience The Essence Of The Vibrant Country

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

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5. Taejong Dae

Taejong Dae In Busan

Image Source Taejong Dae is a natural park of Busan, with majestic cliffs facing the open sea on the southernmost tip of the island of Yeongdu-gu. It is a popular tourist spot in Busan with an amusement park, an observatory, a lighthouse, and a cruise ship terminal. It is one of the top places to visit in Busan during summer For thrilling adventures, you can hike to this cliff and get stunned by the amazing views around you!

Suggested Read: 28 Best Places To Visit In South Korea: Perfect Recipe For An Exotic Vacation

6. Jagalchi Fish Market

Fish Market

Image Source If you are traveling to Busan, this famous market should be on your priority list to visit. Busan is located on the coastal area so it is no wonder that there is an abundance of fresh seafood in the city. Jagalchi Fish Market is the biggest one-stop center for fresh seafood and a variety of different marine species, you name it and you have it! Not just raw seafood but there are food stalls in the market selling delicious fish soup, raw octopus, fried fish and what not! Visit this fascinating market and enjoy fresh seafood directly delivered from the sea.

Suggested Read: Korean Food Guide: 15 Tasteful Korean Dishes For An Epicurean Delight!

7. Nampodong Market

Market View

Image Source Craving some Korean delicacies? Do not worry, we have a perfect place for you. Nampodong Market is the 3rd largest market of South Korea, which has an abundance of lip-smacking Korean dishes, trending fashion clothing shops and some unique thrift shops and souvenirs. Get down on Nampo station and the market is just a few minutes walk away. Indulge in shopping and munch on some great street foods from the stalls. You will surely have a fantastic time exploring this vibrant market.

8. Gwangalli Beach

Beach View

Image Source Gwangalli beach is located in the west of Haeundae beach. This is one of the most popular beaches in Busan, curved in a half-moon shape with fine sand. If you want to escape the crowded Haeundae beach then this is the best Beach for you to spend a calm time relaxing and getting a nice tan under the sun. There are tons of cafes and restaurants lined up on adjacent alleys where you can satisfy your hunger with mouth-watering Korean Barbecue. Enjoy a day here relaxing and chilling with your friends and family!

Further Read: 5 Places Worth Exploring On Korea Tour-Land Of Morning Calm

No doubt, Busan is a perfect destination for one serene travel experience when you are vacationing in South Korea . From the vibrant village where everything is a treat to your eyes, magnificent beaches, heavenly delicious seafood to majestic cliffs of Taejong Dae, you will have a whole new experience in this gorgeous city. Go through our list of places to visit in Busan to getter a better idea of what to explore here.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit In Busan

What is famous in Busan?

Busan is the largest port city of South Korea and features gorgeous beaches, lush green nature reserves, serene hot springs, and a lot more. The city also hosts the famous international film festival every year.

Is Busan a beautiful city?

Busan is amongst the best places to visit in South Korea and serves to be a perfect travel destination. Its tranquil beaches, scrumptious delicacies, and stunning attractions attract travelers from across the world.

Is it safe to visit Busan during Covid?

You need to follow all the mandatory safety guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure a safe travel experience. Remain masked while stepping out and maintain social distance. Avoid visiting crowded places and keep sanitizing your hands after touching surfaces.

What food is famous in Busan?

You can try the following dishes while holidaying in Busan for a gastronomy retreat - Seafood, Milmyeon, Street Noodles, Ssiat Hotteok, Eomuk, Dwaeji Gukbap, Kimbap, Pojangmacha, Jokbal, Buchimgae, Kimchi and other Banchan, Tteokbokki, and Bingsu.

Which are the best restaurants in Busan?

The following are the top restaurants in Busan: 1. Merciel - French & European 2. Boksoondoga F1963 - Asian & Korean 3. Vin d’el Olive - Italian & European 4. La Bella Citta - Italian 5. Bollywood Indian Restaurant & Bar - Middle Eastern, Indian & Fusion 6. Bombay Brau Gwangbok - Indian, Asian & Arabic 7. Hello India Al Waha - Arabic, Indian & Lebanese

What can I do in Busan?

You can plan to visit the popular tourist attractions in Busan such as Busan Tower, Kim Jae Sun Gallery, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Ajumma, Haeundae Beach, Gwangbokdong Food Street, Haedong Yonggung Temple, Nampodong Market, Samjin Eomuk, etc.

Where can I go shopping in Busan?

The following are the best places for shopping in Busan - Shinsegae Centum city, Busanjin Market, Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market, Lotte duty-free shop, Biff Square, and Bosu-Dong Book Alley.

Is there any adventure activity to do in Busan?

Yes, there are numerous adventures to indulge in Busan such as hiking to Beomeosa temple, Keumjeonsan, exploring the Korean marine national park - Hallyeohaesang, etc.

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Busan – 6 Must-Visit Places in South Korea’s Second Largest City

busan tourism places

About Busan

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Earlier this month, I travelled to Busan, a thriving city on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula. Its favourable geographical location is why it’s the 5th busiest port in the world (by cargo tonnage). Busan was once known as Busanpo with ‘Bu’ meaning cauldron, ‘San’ mountain, and ‘Po’ harbour. Since the 15th century, it’s name has being shortened to  simply  Busan.

The culture here is more laid back compared to Seoul, but it’s still the second largest city in Korea.  It’s interesting to note that people from Seoul and Busan consider themselves very different and even speak the language in a different accent. 

Still, many Korean drama lovers will find Busan familiar, being a popular filming spot for iconic shows.  With this being my first visit to Korea in two decades, I was excited to see a different side of Korea, and see how much Korea has changed.

I embarked on my 3D2N vacation with Jessica (also known as @ Shiberty ), who became my dear travel partner over the next few days. We planned our itinerary in advance and we were going to be exploring Busan by making full use of their advanced public transportation.

In this guide, we’ll show you  6 must-visit places we found in Busan, and how to get to them easily.

How To Get Around Busan

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You don’t need to learn how to speak Korean to navigate around Korea – all you need is a map (readily available at most hotels) and an appetite for adventure. As soon as we cleared immigration, we made our way to the brightly-lit Korean Train Express (KTX) ticketing counter to collect our tickets to Busan.

A 1-day pass costs about S$85, and can be bought online . It was relatively easy to identify our seats and they also had luggage storage compartments. The journey took about 3.5 hours.

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1. Shop and be Pampered at Shinsegae Centum City

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Once we arrived in Busan, we took the subway to Centum City and made way to our first must-see destination – Shinsegae Centum City!

Shinsegae Centum City is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the  largest department store in the world, having surpassing New York City’s Macy’s in 2009.

Inside, you will find outlet stores with branded items at steep discounts. People also frequently visit the mall for spa services which are said to be cheap and good. We weren’t dressed in the appropriate attire for a spa so we gave that a miss, deciding to spend our time shopping before the skies turned dark!

2. Chill at Haeundae Beach

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Haeundae Beach is the second place we visited and it holds a Guinness title: the most number of parasols on a beach. Don’t believe me? See it for yourself!

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Even though the weather was forecasted to be bright and sunny, it was a slightly cloudy and chilly day when we visited Haeundae Beach. 

The lack of sun didn’t stop beach enthusiasts though, who like to chill here with their friends, swim, or get a tan during summer. Immense crowds on the beach come rain or shine call for a whole battalion of lifeguards, whose services are necessary to keep beachgoers safe.

I’m certain that Haeundae Beach will be more pleasant at dawn when you can enjoy the sunrise and the beach without having to wrestle with a horde. We didn’t stay at the beach for long, serendipitously wandering into a honeycomb softee shop in the vicinity.

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The photo doesn’t do the ice cream justice – it was SO GOOD! Definitely a must-have on hot summer days at the beach!

How to get there :  Take the subway to Haeundae. Exit 5 and walk straight towards the beach.

3. See Buan’s Best Scenary at Oryukdo Skywalk

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The view is incredible, and even though it was sweltering, we stayed on for more than an hour just to soak in the sun and the scenic views of clashing waves and blue waters.

How to get there : Take a local bus No. 27 by the Busan Train Station and get off at the last stop – Oryukdo SK View Apartment.

4. Visit The Largest Fish Market in South Korea

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If you think that you’ve seen a wet market just because you’ve been to one in Singapore, think again! Live octopi are just a meter away here, ready to be made into dishes. “Ah Juumas” (aunties) catch escaping octopi with practiced ease, taking them back into their pink trays where customers can pick from a wide array of fresh seafood.

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I couldn’t help but stare wide-eyed at the sheer amount of seafood before my eyes; Jagalchi Fish Market is a heaven for seafood lovers. 

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How to get there : Take the bus back to Busan Station and train to Jagalchi Station (Busan subway line 1), Exit 10. Turn right onto Jagalchi 3(sam)-gil Street. Walk for 5min, then turn left to arrive at Jagalchi Market. Alternatively, you could take a cab!

5. Get Cultural at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

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Right on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan is Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

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When we arrived, Jessica and I were greeted by 12 zodiac stone figures.

I personally love visiting temples, and this one in particular is beautiful, nestled on a mountain. The weather was exceptionally good too, which added to the charm of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Climbing the steps didn’t feel tiring and we were pumped up to find out what made this temple such a hit with locals and tourists.

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The place is beautiful, overlooking the the ocean. We stayed for about 1.5 hours to explore the temple, making a wish at their lucky pond before heading on to our next stop.

How to get there : Alight at Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 7. Take Bus 181 and get off at Yonggungsa Temple.

6. See the Best view of Busan at Mount Hwangnyeong

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Bongusudae Peak on Mt. Hwangnyeong is 15 minutes by foot from Gwangalli Beach. With dancing lights winking at us from the waters, reflecting  the buzzing city nightlife, Bongsudae Peak boasts one of the most beautiful night views I’ve ever seen. The Diamond Bridge gets its name by resembling a glittering diamond necklace , gleaming magnificently at visitors from afar.

After a full day of walking through the streets of Busan, Jessica and I decided to treat ourselves to a 30-40 minute cab ride from our hotel to this romantic view. Initially, as we drove up the dark and spiral hill, we noticed a distinct lack of people. That, and his inability to speak English, added to our consternation over whether we were being taken to the wrong place. We shouldn’t have worried though – halfway up the hill, we started noticing a few couples hiking up the mountain, holding hands and enjoying themselves.

When we reached the top, we knew the wait and distance travelled was worth it! The cab ride wasn’t very expensive either, costing about S$20. But if you would like to take public transport, it is a 20-30 minute walk from Subway line No. 2 Mt. Geumnyeon.   

From the top of the mountain you can see all of both downtown Busan and the sea, the view being a synthesis of the best of human achievements and the powerful forces of nature. I’m glad we made it to the top and stayed for half an hour before travelling down for dinner.

How to get there : A 20-30minute walk from Subway line No. 2 Mt. Geumnyeon Station.

Bonus: Awesome Bulgogi BBQ

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Of the 7 deadly sins, gluttony is my most feared nemesis. After the magnificent bird’s eye view of Busan, we were famished. We asked the cab driver to take us a nearby Korean BBQ restaurant and he brought us here. The restaurant is quite secluded and the signboard is not prominently displayed so if you’re in the area, perhaps you can ask locals if they could direct you to Yeong Nam Food.

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Our side dishes were served promptly as we were seated, and we decided that we would order the prime beef steak – best decision of the entire trip!  It was like heaven touched my lips. We couldn’t stop.

In fact, most of the restaurants that we tried in Busan were above average so you can just hop into any random restaurant and they would serve up some of their local dishes.

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What a way to end our Busan experience!

My Busan Experience

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Busan is a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle in Singapore and I relished the cool breezy weather which made exploring on foot a pleasant memory. The food was most memorable for me but if you are strapped for time, the 2 destinations that I highly recommend are Oryukdo Islands and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple!

Been to Busan before? Comment below and let me know if I’ve missed out on any must-see places!

Tjhis post was brought to you by the Korean Tourism Organisation of Singapore.

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11 Best Things to Do in Busan

What is busan most famous for.

The best things to do in Busan showcases the city’s reputation as an important sea port in Asia. Frequently seen as the essence of South Korea, you’ll experience a unique atmosphere in terms of ethnic and cultural diversity, as the city welcomes a cosmopolitan crowd year-round. 

Busan has a rich cultural past and offers interesting cuisine, numerous temples, seaside activities, and a relatively warm and welcoming population. Best of all, Busan is relatively quiet compared to most South Korean cities, making it a good destination if you're in need of a peaceful getaway. 

What are the best things to do in Busan?

Haedong yonggungsa temple.

busan tourism places

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a Buddhist temple located on the north-eastern end of Busan. Built in 1376, it’s one of few temples in Korea built on the seaside – you get to enjoy views of East Sea on 1 side and beautiful mountains on the other. 

It has dozens of sculptures, statues and images with Hakeupbul and Deuknambul being two of the most famous images of Buddha. Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple during the Lunar New Year and Buddha's Birthday (4th month of the lunar calendar) celebrations, when the complex is illuminated with hundreds of paper lanterns. 

Location: 86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea

Beomeo-sa Temple

busan tourism places

Beomeo-sa Temple is one of the greatest shrines in South Korea. It’s located high up on the eastern edge of Geumjeongsa Mountain, and is aloof from the hustle and bustle of the city. The temple’s Daeungjeon Hall is a well-preserved example of architecture from the Joseon Dynasty.

You can also visit Iljoomoon Gate, a 3-storey pagoda dating back to the 9th century. While Beomeo-sa Temple is not too far from the city in terms of distance, it has an aura of seclusion that attracts tourists looking for a city break. 

Location: 250, Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea

photo by Simon Desmarais ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

busan tourism places

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Songjeong beach.

busan tourism places

Songjeong is one of the smaller beaches of Busan, where families often visit thanks to its shallow waters and fine sand. The 1.2-km-long beach has a dock that rents out motorboats and offers cruises during the summer months. 

A popular vantage point in Songjeong Beach is the Songiljeong Pavilion, where you get to enjoy sunset views in the evenings. It’s also one of the few public places in South Korea that allows alcohol, so there are many vendors selling beer and snacks throughout the day.  

Location: Songjeong-dong, Busan, South Korea

busan tourism places

Taejongdae is one of the most popular recreational areas of the city. Named after King Taejong Muyul, this natural park was used by the King as a recreational area, where he practiced archery. Aside from its cultural significance, the park is also great spot for catching views of South Korea’s distant islands. 

Taejongdae has a walking trail set along rocky cliffs overlooking Busan city and Daema Island. Tables are set up on a flat rock surface at the base of Taejongdae Lighthouse, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views.

Location: 24 Jeonmang-ro, Dongsam-dong, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea

Open: Daily from 4 am to 10 pm

Phone: +82 (0)51-405-2004

photo by InSapphoWeTrust ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

Haeundae Beach

busan tourism places

Haeundae Beach is home to the Busan Aquarium and a number of recreational areas. The beach tends to get rather crowded during the months of June and July, so plan your visit accordingly. 

Along the shoreline, you’ll find numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels ranging from luxurious to guesthouses. Sailing is a sought-after activity on Haeundae Beach, as it has one of the largest marinas in South Korea. 

Location: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Jagalchi Market

busan tourism places

Jagalchi Market is one of South Korea’s largest seafood market – you’ll see a variety fresh and dried fish such as mackerel, ascidians, and crab displayed in wooden boxes along the road outside of the market. 

The fish market at Busan is also where you can experience life in a busy seaport town – get along with the local people, get to know their culture, and try some really interesting seafood during your visit.

Location: 52, Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan

Open: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm (closed every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month)

photo by Kok Leng Yeo ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

Busan Museum of Art

busan tourism places

The Busan Museum of Art is must-visit for fans of contemporary art. The museum is divided into 5 floors, comprising exhibition halls, educational rooms and archives, while a sculpture park is located outside the building.

It takes about 2 to 3 hours of dedicated viewing if you want to have a look and feel of what Korean modern art is all about. 

Location: 58, APEC-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

Open: Tuesday–Friday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday and last Wednesday of the month from 10 am to 9 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +82 (0)51-744-2602

photo by Yunji Kim ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Yongdusan Park

busan tourism places

Yongdusan Park, located in downtown Busan, is home to some of city’s most important monuments. You can see spectacular views from the top of the 120-meter-tall Busan Tower. The park has 2 museums – check out traditional musical instruments at the Museum of World Folk Instruments, and over 80 Korean sailboats at the Exhibition Hall of World Model Boats. 

Yongdusan Park is also where locals enjoy outdoor activities, from jogging and cycling, to picnicking with views of lush trees, pavilions, and statues of Korean figures. From March through November, the park hosts traditional performance on Saturday afternoons. 

Location: 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Gwangbokdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

photo by LWYang ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

40-step Culture & Tourism Theme Street

busan tourism places

40-step Culture & Tourism Theme Street commemorates the post Korean-War culture in Busan. A number of lamp posts, sculptures and bronze figures decorate the 450-meter-long street to highlight the hardship and the life led by peasants of old times. 

Also known as the 40 Gyedan, the place is well connected to the rest of the city. Check out the Gate of Peace near the Jungang-dong Trade Center, where a small light (a symbol for peace) casts over the 40-step Culture & Tourism Theme Street.

Location: 40gyedan-gil, Jungang-gu, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

photo by Mobius6 ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center

Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center attracts animal lovers with experience programs, educational talks, and exhibits dedicated to Nakdonggang River. The wetland area surrounding the center serves as a habitat for migratory birds, and attracts those looking to learn about the estuary.  

Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center also has plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as picnic grounds, hiking trails, and an observatory overlooking lush trees and tidal flats.  

Location: Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center, 1207-2 Hadan-dong, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +82 (0)51-209-2000

Go on a hiking tour

busan tourism places

Busan is known for its numerous hiking trails. The best part about hiking in Busan is that even if the trail is relatively isolated, safety is not a problem thanks to the city’s low crime rates. You’ll come across some of the best trails in and around the mountains near the city. 

The most popular hiking trail in Busan starts from the South Gate (reachable by cable car) through to the North Gate, and ends at Beomeosa Temple.

photo by Laurie Nevay ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Things to Do in Busan, South Korea - Busan Attractions

Things to do in busan.

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  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

busan tourism places

31. Gwangbokro Culture and Fashion street

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32. APEC Naru Park

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33. Busan Fireworks Festival

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34. Busan Metro

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35. Gijang Market

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36. The Bay 101 Yacht Club

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37. Sajik Baseball Stadium

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38. Bujeon Market

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39. Samgwangsa Temple

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40. Busan Port

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41. Busan Station Plaza

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42. Busan Citizens Park

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43. Lotte Department Store Busan Main

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44. Busan Air Cruise

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45. Trickeye Museum Busan

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46. Hwangnyeongsan Mountain

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47. Geumjung Mt. fortress

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48. Gimhae Airport Tourist Information Center (International Terminal)

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49. Jangsan Mountain

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50. Nurimaru APAC House

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51. Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center

busan tourism places

52. Oryukdo Island

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53. Busan National University Daehak-ro

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54. Shinsegae Centum City Spaland

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55. Let's Run Park Busan Gyeongnam

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56. Geumgang Park

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57. National Maritime Museum

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58. Museum of Contemporary Art Busan

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59. Busan Museum of Art

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60. BUSAN X the SKY

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On a bright spring day, take the pictures of the day in Busan’s best places for spring flowers!

Coffee Dream, a collection of great cafes not only to enjoy a cup of java but also to learn and practice coffee making

Shiny Busan, Rediscovered: A 3-day, 2-night journey as featured in

VISIT BUSAN PASS

Destinations that can satisfy couples of opposite MBTI types

If you go to Busan now

Destinations that can satisfy couples of opposite MBTI types

Busan Café Tour to Enjoy a Taste of Spring, Highly Refreshing Strawberry Desserts

Coffee Dream, a collection of great cafes not only to enjoy a cup of java but also to learn and practice coffee making

Recommended travel destinations by theme Top 8 Must-Visit Places in Busan

Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village

The gift of brilliant Busan at Hwangnyeongsan Viewing Lounge

The gift of brilliant Busan at Hwangnyeongsan Viewing Lounge

Taejongdae Park’s 100 years of history with Yeongdo Lighthouse

Taejongdae Park’s 100 years of history with Yeongdo Lighthouse

Walk around Hoedong Reservoir, a place that embraces eternal nature

Walk around Hoedong Reservoir, a place that embraces eternal nature

Gwangalli offers a spectacular view at night.

Gwangalli offers a spectacular view at night.

Huinnyeoul Culture Village at the end of the steep cliff

Huinnyeoul Culture Village at the end of the steep cliff

Hocheon Village is famous for the K-drama “Fight for My Way” and wall paintings of tigers

Hocheon Village is famous for the K-drama “Fight for My Way” and wall paintings of tigers

Busan with Twinkling Lights

Busan with Twinkling Lights

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See Busan on video

Is it STAYCs Last Night? STAYC Loves Busan, and Wed Love to See You Again! | STAYC’s Secret in Busan EP.12

Is it STAYCs Last Night? STAYC Loves Busan, and Wed Love to See You Again! | STAYC’s Secret in Busan EP.12

STAYC’s first romantic camping trip! The lighting, temperature, humidity... All perfect!!  | STAYC’s Secret in Busan EP.11

STAYC’s first romantic camping trip! The lighting, temperature, humidity... All perfect!! | STAYC’s Secret in Busan EP.11

Getting Tipsy on STAYC... Having True Friendship Moments at Cheongmagaok! | STAYC’s Secret in Busan EP.10

Getting Tipsy on STAYC... Having True Friendship Moments at Cheongmagaok! | STAYC’s Secret in Busan EP.10

[Behind EP.4]  Close Coverage!! STAYC’s Unreleased Vlogs! Watch Their Cuteness~ | STAYC’s Secret in Busan

[Behind EP.4] Close Coverage!! STAYC’s Unreleased Vlogs! Watch Their Cuteness~ | STAYC’s Secret in Busan

The STAYC Extroverts Vlogs! But They Are All Guilty Of Something...  | STAYC’s Secret in Busan EP.9

The STAYC Extroverts Vlogs! But They Are All Guilty Of Something... | STAYC’s Secret in Busan EP.9

BUSAN Ocean index

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Announcement of Winners for the Second Event with Starry Night in Busan and Nikon

Announcement of Winners for the First Event with Starry Night in Busan and Nikon

Winners Announcement for [Magazine <B> EVENT]

Winners Announcement for [On lively Busan Streets Join us for a quiz event on unique experiences] EVENT

Winners Announcement for [BEST OF THE BEST travel destinations] EVENT

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Busan Subway Map 4+

Busan metro map, yaroslav mykolaienko, designed for ipad, screenshots, description.

Effortlessly navigate Busan metro: Get quick route planning, station details, and fare information all in one convenient app Introducing the innovative "Explore Busan Metro" app, your indispensable companion for navigating Busan's public transportation system. This app is designed to meet the needs of both locals and tourists, offering a wide range of features and capabilities for convenient and comfortable travel in the dynamic city of Busan. We understand that both residents and tourists have unique needs when it comes to public transportation, and our app caters to them all. For locals, it offers a reliable source of real-time information, helping you streamline your daily commute and save time. For tourists, it provides a tourist-friendly interface, highlighting nearby attractions and ensuring that you make the most of your visit to Busan. "Busan Metro Map" is not just an app; it's your dedicated travel companion, ensuring that your metro experience is seamless, efficient, and enjoyable. Whether you're heading to work, exploring the city's cultural landmarks, or visiting friends, our app will be there to guide you every step of the way. Key Features: - Detailed Station Information: Get all the details about metro stations, including accessibility for mobile devices, the presence of elevators, nearby attractions, and much more. This is useful for both local residents and newcomers to the city. - Schedules and Fares: Access the full train schedule and up-to-date fare information. You can find out the cost of your trip and the exact departure time of the train. - City Map Integration: Seamlessly switch between the metro map and the city map. Understand how the metro lines connect with the streets and neighborhoods of Busan, making it easier to plan your overall journey and explore the city. - Tourist-Friendly Interface: If you're a tourist, the app offers special features to meet your needs. You can quickly find tourist attractions and interesting places conveniently located near metro stations. Why Choose "Explore Busan Metro"? - Ease of Use: Our app features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to everyone. - Reliability and Accuracy: We provide reliable and up-to-date data, so you'll always stay informed. - For Everyone: Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, our app provides you with the necessary information for comfortable travel. - Offline Use: After downloading data, the app can work offline, making it available everywhere and at all times. - Time and Money Savings: Travel more efficiently and effectively manage your expenses.

App Privacy

The developer, Yaroslav Mykolaienko , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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IMAGES

  1. 16 Best Things to do in Busan This Year

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  2. 16 Best Things to do in Busan This Year

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  3. 15 Best Things to Do in Busan (South Korea)

    busan tourism places

  4. Busan 2021: Top 10 Tours & Activities (with Photos)

    busan tourism places

  5. 11 Best Things to Do in Busan

    busan tourism places

  6. Busan 3 Days Itinerary

    busan tourism places

COMMENTS

  1. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Busan

    per adult (price varies by group size) Visit Pottery Village , Make Small Pottery & Taste Local Food. 9. Food & Drink. from. $100. per adult (price varies by group size) Busan oyster village Tour with Oyster cuisines in Winter. 2.

  2. 15 Best Things to do in Busan in 2023

    Freya Herring. &. Anna Rahmanan. Tuesday 11 April 2023. If you're looking for a travel destination, don't underestimate Busan. In our opinion, Busan is one of the most underrated cities in the ...

  3. Visit Busan : The Official Travel Guide to Busan Metropolitan City

    Busan is awash with cherry blossoms ~ . On a bright spring day, take the pictures of the day in Busan's best places for spring flowers! Coffee Dream, a collection of great cafes not only to enjoy a cup of java but also to learn and practice coffee making. Shiny Busan, Rediscovered: A 3-day, 2-night journey as featured in.

  4. 11 BEST Places to Visit in Busan (2024)

    Nampo. Nampo is our number one pick for the best neighbourhood in Busan to stay in if you're visiting for the first time. This busy and bustling neighbourhood is located in central Busan. Places to visit: Browse the shops at Gukje Market. Climb to the top of Busan Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

  5. Top 20 Must-Visit Busan Attractions! [Busan Guide]

    From Busan station, take bus no.88 or 101 and get off at Taejongdae Cliff Bus stop. 4. Jagalchi Market (부산 자갈치시장) Jagalchi Market, located on the seaside road in Busan's Jung-gu, is Korea's largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish. After the Korean War, the market solidified itself as a fish market.

  6. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Busan in South Korea

    5. Songdo Beach and Cable Car. The most central of Busan's seven main beaches, Songdo is just a short bus or taxi ride from Nampo. Besides the beach itself, which is good for swimming, Songdo is famously the site of the first cable car in Korea, which was built in 1964, closed in 1988, and reopened in 2017.

  7. 54 Awesome Things to do in Busan: Your Complete 2024 Guide

    Busan is home to some of the most impressive temples in South Korea. Getting around Busan is easy thanks to the city's reliable and extensive public transport network. The Busan metro stops at most major sites within the city limits. Notable Busan attractions, temples, and national parks on the outskirts of Busan are serviced by buses. Final ...

  8. Busan Travel Guide: What To Do And Must-Visit Attractions

    The port city of Busan is a major sea, land, and air transportation center in South Korea. Bathing beaches and coastal parks are therefore among the coastal tourism attractions of Busan. Historical structures, museums, and art galleries are just a few of the city's other attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. Continue reading ...

  9. Busan travel

    Busan. South Korea, Asia. Home to majestic mountains, glistening beaches, steaming hot springs and fantastic seafood, South Korea's second-largest city is a rollicking port town with tons to offer. From casual tent bars and chic designer cafes to fish markets teeming with every species imaginable, Busan (부산) has something for all tastes.

  10. Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Busan [2024]

    A great option to visit Taejongdae Resort Park is the Busan Top 5 Attractions Day and Night Tour, which includes Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Oryukdo Skywalk, Taejongdae, Gamcheon Culture Village and The Bay 101 at Haeundae Beach. Click here to check out and book the Busan Top 5 Attractions Tour through Klook.

  11. 15 Best Things to Do in Busan (South Korea)

    Catching an elevator to the top is one of those things all first-time visitors have to do in Busan, especially if the sky is clear. At night there's a knockout panorama of the harbour, the Busan Bridge, Jagalchi Market and out as far as Japan's Tsushima Island in the Korea Strait if conditions are right. 8. Beomeosa.

  12. Top 15 Things To Do In Busan (South Korea)

    For those who do not have the time or ability to go hiking, there is a Danubi train that will take you to see all of the main attractions. Address: 24 Jeonmang-ro, Dongsam-dong, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea. 2. Gamcheon Culture Village. Visiting the Gamcheon Culture Village is among the top things to do in Busan.

  13. 25 Must-Visit Places in Busan, South Korea: A Comprehensive Guide

    The transformation of Gamcheon Village into a cultural destination has made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Busan. Since the renovation project in 2009, tourism in the village has significantly increased, with approximately 1.4 million visitors recorded in 2015.

  14. 30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BUSAN [KOREA GUIDE]

    Explore Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the "most beautiful Temple in Korea". 9. Get lost in Gamcheon Cultural Village. 10. Visit Oryukdo Skywalk and Igidae Park. 11. Go to BIFF Square, one of the main things to do in Busan. 12. Take the Songdo Cable Car.

  15. What to do in Busan? 13 EPIC experiences + practical tips

    Enjoying the views from the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the best places to visit in Busan. 3. Enjoy the breathtaking views from Haedong Yonggungsa. This photogenic temple is generally known as the Water Temple for its location along the coastline. The temple awards its visitors with breathtaking views over the East Sea and Songjeong Beach.

  16. 30 BEST Places to Visit in Busan (UPDATED March 2024)

    Places to visit in Busan. Top Things to Do in Busan, South Korea. Places to Visit in Busan. Explore popular experiences. See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All. Bus Tours (130) Day Trips (51) Flea & Street Markets (14) Cultural Tours (75)

  17. 50 Unmissable Things to Do in Busan in 2024

    South Korea's largest temple, Tongdosa, is so close to Busan that it deserves a mention on this list. Tongdosa is one of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea and houses important Buddha relics. Get there by taking the bus from gate 33-34 at Central Bus Terminal in the north of Busan. The ride takes 30 minutes.

  18. 8 Beautiful Places To Visit In Busan On Your South Korea Trip

    Here is the list of 8 best places to visit in Busan to give you a snippet of what awaits for you. Haeundae Beach. Gamcheon Culture Village. Sea Life Busan Aquarium. Haedong Yonggungsa. Taejong Dae. Jagalchi Fish Market. Nampodong Market. Gwangalli Beach.

  19. Busan

    5. Get Cultural at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Right on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan is Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. When we arrived, Jessica and I were greeted by 12 zodiac stone figures. I personally love visiting temples, and this one in particular is beautiful, nestled on a mountain.

  20. 11 Best Things to Do in Busan

    Busan Museum of Art. Yongdusan Park. 40-step Culture & Tourism Theme Street. Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center. The best things to do in Busan showcases the city's reputation as an important sea port in Asia. Frequently seen as the essence of South Korea, you'll experience a unique atmosphere in terms of ethnic and cultural diversity, as the city ...

  21. Tourist Attractions

    Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum Annex Transformed Into a Wonderful Cultural Complex 1,571 8 6 CGV DRIVE-IN Yeongdo: An Outdoor Theater in Nature

  22. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Busan

    656 places sorted by traveler favorites. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. 31. ... This mall is conveniently located near a few attractions of Busan like the Busan bridge and the Jagalchi Market area. We stopped in to pick up a few things and use the bathroom.

  23. Visit Busan : The Official Travel Guide to Busan Metropolitan City

    Top 8 Must-Visit Places in Busan. Gwangalli offers a spectacular view at night. Huinnyeoul Culture Village at the end of the steep cliff. Hocheon Village is famous for the K-drama "Fight for My Way" and wall paintings of tigers.

  24. ‎Busan Subway Map on the App Store

    - Tourist-Friendly Interface: If you're a tourist, the app offers special features to meet your needs. You can quickly find tourist attractions and interesting places conveniently located near metro stations. Why Choose "Explore Busan Metro"? - Ease of Use: Our app features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to everyone.