busan tourist attraction map

Map of Busan — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Busan, South Korea for travelers! Check out Busan’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Busan? See our Busan Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Busan. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Busan map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Busan by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 19 attractions in Busan

Haeundae beach, beomeosa temple.

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Gamcheon Culture Village

Haedong yonggungsa temple, gwangalli beach, jagalchi market, un memorial cemetery in korea, dongbaekseom, gwangan bridge, taejongdae resort park, busan, songdo beach, apec naru park, songjeong beach, bexco │ busan exhibition and convention center, diamond tower (busan tower), oryukdo skywalk, yongdusan park, gwangbok-ro fashion street, top 10 restaurants in busan, anga sutbul-gui, la bella cita.

Choryang Milmyeon

Boksoondoga f1963, dining room park hyatt busan, ecotopia vegetarian restaurant, shinsaegae department store centum city food hall, transportation in busan, nearby airports, ulsan airport, gimhae international airport, daegu international airport (tae), highways and major roads.

• Busan Expressway (National Route 1)
• Gyeongbu Expressway (National Route 1)
• Namhae Expressway (National Route 38)
• Tongyeong-Yeongam Expressway (National Route 10)
• Busan Coastal Expressway (National Route 48)
• Bukbu Expressway (National Route 35)
• Sasang Interchange (National Route 55)
• Haeundae-Gwangan Bridge
• Gwangan-daero Boulevard
• Dongseo Expressway (National Route 55)

Top searches in Busan

Popular road trips from busan, what's the weather like in busan.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Busan for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Busan in January
• Weather in Busan in February
• Weather in Busan in March
• Weather in Busan in April
• Weather in Busan in May
• Weather in Busan in June
• Weather in Busan in July
• Weather in Busan in August
• Weather in Busan in September
• Weather in Busan in October
• Weather in Busan in November
• Weather in Busan in December

All road trips from Busan

• Busan to Seoul drive
• Busan to Tokyo drive
• Busan to Kyoto drive
• Busan to Osaka drive
• Busan to Fukuoka drive
• Busan to Beijing drive
• Busan to Hiroshima drive
• Busan to Nagasaki drive
• Busan to Shanghai drive
• Busan to Jeju drive
• Busan to Nagoya drive
• Busan to Kumamoto drive
• Busan to Kitakyushu drive
• Busan to Kanazawa drive
• Busan to Kagoshima drive
• Busan to Sapporo drive
• Busan to Hakone-machi drive
• Busan to Beppu drive
• Busan to Xi'an drive
• Busan to Sasebo drive
• Busan to Daegu drive
• Busan to Matsuyama drive
• Busan to Kamakura drive
• Busan to Himeji drive
• Busan to Nikko drive
• Busan to Okayama drive
• Busan to Hakodate drive
• Busan to Matsue drive
• Busan to Taito drive
• Busan to Jeonju drive

Explore nearby places

• Cheongdo-gun
• Goseong-gun
• Changnyeong-gun
• Uiryeong-gun
• Hapcheon-Gun
• Goryeong-gun
• Sancheong-gun
• Seongju-gun
• Chilgok-gun
• Geochang-gun

All related maps of Busan

• Map of Yangsan
• Map of Gimhae
• Map of Changwon
• Map of Geoje
• Map of Ulsan
• Map of Haman-gun
• Map of Miryang
• Map of Tongyeong
• Map of Cheongdo-gun
• Map of Goseong-gun
• Map of Changnyeong-gun
• Map of Uiryeong-gun
• Map of Gyeongju
• Map of Gyeongsan
• Map of Jinju
• Map of Sacheon
• Map of Daegu
• Map of Hapcheon-Gun
• Map of Goryeong-gun
• Map of Yeongcheon
• Map of Tsushima
• Map of Pohang
• Map of Namhae-gun
• Map of Sancheong-gun
• Map of Seongju-gun
• Map of Chilgok-gun
• Map of Hadong-gun
• Map of Geochang-gun
• Map of Gwangyang
• Map of Yeosu

Busan throughout the year

• Busan in January
• Busan in February
• Busan in March
• Busan in April
• Busan in May
• Busan in June
• Busan in July
• Busan in August
• Busan in September
• Busan in October
• Busan in November
• Busan in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Busan?

Get inspired for your trip to Busan with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Busan Itinerary
• 2-Day Busan Itinerary
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• 4-Day Busan Itinerary
• 5-Day Busan Itinerary

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Busan Printable Tourist Map

Busan Map: The Attractions

Kimchee Busan Downtown Guesthouse

Bokcheon Museum

Chungnyeolsa Shrine

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Hwangnyeongsan observatory.

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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

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

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 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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Top 15 Things To Do In Busan (South Korea)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: May 27, 2019  - Last updated: June 10, 2024

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

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.

Yeongdo Lighthouse

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

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.

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

Haeundae Beach

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Temple Of Beomeosa

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

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

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

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 Skywalk

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

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 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The 15 best things to do in Busan

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

Photograph: Shutterstock

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

Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides , written by local experts.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best things to do in Busan

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’. 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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First Timer's Busan Itinerary for 3 Days (+ Interactive Map)

Updated: Apr 23, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

For Koreans, spending a long weekend in Busan is a popular getaway, especially from Seoul . It's got the beach & ocean vistas, abundant seafood, and the most famous living village in Korea: Gamcheon Culture Village.

Planning your Busan itinerary is easier than ever, no matter where your interests lay. If you hate flying, you can take a bus or a train to Busan (unlike to the beautiful Jeju island ). The city even has an international airport, so it sees many visitors from nearby Japan and China.

But just because it's a big city doesn't mean you can make the most of 3 days in Busan. I lived in South Korea for 3 years, and I went to Busan every 2-4 months in that time. I visited during every season. Each time I had just 3 days in Busan, and each time I tested a slightly different Busan itinerary.

I tweaked it a bit until I'd had the chance to solidify some favorite activities, and try out some new ones. I always made time for chocolate shops in Busan , for example. I've found that as an expat in Korea, I have a very different perspective on the city and on my adopted country, so hopefully this insight and research helps you plan your own trip. Jal kayo!~

Buy a PDF Version of This Post!

• 🎒 Planning a Trip to Busan
• 🚍 Arrival & Getting Around Busan
• 🌨️ How To Visit Busan In Winter
• 🧳 Where to Stay in Busan
• 👀 What To Do & See In Busan
• 🍜 What to Eat in Busan
• 📝 Sample Busan Itinerary: 3 Days
• 🔍 Practical Info
• 💡 Busan Travel Tips
• 📍 Busan Points of Interest Map

🎒 Planning a Trip to Busan

Those of you looking to visit South Korea are probably as confused by all the changes as I was before I visited again post-covid. But as of March 20th, 2024, masks are still required in medical settings like hospitals but are NO LONGER REQUIRED in all other indoor public places, including public transport.

Here are what document you need to visit Korea as a tourist:

• K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization , applied for at least 72 hours before departure) OR Visa to visit Korea (countries which previously had a visa exemption now need to apply for a K-ETA). From April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries will also temporarily NOT need a K-ETA or visa to visit Korea (includes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam)). If you're a valid ABTC card holder (APEC card), you are not required to apply for a K-ETA [excluding Americans & Canadians].
• Q-Code (can also be filled out upon arrival) : visitors need to fill out information for the Korean quarantine system, known as Q-Code . Note that all travelers are now allowed in regardless of vaccination status, but you do need to have filled out your Q-Code before going through immigration.

If for some reason you need to take a covid test in a South Korea airport, the cost of a covid test in Incheon Airport is currently ₩80,000 ($60USD), with some options within Seoul as inexpensive as ₩65,000 ($50USD). There's no testing requirement to leave South Korea.

🚍 Arrival & Getting Around Busan

As the second-largest city in Korea, Busan is very well-connected to the rest of the country. Nearby cities like Gimhae, Daegu, or the historic Gyeongju are just a short bus ride away, which is why I don't recommend only visit Busan on a day trip.

South Korean public transport is world above that of the rest of Asia, except for neighboring Japan . Getting to Busan will either involve a bus, train, or airplane depending upon how far away you are. Note that if you are flying from Gimpo Airport, the airport closes each night from 12am-4:30am.

The city has its own international airport, located just next door in Gimhae, itself a large city. Coming from Incheon or Seoul to Busan, flights are extremely available and cheap. Taking the train is another popular option, and while not as fast as a flight, can be very comfortable.

The KTX or the Mugunghwa (slow train) are the only types of train you can take from Seoul Station to go from Seoul to Busan or vice versa , and the Mugunghwa actually stops at a few cities in between.

A more affordable option— and the only one, if you live outside of Seoul — is to take the bus. There are direct buses from all of the Seoul bus terminals (I recommend Express Bus Terminal), but if you're coming from outside of the city it may be more realistic to changes buses at a nearby city.

There's a Busan subway line well-connected to the bus stop where you'll arrive, so if you go this route, you won't have trouble getting to your accommodation. Big cities near Busan include Gimhae, Daejeon, Gyeongju, Gwangju, Daegu, and Pohang. Getting around Busan will be easiest via the metro, and the system of buses.

Be sure to download a Korean translation app like Papago and a Korean map app like Naver Maps , as those will have the best translations and directions (Google Maps is absolute crap in Korea) to follow throughout your South Korea itinerary. But be warned, it may take awhile to get across town, no matter what route you take!

🌨️ How To Visit Busan In Winter

Visiting Busan in winter can be an intimidating task. It can snow in Busan as early as November, and even into early March, but it's generally not a debilitating amount, as there can be in Seoul. It's important to pack your winter clothes, but know that it'll always be a bit warmer in Busan than in Seoul.

One New Year's I spend there, it was just below freezing and sunny all day, making it downright gorgeous (for wintertime in Busan). So what is there to do in Busan in the winter?

Well, there are lots of options detailed in the Busan itinerary below, but importantly, try to stay outside during the sunniest parts of the day (12pm-3pm) and inside at night. Remember that while you can visit the beaches in the wintertime, be careful not to get too close to the freezing water.

Unless, of course, you like the feeling of impending frostbite (I have made this mistake and do not recommend it). This still leaves you with plenty of options for the evenings: Busan Aquarium, Busan Tower, Busan Museum of Movies, the Museum of Art, Spa Land, and of course, shopping.

Outdoor activities for the daytime include Taejongdae and the various beaches & sky walks for pictures and sea views. I've visited all of those during Busan's winters, and lived happily to tell the tale. Don't be afraid to visit Busan in wintertime, but just remember to pack your fluffiest jacket and stock up on heattech.

You'll be glad you have it when you're wandering the outdoor market or staring out at one of the bluest seas you'll ever see in Korea (winter or not)!

🧳 Where to Stay in Busan

With such a large city sprawled out in front of you, it can be hard to figure out which area to stay in. Luckily I've written a whole guide to where to stay in Busan , but for a bit of a primer, there are 3 main Busan neighborhoods for tourists.

The first one is Haeundae , which attracts visitors thanks to its gorgeous beaches and more laid back vibes. In spot number two is the upscale Seomyeon , situated in the downtown area of Busan and best known for its shopping & nightlife.

The Gwangalli Beach area is by no means quiet, but it is a more local and therefore less expensive place to stay in. The final Busan neighborhood I might recommend is Nampo , which is close to the main bus station and the port.

Click here to explore hotel prices in Busan.

👀 What To Do & See In Busan

Busan is by no means a small place. It can take a couple of hours to get from one side to the other, just like in Seoul . So to make it easier for you to plan your trip, I've divided Busan attractions by neighborhood, and added each of them to a map at the bottom of the post.

Similar to this section in my Jeju Island Guide , this part is packed with Busan points of interest! But unlike the places to stay in Busan, where you sleep is not necessarily the best place to spend your day.

You should stay in Gwangalli for quiet time and a day on the beach, or in Seomyeon for the nightlife , but during the day you'll want to go elsewhere. Both of those are central locations from which to base yourself, however, so don't rule them out as places to rest your head.

Things To Do In Haeundae (해운대)

Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장) /// free entrance /// 9am-6pm  Undoubtedly the most popular beach in Korea, Haeundae is notoriously packed in the summer, especially with families. Public schools don't let out until mid-July, however.

So if you time your visit for a weekday before peak season, you may just have a patch of sand to yourself. A good alternative if Haeundae is too crowded is Songjeong Beach (송정해수욕장) , located about a kilometer north along the coast. Note that beaches are only open for swimming from June to August.

Dongbaek Park (동백공원) /// free entrance /// 10am-5pm Sitting right at the southern tip of Busan, Dongbaek Island, where the park is located, is named after the Dongbaek trees covering the island (which is now part of the mainland).

The park is beautiful, even in the wintertime, but it also offers beautiful views of the ocean and several planned photo-ops. At certain points you can even get a faraway look at downtown Busan!

Busan Aquarium (부산아쿠아리움) /// ₩19000-25000 entrance /// 10am-7pm, 9am-9pm While aquariums tend to be more for kids, in Korea it's also a pretty popular date activity (even on Jeju Island!), so the Busan Aquarium offers lots of little activities that are fun for visitors of all ages.

Some activities geared towards adults include shark diving & feeding time, but everyone will love seeing the penguins and otters, and riding in the glass-bottomed boat. Note that hours are later on the weekends. Click here for a discount coupon for tickets.

Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk (청사포다릿돌전망대) /// free entrance /// 9am-6pm Although not the most conveniently-located for visitors, this relatively new tourist attraction has become quite popular over the last couple of years. The skywalk juts out proudly over the ocean and features a see-through bottom at parts.

This makes it perfect for showing off the ocean without you having to get in it, great for winter in Busan. There's also an observatory in the area, one of just 3 in the city. The skywalk is located right between Songjeong and Haeundae Beaches, so it's a nice scenic walk from either spot.

Things To Do In Nampo (남포)

Gamcheon Culture Village (부산 감천문화마을) /// free entrance /// 9am-5pm or 6pm Probably the most popular spot for photos in all of Busan, GMC as it's called has become known as the Cinque Terre of South Korea.

The calming blue houses look right out over the ocean, and are actually still people's homes. So while it's always fun to wander around and stop in the cafes, it's also important to stay respectful of the fact that this is a neighborhood in addition to a fount of Korean culture & beauty.

Huinnyeoul Culture Village (흰여울문화마을 /// free entrance /// 9am-5pm or 6pm Huinnyeoul is often called an alternative to Gamcheon Cultural Village, if you've heard of it at all. The region offers an equally beautiful view, but is much smaller and quieter, with many fewer tourists most noticeable on the weekends).

I love it for how much closer to the ocean it is, with seaside views for miles on a day with the right weather. But again, be respectful of the fact that people still live there!

Busan Tower (부산타워) /// ₩6000-8000 entrance /// 10am-11pm If you're gonna have a tower, make it a big one. Busan Tower is one of three observatories in the city, and is one of the most beautiful ones I've ever seen.

All lit up at night, the tower shines out over the garden and Buddhist temple sitting below it. Even though it does cost money to enter the observation deck and look out over the city, it is definitely worth it for the bird's-eye view.

Busan Museum of Movies (부산영화체험박물관) /// ₩7000-10000 entrance /// 10am-6pm (closed on Mondays) Perfect for the cinema-obsessed among us, the Museum of Movies' very existence is a testament to how important cinema has become to the city. Home to the annual Busan International Film Festival, Korea's second-largest city has become quite the hub for the arts.

The museum has a VR experience center, along with several exhibits on filming, production, and famous soundtracks. It's also home to the Trick Eye Museum , which if you visit on your birthday you can get in for free.

Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장) /// free entrance /// 5am-10pm This is the largest seafood market in Korea. It's actually become so famous that every October they hold the Jagalchi Cultural Tourism Festival, and it's a pretty big event.

But even if you can't make it to the festival, seafood lovers will enjoy walking through the market and gawking looking at the diverse sea life found in Busan's waters. The entire first floor is dedicated to the market, while restaurants and the like are found on the other 6 floors above.

Things To Do In Centum City (센텀시티)

Shinsegae Centum City (신세계 센텀시티) /// free entrance /// 10:30am-8pm Just the words "Centum City" are synonymous in Busan with shopping, as the neighborhood is home to the world's largest shopping complex: Shinsegae Department Store.

So for all of us who love to surround ourselves in luxury and probably never buy anything, this makes the perfect appetizer to lunch on the top floor. Or free make-up samples; whichever your heart most desires.

Busan Cinema Center (부산 영화의 전당) /// free entrance /// 10am-5pm (closed on weekends & holidays) Home to the Busan International Film Festival, held every fall, the center has 3 buildings, each of which holds theatres of varying sizes. Due to the limited opening hours, the center is quite popular with tourists, and offers tours and lectures every day. There are restaurants and cafes on site.

Busan Museum of Art (부산광역시립미술관) /// free entrance /// 10am-6pm (closed on Mondays) This is five floors of pure culture, including paintings and large exhibits, as well as an outdoor sculpture garden.

There are both permanent and seasonal collections, as well as educational programs and seminars for visitors of all ages. The busiest days are on the weekends, so if you can manage to go on a weekday then you'll feel as if you have the place to yourself.

Spa Land Centum City (스파랜드 센텀시티점) /// ₩10000-18000 entrance /// 6am-12am Any trip to a big city in Korea isn't complete without a visit to the sauna. Even though there are saunas in my own town in Korea, if I'm going to get butt naked with strangers, I'd prefer to have a 0% chance of getting recognized in public later on.

Spas in Korea are immensely popular for a reason, however, and Spa Land is one of the most famous in the country. You can spend a whole day lounging around in hot tubs, relaxing and chatting with friends, or go get a massage and scrub down from one of the attendants.

Interesting Things To Do Around Busan

Taejongdae (태종대) /// free entrance /// 5am-12am Of all the things to do in Busan, this is undoubtedly one of my favorites. Part-resort and part-park, Taejongdae has become famous for its beautiful views and, er, colorful train.

The temples are accessible with a half-hour to an hour's walk, but even right around the entrance you can hike down and bit and reach the shore. If you want to go further, however, wait for a train to the lighthouse and observatory, and maybe grab a drink at the cafe while you wait.

Basically no matter where you go on the grounds, you're gonna find a great view. Note that while it's free to enter the grounds, you still need to pay for parking and any transportation you use to get around the grounds.

Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장) /// free entrance /// 9am-6pm I'm not going to pretend that Gwanggalli is much less crowded than Haeundae, but it is said to be cleaner & quieter, and it's of equal size & beauty to Haeundae Beach.

What it doesn't have in tourist traps, its has in tranquility and quality Busan cuisine, making it much more popular with locals. Note that beaches are only open for swimming from June to August.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동용궁사) /// free entrance /// 5am-sunset  Most Korean temples are in the mountains, and offer tranquility and spectacular views of the life going on below. Haedong does this as well, but most distinctly it offers a view of the life going on down below in the deep blue sea instead of the countryside valleys.

Known for its stunning views and traditional architecture, this is one of very few chances to see a Korean temple on the coast. Some people come here to watch the sunrise, which is a spectacular choice considering it opens at 5am!

🍜 What to Eat in Busan

Haemul Pajeon (해물파전) : seafood pancake, basically, but in a potato- and egg-based batter instead of a flour-based one. This is especially popular as anju (food eaten with alcohol) , but many people come to Busan's fish markets to enjoy this type of pancake with family. Often you order one serving per person, and sit at one of the many stalls in the unusual ambience of the fish market, chatting while you eat.

Sannakji (산낙지) : possibly one of the most famous Korean foods— other than barbecue— sannakji is often called "live octopus," though it's actually just an extremely fresh version of the sea creature.

Served immediately after it's killed, sannakji are squirted with acidic fruit juices which make the tentacles continue to move around even after it's placed in front of you. It's not served alive, but people certainly act as if it were, as most people shy away from trying the fresh dish. Do you dare?

Hoe  (회) : this literally means "raw seafood," and doesn't necessarily specify which fish or dish, but the most common types are smaller white-fleshed varieties. Mulhoe (물회) is a cold raw fish soup that's a very popular way to enjoy the fish, but other fresh seafood dishes are continuing to gain popularity.

Sushi (스시) and Whelks (골뱅이)  are two more popular foods I'd recommend trying only in seaside cities like Busan, as they're very typical foods and apt to be fresher here than further inland.

Busan Jokbal (부산족발) : "pig's feet from Busan" don't sound super appetizing, but I don't think I've ever met a Korean who didn't like pig's feet in my nearly 3 years living here. Even just walking past the stands of jokbal , the combination of sweet cinnamon and honey reminds me of spiral-cut ham on Christmas.

The experience isn't exactly the same, but it is one you're unlikely to find outside of Asia. The meat is fatty and rich, so don't knock it 'til you try it.

Dwaeji Gukbap (돼지국밥) : a very hearty pork-based stew prepared by slowly boiling pork bone into a broth and adding tender pork bits. It's served with rice and side dishes; you plop the rice into the stew and then eat it with the side dishes of your choosing.

It's popular year-round, but it's a must-try in winter. There's also a beef version of the stew, called Sogogi Gukbap (소고기 국밥) .

Samgyupsal (삼겹살) : pork belly, which is the post popular meat of choice for a night out in Korea, is just one of many options for Korean barbecue.

Galbi (갈비) , ribs, usually of the pork variety, or Hanu (한우) , Korean-raised beef, are my other two recommendations for a nice night of barbecue, though are a bit harder to find than pork belly. None of these are specific to Busan, but I had to include them just in case this is your only trip to Korea!

Milmyeon (밀면) : cold noodles serves similarly to (my beloved cold noodle) Nangmyeon (물냉면) , but made with wheat flour instead of buckwheat, and with a big dollop of hot pepper paste on top.

Both milmyeon and naengmyeon are made with a meat broth and are often eaten right after barbecue, especially pork belly. In my humble opinion, this is one of the most emblematic dishes of South Korean cuisine.

Various Anju (안주) : anju is a term meaning "food eaten while drinking alcohol," and many bars will require you to order some anju to go with your liquor or beer. Most anju are foods that, if eaten together, would make up a meal in countries like the US, but in Korea they're just fried, salty foods that cut the bite of the alcohol.

Food isn't actually a meal without rice, after all. If you're a big group, look for the words "모든" or "모든안주," which means it's a mix of all or almost all the dishes they offer. It'll give everyone a variety of dishes to try with their soju (소주) and beer (맥주).

Street Foods : there are too many to name them all here, but the most popular street foods in Korea are definitely Eomuk (어묵) & Ddeokbokki (떡볶이) , which are fish cakes & spicy rice cakes, respectively, and are often served together (and are spicier in Busan than in Seoul).

Skewers (꼬치) , usually chicken skewers served with onion and barbecue sauce, are a very filling and cheap alternative for those who don't like seafood.

Hoddeok (호떡) , a cinnamon sugar-filled fried rice cake, is my absolute favorite treat and one of the few traditional sweets in Korea. Finally, Soondae (순대) is Korean blood sausage and a very popular drunk food.

📝 Sample Busan Itinerary: 3 Days

A 3 day Busan itinerary could take many forms, but for such a short visit I've chosen a variety of typical Busan activities to give you a taste of the city. They've been timed such that you'll have ample time to spend at each place and get from one spot to the next.

Some activities have alternatives in case of differing weather, but most things to do in Busan are indoors or non-weather dependent, anyway. Have fun, and don't be afraid to switch the days depending on your mood.

Day 1: Relaxing & Observing

Most hostels and hotels will provide food for breakfast, but if they don't then ask for a recommendation or stop by a convenience store on the way out.

10am // Busan Cinema Center : here you can take a tour of the exhibits and walk around a bit before lunch without having to wander too far from the beach where you'll find your meal. Unfortunately if it's a weekend then the center is closed, and I'd recommend you head over to the Museum of Art instead.

12pm // Lunch at Haeundae Beach : since it's so international, you can have any type of food you want, but this would be a great time to settle in for some barbecue, like samgyupsal or galbi .

2pm // Spa Land : quite close to the Cinema Center in central Busan, this is one of the most famous spas in Korea and it includes all of the typical Korean sauna features. There are multiples hot tubs and several options for add-ons like massages or body scrubs.

You can rent a bathing suit, as well, and towels are provided; since you can spend any number of hours here, you can keep it or skip it depending upon your arrival time.

7pm // Dinner : returning to Haeundae, close to the beach there are always several vendors selling street foods like meats and seafoods, and ice cream and rice cakes. You can make a full meal out of it and try a variety of smaller servings of each dish.

Alternatively, if it's cold out you can go to a bar and have some beer and anju , making sure to save room for a piece of hoddeok (cinnamon sugar rice cake)!

8pm // Walk The Beach : if it's warm weather this is a great time to feel the sand on your toes one more time, but I'd recommend you go to a noraebang (karaoke room) if it's cold.

Noraebang is a very typical Korean past time, especially popular after a couple of bottles of soju or beer (which you can order directly to your room using the call button, even if you're in a pay-as-you-go place).

Day 2: Exploring The City

Again, most places you stay will provide breakfast, and if they don't, be sure to ask for a recommendation. If you have limited time on day 2, or have to leave early the next morning, I recommend skipping Busan tower and going straight to Taejongdae.

9am // Gamcheon Culture Village : one of the most popular spots on the island, GMC as it's known gets rather crowded around lunchtime, especially on the weekends. So to arrive and get out before the crowds, you should start your days here.

If all the uphill gets tiring, there are plenty of cafes to stop and rest in, but just remember that it is a residential area so you should stay respectfully quiet in the upper areas and earlier in the morning. 30 to 40 minutes walking or 10 to 12 minutes in a taxi to the next destination.

11:30am // Lunch @Jagalchi Market : if you're still feeling energetic, walk to Jagalchi Market and grab some well-earned food before exploring all the different sea creatures they sell at this huge market.

If you're a more adventurous eater, stop by the food stalls for lunch instead of going to the restaurants on the upper floors. Depending on where you finish in the market, it's a 10-to 15-minute walk to Busan Tower.

1pm // Busan Tower : continue exploring the city's cultural sites by walking around the grounds of Busan Tower without actually going up (save your money for later). There's a beautiful park and traditional building around, perfect to rest in on a warm day.

If you're not big on traditional architecture or it's really cold out, a good nearby alternative is the Busan Museum of Movies & the Trick Eye Museum, both of which offer a fun way to stay active and entertain kids. It's a 30-minute taxi ride or a 1-hour direct bus ride to the next stop.

3pm // Taejongdae : No matter how long it takes you to get to the grounds, it's a 5-minute walk to the park's entrance, and another 10 minutes to start seeing cliffs and beaches you can explore.

Either a bus or your own two feet can take you to the observatory and other "main attractions," but I think the whole region is just gorgeous. After walking around (or riding) or a few hours, at the entrance to the resort there are a variety of restaurant. This is the perfect time to try dwaeji gukbap !

6pm // Dinner : pick one of the restaurants outside the resort and enjoy a traditional Korean meal. Whenever you feel it in your to get moving again, you can start heading back to your guesthouse.

Day 3: Beaches & Culture

Hopefully by day 3 you've figured out your breakfast situation, and you know how to get fueled and ready for the day.

9am // Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk : walk right out over the ocean and start your day with a great view. First thing in the morning is when you're most likely to find this place the least crowded. Tourism is a later-in-the-day activity in Korea, so most spots won't start getting full until the afternoon, and by then you'll be long gone.

10am // Haeundae Beach : while you could also walk to Songjeong Beach from Cheongsapo, Haeundae is a bigger hub for transportation and lunch spots. Relax here a bit before looking for one of the aforementioned Busan foods for lunch, or even just resting in a cafe.

1pm // Lunch on the Beach : after a few hours of soaking up the sun or walking along the beach, duck into a nearby restaurant for a bite to eat. Most restaurants along the beach will specialize in one food or another, so choose wisely.

3pm // Haedong Yonggungsa : known as the Temple by the Sea, the large grounds of this locale are as spectacular and sweeping as pictures promise. It's well worth the trip after the beach, and hiking up and down the small paths is a worthwhile way of working off your lunch.

6pm // Dinner : after a thorough exploration of Haedong Yonggunsa, it's time for a hearty dinner and a final goodbye to Busan. Samgyupsal or jokbal are two local favorites, available year round.

🔍 Practical Info

Language:   Korean (surprise, surprise). Most people working in tourist sites will speak a little English, and sometimes some Japanese or Mandarin, but outside of those few sites you'll want to have a translation app on hand.

I recommend Papago, the local translation app. You may also have luck asking younger Korean people in the street, but I wouldn't count on it.

Population:  ~3.5 million people.

Currency:  Korean won (KRW), written as both ₩ or 원 (in Korean). ₩1000 won is equal to roughly $0.80USD or ₱42.

South Korea Visa:  lenient . Right now, citizens of 107 countries can get visas on arrival or visa-free travel to Korea, meaning you don’t need to apply for a visa before visiting South Korea (for between 30-90 days). Check on your country  here .

Some common countries: USA (up to 90 days), Singapore (up to 90 days), Malaysia (up to 90 days), Canada (up to 6 months), and South Africa (up to 30 days). Note that all of these citizens still need to apply for a K-ETA.

Voltage:  220v /60Hz, with two round holes for the plug (type F).

Best Time to Visit Busan

Everywhere in Korea, people are pretty much unanimous that April and October are the best months to visit weather-wise. However, I'd endorse April, May, June, September, and October as the best times to visit Busan (just buy or bring a mask for air pollution in May).

It's different for each month, but in the early spring you find the cherry blossoms and late spring brings the rest of the flowers and simply beautiful weather. The early- and mid-fall is best for cooling temperatures and fewer crowds, as well as beautiful fall leaves.

If you come in very late August or early September, you may even be able to catch a beach day after all the kids are back in schools depending on how well you coordinate your Busan trip with the government's open beach times.

💡 Busan Travel Tips

• Pollution in Korea is horrible. In recent memory, spring 2018 and winter 2019 come to mind as the worst, with many days seeing pollution levels as high as in Beijing, China. Bring or buy a face mask, although these days you'll be wearing one for another reason!
• Card is king in Korea, but ... always have some cash as backup. International cards are notorious for being rejected seemingly at random, so always keep enough money on hand to pay for your meal, entrance ticket, etc.
• Buy a T-Money Card before you leave the airport. This handy card can be reloaded at any convenience store and used to pay for the metro, buses, taxis, and in convenience stores.
• Speaking of convenience stores, most convenience stores are open 24 hours . If you're ever looking for somewhere to kill some time, stay out of the heat, or ask for help, this is your spot.
• Use your T-Money card to get around by bus outside of the city center . The bus system in Busan is great, and will be much faster to get around on in the outskirts, and much cheaper than taxis. Use Naver Maps to figure out your route (this is true for your entire South Korea trip, not just in Busan!).
• If you can't find the place, look up . If you’re looking for a guesthouse or cafe or restaurant, and you just know you’re at the right address, simply look up. It’s probably just on a waaaaaaay higher floor, like the 10th or 42nd.
• As a port city, Busan has fantastic seafood. So go to the wet market early in the morning to enjoy the freshest seafood, and have it prepared right in front of you. Fried fish is good at any hour.
• On the topic of early, there's a reason they call Korea the Land of Morning Calm⁠— nobody really gets up before 10am. So if you want to have the streets to yourself (& any other smart tourists), wake up early and eat breakfast in your hotel before heading out to your first activity.

Safety Level: 9/10

Despite a few rough patches, much like the rest of Korea , Busan is an extremely safe city. It is, however, still a city, so be sure to keep an eye on your bags and try not to flash cash in crowded areas. Otherwise, you have free reign.

Public consumption of alcohol is completely legal, so keep an eye out for drunk people doing stupid things, especially on the weekends.

Sample Busan Budget: 2 Days

This budget assumes you’re spending 3 full days and 3 nights in the city, and are traveling alone using the 3 day Busan itinerary above. The prices mentioned below could be even lower if you travel with a friend and share the cost of a room, but not much lower.

Cheap travel in Busan is more than possible, especially if you're indulging in delicious Korean food. Note that the current exchange rate is roughly ₩1250KR per $1USD.

• Lodging : $100
• Transport : $30 (transport to the city from elsewhere are so varied in cost that those are not included in this budget)
• Activities : $20
• Total: $200

Basic Korean Lesson

So you're ready for your trip, but you don’t know any Korean! Let’s fix that. You won't be fluent overnight, but lucky for you, I’ve already broken down the English-Korean language barrier several times over. Here's a shortlist to help you order food and just generally be respectful.

Many Koreans speak enough English to understand your order, but it’s always polite to throw in a little Korean. If you want to do anything other than order food, though, you'll run into some vocabulary limits. I’d highly recommend downloading a picture-capable translation app before you go, like Google Translate or Papago.

Hello //  An-nyeong-ha-se-yo . (안녕하세요.)

Thank you //  Gam-saahm-ni-da . (감사합니다.)

Do you speak English? //  Yeong-aw jal-hae-yo?  (영어 잘해요?)

I don’t speak any Korean. //  Han-guk-aw jal-moat-hae-yo.  (한국어 잘못해요.)

How much is it? //  Eol-ma-yeh-yo?  (얼마예요?)

One of these, please. //  Ee-gaw ha-na ju-say-yo.  (이거 하나 주세요.)

It’s to-go/takeout. //  Po-jahng ee-eh-yo  or  Tae-ee-kow-shi-yay-oh.  (포장 이예요.)

Lesson complete! Now let’s go pack for Busan.

📍 Busan Points of Interest Map

Did this post help you plan your Busan itinerary?

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Reader Interactions

April 07, 2023 at 10:21 pm

this is a really nice and informative article about Busan! Thanks for sharing your tips and recommendations with us, it helps a lot for planning our activities here 🙂

Greetings from Seomyeon, Lisa

April 08, 2023 at 4:02 pm

My pleasure, Lisa! I'm glad it's helping, and that you're enjoying your trip. 🙂

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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 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!

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

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• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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!

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Public Transportation

Getting Around Busan: Guide to Public Transportation

Even though you may have never before heard of Busan, this South Korean port city of 3.5 million people has beautiful beaches, graceful temples, and an enviably efficient, spotless, and easily navigable public transportation system. Road and transportation signs are clearly posted in Korean and English (and sometimes Chinese or Japanese), and tourist information booths are positioned near the city’s main attractions.

Whether you prefer planes, trains, or automobiles, here’s how to navigate your way around Busan, South Korea.

Transportation from Gimhae International Airport to Downtown Busan

Busan's main international airport is Gimhae International Airport (IATA: PUS, ICAO: RKPK). Although the airport is the country’s fourth busiest, with 16 million passengers passing through annually, its compact size (only two terminals) makes it easy to maneuver whether you’re flying domestic or international.

Once you’ve collected your bags, you’ll want to make your way from Gimhae to central Busan, which is only about 12 miles from the airport. Taxis are readily available, take approximately 30 minutes, and cost around 30,000 won ($27), but more affordable are either the light rail or city buses.

The airport light rail connects with Busan’s metro line two (green line) at Sasang Station. The journey takes 20 minutes and costs 1,500 won ($1.25).

Public buses depart regularly from the terminal to various points in Busan. Journey times range from 30 to 60 minutes, and the fare is around 1,100 won.

Limousine buses are another relatively affordable option and run regularly from just outside the arrivals hall to various hotels and attractions in the city. One-way tickets range from 5,000 to 9,000 won, and buses run from approximately 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

How to Ride the Busan Metro

The metro system in Busan is fast, reliable, and safe. Here’s what you need to know.

• The Busan Metro has only four lines and is incredibly easy to navigate. Maps can found either on a handful of smartphone apps or the old-fashioned paper variety at larger stations' information desks. Another bonus is that all station stops are announced in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. Interestingly, a chirping bird's sound is used for stops that are transfer points to another line.
• You’ll need to start by purchasing a ticket, which for a single journey costs between 1,300 and 1,600 won depending on the line and the distance to your destination. You’ll receive a 100 won discount if you use a refillable card such as a T-Money, Cashbee, or Korea Tour Card , which can be purchased (starting at 2,500 won) at convenience stores and topped up at subway ticket machines. These rechargeable cards can be used on taxis, subways, and buses.
• The Busan Metro operates from approximately 5:30 a.m. to midnight and is considered an extremely safe option any time of the day or night.
• Peak times can be very crowded, but fortunately, the trains are air-conditioned during the hot summer months.
• It’s considered very impolite in Korean culture if you don’t give up your seat to a person older than you who is standing.
• Many stations are stair-access only, so check the Busan Metro website for accessible travel options if necessary.

Download a map of the Busan Metro before making your trip. And for more information from bike storage, to which stations are accessible by elevator, visit the Busan Metro website .

Navigating the bus system in a foreign city may seem overwhelming, but not so with Busan city buses . Each bus stop has a screen that displays the bus numbers and the minutes until the next bus arrives, and information is generally written in English and Korean.

Bus fares can be paid in cash or with a transportation card. If you use the transportation card, be sure to tap it both when you board and exit the bus. Bus stops are announced in both Korean and English, so when you hear your stop called, push the red button on the wall or handrail to ensure the bus stops for you.

Taxis are generally found on every street corner, and though convenient and relatively well priced, they can sometimes be a time-consuming choice as they must navigate traffic and the sheer size of the sprawling city. While some taxi drivers speak English, be prepared with your destination typed out in Korean on your smartphone; unless the destination is a famous tourist attraction, there’s a chance the driver will need to enter the address in their GPS.

Regular and deluxe taxis are the two main types found in Busan, and both use meters. The starting fare for regular taxis is 3,300 won and covers the first two kilometers of the trip, with 100 won being added for each additional 133 meters. Deluxe taxis are black and often found lurking outside hotels and tourist attractions. Fares start at 5,000 won for the first three kilometers, and an additional 200 won every 141 meters. The main difference other than the price is that deluxe taxis generally accommodate more passengers and baggage.

• A few more helpful hints when navigating Busan’s taxis:
• A late-night surcharge of 20 percent applies to all rides between midnight and 4 a.m.
• A 30 to 40 percent surcharge applies to any destination outside the Busan city limits.
• Tipping is not customary in Korea.
• Taxis can be hailed on the street or in various taxi stands across the city.
• Taxis accept cash, and most also accept credit cards, Cashbee, or T-Money cards (confirm with the driver first).
• A red light atop the taxi means it’s available.
• It’s not uncommon for Busan taxi drivers to refuse passengers for any number of reasons, including that your destination is in the wrong direction from where the driver wants to go, the place you’re going is too close or far away, or the driver doesn’t want to deal with a language barrier. Although it’s illegal for taxi drivers to refuse passengers, it still happens, and a more amenable cabbie will usually appear shortly.

Public Bikes

Various bike rental locations across the city provide bikes and helmets either free of charge or for a nominal fee.

Car Rentals

Most visitors to Busan use public transportation, as parking, navigating, and traffic can be problematic for those unfamiliar with the city. If you do want your own set of wheels while visiting, you must have a valid International Driving Permit along with your regular driver’s license. Cars can be rented at Gimhae International Airport .

A few ferry lines run between South Korea and Japan, mainly between Busan and Fukuoka. Rates, departure times, and sailing lengths vary depending on the destination and time of year. The Busan Ferry Terminal is a 10-minute walk from Busan Station.

Tips for Getting Around Busan

• If you’re staying in Busan for more than a few days and planning to visit multiple areas, you’ll definitely save time and money by purchasing a Cashbee or T-Money card, which can be used for taxis, buses, and subways.
• Subways shut down at midnight and reopen at 5:30 a.m. During this time taxis are the best (and often only) choice.
• Be careful when you’re walking. It’s common for cars to park on the sidewalk in Korea and even for motorcycles to drive on footpaths if there’s traffic on the road.

Getting Out of Busan

If you arrived in Busan via a ferry from Japan or through Gimhae International Airport, be sure to schedule time to visit Seoul. Not only is Seoul a captivating capital, but the KTX high-speed train journey alone is worth the trip as you’re transported through forested mountains and extensive farmland before reaching the futuristic megalopolis.

A ride on the high-speed (190 mph) KTX train from Busan Station on the southeast coast to Seoul Station in the north takes approximately two hours and 45 minutes and costs 56,000 won ($50). The KTX also stops at many major cities in between, including Daejon and Daegu.

Express and intercity buses are also an option for most areas of the country and are cheaper yet more time-consuming than the KTX, weighing in at roughly 20,000­ to 35,000 won. Express buses usually stop at a rest area so passengers can stretch their legs and use the facilities, but there are no other stops. Intercity buses stop at different bus stations along the way.

There are two main bus terminals in Busan, the Busan Central Bus Terminal (133 Nopo-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan), and the Seobu Inter-City Bus Terminal (201 Sasang-ro, Gwaebeop-dong, Busan).

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【10% OFF】KTX Busan Station: Basic Tourist Information

June 26, 2024

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About Busan Station

Busan Station (부산역), a main KTX station in Basan, is the terminus for the high-speed KTX trains on the Gyeongbu Line. This station connects Busan to Seoul in just 2 and a half hours (fastest), offering scenic views of mountains, the sea, and various islands along the way. For easy access, Busan Station (KTX) is centrally situated and served by metro line 1, with exits 8 and 10 providing direct entry.

Location Jungang-daero, Choryang 3(sam)-dong, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea

KTX Busan Station Facilities

Busan Station is well-equipped with nice facilities to cater to the needs of all travelers. As you step into the station, you'll find a comfortable waiting area where you can relax before your train arrives. The area is spacious, offering plenty of seating, and is an ideal spot to pause and plan your day.

Ticketing and Information

The station houses several ticket offices where you can purchase or collect train tickets. Nearby, the Tourist Information Center on the second floor is staffed with knowledgeable personnel ready to help you with travel tips, directions, and recommendations to enhance your visit to Busan.

Financial Services

For your financial convenience, there are multiple ATMs scattered throughout the station, ensuring you have easy access to your funds.

Shopping and Dining

Busan Station isn't just about travel; it's a place to shop and dine too. The station features an array of shops and cafes , including popular chains like Krispy Kreme and Hollys Coffee , perfect for grabbing a quick bite or a coffee. You'll also find Olive Young for health and beauty products, and a convenience store for any last-minute travel essentials or snacks.

Luggage Storage

If you're arriving early or have a late departure, take advantage of the luggage lockers available on both the first and second floors. These lockers are a boon for travelers looking to explore Busan hands-free. They're available for a base fee of approximately $0.83 (₩1,000) for the first two hours, with additional fees for longer storage. The lockers support multiple languages on the touchscreen interface, making it easy for international travelers to use.

Other Amenities

For those driving to the station, there is a parking lot , and vending machines are conveniently located across the station for quick snacks and drinks. The station is readable with all signage in both English and Korean, so that international visitors can find your way around easily.

Popular Cities Connected to Busan Station by KTX

Busan Station serves as a major gateway for travelers looking to explore other key cities in South Korea via the KTX high-speed train . From this station, you can conveniently travel to major destinations such as Seoul, Daejeon, Dongdaegu, Gwangmyeong, Pyeongtaek and more!

How to Get to from Busan Station to City Center

Busan Metro Map (from Koreatravelpost)

By Subway: Line 1

Subway Line 1, also known as the Orange Line, is the most convenient and cheap way to travel from Busan Station to various central locations in Busan.

The subway station is directly accessible from Busan Station via an underground walkway, taking about 5-7 minutes to reach.

A single journey costs approximately 1,250 KRW ($1.05 USD), varying slightly based on the specific destination within the city.

Major Stops and Attractions

Operating Times : The trains operate from 5:30 AM until midnight on weekdays and Saturdays, extending starting time to 6:00 AM on Sundays and public holidays. During peak hours, trains run at intervals of 3-4 minutes, and during off-peak times, every 6-7 minutes.

To get from Busan Station to various major attractions around the city by bus, you can use the Busan City Tour buses, which offer comprehensive routes covering most of the famous sites. Here's a breakdown:

• Red Line : This route circulates from Busan Station through major sites like UN Memorial Cemetery, Busan Museum, Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae Beach, and Centum City among others. Buses run every 50 minutes starting from 09:45 AM until 16:35 PM. This line offers an excellent way to see the city's coastal and cultural attractions conveniently.
• Green Line : This route includes stops at significant attractions like Taejongdae, National Maritime Museum of Korea, and the scenic Oryukdo Skywalk. Like the Red Line, buses depart every 50 minutes from Busan Station starting at 09:30 AM, making it ideal for a comprehensive day tour around the southern parts of Busan.

Both lines provide a hop-on, hop-off service which allows you to explore the attractions at your own pace throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased on the bus and offer a full day of unlimited rides

from Koreatodo

If you prefer a more direct and quicker option, taxis are readily available at Busan Station. You can easily find both regular and deluxe taxis.

Regular taxis start with a base fare and charge per distance traveled, while deluxe taxis are more spacious and have a higher starting fare but are ideal if you’re traveling with more luggage or in a larger group.

You can find a taxi stand right outside the station or flag one down along the street.

• Regular Taxi : Starts at 3,800 KRW ( $3.20 USD ) covering the first 2 kilometers, with an additional 100 KRW charged for each subsequent 132 meters.
• Deluxe Taxi : Starts at 5,000 KRW ( $4.20 USD ) covering the first 3 kilometers, with an additional 200 KRW for every additional 140 meters.

Night Time Surcharge : A 20% surcharge is applicable from midnight to 4 AM.

Hotels near Busan Station

I chose to stay next to Busan Station during my first trip to Busan, and it was a great stay~Cuz many attractions in Busan can be reached quickly from Busan Station! The hotels below are all very close to the Busan Station. You can take a look and get some discounts 🎁😊

Busan Station Busan View Hotel

The VIP room on #09 has very nice view. The hotel also has a roof top where you can have a nice sea view. Room is spacious with a huge TV. toilet has separate bath and shower. The hotel provides even facial toner, moisturisers etc... Short walk to busan station & ktx busan.

16-10 Jungang-daero 196beon-gil

Asti Hotel Busan Station

Great location just next to the Busan station. Lots of eateries around the area and convenient to many places of interest. Hotel is clean and comfortable with friendly staff who are very polite and helpful in providing good directions to the places we wanted to visit. Great hotel and good recommendations.

7-8 Jungang-daero 214beon-gil

Notte La Mia Hotel

Hotel room is super clean and spacious - we were pleasantly surprised. It’s a quick 5-min walk from Busan station, which was very convenient. Staff was nice and helpful. They are promoting green travelling so they don’t provide one-time use amenities such as toothbrush and slippers for free, but there’s a vending machine at lobby should anyone needs them.

265 Daeyeong-ro

City Hotel the Busan Metro

The hotel was very clean, I found it very comfortable. The personnel helped with everything and was very kind. Super spacious! With a queen bed and 2 single beds with still have ample space for sofa and table and lotsa spaces to open our 4 luggages. Surprised by the super huge bathtub! Too bad we were only there for 2 nights. Not much chance to use. A few min walk away from metro. And the metro is only one stop away from Busan KTX. Convenience store is at opposite street. Bus stop is outside too. Will definitely come back again!

294 Jungang-daero

Popular Attractions near Busan Station

Busan never fails to impress! I’ve visited some incredible places here that I think everyone should try to see. The city offers a great mix of art, culture, and natural scenery, each spot with its own charm. Here's a rundown of my favorite attractions near Busan Station!

Gamcheon Culture Village

Stepping into Gamcheon Culture Village felt like walking into a living painting! 🎨 The vibrant, color-splashed buildings set against the serene backdrop of Busan's hillsides create a surreal atmosphere that’s both uplifting and inspiring.

The village is steeped in history, originally home to Korean War refugees. Today, it thrives with art galleries, quirky sculptures, and murals that tell stories of hope and transformation. Wandering through the labyrinthine alleys, I discovered cozy cafes and artisan shops at every turn. Don't miss the ‘Little Prince’ statue—it offers the best panoramic views of the village and beyond! 🌆

A must-visit for any culture and art enthusiast. The cafes and shops tucked into its winding alleys were also great for taking a break and just enjoying the view.

BUSAN X the SKY

Made my second visit to BUSAN X the SKY and it was just as mesmerizing as the first time! 🌟 The observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of Busan, especially magical during sunset.

It’s the perfect spot for romantic photos or just to soak in the vast, sprawling cityscape. The thrill of looking down from such a height, feeling almost like flying, is unmatched.

It’s a great place to get some photos, especially with the city lighting up as the sun goes down.

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach is a paradise for beach lovers! 🏖️ The long stretch of soft, golden sand and clear blue waters makes it an ideal place for a day of relaxation or fun-filled water sports.

During my visit, the beach was bustling with activity; families enjoying picnics, friends playing volleyball, and couples taking romantic strolls along the shore. The vibe here is lively yet relaxing, perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle of city life.

Plus, if you stay till evening, the sunset views are spectacular—like a scene straight out of a movie! 🌅 Definitely a top spot for a chill day out in Busan.

Songdo Bay Station

Riding the Songdo cable car was a highlight of my Busan trip! 🚡 The views from the cable car are breathtaking—you can see the entire coastline and deep blue sea sprawling beneath you. It’s particularly stunning during the late afternoon when the light plays beautifully on the water.

The ride is smooth and offers plenty of photo ops, so have your camera ready! Songdo Bay itself is charming, with scenic walkways and cafes where you can relax after your ride. The area around Songdo Bay is nice to explore too, with paths along the coast and places to grab a bite or a drink."

SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium

The SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium is a fantastic underwater adventure! 🐠 With a wide variety of marine life on display, from sharks to tropical fish, it's a treat for all ages. The tunnel walkthrough is an immersive experience that allows you to feel surrounded by the ocean's inhabitants.

The exhibits are well-maintained and informative, offering insights into the aquatic world. It's a great educational experience for kids and a relaxing visit for adults. Don’t miss the feeding sessions—they’re especially thrilling!

What is the main train station in Busan?

Does ktx go to busan station, how do i get from busan station to seomyeon, how do i get to busan airport from busan station.

Busan Station Guide

• 1. About Busan Station
• 2. KTX Busan Station Facilities
• 3. Popular Cities Connected to Busan Station by KTX
• 4. How to Get to from Busan Station to City Center
• 5. Hotels near Busan Station
• 6. Popular Attractions near Busan Station

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