Busan Travel Guide: 15 Best Things to Do in Korea's Coastal Gem
Busan Travel Guide: 15 Best Things to Do in Korea's Coastal Gem (2025)
If Seoul is South Korea's polished, high-achieving older sibling, then Busan is its cool, laid-back counterpart with saltwater in its veins. This is a city where the salty sea breeze weaves through bustling markets, and sandy beaches lie at the foot of glittering skyscrapers. As Korea's second-largest city and biggest port, Busan has a gritty, vibrant energy all its own, offering a perfect blend of urban excitement and seaside relaxation. This is your ultimate Busan travel guide to the best sights, sounds, and flavors of this incredible coastal city.
Why Visit Busan?
Busan offers a completely different vibe from the rest of Korea. Here, life moves at a slightly slower pace, dictated by the rhythm of the waves. It's the go-to summer destination for Koreans, boasting the country's best beaches. But beyond the sand, you'll find a city rich with history, jaw-dropping coastal temples, quirky art villages, and arguably the freshest, most delicious seafood on the peninsula.
Getting to Busan & Getting Around
- Getting There: Busan is well-connected. The KTX high-speed train from Seoul takes just 2.5-3 hours. From historic Gyeongju, it's a quick 30-minute KTX ride.
- Getting Around: Busan is a large, spread-out city. Its subway system is excellent for covering long distances between major areas (like Seomyeon and Haeundae). However, many top attractions (like Gamcheon Village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple) require a combination of subway and bus or taxi. A T-money card is essential.
Coastal Wonders & Beautiful Beaches
The sea is the heart of Busan. From world-famous beaches to a temple on the waves, these spots are unmissable.
1. Relax on Haeundae Beach
This is Korea's most famous beach, and for good reason. Haeundae is a magnificent 1.5km arc of pale sand framed by a stunning skyline of luxury hotels and residential towers. In summer, it's a bustling hub of activity, packed with sunbathers and swimmers. In the cooler months, it's a beautiful place for a peaceful stroll. The area is also packed with restaurants, bars, and attractions like the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
2. See the Gwangandaegyo Bridge from Gwangalli Beach
While Haeundae gets the fame, many locals prefer the vibe at Gwangalli Beach. It's known for its fine sand and youthful atmosphere, with trendy cafes and restaurants lining the boardwalk. The real draw, however, is the spectacular view of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge (Diamond Bridge). At night, the bridge puts on a dazzling light show, making it one of the most romantic spots in the city.
3. Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Most Korean temples are nestled peacefully in the mountains. Not this one. Haedong Yonggungsa is one of the few temples in Korea built on the coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. A series of steps and bridges leads you down the rocky shore to the main sanctuary, with the sounds of chanting monks mingling with the crashing waves. The temple's motto is "at least one of your wishes will be answered here through heartfelt prayers."
4. Ride the Haeundae Sky Capsule
For a unique perspective of the coastline, take a ride on the Haeundae Sky Capsule. These colorful, retro-style pods travel on an elevated track from Mipo Station to Cheongsapo Station, offering incredible, unobstructed views of the ocean and Haeundae's shoreline. It's a slow, scenic 30-minute ride that's perfect for photos.
Colorful Culture & History
Explore Busan's artistic soul and historic markets in these vibrant neighborhoods.
5. Get Lost in Gamcheon Culture Village
Often called the "Machu Picchu of Busan," Gamcheon Culture Village is an absolute must-see. This former slum was transformed by an art project into a whimsical labyrinth of brightly colored houses, twisting alleyways, tiny galleries, and quirky cafes. Grab a map at the entrance and follow the stamp trail to discover hidden murals and sculptures, including the famous Little Prince statue overlooking the village.
6. Feel Like a Movie Star at BIFF Square
Busan is home to the prestigious Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), and this square is its heart. Similar to Hollywood's Walk of Fame, you'll find handprints of famous actors and directors embedded in the pavement. The area is also a street food paradise, especially famous for ssiat hotteok, a sweet Korean pancake stuffed with seeds.
7. Shop for Anything at Gukje Market
Right next to BIFF Square, Gukje Market is one of Korea's largest traditional markets. Its name means "international market," a nod to its origins when refugees fleeing the Korean War set up stalls to sell goods. Today, it's a sprawling maze where you can find literally everything, from electronics and housewares to vintage clothing and souvenirs.
A Taste of the Ocean: Markets & Food
Being a port city, Busan's identity is inseparable from its incredible seafood.
8. Experience the famous Jagalchi Fish Market
Prepare your senses for Jagalchi Market, Korea's largest and most famous seafood market. The ground floor is a wet market filled with an mind-boggling array of live and fresh seafood, sold by the famous "Jagalchi ajummas" (middle-aged female vendors). The best part? You can pick your seafood downstairs and take it to one of the restaurants on the second floor, where they'll prepare it for you on the spot—raw, steamed, grilled, or in a spicy stew.
9. Eat Busan's Signature Dish: Dwaeji Gukbap
While seafood reigns, Busan's true soul food is Dwaeji Gukbap (pork rice soup). This deceptively simple, milky-white pork bone broth is simmered for hours, resulting in a rich, comforting soup served with rice and tender slices of pork. Head to Seomyeon's "Dwaeji Gukbap Alley" to try an authentic bowl.
10. Try Milmyeon (Wheat Noodles)
Another dish born from Busan's refugee history, milmyeon is a chewy, wheat-noodle version of the North Korean cold noodle dish, naengmyeon. It was created when refugees couldn't find buckwheat. Served in a chilled broth, it's the perfect refreshing meal on a hot summer day.
Stunning Views & Nature
Escape the city buzz and embrace nature's beauty at these scenic spots.
11. Hike the Igidae Coastal Walk
For one of the best views of the Gwangalli Bridge and the Haeundae skyline, tackle the Igidae Coastal Walk. This well-maintained 4.7km trail hugs the rugged coastline, taking you over cliffs and through forests. The highlight is the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass-bottomed bridge extending over the sea.
12. Explore Taejongdae Resort Park
Located on the southern tip of Yeongdo Island, Taejongdae is a magnificent natural park known for its dense evergreen forest and dramatic sea cliffs. You can explore the park on foot or hop on the Danubi Train that circles the park. The main attractions are the Yeongdo Lighthouse and the observatory, which on a clear day offers views of Japan's Tsushima Island.
13. Cross the Songdo Cloud Trails
The Songdo Cloud Trails (or Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge) is an exhilarating skywalk that connects Amnam Park to the small, uninhabited Dongseom Island. This 127-meter-long bridge hangs high above the brilliant blue ocean, offering thrilling views and a fantastic photo opportunity.
14. Find Peace at Beomeosa Temple
For a classic mountain temple experience, head to Beomeosa Temple on the slopes of Geumjeongsan Mountain. It's one of the most important temples in the region, with beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere that feels a world away from the busy city below. It's also the starting point for several great hiking trails.
15. See the City from Busan Tower
Located in Yongdusan Park, the 120-meter-high Busan Tower offers a fantastic panoramic view of the port, the downtown Nampo-dong area, and the surrounding ocean and mountains. It's a great way to get your bearings and appreciate the city's unique geography.
The Perfect 3-Day Busan Itinerary
- Day 1: Culture & Markets. Start at Gamcheon Culture Village (go early!). Then head to Nampo-dong to explore BIFF Square, Gukje Market, and Jagalchi Fish Market for a super-fresh seafood lunch. End the day with views from Busan Tower.
- Day 2: Coastal Beauties. Dedicate the day to the east coast. Visit the stunning Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in the morning. In the afternoon, ride the Haeundae Sky Capsule and relax on Haeundae Beach. As evening approaches, head to Gwangalli Beach to watch the Diamond Bridge light up.
- Day 3: Nature & Views. Choose your own adventure. Either explore the dramatic cliffs of Taejongdae Resort Park or hike a portion of the beautiful Igidae Coastal Walk for incredible skyline views.
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