Best things to do in Busan
Find out more about those top places in Busan
Discover Busan: South Korea’s Coastal Gem and Port City Powerhouse
Looking for a mix of beachside relaxation, adventure, and some seriously fresh seafood? Then look no further than Busan, South Korea’s vibrant second city. Located on the country’s southern coast, this dynamic metropolis is one of the world’s largest ports and offers a travel guide filled with everything from stunning coastal views to top attractions that’ll make you wonder if Busan could be your new favorite getaway.
Known for its mix of futuristic skyscrapers, bustling markets, and wide sandy beaches, Busan is an energetic city that has it all. So, grab your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and let’s dive into the ultimate places to visit and things to do in this coastal paradise!
1. Haeundae Beach: South Korea’s Version of Copacabana
When it comes to sightseeing in Busan, you can’t miss Haeundae Beach. This iconic stretch of sand is often compared to Brazil’s Copacabana, but with fewer beach volleyball games and more people sipping iced coffee and enjoying the warm sea breeze. In the summer, it becomes the city’s living room, with everyone—from locals to tourists—lining the shores to soak up the sun. It’s one of the top attractions in Busan, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
What makes Haeundae stand out from other beaches? Aside from the pristine sand and crystal-clear water, it’s surrounded by an impressive skyline, giving you that city-meets-sea vibe that you can’t find anywhere else. If you're in Busan in October, the weather’s still beach-perfect, plus you’ll get to experience the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in full swing. Picture this: watching a movie under the stars, with the ocean as your backdrop. Sounds pretty dreamy, right?
2. Jagalchi Fish Market: A Seafood Lover’s Dream (or Nightmare)
If you’re looking for a true local experience, then the Jagalchi Fish Market is an absolute must. As the largest seafood market in Korea, Jagalchi is a chaotic warren of stalls, all selling the freshest fish and seafood you’ll ever encounter. Here, you can see everything from the ugliest underwater creatures to the most colorful fish—sometimes, you’ll even find something that makes you go, “Wait, is that even real?”
For the brave-hearted, don’t just stop at browsing the fishy delights; dive into one of the many restaurants within the market to try some of the world’s most unusual (and sometimes questionable) underwater delicacies. From live octopus (yes, it’s a thing) to fish sashimi, this is the place where adventurous eaters can check “weird food” off their bucket list.
3. Beomeosa Temple: A Peaceful Escape Amidst the Urban Hustle
Looking for a more tranquil experience? Take a break from the bustling city and visit Beomeosa Temple, one of the top attractions for sightseeing and spiritual reflection in Busan. Nestled in the mountains, this ancient Buddhist temple offers a serene contrast to the city’s energetic vibe. The temple is surrounded by lush nature, making it a perfect spot for some peaceful hiking or just unwinding amidst history and beauty.
Here’s a fun fact: Beomeosa is not just a pretty sight—it's also one of the most important temples in the region, dating all the way back to the 7th century. And if you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of a traditional Buddhist ceremony or hear the peaceful sound of the monks’ chants drifting through the air.
4. Gamcheon Culture Village: A Colorful Wonderland of Art
Ready for some vibrant street art and picturesque views? Then head to Gamcheon Culture Village, an artsy neighborhood on the hills of Busan that’s been nicknamed the “Machu Picchu of Busan” (though, no hiking involved). This former hillside slum has been transformed into a quirky, colorful community filled with art installations, street murals, and charming cafés.
Wander through the narrow alleys, discover hidden gems at every turn, and snap photos of the stunning panoramic views of the city below. You’ll find everything from brightly painted houses to pop-up art galleries and café lounges serving up both creative drinks and beautiful views. Don’t forget to bring your camera—it’s Instagram gold!
5. Taejongdae Park: Nature Meets the Sea
Looking for beautiful views and a bit of nature? Taejongdae Park should be at the top of your travel guide. Located on the southernmost tip of Busan, this scenic cliffside park is where you can get a view of the East China Sea so breathtaking, it might just make you want to sit down and take a moment to appreciate life.
The park is filled with walking trails, lighthouses, and spectacular cliffs that are perfect for a peaceful escape from the city. You can take a train ride around the park to get a good look at the best spots or simply walk and explore at your own pace. Pro tip: The view from the top of the cliffs is jaw-droppingly beautiful at sunset, so make sure to catch that golden hour!
6. Busan Tower: For the Ultimate Skyline View
No trip to Busan is complete without a visit to Busan Tower, which offers panoramic views of the entire city and beyond. Located in Yongdusan Park, the tower stands at 120 meters tall, offering sweeping views of Busan’s harbor, cityscape, and if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the distant mountains.
While the view from the top is amazing, Busan Tower also has a quirky little feature—its lovers’ locks. Much like Paris’s Pont des Arts, couples come here to leave their locks as a symbol of their everlasting love. So, if you're in a relationship, this might be the place to make a sweet memory—or take an awkward selfie while pretending you’re a couple!
Conclusion: Why Busan Should Be Your Next Destination
Whether you’re there for beaches, fresh seafood, mountain temples, or stunning views, Busan is a city that offers a little something for everyone. It’s got the energy of a port city, the beauty of nature, and the charm of a coastal haven—all wrapped up in one awesome package. With its top attractions, eclectic mix of urban energy, and endless things to do, Busan is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to experience the best of South Korea’s southern coast.
Pro tip: October is the best time to visit—warm weather, Film Festival fun, and whale watching. What more could you want? So pack your bags, leave the hustle behind, and get ready to explore Busan—the city that’s got it all.
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Haeundae Beach
South Korea’s most famous beach becomes Busan’s front room by the sea during the city’s sweltering warm summers. To get immersed in the city’s vibrant culture, head to beach early in the day, sample the delicious street food and take in the breathtaking views of skyscrapers, suspension bridges and rocky islets.
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Jagalchi Fish Market
South Korea’s largest fish market is a deep-sea phantasmagoria. It is guaranteed that when exploring its buzzing alleyways, decades old wooden stalls and grand halls you will see some fish that you did not even know existed and the best part is if you see anything you want to try simply take it to one of the in-market restaurants who will prepare it for a small charge.
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Beomeo Sa
Set in the midst of Busan’s urban jungle is the tranquil temple complex of Beomeo Sa, the city’s most historic location. The temple itself is over one millennia old and its landscaped gardens are the starting point for hiking trails across Geumjeongsan, which provides breathtaking views across the city. For the best experience, grab a ticket for one of the temple’s predawn chanting shows, which are hauntingly beautiful.
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Gamcheon Culture Village
The one-time mountainside slum of Gamcheon has been transformed in the decade since 2009 into a mecca for South Korea’s burgeoning street art scene. The once deserted streets of the area are now lined with community run cafes, quirky bars and, of course, excellent street art that bedecks nearly every surface. For the best experience, take a guided street art tour of this remarkable neighborhood.
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Busan International Film Festival
The best time to visit Busan is undoubtedly during its annual film festival, which is Asia’s most prestigious. Held throughout October, the festival screens over 300 films from across the world and showcases the best of Korea’s home-grown directing and acting talent. To best experience this glitzy event, tickets for screenings must be booked well in advance.
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United Nations Memorial Cemetery
When you are in the sub-tropical city of Busan it is easy to forget that little more than 50 years ago the Korean Peninsula was riven by a bloody civil war that came to involve both the United States and the Soviet Union. To learn about this traumatic period in Korean history, head to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, which is home to nearly 2500 graves and is the only of its kind in the world.
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Taejongdae Park
Much of Busan’s coastline is defined by rocky ravines and plunging cliffs, which are best seen at the spectacular Taejongdae Park on Yeong Island. Various hiking trails lead towards a picture-perfect lighthouse that looks out towards the East Sea while those who do not want to walk can get there via a narrow gauge railway.
