Busan

Busan, located on the southeastern coast of South Korea, is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Busan, South Korea, is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild, and the city showcases its natural beauty at its finest.

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, creating a picturesque atmosphere throughout the city, while autumn brings vibrant foliage, enhancing the scenic landscapes. These seasons also offer pleasant temperatures, averaging around 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit), making it comfortable for outdoor activities such as exploring the city's renowned beaches like Haeundae and Gwangalli, hiking up Geumjeongsan Mountain for panoramic views, or wandering through the charming streets of Gamcheon Cultural Village.

Additionally, visiting during these times allows you to avoid the peak summer tourist season and the humid monsoon period, ensuring a more enjoyable and less crowded experience in this coastal gem.

How to Get There

There are several ways to get to Busan, South Korea, depending on your starting point and preferences:

By Air: The fastest and most convenient way is to fly into Gimhae International Airport (PUS), which is located in Busan. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, connecting Busan to major cities worldwide. From the airport, you can easily access the city center via taxis, airport limousine buses, or the metro.
By Train: If you are already in South Korea, taking a train is an excellent option. Busan is well-connected to other major cities in the country via the high-speed KTX (Korea Train Express) network. Seoul to Busan is a popular route, and the journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours on a KTX train. There are also regular trains available for a more budget-friendly option.
By Bus: South Korea has an extensive bus network, and Busan is well-served by intercity buses. There are express and regular buses that connect Busan to various cities and regions. Buses offer a more affordable option compared to trains and can be a comfortable way to travel, especially for shorter distances.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can reach Busan by taking the highways. The major highways that connect Busan to other regions are Gyeongbu Expressway (Route 1) from Seoul, Honam Expressway (Route 25) from Gwangju, and Donghae Expressway (Route 7) from Gangneung.
By Ferry: Busan is a major port city, and there are international ferry routes connecting it to nearby countries like Japan. If you are traveling from Japan, taking a ferry can be an exciting and scenic option.

Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Busan, South Korea

Top 25 Attractions in Busan

Here are some of the top attractions in Busan, South Korea:

Haeundae Beach: One of the most famous beaches in South Korea. It's a fantastic place for a stroll or to enjoy the beach atmosphere.
Gwangalli Beach: Known for its beautiful night view, Gwangalli Beach offers a great view of the Gwangan Bridge, especially at night when the bridge is illuminated.
Busan Aquarium: Located near Haeundae Beach, it's one of the largest aquariums in South Korea, featuring thousands of marine species.
Shinsegae Centum City Department Store: This is the world's largest department store, as recognized by the Guinness World Records. It also includes a spa, ice rink, and movie theater.
Gamcheon Culture Village: This brightly painted, hillside shantytown village is a cultural attraction filled with murals and sculptures created by the residents.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Unlike most temples in Korea, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is located along the shoreline rather than in the mountains, providing picturesque views.
Jagalchi Market: Korea's largest seafood market, where you can find all sorts of seafood and even try some at the restaurants on the second floor.
Beomeosa Temple: A significant Buddhist temple in Busan with a beautiful mountain backdrop. It offers a "temple stay" program where visitors can experience Buddhist monk life.
Busan Tower: Located in Yongdusan Park, the tower offers a panoramic view of the city.
Taejongdae Resort Park: Famous for its rock beach, it offers stunning views of the open sea and surrounding landscapes.
Seomyeon: This is the commercial and shopping district of Busan. It's a great place to eat, shop, and enjoy Busan's nightlife.
Gukje Market and BIFF Square: These neighboring areas are bustling with shops, food stalls, and the annual Busan International Film Festival events.
Busan Modern History Museum: If you're interested in learning about Busan's history from the late 19th century to the present, this museum is the place to go.
Oryukdo Skywalk: A walkway built over a 35-meter-high coastal cliff, Oryukdo Skywalk lets you feel like you're walking on top of the waves while offering great views of the ocean.
Songdo Skywalk: Korea's first marine cable car that offers stunning views of the coastline. The skywalk is a glass-bottomed observatory extending out over the sea.
Songdo Beach: One of the oldest official beaches in South Korea, it is less crowded compared to Haeundae and Gwangalli and offers a relaxing atmosphere.
Geumjeongsan Mountain: An ideal place for hiking, the mountain provides stunning views of Busan and the surrounding area. The Beomeosa Temple located on this mountain is also worth visiting.
40-Step Culture and Tourism Theme Street: The place memorializes the struggles of the Korean War and is a historically significant site in Busan.
Samgwangsa Temple: The temple is famous for its Lantern Festival during Buddha's birthday when millions of lanterns light up the temple.
Nampodong Street: Another popular shopping destination in Busan where you can find a wide range of goods.
Dadaepo Beach: Known for its shallow depth and wide sandy area, it's a great place to enjoy sunset views.
Igidae Coastal Walk: A scenic walkway that offers panoramic views of the ocean and the Gwangan Bridge.
Yongdusan Park: This park is one of the most popular green spaces in Busan. It houses Busan Tower, a flower clock, and a statue of the great naval commander Admiral Yi Sun-sin, among other attractions.
Sajik Baseball Stadium: If you're a sports fan, catching a baseball game at this stadium is a must-do. Korean baseball games are known for their exciting atmosphere with enthusiastic fans, cheerleaders, and plenty of food options.
Nakdong River Estuary Eco-Center: This is a great place to learn about the ecosystem of the Nakdong River Estuary. It offers various exhibitions and a bird-watching spot for various migratory birds.

Top 15 Activities to do in Busan

Here are some of the top activities you can engage in while visiting Busan, South Korea:

Hiking in Geumjeongsan Mountain: Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and beyond from one of the four fortress gates on this mountain.
Exploring Jagalchi Fish Market: Visit Korea's largest seafood market and sample some fresh seafood at one of its restaurants.
Visiting a Jjimjilbang (Korean Spa): You can visit Spaland in the Shinsegae Centum City Department Store, where you can experience a variety of saunas, hot tubs, and relaxation areas.
Beach Activities: Spend a day lounging, swimming, or doing watersports on Haeundae or Gwangalli Beach.
Taking a Cruise: Take a yacht tour or a sunset cruise around the Busan coastline.
Stroll through Gamcheon Culture Village: Enjoy the colorful murals, quirky sculptures, and cozy cafes in this vibrant neighborhood.
Temple Stay Program at Beomeosa Temple: Experience the life of a Buddhist monk for a short period.
Attend Busan International Film Festival (BIFF): If your visit is in October, don't miss the chance to see some films or even spot some celebrities at BIFF.
Shopping in Seomyeon or Nampo-dong: Whether it's fashion, cosmetics, or souvenirs, you can find it all in these bustling shopping districts.
Food Tour: Try the local delicacies like pork rice soup (dwaeji gukbap), Busan-style pancakes (dongnae pajeon), and the famous seed hotteok.
Night Views: Enjoy the stunning night views of the city from either Busan Tower or Gwangan Bridge.
Exploring Local Temples: Besides Beomeosa, you can visit temples like Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Samgwangsa Temple.
Enjoy Local Performances: Visit Busan Cinema Center or other venues for concerts, theater shows, or dance performances.
Visit Marine Parks: Experience the marine life at Busan Aquarium, located right at Haeundae Beach.
Visit the Busan Modern History Museum: Learn about the history of Busan since the late 19th century.

Best Shopping

Busan is a great city for shopping, offering everything from traditional markets to modern malls and department stores. Here are some of the best shopping destinations in Busan:

Shinsegae Centum City Department Store: As mentioned earlier, this holds the Guinness World Record for the largest department store globally. It's a high-end shopping destination with a diverse range of shops, including international and Korean brands, a food court, and even a spa and ice rink.
Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center: Located in the heart of Busan, this underground shopping center is home to hundreds of shops selling clothes, accessories, cosmetics, and more at affordable prices.
Nampodong Street: This is one of the main shopping streets in Busan, filled with shops selling a variety of goods. You'll find many local and international brands here, as well as the Lotte Department Store.
Gukje Market and BIFF Square: Gukje Market is one of Korea's largest markets, where you can buy everything from clothes and accessories to kitchenware. BIFF Square, located nearby, is known for its street food and shopping stalls that sell trendy clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Lotte Department Store (Gwangbok Branch): This store is part of a large shopping complex that includes a duty-free shop and a rooftop park offering a great view of Busan Port.
Busanjin Market: This market is famous for textiles and clothing, particularly Korean traditional Hanbok.
Haeundae Market: Located near Haeundae Beach, this market is great for finding local food specialties and various merchandise.
Ssamzie-gil Road in Nampo-dong: This area offers unique handcrafted items, art, and jewelry from local artists.
Centum City: Besides Shinsegae, Centum City also has a large shopping complex that includes many fashionable boutiques, local and international brands.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Busan is a city that comes alive at night, offering a wide array of entertainment and nightlife options. Here are some highlights:

Haeundae Beach Area: The area around Haeundae Beach is lively with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The streets near the beach are filled with people and street performers in the evening, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Gwangalli Beach: The beach is famous for its stunning night view, especially of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge. It's a great place to have a beachside barbecue, or you can visit one of the many restaurants and bars that line the beach.
Seomyeon: This area is Busan's main downtown district and is teeming with various entertainment options, including shopping, dining, bars, and clubs. The streets are bustling with people throughout the night.
Nampo-dong: Known for its street food stalls and night market, Nampo-dong is a great place to try local delicacies. After dining, you can visit the nearby Lotte Department Store, which has a cinema and a rooftop observatory.
Busan Cinema Center: This is the official venue of the Busan International Film Festival. When the festival is not taking place, the center screens a variety of movies, and hosts concerts and other events.
Live Music: Busan is known for its live music scene. You can find many places around the city offering live music ranging from rock, jazz, to acoustic performances. Some popular areas for live music include the Kyungsung University area and the Gwangalli Beach area.
Clubbing: If you're into dancing and clubbing, you'll find several clubs in the Seomyeon and Haeundae areas. Some of the clubs play a mixture of Korean pop (K-pop) and Western music.
Night Cruises: Several companies offer night cruises around Busan's coastline. It's a unique way to see the city's sights illuminated at night.
Theater and Performances: You can also check out local theaters for performances such as plays, musicals, or traditional Korean performances. The Busan Cultural Center is a good place to start.

Local Cuisine

Busan, located in the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, is a city known for its seafood due to its proximity to the sea. Here are some of the local specialties you should try when visiting Busan:

Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Soup Rice): This is a soul-soothing, comfort food staple in Busan. The dish consists of slices of pork served in a hot, savory broth with rice.
Ssiat Hotteok (Seed Stuffed Pancake): Unlike the traditional sweet hotteok found in other parts of Korea, the Busan-style hotteok is stuffed with seeds and nuts. It's crunchy, sweet, and a perfect snack while exploring the city.
Eomuk (Fish Cake): Busan is famous for its eomuk, which is a processed seafood product made from pureed fish. You can find eomuk in various forms, including on skewers in a hot broth (eomuk guk), which is a popular street food.
Milmyeon (Wheat Noodle Soup): This dish consists of thin, chewy noodles in a chilled broth, typically served with slices of cucumber, pear, boiled egg, and a spicy chili sauce. It's a popular dish especially during the hot summer months.
Jagalchi Fish Market Seafood: You can find fresh seafood dishes at Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest fish market in Korea. Options include various types of sashimi, grilled fish, seafood stews, and more.
Ggaejang (Spicy Raw Crab): This is a specialty dish made with soy sauce, chili pepper, and raw crab. It's served cold and is known for its unique, rich flavor.
Dongnae Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake): Different from the regular Korean pajeon, Dongnae Pajeon is made with more green onions and less batter, making it more flavorful and crispier. It's a popular accompaniment to makgeolli, a Korean rice wine.
Choryang Milmyeon: This is another version of Milmyeon with a bit spicier and richer taste. The noodles are thin wheat noodles served in either hot or cold broth.

These are just a few examples of the local cuisine you can try in Busan. Korean cuisine has a variety of flavors and textures, so don't hesitate to explore and try different dishes!

Best Street Food

Busan is a food paradise, particularly known for its street food. Here are some of the best street food markets in Busan:

Gukje Market: One of the largest markets in Korea, Gukje Market offers a variety of street foods, from traditional Korean snacks to unique Busan specialties.
BIFF Square: This place became famous as the venue for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Along with the movie theaters, the streets of BIFF Square are filled with food stalls offering a wide array of Korean street food.
Nampodong Street: Located near BIFF Square and Gukje Market, Nampodong Street is another popular spot for street food. You can try various street foods like tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and eomuk (fish cakes).
Seomyeon Street Food Alley: In the heart of Busan's downtown area, you'll find a small alley packed with food stalls serving everything from Korean fried chicken to traditional soups and stews.
Jagalchi Market: As Korea's largest seafood market, you can try fresh seafood street food here. Whether it's grilled fish, seafood pancakes, or sashimi, it's a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Haeundae Market: Located near Haeundae Beach, this market is a great place to enjoy street food after a day on the beach. It offers a variety of street foods, including grilled clams, fried shrimp, and more.
Busan International Food Street: Located in Daejeo, this food street hosts vendors from around the world and is a great place to try international street foods.

Accommodations

Choosing where to stay in Busan depends on your interests and what you plan to do during your visit. Here are some popular areas:

Haeundae: Known for Haeundae Beach, one of the most famous beaches in South Korea, this area is filled with hotels, restaurants, and bars. It's great for those who love the beach and want to be in a lively area with plenty to do.
Gwangalli: Another beachfront area, Gwangalli is a bit quieter than Haeundae but still offers plenty of restaurants and bars. The view of the Gwangan Bridge from Gwangalli Beach is particularly beautiful at night.
Seomyeon: As the downtown area of Busan, Seomyeon is a bustling district with a wide variety of shopping, dining, and nightlife options. There are also many hotels and it has great transport links to other parts of Busan.
Nampo-dong: This area is known for its shopping, with the famous Nampodong Street and the Gukje Market. It's also close to Jagalchi Fish Market and the Lotte Department Store, which has a rooftop park with great views of the city.
Marine City: This upscale area is filled with high-rise apartments, luxury hotels, and fine dining restaurants. It's located near Haeundae Beach and is known for its modern architecture and stunning sea views.
Dongnae: If you're interested in experiencing more of Busan's history and culture, Dongnae is a good choice. It's a bit quieter than the other areas, but it's home to several hot springs and historic sites like the Dongnae Eupseong Fortress.

Itinerary

Exploring the Vibrancy of Busan: A Three-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Dive into Busan's Culture and Heritage

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a rare seaside temple offering serene ambiance and breathtaking ocean views. After soaking in the tranquility, head over to the Busan Museum to delve into the history of the city.
Afternoon: Have lunch at a local restaurant serving Dwaeji Gukbap, a famous Busan dish. Then, make your way to Gamcheon Culture Village. Explore the brightly colored houses, artsy murals, and charming alleys of this unique area.
Evening: Spend your evening in Nampo-dong. Visit the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market and try some of the freshest seafood in town. Afterward, stroll around the Gukje Market for some shopping, and grab street food like Eomuk (fish cake) or Ssiat Hotteok.

Day 2: Beaches and Modern Attractions

Morning: Begin your day at Haeundae Beach, one of Korea's most famous beaches. Enjoy the sun, surf, and sand. Afterwards, explore Dongbaek Island located at the western end of the beach.
Afternoon: Visit the nearby SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium and see a variety of marine life. Then, head over to Shinsegae Centum City Department Store, the world's largest department store, for lunch and shopping.
Evening: Explore Marine City’s array of fine dining restaurants for dinner. Then head to Gwangalli Beach to enjoy the night view of Gwangan Bridge. The beachfront cafes are perfect for a relaxing end to the day.

Day 3: Nature, Shopping, and Nightlife

Morning: Spend the morning hiking in Geumjeongsan Mountain. Visit the Geumjeong Fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the mountain's peak.
Afternoon: After the hike, go to the Seomyeon area for lunch and shopping. Visit the Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center and the bustling food alley.
Evening: Explore the vibrant nightlife in Seomyeon. Enjoy a variety of entertainment options including live music and clubs. Have dinner at a local restaurant trying Busan specialties like Choryang Milmyeon or Ggaejang.