11 Things to Do in Busan: Discover Korea’s Coastal Gem
Busan left a lasting impression on us and we are thrilled to share our favorite spots and tips with you. It’s a perfect mix of stunning beaches, city life, lively markets, and peaceful moments by the sea. Whether we were enjoying fresh seafood or taking in the breathtaking views, every corner of this city felt like a new adventure waiting to be discovered. 
HOW MANY DAYS |
3
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Mar - May & Sep - Nov
WHERE TO STAY |
Cozy Tree Hotel Seomyeon
TOP THINGS TO SEE | Sky Capsule, Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Village, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple & Jalgachi Market
HOW TO GET AROUND | public transport
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HOW MANY DAYS?
3 days are enough to cover Busan’s highlights, but if you have more time, consider adding a few extra days to unwind at one of the city’s beautiful beaches or explore its lesser-known corners at a relaxed pace.
WHERE TO STAY?
Busan is a sprawling city, so choosing the right area to stay in can make a big difference. Seomyeon sits at the crossroads of the subway lines, making it the most convenient base for getting around. It's also a foodie hotspot, known for its buzzing street food scene and a wide range of restaurants.
If you're here for the beach and a more laid-back vibe, Haeundae is ideal. With its long stretch of sand, seaside cafes, and relaxed nightlife, it’s a favorite among both locals and travelers.
Nampo is great for sights like BIFF Square, the fish market, and Gamcheon Village. Just note it’s about 45–60 minutes to Haeundae by subway.
BUDGET | Located in the heart of Haeundae, MAMA Guesthouse offers compact, modern rooms with private bathrooms—ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
OUR STAY | We stayed at Poring House, a small well-designed apartment in the heart of Busan.
COMFORT | Cozy Tree Hotel Seomyeon has spacious, freshly renovated rooms and attentive staff. A stylish and comfortable base for exploring Busan.
LUXURY | With sweeping ocean views, a rooftop pool, and refined design, Signiel Busan offers high-end comfort in Haeundae.
HOW TO GET AROUND?
Public transport in Busan is well-connected, making it easy to explore the city with a T-money card. The metro is fast, safe, and efficient. For places like Yonggungsa Temple, where bus connections are limited, taking a taxi is often the better option. The app k.ride (Android/iOS) makes booking quick and convenient.
Worried about expensive roaming charges while abroad? An eSIM offers affordable, local data, so you can stay connected and access maps, our recommendations without breaking the bank.
HOW TO GET HERE?
From Seoul, the fastest and most convenient option is the KTX or SRT high-speed train from Seoul or Suseo Station, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours and drops you right in the city center. A cheaper alternative is the express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal, which takes about 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.
From Gyeongju, the KTX from Singyeongju Station to Busan takes just 30 minutes, followed by local transport to your accommodation. A more budget-friendly option is the express bus from Gyeongju Bus Terminal to Nopo followed by a metro ride to the area your staying in.
Gimhae International Airport (PUS) connects Busan to major cities across East and Southeast Asia, as well as to Seoul and Jeju Island. The city center is just 30–40 minutes away—take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit to link up with the metro system, or opt for a limousine bus or taxi to popular hubs like Seomyeon or Busan Station.
BUS | Compare bus prices and book your ticket here.
TRAIN | Check KTX schedules and book your seat here.
NEXT DESTINATION | Jeju Island & Udo Island
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1. Enjoy a Sky Capsule Ride at the Haeundae Blueline Park
This was one of the most stunning rides we've ever experienced! It was incredibly enjoyable, and the breathtaking views made it truly unforgettable. The ride follows a scenic track along the coast with adorable capsules offering the perfect way to take in the views.
The Sky Capsules offer a private and more scenic journey, making them a better option compared to the Beach Train. We recommend getting a one-way ticket from Cheongsapo and explore Haeundae afterward. Most people begin the other way around in Mipo so you can expect longer queues. Begin your adventure in the morning, then spend the rest of your day discovering Haeundae Beach and shopping along the Haeundae Promenade.
We had a capsule only for the two of us, making it a very special and romantic experience. Sadly, the 30 min ride went faster than we thought. You can bring a good playlist, some snacks, and a tripod to make pretty pictures and enjoy your ride to the fullest.
Originally, we wanted to go for sunset, but the tickets were booked out. We had no other option, but to queue and take whatever slot was available at the ticket office. So, do not miss the opportunity to book in advance, to get a more preferable time-slot.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. (depending on the season)
COSTS | ₩40,000 for 2 pax & ₩50,000 for 4 pax | €26 - €33 | US$25 - $33
TIP | Book at least a week or two in advance here or queue early in the morning in Cheongsapo.
2. Relax and Explore the Beaches
Haeundae Beach is known for its soft, white sand and clear turquoise water, making it one of Busan’s most popular beaches. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the many seaside cafes. The area is full of hotels and guesthouses, making it an excellent place to stay if you’re visiting in the summer to enjoy the beach atmosphere.
Songjeong Beach offers a quieter vibe compared to bustling Haeundae. It’s popular with surfers, thanks to its beginner-friendly waves, but also great for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat. A scenic coastal trail connects Songjeong to Haeundae, with cliffside views and wooden platforms that highlight Busan’s coastal charm.
Dadaepo Beach is a peaceful escape on the outskirts of Busan, about 50 minutes from the city center. Its ecological trail through marshlands attracts migratory birds in certain seasons. While its shallow waters aren’t ideal for swimming, the stunning sunsets and golden light on the water make it a magical spot for a relaxing day away from the crowds.
3. Wander through Gamcheon Village
Gamcheon is a colorful hillside village with vibrant murals, The Little Prince art & statues and charming alleys to explore. You can try many of the most popular Korean snacks while you wander through the village streets. We created a guide and route for you on how to explore, where to go and activities that you cannot miss.
4. Eat a Hotteok at BIFF Square
This delicious pancake filled with brown sugar and cinnammon originates from Busan and at the BIFF Square you can try variations filled with cheese or nuts. This was, without a doubt, our favorite version of hotteok in all of South Korea. The heat from the sugar and the sweetness of the syrup blend perfectly with the roasted, lightly salted nuts and the crispiness of the pancake. We highly recommend checking out our favorite stall here.
While smaller than Seoul’s night markets, BIFF Square still offers a great local experience with food stalls serving typical snacks like eomuk (fish cakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). It’s definitely worth a visit for authentic street food.
WHERE | Go to this stand that is constantly crowded, for a reason!
OPEN | 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
PRICE | ₩2,000 | €1.30 | US$ 1.40
READ | 22 Must-Try Dishes in South Korea
5. Catch the Drone Show at Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli Beach is probably the most lively beach in Busan. It is the best area to go for a drink at the many cafes, restaurants and bars. You can see the famous view of the Gwangan Bridge along with the 12 minute drone show. We were absolutely amazed, as we have never seen something even close like this. It is definitely worth it, so do whatever you can to make sure you don’t miss it.
WHEN | Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and 9:0 p.m.
TIP | For the best view, find a spot along the shoreline toward the northern side
EAT | At El Carnitas for mostly TEX-MEX (burritos, nachos, salads) and some mexican dishes (tacos & enchiladas).
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6. Discover Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is located on the northeastern coast of Busan making it a rare chance to visit a seaside temple. It was originally built in 1376 by a respected Buddhist teacher, Naong, during the Goryeo dynasty. In front of the main building, you'll find a three-story pagoda with four lion statues, representing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. You can also see 108 stone steps and lanterns that decorate the rocky surroundings.
If you come early you can enjoy the beautiful views of the temple and the calming sound of the ocean waves. It is also a great spot to catch the sunrise and take in the peaceful atmosphere, before the crowds arrive.
OPEN | 4:30 a.m. to 7:20 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | free
TIP | Visit for the sunrise or early in the morning to avoid the crowds
READ | Understand Korean Temples & Our Favorites
7. Unwind in a Jimjilbang (Hot Springs & Sauna)
After the memorable templestay experience at Golgulsa temple we were exhausted and sore from the 108 prostrations, so we decided to do our body a favor by going to the hot springs and sauna.
This turned out to be one of the most authentic Korean experiences we had during our entire stay. In South Korea, hot springs are enjoyed completely naked. While we’re accustomed to nude saunas in Germany, we were pleasantly surprised by how natural and comfortable the approach to nudity felt here. Don’t worry - the hot tubs and springs are gender-segregated, and for the sauna, you’ll be provided with a cute pajama-like set.
Without a doubt, we highly recommend trying it out to unwind for a day. To make your visit as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide to help you prepare for a truly relaxing experience.
WHERE | Hurshimchung Spa
OPEN | 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | ₩15,000 Won | €10 | US$11
READ | Surviving a Jjimjilbang Korean Spa: Everything you need to Know
8. See the Day’s Catch at Jagalchi Fish Market
Jagalchi Market is South Korea’s largest seafood market, offering a fascinating mix of fresh seafood and lively market energy. We’ve never seen such an incredible variety of seafood before, and we were especially shocked by the size of the crabs and lobsters in the indoor market. You can choose your preferred catch from the vendors and have it cooked upstairs at one of the market’s restaurants for a small fee. We actually feel that the market outside the building is more authentic and had quite a charm with the local fishermen.
To be honest, we decided to skip eating here as the prices at the restaurants were too high for us. It really feels like a tourist trap. We’d already enjoyed plenty of seafood during our stay in South Korea and didn’t feel the dishes here were worth the extra cost. You will find cheaper seafood at any other restaurant in the city, just not in this area.
OPEN | 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
9. Soak in the View from Busan Tower
The 120-meter tall tower is an iconic gem in Yongdusan Park, offering extraordinary views of Busan Port and Yeongdo Island. At night, the tower lights up with vibrant graphics, creating a beautiful backdrop against the glowing Busan Port Bridge. The walk up to the tower is lovely, especially during autumn when the park feels like a fall wonderland.
OPEN | 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | ₩12,000 | €8 | US$8
10. Shop & Eat in Seomyeon
We have to say we loved Korean clothing style and were really sad that we could not buy anything during our world trip because we cannot carry much. Let’s not even start with K-beauty, because Ingrid wishes she could just buy the whole Olive Young store. But if you are visiting South Korea as a holiday, we highly recommend you to spend some hours at the underground shopping centers. We have never seen underground malls before and it is without a doubt an interesting experience. There are many regular malls in the area: central mall, Lotte Department Store and Bujeon Market for a more traditional style.
If you are up to for a good coffee and cute cafes head to the Jeonpo Coffee street.
EAT | Visit KANGGARBITNAG for a delicious beef rib Soup (with the rib) with banchan for ₩13,000 Won.
11. Go for a SkyWalk
The Oryukdo Skywalk offers a unique perspective from a 35-meter cliff, with a glass floor that lets you look down at the waves crashing beneath you. If you’re looking to extend your coastal adventure, the Igidae Coastal Walk is a great option. This 2-hour trail takes you along rugged cliffs with sweeping views of the ocean and nearby islands. It’s a peaceful, less crowded spot, perfect for a relaxing escape while soaking in Busan’s natural beauty.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | free
At Songdo Beach, you can enjoy the impressive Cloud Walk, the longest of its kind, or take the cable car for stunning panoramic views of the ocean. The 365-meter bridge leads to Turtle Island (Geobukseom), offering picturesque views of rocky shores, a pristine beach, and majestic mountains—perfect for admiring the beauty of the coastline.
OPEN | 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | free
Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory is inspired by the blue dragon of Cheongsapo. This skywalk stretches 72.5 meters into the sea, with a glass floor that makes it feel like you’re walking on water. The views of the coastline are spectacular, and it’s the perfect spot to catch the sunset.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | free
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