18 Exciting Things to Do in Busan For an Extra Great Trip

Today’s hot debate takes us to South Korea’s well-known coastal city. Many of us know Busan as the zombie safe haven from the Korean blockbuster Train to Busan, but it’s more than just that! 

Busan is the second largest city in the country, and it’s overflowing with thrilling experiences and all sorts of cultural and coastal attractions. From hiking to sea temples to cruising the air, Busan is the perfect weekend getaway for friends, foodies, and adventurous travelers who want an escape from the bustle of Seoul.

Not convinced? Perhaps these 18 travel activities will change your mind. Get the lowdown of the most exciting things to do in Busan below!

Prepare for a jam-packed day of sightseeing! On the East Coast of Busan, you’ll explore some of the city’s top iconic cultural landmarks. The Haedong Yonggungsa Temple — a.k.a. the temple by the sea — is among the most sacred sites in South Korea, where many locals and tourists say their prayers, while the Taejongsa Temple is bursting with fresh hydrangea blooms that’ll transport you right into a set of a K-drama!

Get a kick-ass view of the entire city at Gamcheon Culture Village. The neighborhood isn’t only Instagram-friendly with its rainbow-colored houses and quirky murals, but it’s also got plenty of lookout points. One of our fave spots is right beside the Little Prince. Cozy up next to the French royal and his fox as you drink in Busan’s gorgeous coastlines from afar!

Take a break from walking tours with a thrilling cable car ride — one of the top activities if you love thrills is soaring 282 feet high in the sky and over the city. The Busan cable car experience takes you on an exciting ride to see some of the city’s landmarks, such as Namhang Bridge, Songdo Beach, and more!

Contrary to popular culture, the train to Busan (pun intended) isn’t the city’s most iconic rail. Instead, it’s the Haeundae Beach Train and its mini version, the Sky Capsule! With their red, blue, and yellow paint and vintage design, these are perhaps the most aesthetic trains you’ll ever ride. Journey along the scenic route and be spoiled with fabulous views of Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach. The ride lasts 30 minutes, so soak up those sceneries and get snapping cute group-fies!

Fancy road trips? Great news: Busan’s coastal routes are perfect! The seaside city isn’t only blessed with stunning temples and beaches and churches you can hit up with a scenic drive with friends. By renting a car, you and the whole gang can cruise in style down the Dalmajigil Road. This path will lead you to both popular and hidden attractions in Busan—from Gwangalli and Songjeong Beach to Daebyeonhang Port and Jukseong Catholic Church (aka the “Dream Cathedral”).

It’s always a blast sightseeing during the day, but have you seen Busan at night? It’s just as impressive. In fact, the city’s bright lights are one of the most dazzling sights you’ll see. Grab the gang for a lively evening out and join the ultimate night tour of Busan. 

During the three-hour tour, you’ll witness Gwangandaegyo Bridge put on an amazing light display and Illumia Park illuminating the trees and fields. Then wrap up the night with a stop at Songdo Skywalk, where you’ll catch the glittering Busan skyline from 20 feet above the sea.

When in Busan, eat as the locals do! Jagalchi Market is the largest seafood market in the city, offering the freshest catch. From king crabs to giant squids, you’ll have a feast! But before tasting Busan’s sumptuous seafood, you’ll have to respectfully haggle with the ajumma (Korean word for middle-aged ladies) for the best price — now that’s one of the most exciting things to do in Busan!

Although seafood is the city’s specialty their street eats are just as phenomenal. Ssiat hotteok is a Korean pancake stuffed with sunflower seeds, nuts, cinnamon, and brown sugar syrup, and is Busan’s local delicacy. You can sample the best of these at BIFF Square and Seomyeon Food Alley, along with other street food classics (think tteokbokki, gimbap, and the works). 

Though, if you’re more adventurous with food, we recommend dropping by Jokbal Alley to try sundaeguk, a Korean blood sausage and soup and jokbal. The vendors on this street have spent over 30 years perfecting the dishes, so you’re in for a real treat!

Haeundae Beach is the liveliest turf in this coastal city. Best known for its long stretch of golden sand and shallow bay, Haeundae is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and basking in the sun. Tourists and locals love to flock to the beachfront for its exciting myriad of attractions, including art galleries, aquariums, trendy cafes, and seaside shacks with ocean views. 

Check out Mipo Kkeutjib for their delicious grilled clams and Miposeawa for pasta, pizzas, and European dishes. The foodie friends will absolutely have a blast food tripping by Haeundae!

Trade the beach with the serene surroundings of Busan’s tea houses. Enjoy tea time at Nae Go Hyeong Jun Tong Chat Jib, among the city’s most popular traditional tea houses bustling with older folks. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by the sharp and rich scent of tea. From ginger to aromatic jujubes, there’s a tea for every taste!

Ready to burn off those calories? Here’s the next best thing to do in Busan: do the Running Man Challenge! ICYDK, the city was once a filming site for the hit South Korean reality TV show, Running Man. Today, you too can take part and experience being a Running Man yourself.  Go through missions, race against time, and have plenty of fun with friends in this hour-long challenge at the  Running Man Theme Park in Busan!

Animal lovers, head to SEA LIFE Aquarium in Busan to meet the cutest sea critters in town! SEA LIFE Aquarium houses more than 10,000 ocean animals, plus tons of underwater performances and thrilling encounters. Experience feeding schools of sharks and rays for a memorable afternoon!

Time to get goofy at the Trick Eye Museum, where the paintings come alive! This super exciting place is one big gallery of fun as you and the gang become part of the art. Strike your wackiest pose beside Van Gogh, transform into a mermaid, or have your head served on a plate — everything’s possible at the Trick Eye Museum!

If you’re looking for hiking places to visit in Busan, then look no further than Seokbulsa, a breathtaking mountain top temple lined with 40-meter tall Buddha statues and stone carvings. To reach this tranquil place is a journey itself, involving a cable-car ride at the foot of Geumjeongsan Mountain and a three-hour trek from the southern gates of the Geumjeongsanseong Fortress.

Craving more adventures? Here’s your sign to head out to Ulsan! Not one to be missed, Ulsan is a fantastic destination that’s close to Busan (50 minutes away), offering breathtaking sights and unique experiences.

When you go on a day tour of Ulsan, you’ll be treated to a rare chance to whale watch at the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture Village and admire the jaw-dropping cliffs and natural beauty of Ulsan Bay at Daewangam Park. Expect to have a whale of a time here!

A fan of K-dramas and K-reality TV shows? Then, you’d know that a jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse)is an experience you can’t miss while in Busan! After long day trips and tours around the city, pamper yourself with a relaxing spa and sauna sesh at Hurshimchung Spa.

One of the biggest jjimjilbangs in the entire country, this bathhouse offers 40 luxurious baths, ranging from traditional kilns and massage tables to hot tubs and cold showers — large enough to fit the whole fam (or team).

Aside from all the action-packed activities already mentioned above, here's another one that you simply can't miss — a visit to Lotte World in Busan!

You can't just go to South Korea without going to at least one amusement park. Luckily enough, Busan houses the majestic Lotte World Adventure, where you can enjoy a day full of fun, food, and parades! Some rides that you have to try are the Giant Splash, Giant Swing, Giant Digger, Cookie Train, and Spinning Swing. After taking on some rides, make sure to secure a good spot to see the theme park's finale — the Lotus Magic Forest Parade!

There's also a Lotte World in Seoul, but the one in Busan is different in its own way, and it's also just minutes away from the famous Haeundae Beach.

Shinsegae holds the Guinness World Record for the largest department store in the world. Spanning a whopping total of 3,163,000 square feet, it beats Macy’s in NYC by a landslide! 

So, what exactly can you find inside this record-breaking department store? It’s crammed with luxury goods, a massive Starbucks, and a variety of attractions. Relax those tired muscles at Spa Land, cool off at the Ice Rink, catch the latest flicks at the Multiplex Theatre, and perhaps even blast off with friends at its outdoor theme park, ZOORAJI, on the 9th floor!

Let us guess, you’ve had too much fun in Busan that you’ve completely forgotten to buy souvenirs to bring home with you. Fret not! We’ve got your easy fix: a stop at Lotte World Shopping Mall. Here, you’ll find just about anything—duty-free luxury goods, branded bags, Samsung, a man-made garden, and an observation deck, packed with a clear view of the skyline and Gamcheon Culture Village.

Sounds like a dream? Busan is definitely worth the visit, so start planning your trip today!