You might know Busan from the hit zombie thriller, “Train to Busan,” or even as BTS Jungkook and Jimin’s hometowns, but we bet you didn’t know that this seaside city is home to some of the best seafood and coastal sights in South Korea!
Dubbed as the “Miami of the Far East,” Busan captivates even the most seasoned travellers with its array of ancient shrines, gorgeous seascapes overlooking Japan, lively markets, and fantastic dines that’ll have your bellies bursting!
Sounds like a great trip, yeah? This coastal city, just three hours away from Seoul, is the perfect weekend escapade for your South Korea travel as there are tons of exciting things to do. Just check out our list below:
- Meet The Little Prince in Gamcheon Culture Village
- Say your prayers at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- Templestay at Beomeosa Temple
- Conquer the Busan Tower
- Fill your bellies with fresh seafood from Jagalchi Market
- Bask in the sunshine at Haeundae Beach
- Visit the “Island of Camellias”
- Watch the fireworks at Gwangalli Beach
- Set your sights on Japan from Taejongdae Resort Park
- Climb aboard the romantic Green Railway Trail
- See Busan from above
- Try a ssiat hotteok at BIFF Square
- Take part in the hit Korean variety show “Running Man”
- Hit up Oryukdo Skywalk
- Drive along the coastal road
- Catch the lights at Gwangandaegyo Bridge
- Hike to the cliff carvings of Seokbulsa Temple
1. Meet The Little Prince in Gamcheon Culture Village
This colourful town is reminiscent of Brazil’s Painted Favela. Image credits: @aumjumma on Instagram
Befriend the kind-hearted hero of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novel at the Gamcheon Culture Village. Besides Petit France in Gapyeong, you can also enjoy a magical moment with the Little Prince sitting atop the colourful village of Busan. What was once a shantytown in the mid-’50s, today Gamcheon Culture Village is a neighbourhood of brightly painted houses and alleyways, featuring quirky murals, cutesy cafés, and plenty of lookout points!
2. Say your prayers at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Have a serene morning at the Temple by the Sea.
Legend has it that if you came to worship at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, you’ll be spared from calamities and live a long and happy life…or at least that’s what visitors believed 600 years ago. Fast forward to the present, this temple perched atop the rocky cliffs (“Temple by the Sea”) is a famous spot to watch the sunrise and marvel at the golden statues of Buddha.
3. History stroll to Beomeosa Temple
Explore old Korea’s walkways with your best mates! Image credits: @hinny_chuu on Instagram
Enrich your cultural experience by spending the night at the temple. Beomeosa Temple is among the oldest and most important temples in Busan with a rich history that dates as far back as 670 CE. Consequently, it offers a templestay program for curious travellers. Learn all about Korean Buddhism from the monks, from meditation to prostration. As added brownie points, you get to make your own beaded bracelets used in prayers!
4. Conquer the Busan Tower
Catch a lovely sunset over Busan! Image credits: @jay_park06 on Instagram
Of course, every trip calls for conquering the highest towers. In Busan, you’ll find that the Busan Tower covers the best views of the city skyline from 120 metres up! And once you’ve gotten your fill, head down for some souvenir shopping and a photo-snapping sesh inside the interactive art rooms on the 2nd floor of the observatory.
5. Fill your bellies with fresh seafood from Jagalchi Market
Earliest catch arrives at 5 AM! Image credits: @pom_jittprasert on Instagram
Jagalchi Market is the largest fish market in Busan. Here, you’ll find every seafood imaginable in this fishy market. From king crabs and lobsters to squids and scallops, you’ll have a feast! But first, you’ll have to haggle with the ajumma (a Korean word to describe a middle-aged lady) shopkeepers for the best prices!
6. Bask in the sunshine at Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach will remind you a bit of Bondi Beach for its lively atmosphere. Image credits: @thekuriouskatt on Instagram
If you find yourself missing Aus’ warm toasty beaches, why not pack your swimsuits and step out onto Haeundae Beach. The great allure of this sandy shoreline is its rolling waves and lively beachfront. As the most famous beach in Busan, Haeundae is lined with luxury resorts, snack shacks, art galleries, spas, and even an aquarium!
7. Visit the “Island of Camellias”
Off to Haeundae Beach’s end, you’ll reach Dongbaekseom Island. This slice of paradise known as the “Island of Camellias” gives beachgoers a quiet retreat from Hauendae’s lively bustle with its dense forest bursting with pine trees and the fragrant camellia flowers to cool off. At this spot too, you’ll discover a mermaid statue right by the middle of the sea!
8. Watch the fireworks at Gwangalli Beach
Take home the most postcard-worthy photo at Gwangalli Beach. Image credits: @janjina_ on Instagram
Six subway stops before Haeundae Beach is where the idyllic shores of Gwangalli Beach are located. Equal in beauty, this lesser-known turf rivals Haeundae with its relaxed-city-by-the-sea vibe, perfect for switching off and maybe shooting a firework or two!
Klook tip: If you visit during autumn, you can join in the festivities during the Busan Fireworks Festival held every year at Gwangalli Beach.
9. Set your sights on Japan from Taejongdae Resort Park
Get a load of this view! Image credits: @dearmymay__ on Instagram
Did we mention that Busan’s got heaps of rocky cliffs that spill out to the sea? Well, Taejongdae Resort Park is one of them and it’s special as it has a cliff-top observatory from which you can make out Japan’s Tsushima Island across the Korea Strait. Other unmissable sights you can see here are Gamji Beach’s wide pebbled shores, the scenic train, “Danubi,” and a small amusement park to have your fill of fun.
10. Climb aboard the romantic Green Railway Trail
The cutest trains in the city. Image credits: Yujeong Huh on Unsplash
Get spirited away to Busan’s most picturesque train! With its signature green, yellow, red, and blue colours, these mini-trains embark you along a scenic journey to the city’s stunning coastlines. You can take your pick between the Haeundae Beach Train (trains for the whole gang to ride) or the Sky Capsule (smaller trains that fit up to four). Either way, you’ll get fabulous views of Haeundae, plus Songjeong down south during the 30-minute ride.
11. See Busan from above
Klook tip: ride during sunset and you’ll be greeted by stunning scenery!
Soar into new heights with a cable car ride! This thrilling 20-minute ride on the crystal cabin lets you view the city’s most iconic landmarks from an astonishing 86 metres high. This thrilling ride is definitely not for the scaredy cats!
12. Try a ssiat hotteok at BIFF Square
For the moment all foodies have been waiting for, BIFF Square (that stands for Busan International Film Festival) offers plenty of mouthwatering treats. From the local speciality, ssiat hotteok—Korean pancakes stuffed with sunflower seeds, nuts, cinnamon, and brown sugar syrup—down to Korean street food classics, such as gimbap, tteokbokki, and many more, all your (K)ravings will be satisfied!
13. Take part in the hit Korean variety show “Running Man”
Winner takes all in Running Man!
If you’re feeling a bit energetic, challenge yourself to an exciting afternoon of fun and games. Based on the hit variety show, the Running Man Experience in Busan turns you into a real Running Man member as you go through mission after mission, beating your mates, and collecting coins.
14. Hit up Oryukdo Skywalk
Oryukdo Skywalk is a major tourist attraction that’s famous for its death-defying glass walkway hanging over 35 metres above the sea. Crossing its saddle-shaped bridge, you’ll be greeted by the remarkable sight of crashing waves of the East and South Sea. Easily the best spot to take cute pics or even let out your frustrations by screaming at the waves, the skywalk earns its rightful place on our “top places to go in Busan” list!
15. Drive along the coastal road
Jukseong Catholic Church is also nicknamed the “Dream Cathedral.” Image credits: @litrato_3.10 on Instagram
Here’s another activity to check off your Busan bucket list: enjoying a drive down its coastal road! This seaside city’s got nothing short of amazing views, so why not make the trip to see them all? Driving along its coastal road—Dalmajigil Road—you’ll get a chance to admire the picturesque beauty of Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Songjeong Beach, Daebyeonhang Port, and Jukseong Catholic Church.
Klook tip: Make sure you’ve got your international driver’s licence with you before renting a car for the road trip!
16. Catch the lights at Gwangandaegyo Bridge
Light up your night! Image credits: @urbannight11 on Instagram
To light up your night, drive through the brightly lit Gwangandaegyo Bridge as it puts on a show of light displays as soon as the sun goes down. Crossing this bridge, you’ll also be treated to satisfying vistas of the Korea Strait, Oryukdo Island, Dalmaji Hill, and many more!
Fun fact: Gwnagandaegyo Bridge is the second-longest bridge in the country, stretching over 7.42 kilometres long!
17. Hike to the cliff carvings of Seokbulsa Temple
A tiring trek but the view’s worth every sweat! Image credits: @elizabeth_joy24 on Instagram
Wander off the beaten track and take a trek to the southern slopes of Geumjeongsan Mountain, where the tranquil temple of Seokbulsa stands. Though, just a warning, getting here is a journey itself! To reach this sacred site, you’ll have to ride a cable car at the foot of the mountain followed by a three-hour hike past the South Gate of Geumjeongsanseong Fortress. Only then, you’ll be able to see the incredible view from the top as you’re surrounded by 40-metre tall cliff carvings of Buddha!
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_160,h_104/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_410,h_264/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
