With its picturesque beaches, stunning mountainside scenery, and historical temples, there's something for everybody in the bustling port city of Busan! Though the beautiful contrast of the urban landscape set against rugged mountains and the deep blue sea is enough to warrant a visit, it’s the delectable seafood dishes, fascinating culture, and other Busan tourist attractions that will make you stay. Interested in visiting the second-largest city in South Korea but don’t know where to start? Check out this list of the top 10 fun things to do in Busan:
Known as the biggest fish market in South Korea, Jagalchi Market in Nampo-dong is one of the many Busan interesting places that all travelers have to visit. Open as early as 5:00 am, food-lovers can try a variety of Korean seafood dishes here, including sashimi, abalone, and nabe. With over a hundred stalls on the first floor alone, you'll never run out of things to eat here!
One of the most popular destinations in the city, this gorgeous beach at the edge of Busan is a must-visit, especially during summer. Choose to go for a swim in its crystal-clear waters or go for a walk along the shore, ideally at night so you can enjoy the gentle sea breeze. If the water is too cold when you visit, you can go inside one of the cafes and try some of the delicious food as you watch the street performers.
Get your fix of sun and sea with a visit to Gwangalli Beach in Gwangan 2-dong, where the Busan International Fireworks Festival is held every year. Gwangalli is famous for its pristine waters, fine sand, and a breathtaking beachfront that you have to see yourself to believe! The beach comes alive at night, where you can have dinner and drinks at the nearby bars and cafes, all while you admire the bright lights of Gwangandaegyo Bridge that stretch across the horizon.
If you're craving more time at the beach after your visit to Haeundae Beach, you can take a quick bus ride to Haedong Yonggungsa, an idyllic Buddhist temple located on the coast. Offering both spectacular views and cultural immersion, a stop at Haedong Yonggungsa is a must for anyone's Busan 2 day itinerary! Take in the beautiful sight of the ocean's calm waters crashing on the shore as you walk to the temple, built during the Goryeo Dynasty in 1376 by the teacher known as Naong. Make sure to sample some of the delicious street food from the vendors in front of the temple!
With a total length of 7,420 meters, Busan's Gwangan Bridge is an impressive feat of engineering and architecture! Visit during the late afternoon to witness an amazing sunset and watch as the bridge gets lit up at night, all while you feel the cool breeze. Gwangan Bridge is best-observed from Gwanggali Beach and Haeundae Beach, where you can get an unobstructed view of the light shows against the dark sky.
Go up Busan Tower in Jung-gu for panoramic views of the city, making it an essential photo stop for visitors! Visit the tower at night to see the city’s buildings all lit up through the windows, or go during the day to observe the 70 different tree species in Yongdusan Park, which showcase a myriad of colors in autumn. After your visit, you can take the escalator down to Gwangbok-ru (shopping street) to end your visit with some food and fashion.
Check out Beomeosa during your visit to Busan, a peaceful temple located at the eastern edge of Geumjeongsan Mountain. Accessible via the bus or the metro, Beomeosa is a must-visit for its historical and cultural heritage, which you can immerse yourself in by joining their temple stay program. Outdoorsy travelers also have the option to hike to and around the temple, where they’ll get the opportunity to check out Iljumun Gate and the wisteria woods that are at their most beautiful in May.
Enjoy sweeping views of Busan at Yongdusan Park, an open space located at the top of Yongdusan Mountain in Jung-gu, one of the three famous mountains in the city. With its name translating to “Dragon’s Head Mountain” due to its resemblance to a dragon’s head, the park is an ideal place to visit for travelers who wish to go on a relaxing walk during the morning or at night. End your visit by taking the escalator down to Gwangbok-ru explore the shopping area for fashion and food at the cafes.
Take a break from the urban jungle by going for a walk at Taejongdae, a natural park in the southernmost tip of Yeongdo-gu with magnificent cliffs and an unbeatable view of the ocean. Located on the southern edge of Yeongdo Island, you’ll hike through the bush to make your way to the lighthouse, which has the best views in the entire park. Remember to bring some water and wear a pair of comfortable and sturdy shoes for the climb! If you prefer a lazy day out and want to skip all the walking, you can take the Danubi train instead.
Get a chance to witness Korean marine life up close by visiting SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium in Haeundae! Known for the diversity of sea creatures in the aquarium, you’ll meet animals such as big sharks, fascinating jellyfish, cute penguins, and more. The aquarium also boasts a variety of entertaining activities shows, including animal feeding and the one-of-a-kind mermaid show, Mermaid Princess Story.
The seaside town of Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and the largest fish market in South Korea! With colorful houses perched on a hill, the town is affectionately dubbed as the Santorini of South Korea. The Gamcheon Culture Village, in particular, is decorated with various murals and art pieces crafted by the residents themselves.
Sample the freshest raw fish available at the Jagalchi Market, take a stroll along the famous Haeundae Beach in the heart of Busan, and end your day along the translucent paths of the Oryukdo Skywalk to catch a breathtaking sunset view.
Busan is best known for its great outdoors, from beaches and mountains to historic sites, museums, and temples. Since it has the largest seaport in South Korea, the city has abundant seafood and traditional street markets where you can enjoy fresh and delectable dishes.
The best time of the year to visit is around May to August when the weather is hot and humid, but spring is also popular for travelers because of the cherry blossom festivals. Some local events to take note of are the Busan International Film Festival (Oct) and Busan Sea Festival (Aug).
Seomyeon, the central district, is the best location to stay for first-timers as it offers easy access to transport and plenty of shopping and dining options! Haeundae is the ideal place for beach lovers and luxury travelers, while Nampo is perfect for tourists who love to shop and eat.