Things To Do
in Busan
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city, perched along the southeastern coast with dramatic ridges and long, sandy beaches. It blends rugged natural scenery with a lively urban scene, from bustling fish markets to stylish cafés and oceanfront promenades. The city is famous for its seafood, colorful hillside villages, and iconic bridges that glow at night.
Whether you crave fresh maritime flavors, cultural heritage, or vibrant nightlife, Busan offers a dynamic coastal escape.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing stroll along the soft sands of Haeundae Beach, greeted by the sound of gentle waves. Relax at one of the beachfront cafés with a local breakfast of hotteok, a sweet Korean pancake. Take a moment to soak in the sun and the stunning views of the Busan skyline.
After lunch at a nearby seafood restaurant, delve into the vibrant atmosphere of the Haeundae Market, sampling fresh catches and local delicacies. Explore the nearby Dongbaekseom Island, where you can walk along scenic paths lined with beautiful camellias and take in panoramic views of the coastline. Don’t miss the iconic Busan Sea Life Aquarium, home to an array of marine creatures.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot to enjoy the beach's evening ambiance, perhaps with a picnic dinner or a BBQ. Witness the stunning Busan Fireworks Festival if your visit coincides with it, lighting up the night sky. Finish your day with a leisurely walk along the beach, enjoying the soothing sounds of the ocean.
Begin your day by visiting the colorful alleyways of Gamcheon Culture Village, often referred to as the 'Santorini of the East.' Wander through the artistic streets adorned with murals and quirky sculptures, taking plenty of photos. Stop by a local café for a traditional Korean breakfast, such as bibimbap.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local art scene by visiting the Gamcheon Culture Village Art Center, showcasing works by talented local artists. Engage with the community by participating in a craft workshop, creating your own piece of Korean art. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, trying the famous Busan-style sashimi.
As dusk approaches, find a scenic viewpoint to watch the sunset over the village, creating a magical backdrop for your evening. Dine at a local eatery, sampling traditional dishes like tteokbokki and kimchi stew. End your day by enjoying the village ambiance, perhaps catching a street performance or live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥘Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $2-5 |
| 🚇One-way local transit ticket | $1-2 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel or guesthouse per night | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class seafood markets and fresh coastal cuisine
- Vibrant neighborhoods with a mix of modern culture and historic temples
- Stunning coastal scenery and easy access to hikes and beaches
- Efficient public transit and welcoming, friendly locals
- Can be crowded in peak tourist seasons, especially near beaches and markets
- Language barriers may be challenging in older or more remote spots
- Summer heat and humidity can be intense for outdoor activities
- "안녕하세요" - Hello
- "감사합니다" - Thank you
- "실례합니다" - Excuse me
- "네 / 아니요" - Yes / No
- "영어를 하실 수 있나요?" - Do you speak English?
- "얼마에요?" - How much is this?
- "어디에 있어요?" - Where is ...?
Places to Visit in Busan
Visit one of these nice places.
Dynamic morning light over the bustle of a working fish market and harbor-side streets, ideal for candid street photography.
A labyrinth of pastel houses, art installations, and terraced stairways offering countless compositional opportunities.
A dramatic skyline shot with the bridge illuminated against the coastline from Gwangan Beach.
Glass-bottom walkway with sweeping views of the sea and offshore rocks—great for expansive coastal shots.
Cliffside trails and an iconic lighthouse with rugged sea views and lighthouse silhouettes at golden hour.
Ancient temple complex framed by forested ridges—an atmospheric setting for architectural and nature photography.
Food in Busan
Busan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hearty pork soup with rice, a Busan staple found in many eateries and markets across the city.
Must-Try!
Chilled wheat noodles in a light, tangy broth, especially popular during hot summers.
Fresh raw fish offerings, commonly enjoyed at Jagalchi Market and nearby restaurants with minimal seasoning.
Grilled mackerel—simple, fragrant, and widely available at coastal eateries and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Iconic seafood market where you can select a live fish, have it cleaned, and prepared as sashimi, stew, or grilled dishes on-site.
A vast historic market offering dried seafood, snacks, and affordable meals amid a lively atmosphere.
A bustling area with a concentration of stalls offering tteokbokki, hotteok, twigim, skewers, and more.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Address elders and superiors with polite language and titles; modest, quiet behavior is valued in public spaces.
Remove shoes when entering traditional homes or certain temples; avoid loud conversations in public transit and queues.
Use both hands when handing items to someone; avoid sticking chopsticks upright in bowls and tipping food back with your spoon.
People line up for buses, subways, and popular spots; be patient and join the end of the line.
Safety
Tipping in Busan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Korea; most service charges are built into the bill. If you choose to tip, it should be discreet and in small amounts in upscale situations.
Credit cards are widely accepted; cash is always handy for markets and smaller shops. Transit cards like T-money are convenient for buses and subways, and mobile payments (Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Kakao Pay) are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms around Dalmaji Hill and coastal parks; great for outdoor strolling and city photography.
Hot and humid with occasional monsoon rain; beach days at Haeundae and Gwangalli are popular, along with night markets to escape daytime heat.
Pleasant, cooler days with vibrant foliage on hillside trails and city parks; ideal for hiking and photography sessions.
Relatively mild compared with inland Korea, with cool days and rare snowfall; indoor attractions and coastal walks are comfortable with layered clothing.
Busan at Night
Hiking in Busan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular, well-marked trails through pine forests to fortress ruins and sweeping city views.
Forested ridges with scenic overlook points; suitable for moderate day hikes near the city.
Coastal path offering sea views and 석양 (sunset) vistas, connecting city fringe to coastal parks.
Airports
How to reach Busan by plane.
Busan's main international and domestic airport, offering frequent flights to Asia, Europe, and beyond. Accessible by rail, taxi, or bus to central Busan in about 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
A smaller regional airport about an hour away by road, serving domestic routes and limited international connections.
A regional airport roughly two hours away by road, with domestic flights and some international connections, useful for broader southeastern Korea travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population is Korean, with a mix of age groups across urban and suburban districts.
Growing numbers of expatriates from China, Southeast Asia, the United States and Europe, concentrated around university districts and international-friendly neighborhoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local fans flock to Sajik Baseball Stadium to cheer the Lotte Giants during the season.
Busan IPark competes in Korea’s professional leagues; matches offer a spirited sports atmosphere.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Busan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Korean vegetarian options are available, but many broths use anchovy or beef stock. Look for dishes labeled 채식 (chaesik) or ask for 육수 없이 주세요 (yuksoo eopsi juseyo) – 'Please make it without broth.' Opt for rice, tofu, seasoned vegetables, and noodle dishes without meat or seafood.