Travel around South Korea – or even just look at a map – and you’ll notice that most of the big cities are inland, rather than on the coast.
There are several reasons for this: much of the coastal geography doesn’t suit big developments, fertile areas tend to be inland, and cities away from the sea were more secure against naval attacks.
So, when you go to South Korea’s second-largest city, you immediately notice the difference. So many of the things to do in Busan involve the water and the coastline.
I tend to focus on the coast when I’m in Busan. Partly that’s because it’s a nice change from other parts of the country, but also because it’s just really beautiful.
And, it’s also worth adding, a lot of fantastic experiences have been developed along the water and I think they are some of Busan’s best attractions.
You’ll find a range of coastal trails in Busan, from easy and accessible to more difficult hiking. While there are gorgeous temples in the mountains, you’ll also find important religious complexes along the water. And the beaches are perfect for a summer swim or just for a seaside meal.
Busan also has important heritage sites, interesting museums, vibrant food streets, and cute neighbourhoods. They’re spread across the city but it’s easy enough to connect to most of them.
If you’re short of time, these are the top things to do in Busan that I would recommend focusing on:
- Haeundae Blueline Park: One of the most beautiful stretches of coast with three different modes of transport along the trail.
- Haedong Yonggungsa: The iconic seafront temple full of history and offering stunning views.
- Gamcheon Culture Village: An artistic community in the hills that’s full of fun installations and shops to discover.
- Jagalchi Fish Market: A busy market with lots to see and good places to eat around the stalls.
But hopefully you’ll be able to visit Busan for long enough to see even more. One of the nicest things about this city is just taking your time to explore the parks, paths, and villages along the water – something that shouldn’t be rushed.
Beaches
Busan is defined by its coastline, where the sand acts as the city’s living room. The beaches here distinguish the districts, separating polished skyscrapers from gritty fish markets, and knowing which strip of sand suits your mood is essential to understanding the local geography.
Haeundae Beach
You have to start with Haeundae because it is the self-proclaimed “most famous beach in Korea.” That title brings a sense of grandeur, but I have to be honest, the chaotic energy here can be overwhelming. Stretching 1.5 kilometres along the eastern coast, the beach is flanked by a wall of high-rise luxury apartments that cast long shadows in the late afternoon.
Historically, the area was much quieter. It was named by the scholar Choe Chi-won in the 9th century, who was so taken by the view he carved his pen name into a rock on the nearby Dongbaekseom Island.
Today, you won’t find much solitude. In the height of summer, the local authorities set up thousands of parasols in military-style rows, a phenomenon that earned a Guinness World Record in 2008 for the most beach umbrellas, with 7,937 counted in a single day.
If you visit in July or August, forget about a relaxing swim. You will essentially be bobbing upright in the water with thousands of others in yellow rubber rings.
Instead of fighting for a free spot on the sand, I’d suggest going to the ticket machines on the promenade immediately upon arrival to rent a parasol and mat. Alternatively, walk to the western end near the Westin Josun hotel, where the curve of the bay offers a wider perspective without the sea of humanity.
Gwangalli Beach
If Haeundae is the frenetic big brother, Gwangalli is the cooler, younger sibling that only really wakes up after sunset. Located west of Haeundae, this 1.4-kilometre curve of fine sand is less about swimming and more about the view.
The horizon is dominated by the Gwangandaegyo (Diamond Bridge), a massive suspension bridge that spans 7.4 kilometres across the bay. It’s the main character of the district, illuminated at night with thousands of LED lights that shift colour with the season.
The atmosphere is distinctly urban, lined with a tight row of cafes and pubs looking out to the water. The main drawcard these days is the Gwangalli M Drone Light Show. Every Saturday evening, traffic is halted and roughly 500 to 1,000 drones take to the sky to form synchronized images above the water.
It’s impressive technology, but it draws massive crowds. Personally, I think the smartest move is to skip the scramble for a spot on the sand and book a table at one of the second-floor pubs on the strip. If you get there an hour before the 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM showtimes, you get the same view without the sand in your shoes.
Songjeong Beach
Heading back east past Haeundae, you reach Songjeong Beach, which feels like a different coastal ecosystem. While the other beaches are obsessed with night views and skyscrapers, Songjeong is the surfing capital of South Korea.
The sport only took off here in the late 1990s, when the first surf school opened its doors. Now, the 1.2-kilometre beachfront is packed with rental shops and schools. The vibe is scruffy and laid-back, with campervans parked along the back road and locals walking around in wetsuits regardless of the season.
The shallow seabed creates gentle, consistent rollers that are ideal for longboards. I reckon this is actually the best place in the country to learn to surf, as you can walk into almost any of the shops lining the road and grab a board and wetsuit rental for a half-day for around 30,000 to 40,000 won.
Just be aware that during the summer months, the swimming and surfing zones are strictly separated by buoys. The lifeguards are militant about keeping the board-riders in their designated lane, so watch where you paddle.
Songdo Beach
On the southern side of the city, Songdo Beach offers a trip back in time. This was Korea’s first designated public beach, opening in 1913. For decades it fell into disrepair, but a massive redevelopment project has turned it into a nostalgic hub for coastal walking.
The bay is anchored by the Songdo Cloud Trails, a curved walkway that snakes out over the ocean for 365 metres. Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, allowing you to look straight down at the water crashing against the pylons below.
Overhead, the Busan Air Cruise cable car ferries passengers across the bay. It’s a revival of an old aerial tramway that ran here in the 1960s before being demolished.
The restoration includes some artificial elements, like large statues of whales rising out of the water. I’ll admit, these can feel a bit kitsch, but the walk itself is genuinely pleasant. The best way to tackle this is to walk the Cloud Trails for free, but splash out the extra few thousand won for the “Crystal Cabin” cable car. Seeing the coastline from 86 metres up through the transparent floor provides a perspective you just don’t get from the sand.
Coastal paths
Busan’s coastline is dramatic, with mountains that drop straight into the sea, meaning some of the best views aren’t from the beaches, but from the trails that hug the cliffs. The city has invested heavily in making these accessible, turning what used to be military patrol routes or abandoned train tracks into some of the most scenic walks in the country.
Haeundae Blueline Park
I have to say, this is one of the best examples of urban regeneration I’ve seen in Korea. The Haeundae Blueline Park was built on the old Donghae Nambu Line railway tracks, which were closed in 2013. Now, it’s a 4.8-kilometre route that runs along the coast from Haeundae to Songjeong.
There are a few ways to do this. You can walk along the Green Railway, which is a wooden deck path that follows the tracks, or you can take the Sky Capsule or Beach Train. I know the Sky Capsules – those cute, colourful little pods you see all over Instagram – look fun, but be warned: they are incredibly slow and often booked out weeks in advance.
The highlight for me is the stop at Cheongsapo, a small fishing village with a row of grilled clam restaurants right on the water. Here, you’ll find the Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, a 72.5-metre long pier that juts out over the ocean. It’s shaped like a blue dragon to match local legend, and parts of the floor are transparent glass.
It’s free to enter, but you have to put on soft shoe covers to protect the glass. My tip? Skip the expensive capsule ride. Walk the 2 kilometres from Mipo Station to Cheongsapo to earn your lunch, then catch the cheaper Beach Train for the return leg if your legs are tired.
Igidae Coastal Walkway
If you want something a bit more rugged, I’d recommend the Igidae Coastal Walkway. This 4.7-kilometre trail connects Igidae Park to Oryukdo Park and offers what I think is the single best view of the Busan skyline, with the Gwangandaegyo Bridge and Marine City framing the shot.
Historically, this area was used for military operations and was off-limits to civilians until 1993. Because of that restricted access, the forest and cliffs are remarkably well-preserved. The path is a mix of wooden decks, suspension bridges, and dirt tracks that wind up and down the cliffside. It’s not a flat stroll and there are plenty of stairs, so bring water.
The trail ends (or starts, depending on your direction) at the Oryukdo Skywalk. This glass horseshoe bridge extends 9 metres out from the cliff, hovering 35 metres above the waves.
It’s a popular spot, so expect a queue for the photo op. Personally, I prefer starting the hike here at Oryukdo and walking north towards Igidae. That way, you’re walking towards the view of the city and the bridge, rather than having it behind you the whole time.
Taejongdae Resort Park
Located on the southern tip of Yeongdo Island, Taejongdae is a bit of a trek to get to from the main city centre, but I reckon it’s worth the effort for the sheer scale of the scenery. It’s named after King Taejong Muyeol of the Silla Kingdom, who apparently used to come here to practice archery in the 7th century.
The park is huge, covering roughly 440 acres of thick pine forest and rocky cliffs. The main loop road is about 4.3 kilometres long. You can walk it, but there’s also the Danubi Train, a hop-on-hop-off shuttle that circles the major sights.
The star attraction is the Yeongdo Lighthouse, built in 1906, which clings to a jagged precipice. From the observation deck, on a clear day, you can actually see Tsushima Island in Japan, which is about 50 kilometres away.
Below the lighthouse, you can walk down to the rocky Sinseon Rock. It’s a bit hairy in high winds, and I wouldn’t recommend getting too close to the edge. There’s usually a pop-up tent down there where local women (haenyeo divers) sell fresh raw fish and soju. It’s a bit pricey and touristy, but eating sliced octopus on a rock while waves crash a few metres away is an experience you won’t forget.
Heritage sites
Busan might look like a futuristic metropolis of glass and steel, but if you scratch the surface, the history is deep. The city was the only major area not captured by North Korean forces during the war, meaning it became a refuge that preserved layers of heritage that were wiped out elsewhere.
Beomeosa Temple
Located high up on the slopes of Mt Geumjeongsan, Beomeosa is the city’s most important spiritual centre. It was originally founded in 678 AD by the monk Ui Sang, though most of what you see today dates back to 1613, after the original structures were burned down during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century.
I have to be honest, a lot of temples in Korea can start to look the same after a while, but Beomeosa has a weight to it that feels different. It’s not just a tourist site; it’s an active monastery. Walking through the One Pillar Gate, you pass through a wisteria habitat that includes over 500 vines, some of which are more than 100 years old.
The sheer scale of the complex is impressive, with multiple courtyards rising up the mountain. I’d recommend taking the time to sit near the main hall and just listen to the chanting and the wind chimes. It cuts through the city noise completely.
Getting here requires a bit of effort. You need to take the subway to Beomeosa Station and then hop on bus No. 90 for the winding trip up the mountain. My tip is to avoid the weekends if you can, as it gets packed with local hikers heading for the summit.
Geumjeong Fortress
From Beomeosa, you can actually hike directly to the Geumjeong Fortress, which is the largest mountain fortress in the country. It was built in 1703 during the Joseon Dynasty, essentially to stop invaders from coming up from the sea.
The stone walls snake along the ridge for about 17 kilometres. To be fair, walking the entire perimeter is a serious trek that will take you all day, and I don’t think you need to do the whole thing to get the point. The North Gate is easily accessible from the temple and gives you a good sense of the fortifications.
However, the real reason I’m including this section is to tell you about the walk to Seokbulsa Temple.
It’s a tricky hike to find, located about 3 kilometres from the South Gate, but it is absolutely worth the sweat. Unlike the wooden pavilions elsewhere, Seokbulsa is carved directly into the 40-metre-high rock walls of the mountain.
The Buddhist images are etched into the stone, creating a U-shaped chamber that feels ancient and hidden. I think it’s the most underrated site in Busan, mostly because tour buses can’t get anywhere near it. You will need decent shoes and a map app, but standing in that stone courtyard alone is a memory that sticks.
Haedong Yonggungsa
While most Korean temples are tucked away in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa sits right on the rocky coastline, with waves crashing against the steps. It was built in 1376 by the teacher Naong, who envisioned it as the “Temple of the East Sea.”
I have to warn you, though, this place is a zoo. Because of its location and photogenic setting, it attracts massive crowds. You walk down 108 stone steps to reach the main complex, and usually, you are shuffling shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of others.
The vibe is very different from Beomeosa. It feels a bit more commercial, with golden pig statues and zodiac figures that border on kitsch.
But, I still think you should go. The contrast of the traditional architecture against the blue ocean is striking. If you want to capture that serenity you see in the photos, my advice is to get here at sunrise. The gates open at 5:00 AM, and watching the sun come up over the water from the main platform is one of the few times the “Temple of the East Sea” name actually makes sense.
Bokcheon-dong Ancient Tombs
For something completely different, head to the Bokcheon-dong Ancient Tombs. This site dates back to the Gaya Confederacy in the 4th and 5th centuries, long before the modern borders of Korea were drawn.
When you arrive, it looks like a pleasant, hilly park with grassy mounds scattered around. These are actually the burial sites of the ruling class. Excavations here since 1969 have uncovered over 10,000 relics, including iron armour and gilt-bronze crowns, which changed how historians understood the region’s military power.
I found it fascinating to just walk among the mounds. It’s quiet and oddly peaceful, considering it’s a graveyard.
There is a museum on-site that displays the items found in the tombs. I’d recommend popping in there first so you understand what you’re looking at outside; otherwise, it really is just a walk through a grassy field. It’s not the most “exciting” attraction, but it provides a necessary context to the city’s ancient roots.
UN Memorial Cemetery
Finally, there is the UN Memorial Cemetery. This is the only United Nations cemetery in the world, established in 1951 to honour the soldiers from 11 nations who died during the Korean War.
It covers nearly 14 hectares of perfectly manicured grounds in the Nam-gu district. Over 2,300 servicemen are buried here. The site is divided by nationality, and seeing the ages on the plaques (mostly men in their early 20s) is a sobering reality check.
It’s a very different experience from the chaotic energy of the markets or beaches. The atmosphere is hushed and respectful.
I think it’s important to visit here to acknowledge the cost of the freedom that modern South Korea enjoys today. Just remember that this is active hallowed ground. There is a strict dress code, so no flip-flops, singlets, or anything like that. The guards will stop you entering if you aren’t dressed appropriately.
Museums
Busan is often sold purely on its outdoor assets like the beaches, the mountains, and the temples. But the city has a surprisingly robust collection of museums that often get ignored by visitors rushing to the coast. The cultural scene here has shifted significantly in the last decade, moving away from dusty display cabinets to more architectural, interactive spaces that reflect the city’s modern ambition.
Busan Museum
If you want the full, chronological download of the region’s history, you have to start here. Located in Nam-gu, the Busan Museum opened in 1978 and holds over 43,000 artefacts that trace the timeline from the Paleolithic age right through to the modern era.
I’ll be honest, the main exhibition halls can feel a bit dry if you aren’t a die-hard history buff. The layout is very traditional, walking you through the Silla Kingdom relics and Joseon Dynasty documents in a way that feels a bit like a school excursion.
However, the reason I reckon it’s worth the trip is the Cultural Experience Hall. Unlike the “look but don’t touch” vibe upstairs, this section lets you participate in a traditional tea ceremony or try on Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) for free.
It is currently undergoing some modernisation, but the outdoor exhibition, with its collection of pagodas and Buddhist statues, is always accessible. My advice is to skip the main hall if you’re short on time and head straight for the experience centre. Just make sure you register on the website beforehand because the slots fill up fast.
Busan Museum of Art
Located right next to the massive BEXCO convention centre in Haeundae, the Busan Museum of Art (BMA) is the heavyweight of the local art scene. It opened in 1998 and covers five floors, but the architecture itself is quite stark and boxy compared to the newer builds in the city.
The absolute highlight for me is the Lee Ufan Space, which was added in 2015. It’s a dedicated annex for the works of Lee Ufan, one of the founders of the Mono-ha (School of Things) movement. The space was designed by the artist himself and features his signature minimalist stone and iron sculptures.
I have found the main exhibitions to be a bit hit-and-miss depending on the curator, but the sculpture garden outside is consistently excellent.
Just a heads-up: the museum has been scheduling extensive renovations recently to update its aging infrastructure. I’d recommend checking their Instagram or website specifically to see if the main hall is open before you trek out there, otherwise, you might be limited to just the outdoor garden.
Museum of Contemporary Art Busan
This is a bit of a trek to get to, located on Eulsukdo Island at the mouth of the Nakdong River, but I think it’s the most visually interesting building in the city. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) opened in 2018 and immediately made headlines for its facade rather than its collection.
The exterior is covered in a “Vertical Garden” designed by the French botanist Patrick Blanc. It features 175 different species of plants growing out of the walls, making the building look like a Swamp Thing rising out of the marshland.
Inside, the focus is heavily on new media and kinetic art, which suits the futuristic vibe of the architecture. Because it’s located in a protected migratory bird sanctuary, the exhibitions often tackle themes of nature and ecology.
It is a long bus ride from the city centre (about 40 minutes from Busan Station), so you need to commit to the journey. My tip is to combine this with a walk through the Eulsukdo Eco Park next door. It turns a single museum visit into a full half-day nature trip, which makes the travel time feel much more justified.
National Maritime Museum
I know, “Maritime Museum” sounds incredibly dull, perhaps the kind of place you get dragged to on a rainy Tuesday. But the National Maritime Museum in Yeongdo is genuinely impressive, if only for the sheer scale of the operation.
Opened in 2012, it’s the third-largest museum in Korea, shaped like a giant teardrop to represent a drop of ocean water. The facility holds over 14,000 items, including a replica of the ‘Joseon Tongsinsa’ ship, which was used for diplomatic missions to Japan.
The real surprise, and the reason I’d recommend it even if you hate boats, is the aquarium on the 3rd floor. It’s a tunnel tank where you can watch sea turtles and sharks swim overhead, and unlike the expensive aquarium at Haeundae, this one is completely free.
It’s fantastic for families, but even as a solo traveller, I enjoyed the library on the first floor. It has massive floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the harbour, making it one of the best free coworking spots in the city if you need to catch up on emails.
Other museums
- Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum: Housed in the former Bank of Korea building built in 1963 and the old American Cultural Center, this recently renovated space blends vault doors and gold bars with stories of the Korean War.
- F1963: I love how this cultural complex has transformed a former Kiswire wire factory into a raw, industrial space that now houses a massive bookstore, art gallery, and coffee roastery.
- Radium Art Center: Located in the Haeundae area, this former art centre has been rebranded as a digital media playground, hosting immersive light and sound exhibitions that are perfect for Instagram but light on history.
Neighbourhoods
Busan isn’t a flat grid; it’s a vertical city where the geography dictates the architecture. During the Korean War, refugees had nowhere to go but up, building shanty towns that clung to the steep cliffsides. Today, these areas have been rebranded from slums to “culture villages,” painted in bright colours to attract visitors, but they remain complex living spaces that balance mass tourism with the daily lives of the residents.
Gamcheon Culture Village
This is the image you have likely seen on every brochure for Busan. Often dubbed the “Machu Picchu of Busan,” Gamcheon is a cascade of pastel-coloured houses tumbling down the foothills of a coastal mountain.
Originally, this was a refugee camp established in the 1950s by followers of the Taegeukdo religion. It remained a poor, isolated area until 2009, when the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched a massive art project to revitalize the district, installing murals and sculptures throughout the winding alleys.
I have to be honest, I have mixed feelings about Gamcheon. Visually, it is striking, but the “Disneyfication” of what is essentially a residential neighbourhood feels a bit uncomfortable when you see tourists shouting outside people’s bedroom windows.
The most famous spot is the statue of the Little Prince and the Fox, which offers a panoramic view of the harbour. However, be prepared to wait; I’ve seen the queue for a photo here stretch for 50 metres down the road.
If you are going to visit, I’d suggest buying the physical map for 2,000 won at the tourist information centre near the entrance. It guides you through the “stamp tour” which forces you to explore the narrower, empty alleys rather than just sticking to the crowded main street.
Huinnyeoul Culture Village
If Gamcheon is the “Machu Picchu,” then Huinnyeoul is often called the “Santorini of Korea.” Located on the edge of Yeongdo Island, this village sits precariously on a cliff that drops straight down into the sea.
Like Gamcheon, its roots are in the refugee crisis of the Korean War, but the vibe here is distinctly different. “Huinnyeoul” refers to the water from the streams of Baengnyeonsan Mountain appearing like falling white snow as it flows into the sea.
The main draw here is the walking path that runs along the cliff edge. It’s a filming location for the famous Korean movie The Attorney, and you’ll see plenty of placards marking the spots.
I actually prefer this village to Gamcheon. It feels less claustrophobic because you have the open ocean right next to you, and the cafes here have repurposed the old buildings to offer terraces with incredible views of the ships anchored in the Namhang aesthetic.
However, I found the geography to be a serious workout. The village is connected to the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk below by the “Huinnyeoul Coastal Tunnel” and several sets of extremely steep stairs, specifically the Piano Stairs. My advice is to start at the top, explore the cafes, and then walk down through the tunnel to the coastal path, unless you want to spend your holiday sweating through your shirt.
Tourist attractions
Busan has spent the last decade aggressively building “landmarks” to capture the tourist dollar. While the natural landscape does most of the heavy lifting, the city has added a layer of manufactured attractions that range from world-class engineering to slightly tacky diversions. Knowing which ones are worth the entry fee is key to not blowing your budget on gimmicks.
Viewpoints
Busan is a city of verticality, so naturally, there are plenty of places charging you to look down at it.
The newest and flashiest is Busan X the Sky, located in the Haeundae LCT Landmark Tower. It’s the second-tallest building in Korea, and the observation deck sits on the 100th floor, 411.6 metres above the ground. The view is undeniably massive, stretching down the coast, and it claims to have the world’s highest Starbucks. But, I have to be honest, I find the 27,000 won entry fee a bit steep just to look at a view you can largely see from the ground for free.
For a classic experience, there is Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park. Built in 1973 and standing 120 metres high, it’s the symbol of the city. It recently got a renovation to add some digital projection art, but it still feels a bit dated compared to the modern skyscrapers.
My advice? Skip both of them and head to the Lotte Mall in Nampo.
Take the elevator to the 11th floor to access the roof garden. It is completely free, and the view is spectacular. You look straight out over the Jagalchi Fish Market and the harbour, and if you time it for 2:00 PM, you can watch the Yeongdo Bridge lift up from the best vantage point in the city. I reckon it’s the best value attraction in Busan.
Busan Air Cruise
I mentioned the cable car briefly when talking about Songdo Beach, but it’s significant enough to warrant its own explanation as a standalone attraction. The original “Busan Marine Cable Car” was Korea’s first, launched in 1964, but it was demolished in the late 80s. The current iteration, branded as the Busan Air Cruise, opened in 2017.
The line runs for 1.62 kilometres across the bay, reaching a maximum height of 86 metres. It connects Songrim Park on the mainland to Amnam Park on the other side.
You have two choices of cabins: the standard “Air Cruise” or the “Crystal Cruise” with a transparent floor. I’ve done both, and I strongly recommend paying the extra few thousand won for the glass floor. Seeing the water churning below your feet changes the experience from a simple transport ride to something actually thrilling.
One practical tip: The queue on weekends can be horrendous. However, you can book tickets online in advance to skip the ticket booth line, although you’ll still have to wait to board. If you just want the view without the wait, go on a weekday morning.
Spa Land Centum City
If you only do one “tourist” thing in Busan, I think it should be this. Korean bathhouses (jimjilbangs) are a staple of local life, but Spa Land takes the concept and dials it up to eleven.
Located inside the Shinsegae Centum City (which holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest department store) this facility is massive. It draws two different types of natural hot spring water from 1,000 metres underground: sodium bicarbonate water and sodium chloride water.
There are 18 different hot spring baths and 13 themed saunas, including a charcoal room and a pyramid room. Unlike the gritty neighbourhood bathhouses, this place is polished, clean, and very foreigner-friendly.
I found it to be the perfect antidote to a few days of hiking. You can easily lose four hours here just moving from the hot tubs to the relaxation recliners.
Just be aware of the “tattoo rule.” Officially, people with large tattoos are banned or asked to cover them. In practice, I’ve seen them be lenient with foreigners, but it’s a risk. Also, go before 9:00 AM or after 8:00 PM for a discounted entry fee.
Ahopsan Forest
For a long time, this bamboo forest in Gijang County was a local secret. It has been privately owned by the Moon family for over 400 years, spanning nine generations, and they strictly prohibited public access to protect the ecosystem.
They only opened the gates to visitors relatively recently, and it exploded in popularity after being used as a filming location for the drama The King: Eternal Monarch.
The forest covers about 520,000 square metres and features thick groves of Moso Bamboo and Geumgang Pine. Because it was untouched for centuries, the density of the bamboo is incredible, much thicker and healthier than what you might see at more trampled tourist spots.
I have to say, the atmosphere here is genuinely distinct. The wind noise through the bamboo is louder than you expect. However, it is quite far from the city centre (about an hour by bus and subway).
My advice is to wear comfortable shoes because the trails are unpaved dirt. Also, since it’s a private forest, there is an admission fee of 5,000 won, and they are strict about rules. So no food, and definitely no carving your name into the bamboo.
SeaLife Busan Aquarium
Located right on Haeundae Beach, the SeaLife Aquarium is hard to miss. It’s a massive facility housing 250 species and roughly 10,000 marine animals, including penguins, otters, and sharks.
The layout is standard for the SeaLife chain, funnelling you through themed zones towards the gift shop. The main tank has an 80-metre underwater tunnel, which is admittedly impressive.
However, I have to be honest, unless you are travelling with young children or it is pouring with rain, I would skip this. The ticket price is around 30,000 won (unless you find an online deal), which feels steep when you consider you can see a decent aquarium for free at the National Maritime Museum in Yeongdo.
If you’ve been to a SeaLife in Sydney, London, or Bangkok, you have essentially been to this one. It feels like a generic franchise experience in a city that has far more interesting, unique things to offer.
Tours
Busan is a sprawling, fragmented city where the major sights are often an hour apart by public transport. While I’m usually a “do it yourself” kind of traveller, the geography here means that joining a tour can sometimes be the only way to see multiple districts without spending half your day on the subway.
General city tours
If you want to cover the most ground with the least effort, the Busan City Tour Bus (BUTI) is the standard option. It operates on a hop-on-hop-off loop system with three lines: Red (Haeundae), Green (Taejongdae), and Orange (Gamcheon/West Busan).
A 24-hour pass costs 15,000 won, which is decent value. However, the intervals between buses can be frustratingly long (sometimes 40–50 minutes). If you miss one, you are stuck waiting on a roadside while your itinerary falls apart.
My advice is to use the Red Line for the coastal route if you want the open-top deck experience crossing the Gwangandaegyo Bridge. But for the other routes, you are often faster just taking a taxi or the subway.
Local gems tours
For something less generic, I’d recommend looking into the smaller walking tours run by locals. There is a “Busan Night Market Photography Tour” that I think is fantastic because it focuses on the gritty, neon-lit atmosphere of Jagalchi and Gukje markets after dark, rather than just the polished tourist spots.
Another good option is the “Old Town Stories” tour. This usually focuses on the refugee history of the Jung-gu district, taking you up the 168 Stairs and through the narrow alleyways that most tourists never find.
I found that these guides often have personal family stories connected to the area, which adds an emotional weight you don’t get from a recorded audio guide on a bus. You can usually find these on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or Klook.
Haeundae River cruise
This is a newer attraction that has become surprisingly popular. The Haeundae River Cruise departs from the Suyeong River, cruising past the ultra-modern architecture of the Busan Cinema Center before heading out into the bay to circle the Gwangandaegyo Bridge.
The boats are small luxury yachts rather than big ferries, so it feels a bit more intimate. The cruise takes about an hour and costs around 20,000 to 25,000 won depending on the time of day.
I reckon the best time to go is the sunset slot (usually around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM depending on the season). You get to see the skyline transition from day to night, and seeing the bridge lights switch on from the water is admittedly pretty magical. Just make sure to book in advance on weekends, as the sunset slots always sell out.
Food and drink
Busan’s food scene is aggressive. It’s spicy, salty, and heavily reliant on the ocean. Unlike the refined court cuisine of Seoul, the food here is working-class fuel, things like hearty pork soups and raw fish consumed on plastic stools. If you leave without smelling like garlic and grilled eel, you haven’t done it right.
Jagalchi Fish Market
This is the largest seafood market in South Korea, and honestly, it’s the beating heart of the city. Established informally during the Korean War by women selling fish to survive, the “Jagalchi Ajummas” are now legendary for their work ethic and no-nonsense attitude.
The modern building, with its roof shaped like a seagull’s wing, opened in 2006. On the ground floor, you walk through wet alleys lined with tanks of live octopus, red snapper, and creatures I still can’t identify. It’s chaotic and wet, so watch your step.
You can buy fresh seafood downstairs and take it to the second-floor restaurants to have it cooked for a “table setting fee” (usually around 5,000 won per person).
I have to warn you, though: it is touristy. The prices here can be higher than in local neighbourhoods because it’s so famous. My advice is to head to the outdoor section along the waterfront instead of the main building. The vibe is grittier, the stalls are run by grandmothers shucking oysters at lightning speed, and I’ve found the prices to be a bit more negotiable.
Other markets
While Jagalchi gets the fame, the real street food action happens elsewhere. Seomyeon Food Alley is where the locals actually eat. Located behind the Lotte Department Store, this narrow lane is packed with stalls selling dwaeji gukbap (pork rice soup), a dish that was born in Busan during the war when refugees made soup from discarded US army pork bones. It’s rich, milky, and absolutely essential eating.
Over in Nampo-dong, Gwangbokdong Food Street offers a more “snack-heavy” experience. You have to try ssiat hotteok here. It’s a sweet pancake stuffed with brown sugar and sunflower seeds. I know there is always a massive queue at the most famous stall (the one that claims the President visited), but truthfully, the stall next to it tastes exactly the same, so save yourself the 20-minute wait.
Technically, “Nampodong Market” isn’t one single place but a cluster of markets including Gukje Market and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market. This area is a sensory overload of vintage clothes, imported liquor, and street food.
The highlight for me is the Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market, which opens at 7:30 PM. It was the first permanent night market in Korea. The single central aisle becomes a gridlock of food carts selling everything from torched beef sushi to fried milk.
It’s incredibly crowded and can be shoulder-to-shoulder on weekends. I reckon the best strategy is to grab a few items (try the spicy glass noodles, bibim dangmyeon) and retreat to the quieter side streets to eat them, rather than trying to consume them in the crush.
Cooking class
If the idea of navigating a Korean menu with no English intimidates you, a guided BBQ tour is a solid investment. Korean BBQ isn’t just about eating; it’s a ritual of cutting, flipping, and side-dish management.
Most tours, like the “Busan Local K-BBQ Experience,” cost around $45 USD. You meet a local guide who takes you to a neighbourhood joint and explains the difference between samgyeopsal (pork belly) and moksal (pork neck), and crucially, shows you how to mix somaek (soju and beer). I think it’s worth it just to learn the grilling etiquette so you don’t embarrass yourself later.
Alternatively, you can take a cooking class. The “Busan Cooking Class” near Haeundae is popular (approx. $100 USD) and often includes a market tour to buy ingredients before making dishes like bibimbap or haemul pajeon (seafood pancake). It’s a bit pricey, but you get to eat what you make, and you walk away with a recipe you can actually use at home.
Food tours
For a broader sweep of the culinary landscape, a dedicated food tour is a good option. These usually focus on the Nampo-dong area because the markets are so dense there.
A typical tour, like the “Jagalchi & Gukje Market Food Tour,” runs for about 2–3 hours and costs roughly $40–$50 USD. You’ll stop at 4 or 5 different stalls to try things you might be too scared to order on your own, like sundae (blood sausage) or live octopus.
I found that the real value isn’t just the food, but the context. The guides explain why Busan eats this way: the refugee history, the port influence, and the poverty that created these now-beloved dishes. It turns a simple snack into a history lesson, which I think makes the calories count for something more.
Day trips
Busan is the perfect base for exploring the southeast, but the problem is that there are so many options it’s easy to get decision paralysis. The high-speed rail and intercity bus networks are excellent, meaning you can be in a different dynasty or island ecosystem in under an hour.
Gyeongju
If you only do one day trip, I think it has to be Gyeongju. Known as the “museum without walls,” this was the capital of the Silla Kingdom for nearly 1,000 years.
You can get there easily by taking the KTX from Busan Station to Singyeongju Station in about 30 minutes (costing around 11,000 won), but just be aware the station is a bit out of town and you’ll need a bus or taxi to the centre.
The headline act is Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site originally built in 528 and then grandly reconstructed in 751. It is arguably the most beautiful temple in Korea, sitting on stone terraces that represent the land of Buddha.
But for me, the real highlight is Daereungwon Tumuli Park. It’s a surreal landscape of 23 massive, grass-covered burial mounds that rise up like green hills in the middle of the city.
The most famous is Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb), which you can actually enter to see the replica of the gold crown found inside. I’d recommend renting a bike to get between the sites, as the city is flat and very cycle-friendly.
Gimhae
Gimhae is technically a separate city, but it sits right on Busan’s western shoulder and is connected by the Light Rail Transit (LRT), making it incredibly easy to access.
This was the seat of the Gaya Confederacy, a mysterious kingdom that ruled the region before being absorbed by Silla. The must-see site here is the Tomb of King Suro, the legendary founder of the dynasty who, according to myth, hatched from a golden egg.
The tomb complex is surprisingly peaceful, with a heavy stone wall and red gate that separates it from the busy city streets.
I also reckon you should visit the Gimhae National Museum. It was specifically built to showcase Gaya culture, which is distinct from the Silla relics you see in Gyeongju. Expect more iron armour and less gold.
Because the Gaya people were known as the “Iron Kingdom,” the artefacts here have a rugged, industrial aesthetic that I find really cool. It’s a great half-day trip if you want history without the crowds of Gyeongju.
Geoje Island
Geoje is the second-largest island in Korea (after Jeju) and it used to be a pain to get to. But since the 8.2-kilometre Busan-Geoje Fixed Link (a massive bridge-tunnel complex) opened in 2010, you can now drive there in under an hour.
The history here is a bit darker. The Geoje POW Camp was the largest prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War, holding up to 173,000 North Korean and Chinese soldiers.
Today, it’s a sprawling open-air museum with dioramas and tank exhibitions. I have to say, walking through the preserved barracks gives you a chilling sense of the scale of the conflict.
For a complete mood shift, take a boat from the Gujora Port out to Oedo Botania. This is a marine botanical garden built on a tiny rock island by a husband and wife team who started planting in 1969.
It looks like a slice of the Mediterranean dropped into the East Sea, with manicured hedges and Greek-style statues. It is undeniably touristy and you are herded along a set path, but I have to admit, the view from the “Stairway to Heaven” garden looking back at the ocean is spectacular.
