Top 20 Must-visit Busan Attractions!
Busan is the second largest city in Korea. Its deep harbor and gentle tides have allowed it to grow into the largest container handling port in the country and the fifth largest in the world.
The city’s natural endowments and rich history have resulted in Busan’s increasing reputation as a world class city for tourism and culture, and it is also becoming renowned as a hot spot destination for international conventions. Busan enjoys four distinct seasons and a temperate climate that never gets too hot or too cold.
Busan history
Busan is geographically located in the south-east corner of the Korean Peninsula, and this might explain the late arrival of the Bronze Age there. The ruins and remains of the Bronze Age are being discovered in places such as Guseo-dong, Geumgang Park, Geumsa-dong, Sajik-dong, Bugok-dong, Goijeong-dong, and Nopo-dong.
In the middle of the 6th century, the Silla Kingdom annexed Gaya and the name for the Busan region was changed from Geochilsanguk to Geochilsangun. During the reign of King Gyeongdeok (757 CE) it was changed again from Geochilsangun to Dongnaehyeon. At that time, the name Dongnae appeared for the first time in historical records.
In the Joseon Period (1392-1897) during the reign of King Taejo (1392-1398), the administrative boundary (jin) around Dongnae was established. Later, in the reign of King Taejong (1400-1418), the “Daeil Gyoyeokjang” (trading center) was also established. By 1470 trade was flourishing between the Kingdom of Joseon and Japan.
Upon the outbreak of the Korean War, Busan became an enormous city of refugees and the last bastion of national power as the provisional capital. Busan was upgraded to a “Jikhalsi” (city under direct control of the government) in 1963 and a metropolitan city in January, 1995.
For history reference, please visit Busan Museum, Dongsam-dong Shell Mounds, Bokcheon Museum, Chungnyeolsa Shrine, Baeksan Memorial Hall and the many other historical facilities in Busan.
Busan Attractions
- Haeundae Beach
- Museum DAH
- Taejongdae Cliffed Coast Resort Park
- Jagalchi Market
- Busan Songdo Beach
- Marine City
- Gamcheon Culture Village
- Amnam Park
- Haedong Yonggungsa
- Gwangalli Beach
- Seomyeon Mall
- Yongdusan Park
- BIFF Square
- Beomeosa
- Busan Aquarium
- Oryukdo Island
- Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory
- Bupyeong Kkangtong Market
- Dadaepo Fountain of dream
- Ahopsan forest
1. Haeundae Beach
Busan is famous for it’s short term for beachscape (Beach escape), especially Haeundae beach. It is the most famous beach in Busan with 1.5km wide area, such a beautiful coastline and perfect place to escape the hectic busy daily life and swimming, especially in summer, so this one is kind of perfect place for summer vacation. There is other things you can do in this area such as Dongbaek island, Busan aquarium, and yachting dock.
Useful Informations
- Swimming Opening Hours : 09.00-18.00
- Phone: (051)749-7612
- Address: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
How to get here
By Subway
Haeundae Station (Subway line 2), exit 5 or 7. walk 500m.
2. Museum Dah
Credit to KoreaJoongangDaily
Museum DAH officially opens Aug. 14, is the ambitious project of digital art duo col.l.age+ (Sho Jang and Min Kim) and Kunst1, an art production company. According to Jang, the museum takes inspiration from the art nouveau movement of the late 1800s that sought to break down the barriers between fine art and applied art, defined as any object or structure that features decorations intended to be aesthetically-pleasing.
Useful Informations
- Opening Hours
Weekdays 10.00-19.00
Weekends 10.00-20.00 - Fee Adult: 18.000 won, teenager 15.000 won
- Phone: 051-731-3302
- Address: Museum, 20, Centumseo-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, Korea
- Homepage: https://www.museumdah.com/
How to get here
By Subway
Haeundae Station (Subway line 2), exit 5 or 7. walk 500m.
3. Taejongdae Cliffed Coast [National Geopark] (태종대 (부산 국가지질공원))
Taejongdae Cliffed Coast was formed by many layers of rock being forced together beneath a lake during the Cretaceous period, and then worn away over time by the sea. The coast features many geological formations, including sea caves and uniquely shaped rocks. Visitors can enjoy walking on the forested paths, or take the train course to easily access Taejongdae Observatory and Yeongdo Coastal Culture Space.
Other than that, Taejongdae is also famous for the ritual of praying for rain.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours: 04:00-24:00
- Travel Hotline: +82-51-888-3636
- Address: 24, Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
부산광역시 영도구 전망로 24 (동삼동) - Homepage: www.busan.go.kr/geopark
- [Danubi Train] Fee:
– Ticket office hours: 09:00-17:30
– Operating hours: 09:20 – 17:30
– Admission: Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers 2,000 won / Children 1,500 won
* Closed in the case of adverse weather
* Ticketing may end 2-3 hours before closing time
How to get here
By [Bus]
From Busan station, take bus no.88 or 101 and get off at Taejongdae Cliff Bus stop.
4. Jagalchi Market (부산 자갈치시장)
Jagalchi Market, located on the seaside road in Busan’s Jung-gu, is Korea’s largest seafood market, selling both live and dried fish. After the Korean War, the market solidified itself as a fish market. Most of the people who sell fish are women, so the vendors here are called Jagalchi Ajumma, “ajumma” meaning middle-aged or married woman in Korean.
This market represents Busan and is famous throughout the country. Visitors can eat fresh raw fish right at the market. Even nowadays visitors can see women selling mackerel, sea squirts (ascidians) and whale meat on wooden boxes along the road outside of the market and along the shore.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours: 02:00-22:00
- Travel Hotline: +82-51-245-2594
- Address: 52, Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
부산광역시 중구 자갈치해안로 52 (남포동4가) - Homepage: jagalchimarket.bisco.or.kr
- Store Information
1F: Fresh fish market (live fish/live eel/albalone/live fresh fish)
2F: Hoe Center (East.West Hoe Center/Resaurant zone/dried fish zone)
3F: Soribada noraebang, exhibition room
4F: Dadohae Korean restaurant
5F: Oase Seafood Buffet
6F: Oase convention center, buffet
7F: Guesthouse, observatory
How to get here
By [Subway]
Jagalchi Station (Busan subway line 1), exit 10. turn right unto Jagalchi 3(sam)-gil street and walk for 5 min.
5. Songdo Beach
Songdo Beach, first opened in July 1913, is the first public beach in Korea. Sea diving board at Songdo Beach is open to the public this summer. There are two sea diving boards (5 meters and 3 meters high) installed about 70 meters from the beach, so beachgoers need to swim to the diving boards. For the safety of divers, people can only dive from the 3-meter high board from this summer and have to dive in feet first. The sea diving boards will be in operation from July 1 to August 31 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It may be closed due to inclement weather.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours: 09:00-18:00
- Travel Hotline: (051)240-6442
- Address: 50, Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan 부산광역시 서구 송도해변로 50 (암남동)
- Homepage: tour.busan.go.kr
How to get here
By [Subway+Bus]
Jagalchi Station (Metro line 1), exit 1 → Transfer to bus nos. 7, 26, 71, 96→ Get off at Songdo Beach Bus Stop.
6. Marine City
When the lights lit up after sundown, the nightscape of the Marine City can compete with world famous nightscape locations such as Hong Kong and Shanghai. With various restaurants, cafes and bars along the street, it is a popular destination for people of all ages.
Useful Informations
- Phone: +82-51-749-5700
- Address: 50, Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan 부산광역시 서구 송도해변로 50 (암남동)
- Homepage: www.haeundae.go.kr
How to get here
By [Subway]
Suyeong Station (Busan Subway Line 3), Exit 2.
Walk for approx. 11 min.
7. Gamcheon Culture Village
Busan is having various attraction with Gamcheon culture village as one of them. Gamcheon culture village is formed by houses built in staircase design on the foothills of coastal mountain, similar to Machu Pichu. This is one of the hotspot in Busan for tourist, or Instagrammable spot seeker, so you definitely don’t wanna miss this :).
Many place here decorated with murals and sculptures made by the residents and remember to try Cafe Avant Garde when you come here.
Useful Informations
- Operating hours: 09:00-16:00
Gamcheon Culture Village Experience Program - Phone: +82-51-204-1444
- Address: 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
부산광역시 사하구 감내2로 203 (감천동) - Homepage: www.gamcheon.or.kr
- Available Facilities
– Gamcheon Cultural Village Information Center
– Gamnae Eoulteo
– Haneulmaru
– Small Museum
– Art shop
– Mini shop
– Cafe
– Restaurant
– Workshops - Interpretation Services Offered
Cultural Tourism Explanation Guide: +82-51-780-2177
How to get here
By [Subway + Bus]
Goejeong Station (Busan Subway Line 1), Exit 6.
Take Bus Sakha 1 or Sakha 1-1 and get off at to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop.
8. Amnam Park
The magnificent cliffs and tree-lined seaside views of Amnam Park bring the harmony of the bluish-green waters and the forested landscape together. Originally a protected area, entrance was not permitted until its opening to the public in 1996, when visitors could first experience the untouched landscape. Now, visitors can fish, explore the observatory, and enjoy the walking path and the elevated bridge. The abundunt pine trees along the walking path make for a pleasant stroll while the path up to the observatory offers great views. If it is fishing that you want, here you can fish on the ocean as well as off the fantastically shaped rocks. There is also a famous road to go for a drive, leading from Songdo Beach to Amnam Park. This drive takes approximately 5 minutes, but it takes about 20 minutes on foot from Songdo beach.
Useful Informations
- Operating hours: 09:00-16:00
Gamcheon Culture Village Experience Program - Phone: +82-51-240-4538
- Address: 185, Amnamgongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan
부산광역시 서구 암남공원로 185 (암남동) - Homepage: culture.bsseogu.go.kr
How to get here
By [Subway + Bus]
Jagalchi Station (Busan Subway Line 1), Exit 2.
Turn left at the corner, and cross the road, go for 70m to arrive at the bus stop.
Take Bus No. 7, 9 or 71, and get off at Amnam Park Bus Stop.
9. Haedong yonggungsa
The magnificent cliffs and tree-lined seaside views of Amnam Park bring the harmony of the bluish-green waters and the forested landscape together. Originally a protected area, entrance was not permitted until its opening to the public in 1996, when visitors could first experience the untouched landscape. Now, visitors can fish, explore the observatory, and enjoy the walking path and the elevated bridge. The abundunt pine trees along the walking path make for a pleasant stroll while the path up to the observatory offers great views. If it is fishing that you want, here you can fish on the ocean as well as off the fantastically shaped rocks. There is also a famous road to go for a drive, leading from Songdo Beach to Amnam Park. This drive takes approximately 5 minutes, but it takes about 20 minutes on foot from Songdo beach.
Useful Informations
- Operating hours: 05:00-Sunset
- Phone: +82-51-722-7744
- Address: 86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan
부산광역시 기장군 기장읍 용궁길 86 - Homepage: www.yongkungsa.or.kr
How to get here
By [Subway + Bus]
Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 7.
Take Bus No. 181 and get off at Yonggungsa Temple Bus Stop.
10. Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장)
Gwangalli Beach is 1.4 km long, 25~110 m wide, and is famous for its fine sand. The area has undergone a water cleaning program, and as a result, the water of the beach is pristine, drawing many young tourists. In addition to the beachfront, the Gwangalli area is filled with romantic restaurants and cafes, as well as stores selling famous fashion brands. The area has plenty to offer, but many people come in the evening to take in the bright lights of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, stretching across the horizon.
Useful Informations
- Swimming Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
- Phone: (051)610-4744
- Address: 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
- Homepage: www.suyeong.go.kr
How to get here
By [Subway]
Gwangan Station (Metro line 2), exit 3 or 5
11. Seomyeon Mall
I know i know, many of you might wondering who the heaven and why I put Shopping mall in this pages as one of the great attractions and things you can do in Busan.
Well before you say that, I just want you to know that some of you might be shopaholic and also stay more than 7 days, in which you don’t just wanna stay in the beach whole week isn’t it?
So I put it here in case some of you want to buy some stuff to bring back home or just to enjoy Korea shopping mall.
Seomyeon mall is a good place to find clothing, acessory and shoe stores, same like any other shopping mall, it’s a good place for shopping. The shopping area also continues to the ground level, making it one of the best spots to wander around in the city.
Useful Informations
- Operating hours: 10:00-22:00 (Closed second Monday of every month)
- Phone: (051)610-4744
- Address: 737 Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
- Homepage: undershop.bisco.or.kr
How to get here
By [Subway]
Seomyeon station (Busan subway line 1,2).
– The shopping center is connected to the station.
12. Yongdusan Park(용두산공원)
Yongdusan Mountain in downtown Busan is one of Busan’s three famous mountains. It was originally called Songhyeonsan Mountain, which means a mountain with a view of the sea through the dense pine tree forest. Later, the name was changed to Yongdusan Mountain, as the mountain peak was shaped similar to a dragon’s head, protecting the area against foreign invaders overseas.
Useful Informations
- Phone: +82-51-860-7820
- Address: 37-55, Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
- Homepage: http://yongdusanpark.bisco.or.kr/
How to get here
By [Subway]
Nampo Station (Busan subway line 1), exit 7. walk for 5 min.
13. BIFF square (BIFF 광장)
Busan’s modern movie district was originally little more than a pair of cinemas that were built following Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule over half a century ago. However, major renovations took place ahead of the first Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), and the newly transformed district was named BIFF Square. However, it’s not just an area for movie theaters but also shops and leisure facilities.
Useful Informations
- Operating hours: 10:00-22:00
- Phone: +82-51-253-8523
- Address: 4, Nampo-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
부산광역시 중구 남포길 4 (남포동3가) - Homepage: www.bsjunggu.go.kr
How to get here
By [Subway]
Jagalchi Station (Busan Subway Line 1), Exit 7.
– 5 min walk from the station (Walk straight and turn left).
14. Beomeosa
Beomeosa Temple is located on the eastern side of Geumjeongsan Mountain, a famous mountain in Busan. It was founded by monk Uisang in 678, the 18th year of King Munmu (r. 661-681) of the Silla Kingdom. It is one of the three most famous temples in the Yeongnam region, along with Haeinsa Temple and Tongdosa Temple.
Useful Informations
- Phone: +82-51-508-3122
- Address: 250, Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan
부산광역시 금정구 범어사로 250 금정산 범어사 - Homepage: www.beomeo.kr
www.templestay.com - Hiking Course
Beomeosa Temple parking lot – Naewonam Hermitage – Godangbong Peak – Bukmun (North) Gate – Jeongsuam Hermitage – Sanseong Village (9 km, 2 hr 40 min)
How to get here
By [Subway + Bus]
Beomeosa Station (Busan subway line no.1), exit 5 or 7. walk along the main road for 5 min to arrive at Samsin transportation bus stop. take bus no. 90 and get off at Beomeosa ticket office bus stop.
15. SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium (SEA LIFE 부산아쿠아리움)
The Busan Aquarium takes visitors into the exciting world of life under the sea. The aquarium covers an area of 36,000 ㎡ and is spread over 3 underground levels and one above-ground level with different sections divided into special themes. The underwater tunnel experience resembles a walk along the ocean floor with various sea creatures swimming above, serving as a popular attraction within the aquarium. The aquarium is home to over 250 different species of fish, algae, reptiles, and amphibians, including large sharks, turtles, seahorses, and more, for total of over 10,000 sea creatures.
Useful Informations
- Opening Hours
Monday-Thursday 10:00-20:00
Friday & weekends 09:00-22:00
* Last admission 1 hr before closing - Admission Fee
Adults 29,000 won / Children 23,000 won
* Adults (ages 13 & older) / Children (ages 3-12) - Phone: +82-51-740-1700
- Address: 266, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 266 (중동) - Homepage: www.busanaquarium.com
How to get here
By [Subway]
Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 5.
Walk 600 m towards Haeundae Beach.
16. Oryukdo Island (오륙도)
Oryukdo Island is composed of Usakdo Island, Surido Island, Gonggotdo Island, Guldo Island and Deungdaedo (Lighthouse) Island, but because the upper part of Usakdo divides into two segments, the island is sometimes known as Bangpaedo Island and Sol Island as well, depending on the level of the water. Because many ships coming to Busan Port pass by Oryukdo Island, it serves as a symbol of Busan’s cultural heritage as well.
Useful Informations
- Tour Course Information
[Half-day course]
Igidae Costal Path – Oryukdo Island – Baengunpo – Sinseondae
[One-day course]
Igidae – Jangjasan Mountain – Oryukdo Island – Baengunpo – Sinseondae – Hwangryeongsan Mountain - Phone: +82-51-888-3636
- Address: Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan
부산광역시 남구 용호동 - Homepage: www.busan.go.kr/geopark
How to get here
By [Bus]
Kyungsung Univ./Pukyong Nat’l Univ. Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 5.
Upon exiting the station, make a u-turn, and turn right at the corner.
Walk for approx. 100m to the bus stop and take Bus No. 27 or 131 and get off at Oryukdo SK View Back Gate Bus Stop.
17. Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory
Cheongsapo Port is located on the right side near the end of Dalmaji Hill in the direction of Songjeong in Haeundae. Along with Gudeokpo Port and Mipo Port, Cheongsapo Port is among the three ports lined against the coastal shore between Haeundae and Songjeong.
Cheongsapo Port is famous as a place to view beautiful sunrises and where quality seaweed can be found. The rocks scattered along the port’s shore are crowded with fishers.
Railroad tracks that run along the shoreline make the area even more special, known to be one of the only two railroad tracks in Korea to be situated near the sea. The area around the port gained popularity after appearing in a movie, and many restaurants have opened up, selling the freshest seafood.
Useful Informations
- Phone: +82-51-253-8253
- Address: Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
부산광역시 해운대구 중동 - Homepage: www.haeundae.go.kr
How to get here
By [Taxi]
Approx. 50 min from Busan Station.
Approx. 10 min from Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2)
18. Bupyeong (Kkangtong) Market (부평시장(깡통시장))
Busan’s Bupyeong Market is also known as Kkangtong (tin can) Market. It earned that funny name when it had a variety of imported canned goods from the United States for the US forces stationed in Korea during the Korean War. It was also known as “Dottegi (bustling plea) Market.”
All foreign products found in the country at that time were supplied from this market. Due to its vast property and many rare goods that were hard to find anywhere else during the time, it was also referred as “Gukje (International) Market.”
A night market opens from 19:30-24:00 at the public parking lot and at Arcade 2 of the market . Along the 110m-long street market are 11 kiosks selling Korean food, 6 kiosks selling international food such as Japanese and Filipino foods, and 13 vendors selling clothes and accessories.
The entrance of the market greets visitors with bright LED lights and fun performances.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours
08:00-20:00 (Varies by store)
Night market 19:30-23:30 - Phone: +82-51-243-1128
- Address: 48, Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
부산광역시 중구 부평1길 48 - Homepage: www.bupyeong-market.com
How to get here
By [Subway]
Jagalchi Station (Busan Subway Line 1), Exit 7.
Walk straight then turn at your first left. Walk straight approx. 340m.
Turn left and walk approx. 115m and you will find it on your right.
19. Dadaepo Fountain Of Dream
Credit to Jae Young Kim
Dadaepo Beach is made from sands deposited by Nakdonggang River and features shallow water and wide sand beach suitable for children to enjoy. Water activities can be enjoyed at the beach such as paddleboarding, kiteboarding and more. By adding Beach Park and walking path, the crowd has become bigger year after year. At the entrance of the beach, the large plaza has the biggest musical fountain in the world. Visitors can enjoy the musical fountain from late-April to October.
Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams is located at the plaza of Dadaepo Beach. The music fountain, the first of its kind in Busan, shoots water up to 55 m above the ground and displays a choreographed show of water dancing along with the background music. Most fountain shows in the world are located within a lake or small pool, which makes this fountain stand out for being performed straight out of an open plaza. From April to October, visitors can watch a fantastic fusion of sound, light and water along with various cultural events, performed nearby.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours
[Dadaepo Beach] Daily
[Nakjo Fountain]
Tuesday-Sunday (late-April-October)
May-September
[Experience Fountain (6 times; 20 minutes per session)]
11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00
* Additional 10 minute operation once a night after first music fountain show[Music Fountain (20 minutes)]
Spring (from April opening): Weekdays 19:30 / Weekends & Public Holidays 19:30, 20:30
Summer (May-August): Weekdays 20:00 / Weekends & Public Holidays 20:00, 21:00
Fall (September-October): Weekdays 19:30 / Weekends & Public Holidays 19:30, 20:30
* Subject to change depending on weather conditions.
*During summer vacation period (July 22-August 20) musical fountain will perform at 20:00 and 21:00. - Phone: (051)220-4161
- Address: 14, Morundae 1-gil, Saha-gu, Busan
- Homepage: fountain.saha.go.kr
How to get here
By [Subway]
Dadaepo Beach Station (Metro line 1), exit 2 → walk about 4 minutes to the beach
20. Ahopsan Forest
“Ahopsan” of Ahopsan Forest is a pure Korean word that means embracing the nine valleys. After going to all the iconic spot of Busan, some of you might wondering one of k-drama hotspot that used on The king Eternal Monarch and Moon lovers Scarlet Ryeo.
Yes, it’s named is Ahopsan Forest. Ahopsan Forest is private owned forest, famous for its bamboo trees. It is located in the village of Uncheon in Gijang County.
It takes 1 to 2 hours to explore all the trails of the Ahopsan Forest. The fragrance of trees, the birds singing, and the cool shade created by trees are more than enough to rejuvenate the hearts of those tired of busy daily life. Why don’t you walk through the old trees at the Ahopsan Forest this weekend to relieve stress?
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours: 09.00-18.00
Closed on Monday - Fee: 5.000 won
- Phone: +82 51-721-9183
- Address: South Korea, Busan, Gijang-gun, Cheolma-myeon, 미동길 37-1
- Homepage: visitbusan
How to get here
By [Bus]
Take a bus no. 184 and get off at ungcheon bus stop. walk for 500m to ahopsan forest.
Attractions In Busan
Which one of these attractions you love most in busan? Make sure you check out on my post about top 14 cafe you can find in busan and also Blue Line Park, The most beautiful Coastal View Track in Busan!
