Planning a Busan trip is a great choice! I honestly had no expectations of visiting Busan, I didn’t really know if I would like it or not.
But during our 3 days in Busan, the city really wowed me and I found myself loving it much more than I had expected.
Busan is Korea’s second largest city after Seoul and a stunning coastal city with beautiful beaches, a modern city skyline and attractions. The city rapidly expanded as people fled there due to the Korean War, so the city’s unique location in the hills has led to small village neighbourhoods forming, and a whole lot of young energy and fascinating culture.
So in this guide I’m going to round up the best things to do in Busan, South Korea, including the must visit tourist attractions in Busan, some lesser known spots, interesting places in Busan and the best Busan activities to plan for your trip to South Korea.
sky capsules on the Haeundae Blueline Park
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Is Busan worth visiting?
I was honestly unsure of this until I arrived but yes, I absolutely think it is worth visiting and including on your Korea itinerary.
This is such a fun, colourful, vibrant coastal city with so much to do, I highly recommend spending a few days here. The city is quite large and spread out as it expanded so rapidly following the Korean War, so you definitely need two or three days in Busan to see the top tourist spots and a few hidden gems!
Traveling onwards to Jeju? Check out my Jeju Island 3 day guide.
The 30 best things to do and places to visit in Busan
1. Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village
Free to visit, the Gamcheon Culture Village is probably one of the most famous Busan attractions and definitely one of the most popular places to see in Busan - for a good reason!
This is a hillside village where all the houses and buildings are painted vibrant colours, with loads of street art, cute cafes and shops.
Seeing such a colourful village is definitely a unique experience and I’d recommend spending an hour or two exploring here.
Head to the Avant Garde Cafe or Coffee It House for a coffee and amazing views of the village from one of their terraces.
There is a Gamcheon Village Map and stamp collection booklet you can collect at the entrance which is great for kids but we loved it too!
Definitely one of the Busan must visit attractions - don’t skip it!
2. Huinnyeoul Culture Village
The painted blue stairs at Huinnyeoul Culture Village
Cafe overlooking the bay from the Huinnyeoul Culture Village
This felt like a cute Greek village with narrow alleyways, whitewashed buildings and blue rooftops!
This is another cool village neighbourhood with a unique style, it’s packed with street art, artsy shops, cool boutiques and cafes with an epic view of the bay and city. Don’t miss the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk here too.
3. Haeundae Blueline Park
The sky capsules on the track
Riding the blueline capsules towards Busan
Probably my favourite of all the top Busan attractions we saw on our trip!
This is a fun sky capsule ride on a track which winds along a track by the coast. The capsules are super cute and the views are just spectacular. You can see the whole coastline and city, the water is stunning and you can even see Japan on a clear day!
Tickets cost 35,000 won for a one way ticket or 59,000 for a return ticket. I highly recommend getting on at the Cheongsapo station if you can and doing a one way journey back towards the Mipo city station. We did this and had no queues, just got straight on the sky capsule. But when we arrived at Mipo Station the queues were huge!
4. Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory
The glass observatory deck
Another great free attraction is this glass observatory deck which is 72.5m long and allows you to walk out onto the pier for amazing views of the village, city and surrounding coastline.
This is not far from the Cheongsapo Blueline Park station so you can definitely combine the two.
5. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Younggungsa Temple is one of the best places to visit in Busan, South Korea. I loved this temple because it’s so unique to see a temple built on the coast right by the sea and the beach.
The temple is free to visit and the beautiful colours and views are absolutely worth seeing as one of the must visit places in Busan.
Don’t miss the 12 Zodiac Statues, the coastal viewpoint of the temple and the road safety shrine! Definitely the most beautiful temple in Busan.
6. Haeundae Traditional Market
This traditional market in Haeundae is a great spot for Busan street food, a fun atmosphere and a place to find some souvenirs to take home.
Markets in Busan are some of the best places of interest in Busan Korea as the street food is such high quality and you’ll find some of the most affordable food and souvenirs too.
7. Haeundae Beach
I was seriously impressed by Busan’s city beaches and Haeundae Beach is one of them. With sandy shores, clear blue water and backed by the modern skyline of Busan, heading to the beach is one of the top things to do in Busan if you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon and you can easily get there from Haeundae Station.
8. Oryukdo Park to Igidae coastal walk
The coastal walks are a must do in Busan. As a coastal lover I was in awe of how many coastal paths, walkways and parks are available on the Busan coast for exercise, walking, community use and spectacular views.
Oryukdo Park has a coastal walking trail up towards Igidae which takes around 2.5 hours. Grab a coffee from the cafe in the park and enjoy a leisurely stroll with great views.
9. Oryukdo Skywalk
If you don’t fancy a 2.5 hour walk or you don’t have the time. Orykdo Park is also home to the Oryukdo Skywalk - one of the Busan top attractions.
Located in the opposite direction from Igidae, this is a glass-floor walkway with more amazing views of Busan. Another great option for free things to do in Busan!
10. Taejongdae Resort Park
Walking the coastal walking trails in Busan
Another amazing coastal park area with dramatic cliffs views over the sea. Don’t skip the observation deck here for awe-inspiring views of the rocky cliffs. You can also see the Yeongdo lighthouse and there is a temple and train ride in the park.
Once again, another great option for free places to go in Busan, Korea.
11. Ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car
Get unparalleled views of the city from the Songdo Cable Car. A round trip costs just 16,000 won and the cars have glass bottoms so you literally get 360 degree views!
Songdo cable car is definitely one of the more exhilarating Busan Korea attractions!
12. Explore Nampo
One of the best places to go in Busan which is easily walkable. Nampo is a fun, lively area of the city famous for BIFF Walking Street, the Fashion and Culture street, plus Yongdusan Park and Diamond Tower aka Busan Tower.
You can easily spend the afternoon exploring the shops, cafes and culture here at your own pace.
13. Visit Dakbatgol Mural Village
The Stairway of wishes
The residents’ street cable car
Some of the best places to visit in Busan, South Korea are these villages because they all have such unique character and are usually colourful and artistic.
You can follow the mural trail through colourful streets and houses in the Dakbatgol Mural Village. Don’t miss the Stairway of Wishes too, this is a fun street cable car designed for elderly residents to use so they don’t have to use the steep stairs in the area. But if the cable car isn’t in use, it’s free and available to use for you too!
14. Enjoy an afternoon at Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli Beach at dusk
I honestly couldn't believe how beautiful Gwangalli Beach is! With soft sand, clear water and city views plus a view of Gwangan Suspension Bridge in the Bay, I can definitely see why Busan is often nicknamed the “Miami of Korea”.
The beach is backed by restaurants, shops and bars so you can easily spend the day shopping, lounging on the beach and eating your way though some of the trendiest bars and restaurants.
15. Visit Jagalchi Seafood Market
If you’re a seafood fan, don’t miss the epic Jagalchi fish market, it’s one of the must go places in Busan Korea.
Located in the Nampo area, Jagalchi market is packed with fresh fish and seafood stalls daily and is famous for its chill street food stores where you can literally buy and enjoy the freshest seafood right there.
16. Check out the Busan breweries
Gorilla Brewing
If you’ve read any of my blogs before, you’ll know that my partner and I are big brewery fans, so of course we had to explore the best breweries in Busan!
Check out Gorilla Brewing, Bronx Brewing Co and Wildcat Brewing.
17. Check out the Korean restaurants and bars in Seomyeon
Restaurant in Seomyeon
We stayed in Seomyeon while we were in Busan and I’m so glad we did. It’s the perfect place to base yourself for your trip and the food and bars in the area are great. It’s also a short walk to the Seomyeon Station and the two major subway lines in the city which means you’re connected to the whole city and the airport, plus the hotels in the area are great too.
We found some great Korean fried chicken at Daily Beer and had some great Korean BBQ too.
18. Hang out at Jeonpo Cafe Street
Seomyeon
Also in the Seomyeon area, Jeonpo Cafe Street is a fun street, packed with artisan shops, hipster coffee roasters and boutiques. If you enjoyed the aesthetic cafe scene in Seoul then you definitely need to visit this street in Busan.
19. Visit Samgwangsa Temple
Although this temple is most spectacular during festivals when it is hung with thousands of colourful lanterns, it’s still spectacular to see at any time of year.
With colourful, ornate architecture, amazing city views and walking trails surrounding it, you could easily spend a few hours at this Buddhist Temple.
20. Visit Lotte World Adventure Theme Park
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Busan or things to do in Busan with kids then the Lotte World Adventure Park is a great place. It’s also included in the Visit Busan Pass.
There aren’t a huge amount of rides here but the attractions and roller coasters are definitely good for a variety of ages. It is also nearby the Busan Luge and the Lotte Premium Outlet Mall if you fancy a spot of shopping.
22. Busan National Science Museum
Costing only 3000 won to visit, this is a great interactive museum with both permanent and temporary exhibitions (although some of the English translations are a bit off!)
The interactive and hands-on displays are great for both adults and kids, there’s even a slide for kids and fun toys. Great if you’re looking for rainy day Busan activities.
23. Walk the Songdo Cloud Trails
Another great, free coastal walkway in Busan. The Songdo Sky Park walkway winds over the water and along the coast below the cable car route and has views of the city, the lighthouse and the coastline.
Of course you don’t have to do all of these coastal trails but Busan is such a spread out city, if you’re looking for what to do in Busan close to your hotel or accommodation, hopefully at least one of these is a good option for you!
24. See the Gwangalli Drone Show
One of the absolute must see Busan attractions, this drone show has become one of the most famous attractions in Busan, South Korea and the whole world!!
Each Saturday, there is a drone show over the Gwangalli Bay, it’s free to view and involves 300 unmanned drones flying in epic formation.
It happens at 8pm and 10pm March-September and 7pm and 9pm during October-February on Saturdays only, so if you’re in the city on a Saturday, this is a one of the must do things in Busan.
25. Enjoy the views at Busan X the SKY
If aerial views are more your thing, don’t miss this Busan must see observation deck - especially at sunset for views of the city and surrounding mountain and sea views.
Adult tickets cost 27,000 won, children cost 24,000 won.
This is also where you’ll find the highest Starbucks in the world!
26. Cruise and fireworks at Gwangalli Bay
This is something we wish we had time for but we only found out about it on our last night as we sat on Gwangalli Beach and spotted boats beyond the suspension bridge letting off fireworks.
You can go on a sunset city cruise and see the city light up at night and have your own fireworks before seeing the city from the famous Hwangnyeongsan Observatory.
27. Spa Land Centum City
If you’re looking for a bit of relaxation, this city centre spa is one of the best value I’ve ever seen and a really nice place in Busan for some relaxation or a special treat.
For just 20,000 won (£11.90) you get entry for 4 hours and you can enjoy the traditional Korean sauna and spa. There are several different types of spas from Finnish to Bali style, and reflexology pools, chair massagers and you get a free drink included. Full facilities for showering, shampoos, conditioners, hair dryers, lotions and lockers are available.
Private treatments such as a massage are an additional fee but still very affordable.
Note, this is similar in style to a Japanese onsen so nudity is normal and expected.
28. Take a day trip to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gyeongju
Dating back to the Three Kingdoms period of Korea, the city of Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Kingdom.
Visit the most significant culture sites including the Donggung Palace, the Daereungwon Royal Tomb, Folk Village and traditional Korean houses.
29. Cherry blossom festival
Although not as well-known as Japan, South Korea does have significant cherry blossoms and plum blossom season in the spring.
You can find many cherry blossom trees around parks in the city, as well as famous spots like Namcheon-dong Cherry Blossom street. Or you can book on a guided tour of the cherry blossom festival sites.
30. Treat yourself to drinks and dinner with a view at Bay 101
If you’re looking for something a bit special, Bay 101 is a yacht club marina full of high-end shops, bars and restaurants with incredible city views.
Head here for drinks on your last night in Busan or for a special occasion!
Summary: The best things to do in Busan, South Korea
These are the best things to do in Busan, Korea and I hope this best of Busan guide has given you the inspiration you need to plan an epic trip to this underrated city destination!
If you’re visiting Korea, Busan attractions really do cater for everyone, from arts and culture to history and architecture, to coastal and nature, to epic scenery and luxury experiences at an affordable price.
I recommend at least 2 days in the city to see some of the main sights and most popular things to do, but 3 days if you plan on doing a day trip or more of the walking trails.
Pin for later to plan your trip!
