Explore Busan, the Coastal Gem with K-pop Connection

Famous as the birthplace of BTS members Jungkook and Jimin, Busan is the second-largest city in South Korea, offering far more than K-pop stardom. Its many tourist places, including exquisite beaches, revered temples, vibrant markets, and serene natural wonders, make Busan a must-visit destination in Korea. And more so if you are part of the BTS Army!

While Jimin was born in Hoedong-dong, Jungkook was born in Mandeok-dong. But beyond that claim to fame and the superhit zombie flick Train to Busan, the city is full of gorgeous spots, offering endless interesting experiences – from vantage points over the sea to gigantic aquariums and numerous shopping spots to quench your souvenir thirst. Let’s explore some of the most popular tourist places in Busan, and get you inspired to craft the perfect itinerary for this vibrant coastal city alongside other beautiful places in South Korea.

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Location and how to reach Busan

This vibrant coastal city of South Korea is located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, bordered in the north and west by South Gyeongsang province and the Korea Strait in the south and east. The city is located 323 km away from Seoul, and is well-connected to the capital and other major cities of the country, via road, railways, and flights.

Also, explore our selection of South Korea’s best island and coastal gems.

By air: Gimhae International Airport is located in the city.
By train: Busan Railway Station is located in the city.

Best time to visit Busan

The best time to visit Busan is from April to October, with April to May being the peak tourist season and June to October being the moderate season. Pleasant temperatures and plenty of festivals and events in the city make it the perfect time to visit Busan. The Busan Lantern Festival in May, the Busan Sea Festival in August, and the Hydrangea Flower Culture Festival in June are some of the most popular festivals in Busan.

Things to do in Busan

Explore Gamcheon Culture Village

One of the most popular tourist places in Busan, the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village is where refugees settled during the Korean War. Full of artwork, murals, sculptures, and shops selling unique souvenirs to take back home, this village also offers plenty of workshops and experience programmes for those who wish to learn a skill or create personalised souvenirs. Visitors can also hire traditional Korean outfits for cool photographs.

Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm

Google map location

Address: 203 Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan

Contact: 82 51-204-1444

How to reach
By metro: Toseong Station is closest to Gamcheon Culture Village.
By bus: Bus numbers Saha 1-1, Seogu 2 and Seogu 2-2 stop at Gamcheon Culture Village.

Also, check out our comprehensive guide to South Korea’s robust public transport system for smooth navigation.

Hike the Jangsan Loop

Blessed with plenty of gorgeous nature trails, mountainous tracks, and hiking spots, Busan is the perfect place to go for a hike. If you can manage time for just one hike, make sure it is the Jangsan Loop. This 12.5 km loop takes five hours and is best attempted from September to October. It takes you across Yangun Waterfall, silver fields, and flowering meadows, before bringing you to the summit for breathtaking views. With a well-maintained gradual incline and plenty of trails to choose from, this hiking trail will bring you closer to nature in Busan.

Also, check out our story on the incredible hiking trails around the world.

Opening hours: NA

Google map location

How to reach
By metro: Jangsan Station is closest to the Jangsan Mountain.
By bus: Bus numbers 1001, 38, 139, 100, 182, and 141 stop at Jangsan Mountain.

Unleash your inner child at LOTTE World Busan

LOTTE World Adventure in Busan is one of the best theme parks in South Korea, offering rides, slides, and plenty of fun experiences. Visitors can enjoy dozens of thrilling rides, go-kart racing, a monorail, an observatory, water rides, a 4D shooting theatre, and arcade games. Cheerful parades and performances ensure there is always something to keep visitors occupied, even if they do not want to give the rides a try. It is one of the most popular tourist places to visit with kids in Busan.

Planning to explore other cities as well? Here’s our story on the numerous things to do in South Korea.

Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday, and 10 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays

Tickets: Starts at KRW 61,000

Google map location

Address: Busan, Gijang-gun, 42 Dongbusan Gwangwang-ro

Contact: 82 1661-2000

How to reach
By metro: OSIRIA Station is closest to LOTTE Adventure World.
By bus: Bus numbers 3314, 3315, 3317, 1100, 1700, 2000, 6900, 362, and 6006 stop at LOTTE Adventure World.

Make a wish at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

A beautiful traditional temple located along the seashore, the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple dates back to 1376. Apart from a serene sense of peace and devotion, the temple is famed for offering gorgeous views of the sea and the nearby beach. It is also a great place to watch cherry blossoms in bloom in April. Walk around the small bamboo forest at the temple’s base or cross the picturesque stone bridge; there is plenty to see and do inside the temple complex. Legend has it that visitors can have their wishes granted if they drink the spring water from inside the cave when making the wish. Who knows? Maybe your wish to bump into BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook comes true here?

Love the serenity of temples? Check out our story on South Korea’s Buddhist temples.

Opening hours: 5 am to 7:30 pm

Tickets: Free entry

Google map location

Address: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan

Contact: 82 51-722-7744

How to reach
By metro: OSIRIA Station is closest to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
By bus: Bus numbers 1001, 139, 100, Haeundae-gu 9 and 181 stop at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Spend a day at Taejongdae Park

A seaside park in Busan, the Taejongdae Park offers great views, an observatory, an amusement park, a cruise ship terminal, a tourist train, and a lighthouse. Visitors can traverse a 3-km loop for spectacular views or walk down the rocky cliffs for the perfect photo-op. Remnants of dinosaur tracks, delicious food at the on-site eateries, and Taejongsa Temple are the other attractions of the resort park. With free admission, visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Busan.

Opening hours: 5 am to 12 am

Tickets: Free entry

Google map location

Address: 24 Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan

Contact: 82 51-405-2004

How to reach
By metro: Nampo Station is closest to Taejongdae Resort Park.
By bus: Bus numbers 8, 30, 66, 88, 101, and 186 stop at Taejongdae Resort Park.

Enjoy an evening walk at Gwangalli Beach

One of the best tourist places to visit at night, Gwangalli Beach offers gorgeous views of Busan’s skyline reflected in the sea. This 1.4-km-long beach famous for its fine sand is closest to the city centre. The beach area is home to several trendy restaurants offering local favourites and global cuisine. Go for a swim here, watch the sun go down on your evening walk, enjoy suNBAthing, or indulge in mild adventure and water Sports like banana boat rides, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Opening hours: Open 24/7

Tickets: NA

Google map location

Address: Gwangan 2(i)-dong, Suyeong District, Busan

Contact: NA

How to reach
By metro: Gwangan Station is closest to Gwangalli Beach.
By bus: Bus numbers 41, 42, 49, 83, 38, 62, and 108 stop at Gwangalli Beach.

Spend a day at Haeundae Beach

One of the most famous beaches in Busan if not South Korea, Haeundae Beach is an ideal place to enjoy picturesque views, water activities, and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its shallow waters are perfect for swimming and other mild watersports, making it one of the most adored tourist places in Busan. Visitors can also walk around Dongbaek Park or spend time at Folk Square, where locals indulge in board games with friends and families egging on their favourite competitors.

Opening hours: Open 24/7

Tickets: NA

Google map location

Address: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Contact: NA

How to reach
By metro: Haeundae Station is closest to Haeundae Beach.
By bus: Bus numbers 1000, 1001, 1003, 1004, 2, and 41 stop at Haeundae Beach.

Enjoy breathtaking views from Diamond Tower (Busan Tower)

The iconic Diamond Tower has become a symbol of Busan, offering gorgeous views of the city and the sea from its observation deck. At 120 m, this is one of the highest vantage points in South Korea. Visitors can take the elevator to the observation deck and the souvenir shop. The tower is located inside Yongdusan Park, home to verdant gardens and pagodas, where visitors can sit and relax.

Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm

Tickets: Starts from KRW 12,000

Google map location

Address: 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan

Contact: 82 51-601-1800

How to reach
By metro: Yangjeong Station is the closest to Busan Tower.
By bus: Bus numbers 1003, 87, 61, and 41 stop at Busan Tower.

Enjoy stunning views in every direction at Oryukdo Skywalk

A glass bridge that offers stunning views in every direction, the Oryukdo Skywalk is located on a cliff at the end of the 35 m coast. Made of bulletproof glass, this is one of the safest tourist places in Busan to enjoy spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and the brilliant blue of the sea below.

Opening hours: 9 am to 7 pm

Tickets: Free entry

Google map location

Address: 137 Oryukdo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan

Contact: 82 51-607-6395

How to reach
By metro: Namcheon Subway Station is closest to Oryukdo Skywalk.
By bus: Bus numbers 27, 131, and 24, along with the Green Line double-decker bus stop at Oryukdo Skywalk.

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Ride a cable car over Songdo Beach

A spectacular way to get to know the city, the cable car takes visitors on a ride alongside the sea, from Songlim Park towards the east of Songdo Beach to Amnam Park towards the west of Songdo Beach. Check out several city attractions along the 1.62-km ride, like Busan Yeongdo and Namhang Bridge, the harbour, Songdo Coastal Dulle Road, sandy lagoons, and craggy cliffs.

Opening hours: 9 am to 10 pm

Tickets: Starts from KRW 13,000

Google map location

Address: 171 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan

Contact: 82 51-247-9900

How to reach
By metro: Jagalchi Station is the closest to Songdo Beach.
By bus: Bus numbers 7, 26, 71, and 96 stop at Songdo Beach bus stop.

Marvel at stunning marine life at Sea Life Busan

One of the most popular tourist places in Busan to spend the day if the weather is not to your liking, Sea Life Busan Aquarium is home to numerous immersive experiences. Visitors can enjoy being part of the sea turtle rescue team that tends to sick and wounded turtles until they are strong enough to be back in the sea. Or learn more about deep-sea marine lives and ecosystems at the Sea at Night zone. Besides, visitors can enjoy underwater performances, exotic and local marine species, penguin feeding sessions, and even be part of thrilling shark feeding sessions.

Opening hours: 10 am to 7 pm on Monday to Friday, and 10 am to 8 pm on Saturday to Sunday

Tickets: Starts from KRW 18,000

Google map location

Address: 266 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Contact: 82 51-740-1700

How to reach
By metro: Haeundae Station is the closest to SEALIFE Busan Aquarium.
By bus: Bus numbers 307, 1001, and 1003 stop near the SEALIFE Busan Aquarium.

Book your flights from Singapore to Busan

Best hotels in Busan

From homestays to luxury properties, hotels in Busan are ideal for people from all walks of life. Visitors can find hotels on the beach like Paradise Hotel Busan, MS Hotel Haeundae, and LCT the Residence. For those looking to stay in the city, hotels like Park Hyatt Busan, LOTTE Hotel Busan, and Arban Hotel are ideal. Seamless services, global cuisine, modern conveniences, and plenty of Entertainment options await you at these hotels in Busan.

Book your stay at Lotte Hotel Busan via Booking.com

Book your stay at Lotte Hotel Busan via Agoda.com

Book your stay at MS Hotel Haeundae via Booking.com

Book your stay at MS Hotel Haeundae via Agoda.com

Restaurants and cafes in Busan

Busan has a bustling food scene, with plenty of dine-in restaurants, takeaways, and delivery options. From classic Korean dishes like tteokbokki and milmyeon noodles to Thai food and Indian cuisine, restaurants in Busan offer a diverse selection for your palate. Some of the best restaurants and cafes in Busan include Torafuguga for puffer fish, Iwa for Japanese cuisine, Vigneto for Italian fare, Jang Su Sam for Korean faves, and Anga for barbecues.

Shopping in Busan

Busan is a shopper’s heaven boasting several luxury malls, underground markets, street shops, and flea markets. Some of the most popular markets in Busan include:

LOTTE Department Store: Home to the much-adored LOTTE Duty-free Shop that takes up two floors in the market, this department store is your best bet for almost everything under the sun. You will also find plenty of BTS merchandise here, including Jimin and Jungkook-inspired items.

Gukje Market: Shop for home appliances, kitchenware, tools, furniture, stationery, crafts, clothing, and industrial goods.

Shinsegae Centum City: With shopping options including everything from jewellery and Korean skincare products to high-end and local apparel, visitors can also enjoy an ice rink, a golf course, a spa area, and a multiplex when here.

Jagalchi Market: Pick up fresh seafood and dried fish from Jagalchi Market. You can also get it cooked per your preferences at the market, making it one of the most popular tourist places in Busan.

BIFF Square: For trendy stores selling apparel, jewellery, premium food items, and more. Plenty of food stalls line the boulevard, offering juices, fruits, grilled items and more.

Gwangbokro Culture and Fashion Street: Vintage items, clothes, accessories, shoes, and electronics abound here.

Seomyeon Underground Shopping Centre: Home to hundreds of stores selling everything from clothes, cosmetics, shoes, bags, and accessories to home decor, gardening essentials, Pet food, premium cooking tools, and exotic ingredients.

(Feature image credit: visitbusan)

This story first appeared on Travel+Leisure Asia India

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.