Located in Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, Haeundae Beach is a 1.5km stretch of golden sand featuring modern skylines, traditional markets, and diverse attractions. Sun, sea, sand, hikes, fun attractions and laid-back vibes are what you can expect from Haeundae. It felt a bit like the Korean La Barceloneta (Barcelona’s beach neighbourhood), with its glamorous beach, long promenade and skyscrapers. However, what sets Haeundae apart from other beach destinations is its combination of cultural and unique activities such as Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Sky Capsules.
Haeundae is one of the top destinations for international and domestic tourists in Korea, it sees over to 10 million tourists per year. It is the best place to stay in Busan due to the amount of things to do and the transport links. We loved Haeundae so much that we even extended our initial 1 month stay by another month.
My blog post covers the best things to do in Haeundae Beach for couples, solo travellers, foodies and families for a fun and cultured stay.
Blog Contents
- Things To Do In Haeundae
- Where To Stay In Haeundae
- Getting Around Haeundae
- Getting To Haeundae
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Haeundae?
- Is Busan tap water drinkable?
- Do you tip in Korea?
- Is Haeundae Beach clean?
Things To Do In Haeundae
1. Ride The Sky Capsule (Blue Line Park)
I remember watching a cinematic TikTok on Haeundae’s Sky Capsules, captivated by their colourful vintage exterior, I knew I had to visit, and let me tell you, watching them in real life feels cinematic too.
Located a short walk from Haeundae Beach, these eco-friendly Sky Capsules travel between Haeundae Mipo Station and Cheongsapo Station along an elevated track. The ride is 2.3 km, lasting approximately 20 minutes. At a pace of 4km/hr, it’s a slow, relaxing and scenic journey alongside the coast with views of the crashing waves and the Moontan Road forest.
The ticket is just one way, I personally thought the views from the Cheongsapo Station are slightly nicer as you have Haeundae’s skyline in the distance. However, if you do get the capsule from Haeundae Mipo Station I recommend walking back along the Busan Green Railway (explained in number 11!).
You have to book your tickets in advance, this is one of the most popular things to do in all of Busan so it is no surprise that it tends to sell out pretty fast. For me, it is a not to be missed Haeundae activity.
There is also a sky train that goes along the same route but on a lower platform. Although I did not go on this myself, I do not recommend it. Anytime it passed it was overcrowded, looked super uncomfortable and stuffy.
2. Go On A Coastal Walk At Dongbaek Park
Catch some fresh sea air on this cliffside walk, one of the best outdoor things to do in Haeundae. Located on the west of Haeundae Beach this is a peaceful walk on a wooden boardwalk. It is an easy 450-metre walk with some stairs and a fun suspension bridge, all the while you have sea views to your left. The trail has many benches to rest on or to soak up the views along the way.
Make sure to check out the 8-foot Princess Hwangok (Mermaid) Statue, legend has it that Princess Hwangok would sit on this rock grieving her home, the mythical land of Naranda.
At the end of the trail, you will arrive at Dongbaekseom Lighthouse, which takes us to point number 3!
3. Dongbaekseom Lighthouse
You would be forgiven if you thought the above picture was taken on some Greek Island, nope this is Haeundae! Surrounded by the ocean Dongbaekseom Lighthouse is a peaceful end to the Dongbaek Park trail.
Aside from selfies, it doubles as an observation platform with views of Gwangandaegyo Bridge (Diamond Bridge). The best time to visit here is sunrise or sunset, but you might have to wait a while for the couples to finish taking their selfies, it is a popular date spot.
Across from the lighthouse is a beautiful temple which offers a different viewpoint. You might even see some older men doing some Tai Chi moves up there.
4. Relaxation Or Adventure At Haeundae Beach
The main attraction of Haeundae is of course its stunning 1.5 km (.9 miles) beach with soft white sand, shallow waters and minimal waves. It is a popular place for not only sunbathing but also watersports. So if you are feeling adventurous you can rent jet skis, surf and paddleboard here.
The beach’s promenade is lined with skyscrapers, mostly hotels but it gives it a glitzy vibe. It reminded me of Danang and Nha Trang in Vietnam. The atmosphere is calm throughout the day but during the weekend the area truly comes alive when people head to the beachfront bars to wind down.
I loved getting a coffee at Blu Shaak (the peanut latte is addictive) every morning, sitting on the beach with a good podcast while taking in the views.
You might also like – 33 Unforgettable Things To Do In Seoul
5. Catch A Wave
The nearby Songjeong beach is famous for its surf but Haeundae also has an established surf scene.
The cyclone season in Winter, especially January is the best time for surfing in Haeundae. However, the rest of the year sees shallow waves which less experienced surfers will enjoy.
Monkey Surf is a beginner-friendly surf school with world-class champion instructors. They offer 1-1 and group lessons promising to have you standing on your board at the end of lesson one.
6. Reach New Heights At Busan X theSKY
At 411.6 metres (1,350 feet), Busan X theSKY claims the title as the second-highest building in Korea (FYI the highest is Lotte World Tower in Seoul).
We stayed beside Busan X theSKY and only visited on the last weekend, we ended up being so glad we didn’t miss this because it ended up being a lot of fun!
I guess it goes without saying (but I’ll say it) that the views are spectacular. From the 100th floor observatory, you can see Gwangan Bridge, the amazing Haeundae Beach, the surrounding mountains and the city.
Aside from the impressive scenery, there is a hair-raising glass platform bridge where you can look down 411.6 metres into the abyss where everyone below looks like ants, it was only then I could comprehend how high we actually were. Personally, I enjoy heights but some people appear afraid.
If you need some comfort after your stint on the glass bridge then you’ll be pleased to know that the highest Starbucks in the world is located here!
7. Explore The Trendy Haeridan-gil
Unexplored by many tourists this area of Haeundae is a secret haven. There is a completely different vibe here compared to the rest of Haeundae, it reminded me of Itawon in Seoul with its 2 storey renovated buildings along narrow alleys. Haeridan-gil’s small alleys are bursting with cute cafes, delicious restaurants, cool bars and boutiques. It’s quiet, pretty and artsy with a few murals.
The entrance is non-descript, located behind the old train station it looks like nothing much from far away. Once you walk over the tracks you start to see some glitzy restaurant signs and you know you are in for a treat.
Officially Jeonpo is Busan’s cafe street but Haeridan-gil triumphs for quantity and quality, it is a must-visit during your time in Haeundae.
Here are some places I recommend you try in Haeridan-gil:
- GoGo Tacos
- Cheeky Pie
- Hwang Sil Classic
You might also like – Haeridan-gil Street Guide
8. Drive Fast At Skyline Luge
If you’re looking for something a little different than Haeundae’s pristine beach, the scenic sky capsules or the foodie cove of Haeridan-gil then Skyline Luge could be your answer!
Skyline Luge is a family-friendly and super fun activity in Haeundae. It involves a series of 4 tracks that you speed down in a toboggan-like kart called a luge. To get to these routes you need to go on an open-air cable car called the Skyride which is an adventure in itself. You then race down the route in your luge and take the cable car back up again for the next track.
Passes start at 2 rides and go up to 5. You can also ride the zipline for an extra thrill! We purchased the 4-track pass which we felt was just enough, after a while your hands get a bit sore from holding the handles.
The luges go fast but if you want to go slower you are in full control, I strongly recommend that you go fast, it woke up my inner child. The luges are very safe, you are provided with a hard hat and basic safety training on how to handle the luge.
Located a 30-minute bus ride from Haeundae it is also beside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Lotte World and outlets.
9. Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Perched on top of a cliff overlooking the Gijang Ocean is the beautiful Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of Korea’s only cliffside temples. Destroyed during Japan’s invasion of Korea, the temple was rebuilt in the 1930’s. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple translates to Korean Dragon Palace Temple, named during a meditation session where the head monk envisioned the Goddess of Mercy riding a dragon.
Today, the temple is heavily visited by both locals and tourists, despite the crowds it remains a tranquil place, a sea breeze and the sound of crashing waves certainly help keep it this way. This is one of the best cultural experiences in Haeundae Busan
There are 108 steep and uneven steps that you will need to climb up and down which might be a struggle for anyone with accessibility issues.
10. Taste Korea Haeundae Traditional Market
Next up on this best things to do in Haeundae list is the vibrant traditional market. The best time to visit Haeundae traditional market is at night when it really comes to life. You can really try the flavours of Korea here from hot and sticky hotteok, crispy pork belly kimchi hotdogs (figuratively and literally a mouthful), crispy soft spicy tteokbokki to fresh honeycomb ice-cream and sweet tanghulu to name a few.
Along with street stalls, there are many seafood restaurants that are highly regarded such as Darudong and Lobster and Alaska King Crab. Come here with an empty belly, it will be filled pretty quickly.
11. Walk The Busan Green Railway
Located under the Blueline Sky Capsule Park, the Busan Green Railway is a 4.8 km (3 mile) wooden broadwalk. It starts at Mipo station, passes through Cheongsapo and goes as far as Songjeong Beach. The coastal views combined with the sky capsules passing overhead make this walk an absolute must-do activity in Haeundae.
Along the way are two observation decks, the first which is approximately 1 km in, Sea and Moon Observatory (해월전망대) was only opened in July 2024, and the second Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory (청사포 다릿돌전망대) is a fear-inducing glass platform that looks directly down to the waves below.
The Busan Green Railway is an easy and relaxing walk that takes about 1 hour each way. Along the path are, in South Korean fashion, many cute cafes with plenty of sweet treats and caffeine to refuel.
✨ Cheongsapo
I suggest taking a quick detour from the route to the small picturesque seaside village of Cheongsapo, which you will be walking by anyway. Visit the Cheongsapo Twin Lighthouse, check out the colourful murals and try some baked shellfish, a Cheongsapo favourite.
While you are there make sure to stop by the Cheongsapo Sakuragi Level Crossing, it’s a very popular photo spot with the beach train passing by.
From Cheongsapo, Songjeong is just another 2 km (1.2 mile). When you reach Songjeong you can either take the metro from Songjeong station back to Haeundae. If you decide to walk back you can incorporate Moontan Road, a peaceful forest path which I talk about in my next point.
12. Moontan Road Trail
Moontan Road is known as the place where people meet the moon. The romantic trail is lit up from sunset until 11 pm and 5 am to sunrise making it the perfect place for a nighttime stroll.
This well-maintained 3 km (1.8 mile) forest trail runs alongside Busan Green Railway, mentioned above. The trail is easy with a mostly flat path that goes through a pine tree forest, not only is this serene but it offers some shade from the sun during the warmer days. Peaking out from the pine trees are views of the passing sky capsules and coast. This is one of the most romantic things to do in Haeundae Beach.
Starting at Dalmaji-gil Road (fyi it’s lined with cherry blossoms in the spring), the path includes an observation deck with views of Igidae, Dongbaekseom and Gwangan Bridge along with the stunning Haewoljeong Pavilion.
13. Cruise To Oryukdo Island
Hop onboard this 50-minute scenic cruise for an alternative view of Haeundae.
The journey begins at the cruise terminal in Haeundae Beach across from the famous Horangi mochi store. The cruise route takes you to Dongbeak Island, Orwangran Bridge, Igidae and Oryukdo Island. There is also an alternative night route that goes to a lit-up Gwangan Bridge. The boat has 2 decks, a covered lower one and an open-air top deck.
During the journey, the boat crew threw some crackers overboard for the seagulls, and we ended up getting a flock of at least 150 seagulls flying alongside the boat for 15 minutes, diving into the water which was fun to watch.
14. Jangsan Mountain
The most popular hiking destination in Busan, Jangsan Mountain is a fun hike that promises neverending views. Located just a 10-minute bus ride from Haeundae Beach, it has panoramic views of Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, and the Gwangan Bridge.
The best trail is the Jangsan Summit, which brings you to the peak of the mountain, a cool 634 metres. The trail includes the wooden Jungbong Observatory and the dramatic Rock Slide / Neodal Zone. The total hike should take approximately 4 hours to complete.
Starting at Daecheon Park, the path is moderately challenging with some parts that are quite steep where you must climb up large rocks, thankfully much of the trail is shaded by trees which offers some relief.
15. Eat Unique Flavours Of Goraesa Eomuk
Another thing to do in Haeundae for the foodies. Eomuk, is a must try South Korean food. It is a fishcake made from minced fish, eggs, vegetables and seasonings, that are usually served on a skewer and dipped into a flavourful broth. These delicious fishy treats are a perfect street food snack.
Goraesa Eomuk is a large fishcake shop on Gunam-ro in Haeundae, they specialise in eomuk that comes in a variety of different flavours, shapes and sizes. Flavours include crab, abalone, stuffed spicy pepper and minced pork, hotdog, and seaweed-wrapped cake.
The shop is self-serve, similar to a buffet you just grab a tray and choose whatever you want. Once you pay you are instructed how long to heat your cakes in the self-serve microwave, they usually take about 60 seconds. Beside the microwave is a complimentary soup that you can enjoy with your cakes.
If you would rather save it for later, Goraesa Eomuk also sell sealed takeaway fishcakes that can be heated up at home.
16. SeaLife Busan
With over 10,000 creatures and 250 species, Sealife Busan has a lot for you to see to see. Located on Haeundae Beach it is easily accessible. Sharks, Penguins, Seahoreses, Otters and Turtles all call this place home.
There are two feedings throughout the day where you can watch divers and listen to some interesting information on the animals. You can also feed some of the creatures yourself, for an additional fee, you will ride in a glass bottom boat throwing some lunch at the inhabitants.
This was one of the coolest aquariums I have visited, the highlight was seeing the penguins swim and dive so close to the window.
17. Lasting Memories At Photobooths
Youngsters in Korea love photo booths, there is seemingly one every couple of metres. At first, I didn’t really get it, you have smartphones why would you frequently want to visit photo booths? After just one visit not only did I get it, I was addicted!
At the entrance of these photobooth stores are props such as sunglasses, funny hats and even costumes, you can choose what you like at head into one of the photobooths. After posing and choosing any filters or emojis, you will have a lifelong souvenir and in the age of smartphones, physical photos are extra special.
You will find the largest selection of photobooth in Haeundae on Gunam-ro. Photo Drink has a dynamic booth which features LED lighting, the normal booths have music and offer full-body photographs compared to the usual headshots. Life4cuts and Photo Signature are other popular booths on the street.
18. Explore Gunam-ro Day + Night
Gunam-ro is Hauendae’s main street, it is an amalgamation of bright lights, colourful buildings, restaurants, cafes, street vendors and shops.
In the daytime browse through the fun items at Artbox, try a delicious matcha from Osulloc Tea House and the donuts from Knotted. At night, Gunam-ro is the place to be in Haeundae Beach, you should definitely include a night out here on your Haeundae itinerary.
Start at the elegant speakeasy bar TBR (The Back Room), then head to Gentle for some cocktails or Daily Beer for Chimac, visit the arcade above Mono Mansion, and finally Thursday Party for good music while meeting locals and other travellers.
19. Shop At Shinsegae Centum City
This next one is the perfect thing to do on a rainy day in Haeundae. Registered by the Book Of Guinness World Records as the largest shopping complex in the world, you can literally (and possibly very likely) shop until you drop here. However, it is no longer regarded as the largest shopping complex in the world, but it is BIG!
Centum City Mall includes Shinsegae Department Store and Lotte Trevi Mall which are all connected. Shops include well-known Western brands like Zara and H&M as well as luxury brands Dior and Chanel, however, the Korean brands are where you should be directing your attention to, because they are amazing! I especially loved the boutiques on the ground floor of Centum City.
The food hall on the basement level has many cool stalls, it is a great place to try yubuchobap (tofu stuffed with rice), beef rolls, dumplings, the famous Purin pudding and even the Parisian crookie.
While you are in the area, and if you have any energy left after all the shopping, Busan Museum of Art and BEXCO – Busan Exhibition and Convention Center which often hold events is located beside Centum.
20. Be Wow’d At The Sand Festival
On the last weekend of May every year, the impressive Sand Festival is held. Taking place on Haeundae beach it is a weekend extravaganza. For weeks leading up to it artists from all over the world sculpt magnificent sand statues. Each year there is a different theme, in 2024 it was “World’s Famous Museums Trip” and ” Expo Sand Sea for the Future of 2030″ in 2023. They are then displayed on a large section of the beach with a wooden path for visitors to look closer.
The sculptures are large, about 12 feet with amazing detail, no one is building these with a bucket and spade. Instead, artists are on scaffolding, slowing carving out their spectacular creations for weeks leading up to the event.
Along with the open-air sand museum, there is a fireworks show and live music across the weekend.
21. Gwangalli Drone Show
Every Saturday night at 8 pm and 10 pm a colourful drone show is held on Gwangalli Beach. The theme changes each week so there is always something different to see.
For 10 minutes hundreds of drones are synchronised to transform into various shapes like a car, robot, castle and just about anything you can think of. We even visited a Star Wars-themed drone show on Haeundae Beach. The atmosphere on Gwangalli Beach is fantastic, with large crowds of people and loud music.
I would recommend visiting Gwangalli a few hours before the drone show because there are some really nice cafes and restaurants. Such as Galmegi Brewing Gwangan for their incredible Detroit-style pizzas, I mean look at that cheese pull!
22. Lotte World Adventure
This small theme park is a fantastic thing to do in Haeundae for families. The rides are more kid-friendly but there are a few thrills for the adults such as The Giant Digger, Giant Swing, and Giant Splash.
There is also an option to rent a Korean school uniform for the day, I guess this is for photo purposes.
Lotte World Adventure Busan is located close to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Sky Luge.
23. Nurimaru APEC House
The location of the historical Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) in 2005. During this many meetings took place between 21 economies. Nurimaru APEC House was built for this purpose, you can walk around and see the seats where the world leaders of these countries sat. Yeah, I know that sounds painfully boring, but actually why you should really come here is the view!
You get gorgeous views of Gwangan Bridge. The building is located at the end of Dongbaek Park so it can be easily visited after Dongbaekseom Lighthouse.
Foodie Things To Do In Haeundae Beach
24. Cook Like A Local
Learn how to make your own Bibimbap (비빔밥) at a small and friendly cooking class, taught by a local in Haeundae.
Bibimbap is famous and a must-try Korean dish. Rice, fried vegetables and meat are served piping hot in a big bowl typically with gochujang sauce. You mix it all together and the result is a delicious, hearty and spicy bowl of comfort, yum!
There is only one thing better than eating Bibimbap, and that is learning how to make it yourself! A lifelong gift to you, from you.
This small cooking class in Haeundae will teach you about Korean dining etiquette and culture. You will learn to make Bibimbap and two other dishes that change regularly. Finally, you will eat your homemade meal on a personal dining table called a Bapsang. The lesson is taught in a Korean home, it is a truly intimate experience.
25. Visit A Cafe With A View
Coffee drinkers will enjoy the range of cafes in Haeundae, and the ones located on Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil offer incredible views while you get your caffeine fix. Below are some of my favourite cafes with a view in Haeundae Beach.
Rendeja-Vous: a beach-themed cafe with incredible beach views. There is a photo corner on the second floor with an insta-worthy backdrop of Haeundae. Their einspanner and strawberry pistachio cake is delicious.
Tide Coffee Roasters: I’ve tried so many coffee shops in Haeundae, Tide Coffee Roasters stands out among them all for their high-quality drinks, this is a serious coffee shop with a small menu and special blended beans. They also have created a relaxing space, customers can sit at a large counter in front of a wide window overlooking the ocean.
Edge 993: located under the Blue Line Sky Capsule Park, Edge 993 has a gorgeous rooftop with even better views. In addition to coffee and cake, they also serve tapas and wine, paired with sunset you’ve got yourself a cute date night.
Blu Shaak: technically this doesn’t have a view like the others, but it’s a few metres from the beach so grab a takeaway and sit on the steps watching the waves. The peanut latte and cinnamon latte are sooo good!
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26. Hotteok
Hotteok is a pancake that is typically filled with seeds and honey. It is sticky, crunchy, sweet and warm. Myeongpum Hotteok at Haeundae Traditional Market is the best place to taste these sweet treats. They also have a cheese and honey flavour one which unfortunately I did not get to try but I hear it is delicious!
27. Eat Lots Of Seafood
As the largest seaport in Korea, Busan has an abundance of seafood. Seriously, if you like your fish then Busan will be a playground for you, every few metres is a seafood restaurant with large tanks bursting with species like Crab, Hagfish and Flounder. Check out my seafood restaurant recommendation below.
- Halmae-jib Wonjo Bokguk (박옥희 할매집원조복국) for pufferfish soup
- Mipo-jib (미포집 해운대본점) for marinated crab
- 31cm Haemul Kalguksu (해운대31cm해물칼국수 해운대시장점) for seafood soup
- Chowon Bokguk Haeundae (초원복국 해운대점) for blowfish
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28. K-BBQ
Sitting around a flaming grill flipping some delicious cuts of meat and sipping some soju is one of my favourite food experiences in Korea. Yes, I am talking about the Korean BBQ experience.
Many restaurants will have staff that cook your meat in front of you but you can also do it yourself. You will be served a delicious array of banchan (small side dishes) and leaves to wrap your meat in (known as Assam).
Haeundae has many K-BBQ’s but some are over-priced due to the touristy location. These are the K-BBQ restaurants in Haeundae that I really enjoyed.
- Anga Satbul-gui
- Samgyeop Party
- 해운대 고기집 쇼미더고기 | Haeundae Korean bbq
- Ribs of Legend
Where To Stay In Haeundae
The best area to stay in Haeundae is, of course, the beach. There are a large number of hotels lining the promenade with fabulous views. There are also many nice restaurants and bars, and you will be just a 5-minute walk from the centre of town.
Getting Around Haeundae
Getting around Haeundae is a breeze. There is a metro and bus network, both are affordable and efficient.
I highly recommend purchasing a t-money card. This prepaid transport card allows you to seamlessly tap on and off the metro and buses. This t-money card also doubles as a sim with data. You can add money to these cards at machines in metro stations or at the counter of convenience stores.
The central station is Haeundae Station which is located at the top of Gunam-ro. There is also JungdongStation and Dongbaek Station which might be more convenient for anyone staying on the outskirts of Haeundae City. Busan City Centre is approximately 40 minutes away.
The bus network is great, I found myself using the bus more as there are fewer changes and a better chance of getting a seat. There are the normal buses which have numbers from 1-500, express city buses with numbers 1XXX and non-stop express city bus with numbers 2XXX.
I would often take the express city bus 1001 from Haeundae into Busan City Center (50 minutes), it also goes to Gwangli. I found them to be comfortable with many more empty seats.
Getting To Haeundae
Flying
The closest airport to Haeundae Beach is Gimhae International Airport, this is approximately 28km away. Budget airlines such as Jeju Air and VietJet offer direct flights to here.
From the airport you can take the 70901 metro from the airport to Sasang station where you will transfer to the green line (70201) to Jangsan station.
For a direct route a limousine bus goes from Gimhae Airport Platform 3, Floor 1, International and Domestic Terminals to Haeundae Beach for 10,000 KRW.
Public Transport
if you are travelling domestically, Korea has high speed trains (KTX) which arrive at Busan Station. You can book tickets on 12goAsia.
From Busan Station buses 1001 and 1003 go directly to Haeundae Beach. Alternatively, you can take 2 subways, the first is the orange line to Seomyeon where you will transfer to the green line to Jangsan Station or Haeundae depending on the location of your hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
The peak travel season in Haeundae is May and June. The weather is warm
with low humidity, it is also when the annual sand festival takes place. July – October has pleasant weather but has less tourists, which is an ideal time for anyone looking to grab a bargain or experience a more peaceful side to Haeundae Beach.
However, June and July are also monsoon season, here up to 60% of Busan’s annual rainfall occurs
Yes, water across Korea is drinkable – mention the safety standard compliance
No, tipping is not customary in Korea. In fact, it may even be viewed as a rUde. Unless you see a tip jar it is best not to leave a tip, just a polite thank you will suffice.
Haeundae Beach is pristine. Each morning we witness locals with garbage pickers sorting out any litter left behind.
Have you been to Haeundae? I would love to hear about your experience below.
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