31 Best Attractions in Busan: Complete Guide + Map (2025)

Busan is having a moment. Korea’s gritty, coastal second city has seen tourist numbers surge 23.7% since 2024, and it’s about time the world discovered what locals have always known: this place is special. The attractions in Busan are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

Where Seoul is polished, Busan is the cool younger sibling: rougher around the edges, blessed with beach and mountain backdrops, and packed with the kind of quirky attractions that make for the best memories. I spent two months exploring every corner of this cool city, finding out the best things to do in Busan.

But Busan isn’t just another pretty coastal town for tourists, it has soul. During the Korean War, it became a refuge for hundreds of thousands of displaced people who gave the city its resilient spirit. Today it’s known for its bustling fish markets, maze-like hillside neighbourhoods, and as the hometown of two BTS members.

The seafood here is incredible, the hiking trails have views Seoul could never offer, and the streets feel like stepping into authentic Korea rather than a tourist version of it. This list of attractions in Busan takes you to all its different corners.

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Getting To Busan

Busan is served by its international Gimhae Airport (PUS). From here, you can take the airport rail to Sasang station and transfer to the Metro.

If you’re already in Korea, you can get the high speed KTX from Seoul in 2 hours 14 minutes or 30 minutes from Gyeongju. The easiest way to book tickets is through 12go.

Korea Train Express Pass allows you unlimited rides on KTX trains. The pass options are from 2 to 5 days. It can save a ton of money if you’re travelling around the country.

Getting Around Busan

Busan is spread out and it’s very hilly so public transport is vital to see all the cool stuff this city has to offer (and to give your calves a rest). There is both an extensive subway and bus network that will take you anywhere you need to go.

I found myself using the bus more as there are fewer changes. 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.

Busan bus fares are fixed meaning no matter the distance you will be charged 1,550 won for normal buses and 2,100 won for express buses. You need to tap on and off.

The subway has 4 lines but you’ll most likely be using the green and orange lines. Announcements are also made in English, Japanese and Chinese, along with the sound of a bird chirping to signal a stop that is a transfer point. Fares depend on distance and range from 1,600 won for section 1 (distances up to 10km) and 1,800 won for section 2 (distances over 10km).

Google Maps does not work correctly in South Korea, instead use the local NaverMaps for accurate directions.

Best Area To Stay In Busan

Haeundae

Haeundae is the overall best area to stay in Busan, known for its wide sandy beach set against modern skyscrapers. It’s more than just a beach destination, as Haeundae is close to scenic hikes, food streets, lively nightlife, and the iconic Busan Sky Capsule. Many of Busan’s top attractions are found here, making it one of the most convenient bases for visitors.

Travellers looking to escape to nature will enjoy spots like Dongbaekseom, Moontan Road, and Jangsan Mountain, while the subway and express buses (1001 and 1003) make getting around easy, though the city centre is over an hour away. Haeundae is touristy, with lots of Western bars and higher prices, but wandering into local areas like Haeridan-gil Street reveals a more authentic side of Busan.

Recommended Hotels
$: Toyoko Inn
$$: Grand Josun Busan
$$$: Ciel de Mer

Jung-gu

Jung-gu is the heart of Busan, a busy downtown area filled with shops, markets, and plenty of energy. It may not be as polished as Haeundae or Gwangalli, but it makes a great base with its central location and easy access to attractions like Gamcheon Culture Village and Busan Station. From here, Korea’s high-speed trains make day trips to destinations like historic Gyeongju simple and convenient.

Food lovers will feel right at home in Jung-gu, with Jagalchi Fish Market, Gukje Market, BIFF Square, and countless restaurants to explore. The area is a little gritty and not as scenic as other parts of Busan, so don’t expect luxury or coastal views on your doorstep. However, if you enjoy a more authentic city feel and don’t mind traveling to reach Busan’s natural beauty, Jung-gu is a solid choice.

Recommended Hotels
$: Maron Hotel Nampo
$$: Poolvilla Gaon
$$$: Urbanstay Boutique Nampo BIFF

Gwangalli

Gwangalli is another beachside area, about 25 minutes from Haeundae by bus, known for its stylish cafes, bars, and boutiques. Its highlight is the Saturday night drone show, which draws big crowds to the beach before the restaurants and bars fill up. Compared to Haeundae, Gwangalli feels more upscale, local, quieter, and is also closer to Busan’s city centre, making it convenient for getting around.

Outside of the drone show, Gwangalli is fairly calm with fewer attractions, which makes it great for families or anyone looking for a relaxed beach trip. However, travellers seeking more excitement may find themselves leaving the area often, as the nightlife and activity are limited compared to other parts of Busan.

Recommended Hotels
$: Gallery Hotel
$$: Kent Hotel
$$$: Premium Gwangan BnB

Seomyeon

Seomyeon is another downtown area and one of the most convenient places to stay in Busan. Located on both subway lines 1 and 2, it’s easy to reach other parts of the city with minimal transfers. The area offers a lot of shopping with Lotte Department Store for luxury and high-street brands, as well as Seomyeon Underground Shopping Centre for more traditional Korean shops.

Beyond shopping, Jeonpo Cafe Street offers a handful of trendy spots like Vintage 38 and Bao Haus, though the number of cafes has decreased in recent years. Like Jung-gu, Seomyeon is a dense, busy district, so if shopping isn’t your thing, you might not find much to do here. That said, its excellent subway connections make it a practical base for exploring the rest of Busan .

Recommended Hotels
$: Hotel Kyungsung
$$: Arban Hotel
$$$: Mute Stay

Best Time To Visit Busan

Busan has four distinct seasons, and honestly the weather can be pretty extreme depending when you visit. The city sits in this basin surrounded by mountains which looks incredible but creates this seriously humid microclimate that’ll have you sweating through your clothes in summer.

• Spring (March – May): Great time to visit with mild weather and cherry blossoms everywhere. Can be unpredictable with random cold snaps but overall pleasant. Temperatures can see highs of 18°C (64°F).

• Autumn (September – November): Peak season for good reason. Mid-October to early November is perfect, cooled down but not freezing, plus beautiful autumn foliage across the mountains. Expect crowds but the weather makes it worth it.

• Summer (June – August): Mid 30’s°C (86°F) temperatures plus high humidity means you feel like you are in a sauna. Few tourists visit and there’s a good reason for that, you’ll be sweating constantly.

• Winter (December – February): Hardly any tourists and I wouldn’t recommend it unless you love the cold or are getting seriously cheap deals. Although dry the often don’t get above freezing with bitter winds. As most of Busan’s top attractions are outdoors the weather can make them unenjoyable.

Notable Annual Festivals:

• Busan International Rock Festival (September),
• Busan International Film Festival (October),
• Fireworks Festival (November),
• Nakdong River Garden Cherry Blossom Festival (March),
• Haeundae Sand Festival (May/June),
• Daegu Chimac Festival (July),
• Sea Festival (August)

31 Attractions In Busan South Korea

1. Sky Capsules

The number one attraction in Busan is the iconic Sky Capsules, also known as Haeundae BlueLine Park. These little retro cars run across an elevated platform 2 km above ground. They travel a distance of 2.3 km between Haeundae’s Mipo Station and Cheongsapo Station.

One side is coastal views while the other side is forest, this is a peaceful and romantic ride at a slow pace of 4 km per hour.

The capsules are air conditioned, with large windows and even a phone holder to take photos.

There are 2 routes:

• 1. Haeundae’s Mipo Station to Cheongsapo Station
• 2. Cheongsapo Station to Haeundae’s Mipo Station (most scenic route)

The journey is ONE-WAY, it does not go on a loop. If you start at Mipo station you will need to get off at Cheongsapo station, you cannot stay in the capsule and go back to Mipo station.

As this is Busan’s top attraction it’s best to book tickets online in advance as they sell out. Tickets go on sale 2 weeks in advance. Prices start at 38,500 won ($27.35/€23.42/£20.50) for the Sky Capsule.

The Blueline park also has a beach train that goes under the elevated Sky Capsule track from Mipo Station all the way to Seongjong Station with an optional stop at Cheongsapo. If you go all the way to Seongjong the journey last 25 minutes. Honestly, whenever the beach train passed by it looked overcrowded and stuffy so I would suggest the sky capsules.

The Haeundae Beach train starts at 7,300 won ($5.15/€4.40/£3.90).

2. Gamcheon Culture Village

Going to Busan and not visiting Gamcheon Culture Village is considered a crime. Seriously, you will be held liable to a 48 hour k-pop karaoke session.

This village is an uphill maze of narrow alleys and steep stairways joining lots of small colourful houses.

The houses aren’t the only colourful thing in Gamcheon Culture Village, its origins are just as vivid. If you think the village looks a bit jumbled and cluttered, that’s because it was built in a hurry to house thousands of refugees from the Korean War. The government decided to house them in Gamcheon due to its lower value, mountainous and on the edge of Busan city.

Although around since 1920’s, it is a relatively new attraction in Busan. In 2009 artists, residents and students renovated the area, painting the houses bright colours, installing artwork and statues. It’s been popular ever since, even earning the name the Machu Pichu of the east.

I loved just wandering around and getting lost down all the little alleys. Try and get away from the main trail for a quieter experience. It’s best to arrive early to beat the queues for photos and then during the busy daytime hours (12 PM – 4 PM) you can explore the quieter alleys.

Things To Do In Gamcheon Culture Village

Getting here: The closest MRT is Toseong Station, from here you can walk 30 minutes to Gamecheon, this is a scenic walk that takes you through quieter parts of the culture village or take bus number 1/1-1 from outside the station. Alternatively, bus 1-1 and 2/2-2 depart from Jagalchi Station.

It’s best to get to Gamcheon early, especially if you want to take phots. We saw long queues for all the top photo spots.

3. Busan X theSKY

Located on Haeundae Beach, Busan X theSKY is Korea’s second tallest building. Standing at 411.6 metres (1.350 feet), it probably comes as no surprise that the views are outstanding.

From the 100th floor observatory, you have views of the mountains that surround Busan, endless coast, and of course the city. People genuinely look like ants when you look down.

You can also walk across a glass platform bridge where the next stop is the ground, 411.6 metres below. It’s totally safe, and not too scary. If you need a sweet treat you can also find the highest Starbucks in the world here too.

I say this in a lot of my posts but I don’t love observatory buildings, I stayed in Haeundae for 2 months and left this until the last weekend. I really enjoyed it, it was quiet (weekend in May) and the views were actually amazing, you can see so much nature rather than just all buildings.

Book tickets in advance for a better price.

4. Haeridan-gil

In my humble opinion, Haeridan-gil does not get the love it deserves. An old neighbourhood that has been given a new breath of life by local artists and entrepreneurs is now the trendiest place to be in the city.

Located behind the old Haeundae train station, you need to literally cross some old rail tracks. The narrow streets have many 2 storey renovated buildings that are now hipster cafes, upscale restaurants and boutiques.

One of the best things to do in Busan is to spend an afternoon exploring the streets and restaurants. These are some of my haeridan-gil recommendations:

5. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

One of Korea’s only cliffside temples, Haedong Yonggungsa is a peaceful thing to do in Busan. Overlooking the Gijang Ocean it was rebuilt in the 1930’s after it was destroyed during the Japanese occupation of Korea.

I found it to be one of the most peaceful attractions in Busan South Korea, all you can hear are the waves crashing against the cliff as the sea breeze keeps you cool. This and the vibrant yellow and red temple creates a calming atmosphere.

It’s best to wear comfy shoes as you need to climb 108 uneven and steep steps up and down.

Getting here: The most direct way is the 1001 bus which goes from outside Busan train station and passes through Gwangan and Haeundae, this should take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. It should cost approximately 2,100 won which you can pay with your t-money card.

6. Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach stretches 1.5 kilometres of white sand against a backdrop of luxury hotels and apartment towers that give it a distinctly modern, almost Miami-like vibe. This is Korea’s most famous beach for good reason, the shallow, calm waters make it perfect for families, while the wide shoreline can handle large crowds without feeling cramped.

In the day there are people playing volleyball and sunbathing while in the evening the promenades many restaurants and bars come to life. I really enjoyed Sam Ryan’s bar.

I loved spending mornings here with coffee and a podcast, soaking up the sun. Despite the activity, you can still find peaceful moments, the beach’s size means there’s space for both busyness and tranquility.

The beach gets packed during July and August, but visit during shoulder seasons (May-June, September) for a more relaxed experience.

Haeundae has an established surf scene, January has the best waves. Monkey Surf is a world-class beginner friendly surf schools offering 1-1 and group lessons.

7. Gukje Market

One of Busan’s most historically significant markets, Gukje Market dates back to 1945 when it began as “Dottaegi Market.” Originally, refugees sold items left behind by the Japanese, but during the Korean War it then developed into a major market when thousands of more refugees fled to Busan.

Gukje became a black market that traded US Army supplies and foreign goods that were prohibited for Koreans to own or sell.

Today, Gukje Market is roaring with energy, the narrow alleys are packed with over 1,400 stalls with vendors calling you over and haggling. Its size is impressive and you could easily get lost in its 12 buildings. You can clothes, accessories, household items and street food here.

It’s very tourist-friendly, rather than feeling like an outsider we were welcomed in.

We were mainly there for the street food, I had one of the nicest red tteokbokki in South Korea here, it was actually spicy (rather than more sweet)! As it’s Busan, expect to find plenty of fish here too.

Gukje Market is open Monday – Sunday, 9AM – 6 PM. I recommend spending 2 hours here if you want to try lots of different food and shop.

8. Skyline Luge

If you’re looking for unique attractions in Busan, look no further than the Skyline Luge. This was so much fun, it was one of those activities where you spend most of it smiling and laughing. My inner child was well and truly awakened.

The Skyline Luge involves speeding down 4 tracks in a toboggan-like kart (this is called a luge). To reach each track you need to take a ski lift called the Skyride which involves a quick jump on and an even faster departure. You then race down the track and take the Skyride again for the next track. You control the luge’s speed, but I recommend going fast for the full experience.

You can purchase between 2 and 5 passes. Since there are 4 tracks, we bought 4 passes, which was just enough to enjoy ourselves without getting tired of it.

Costs from and can be booked online to avoid queues.

Getting there: Located a 30 minute bus ride from Haeundae, it’s also near Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Lotte World Adventure Busan.

9. Diamond Tower

Diamond Tower (also known as Busan Tower) is the city’s most iconic landmark sweeping views over Busan. 120 meters tall in Yongdusan Park, this tower has been Busan’s symbol since 1973. Getting there is half the fun, you take futuristic escalators up through the hillside that make you feel like you’re traveling through a galactic tunnel with neon lights everywhere.

The observation deck gives you panoramic views of Busan’s coastline, the busy port, and the entire city spread out below. Every night there is light show where colourful graphics get projected onto the windows. The views are especially spectacular at sunset when the whole city starts glowing.

Inside, there are interactive displays and themed rooms with a submarine motif, plus a fun scavenger hunt where you search for QR codes throughout the observatory to win little prizes. Some people find it a bit over-the-top with all the flashy decorations, but I thought it was charming rather than cheesy.

It’s open daily until 10 PM, and the views alone make it worth the visit, you really get a sense of just how massive and sprawling Busan is from up there.

10. Jangsan Mountain

Jangsan Mountain is a picturesque hike that showcases the best of Busan’s landscape. The hike involves seemingly endless views of the city and coastline, a waterfall, and a fun mix of forested trails and rocky paths.

There are a number of different trails but the best is to go to Jangsan’s summit which is 634 metres, you will pass Jangsan Waterfall through lush forest paths climbing stone and wood stair cases you’ll eventually reach Jungbong Observatory which involves a few hundred steps on a wooden broad walk.

A cool part of Jangsan Mountain is the Neodal Zone where many large boulders form to create a dramatic rock slide to the base of the mountain.

The complete hike takes about 5 hours up and back. It’s moderately challenging but very diverse and enjoyable. I recommend arriving before 11 AM during Spring as it gets hot up here.

Getting there: Most people start the hike at Daecheon Park. The closest metro station to the park is Jangsan Station, it is then a 25 minute walk from there. Alternatively, bus numbers 30, 38, 40, 63, 115-1, 181, 1001 go to Daelim Apartments , from here it is a 10 minute walk to Daecheon Park.

11. Huinnyeoul Culture Village

Huinnyeoul is another one of Busan’s culture villages. Although much smaller and with fewer crowds, Huinnyeoul’s origins are the same as Gamcheon Culture Village. Clusters of houses built hastily to accommodate the large influx of refugees. Locals and artists then renovated the village in 2011.

The village has a relaxed vibe, thanks to the coastal views, and where Gamcheon involves lots of uphill walking, Huinnyeoul is actually a descent. There are many charming cafes and boutiques dotted around, with many houses painted white and blue which can sometimes momentarily transport you to a Greek or Spanish island town. It’s one of Busan’s most Instagrammable places and often touted as “Korea’s Santorini”, but I’ll let you be the judge of that.

Huinnyeoul also featured in the 2013 movie “The Attorney” with Song Kang-Ho along with many K-Dramas which has made the village popular among locals. There are even quotes from the movie throughout the village.

Huinnyeoul Highlights

You only need about 2 hours here, including a cafe visit. There is another nice walk nearby called Jeoryeong Coastal Walk which starts at Huinnyeoul.

12. Jeoryeong Coastal Walk

Once a restricted military zone, the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk is a 3 kilometre trail that hugs Busan’s rugged coastline. The first part is pretty straightforward, you’re walking on paved paths with colourful mosaic murals telling the story of the area. But once you pass through the Huinnyeoul Coastal Tunnel, things get more interesting.

The trail becomes much more natural and challenging, with pebble beaches, rocky sections, and some serious cliff edges. You’ll cross suspension bridges that connect different rock formations, wander through forest sections, and hit several viewpoints that make the whole walk worth it.

The highlight is definitely the Haneul Observatory Skywalk which has a transparent glass floor that may be the closest you get to walking on water.

Budget about 1 hour 30 minutes for the full walk, though you could easily spend longer if you stop to take photos at all the scenic spots. It’s one of those walks where the scenery keeps changing, so you never get bored.

To get back to Busan you can either walk back to Huinnyeoul or get the 508 bus from Hamjigol Training Center to Busan Station.

13. Gwangalli Beach Drone Show

Gwangalli beach is one of the best beaches in Busan. Twice weekly on Saturday evenings at 8 pm and 10 pm, Gwangalli Beach hosts a very cool drone show with rotating themes.

For 10 minutes, hundreds of synchronized drones create intricate formations ,everything from vehicles and mythical creatures to architectural structures. The energy at Gwangalli is electric during these shows, with massive crowds gathering and upbeat music pumping through speakers. it felt like we were waiting for a huge K-pop star rather than a drone show.

The show also runs in the winter with festive themes but shows could be occasionally cancelled if there is bad weather.

After the show the town’s bars are restaurants a buzzing with people looking for after-show entertainment. It’s such a great atmosphere. I also recommend arriving at Gwangalli a couple hours early to explore the excellent dining scene beforehand.

14. Dongbaek Park

This scenic clifftop trail offers some of the best coastal views in Haeundae, perfect for escaping the beach crowds. Starting just west of Haeundae Beach, the 450 metre wooden boardwalk meanders along the coastline with constant ocean vistas on your left.

The route is mostly flat with a few stairs and one small suspension bridge that adds a bit of fun to the walk due to its bounciness. Plenty of benches are scattered along the way if you want to pause and soak in the scenery. The highlight is the 8 foot bronze statue of Princess Hwangok, a mythical mermaid who supposedly mourned for her lost homeland of Naranda while sitting on these very rocks.

The trail ends at Dongbaekseom Lighthouse, which honestly looks like something you’d find on a Greek island rather than Korea. This white lighthouse sits on a small rocky outcrop surrounded by water, creating a photogenic spot that doubles as an observation deck with views across to the Diamond Bridge.

Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light, though be prepared to wait your turn, this place is packed with couples taking photos. There’s also a small temple nearby that offers a different angle for shots, and you might catch some locals doing their morning Tai Chi routines up there.

15. Jagalchi Market

Jagalchi Market is Korea’s largest fish market, and I’ll be honest, it can feel pretty intimidating when you first walk in but it is one of the must visit attractions in Busan South Korea. You’re hit with this massive space packed with hundreds of stalls selling live crabs, squirming octopus, and just about every type of seafood you can imagine. I didn’t recognise many of the sea creatures. The seafood is super fresh and is still alive.

Here’s how it works: you pick your seafood downstairs, then head up to the second floor restaurants to have it cooked. Be prepared for some extra costs, there’s a 5,000 won per person seating charge and 15,000 won for cooking on top of whatever you pay for the seafood itself. The vendors sometimes throw in some free clams or extras, which is a nice touch.

The upstairs dining area is pretty no-frills with service that moves fast. But honestly, the seafood is incredibly fresh and you can have it prepared exactly how you want it.

Although I like some seafood, I’m typically weary of fish I haven’t tried before, so I didn’t think I’d get much from the market but actually ended up with crab, abalone and eel which all tasted great.

The market is surprisingly clean and doesn’t have that overwhelming fishy smell you’d expect. The fishmongers don’t mind if you take photos and generally just let you browse. If you want specific recommendations, stalls 125 and 183 in the indoor market had the friendliest service when I visited.

Don’t skip the observation deck on the fourth floor for some great harbour views. A bit of haggling is expected if you’re comfortable with it, but don’t stress too much about it.

16. Jeonpo Cafe Street

Korea is all about their cafes, cafe hopping is a real past-time here, the cafes are themed, the cakes are aesthetic and the coffee is good.

Located in the Seomyeon district, just a 2 minute walk from Jeonpo station, Jeonpo Cafe Street is home to many cafes. Once a hardware street until 2009 when it slowly started to transition with trendy cafes and restaurants began moving in, renovating old houses, factories, and warehouses. However, a few hardware stores still operate here today.

Its popularity soared in 2017 when the New York Times named Jeonpo Cafe Street as one of the 52 Places to visit in 2017.

In recent years due to increases in rent small independent cafes have been pushed out of Jeonpo Cafe Street in place of big franchises and bars. Due to this there are more unique and independently owned cafes on Jeonpo’s side streets, rather than the original main street.

Personally, I found Haeridan-gil to feel more authentic and local with higher quality cafes, so if you have to choose between the two I would go to Haeridan-gil.

17. Chinatown

Dating back to 1884, this is Korea’s only Chinatown, referred to as “Shanghai Street” and one of the most interesting attractions in Busan, as it’s not really a Chinatown, well probably not in the way that you’re expecting.

I was hoping to find some typical Chinese street food but instead found many Russian and Uzbek shops and restaurants.

Although Chinese do live here and there are two schools Chinese Middle School and Busan Chinese Kindergarten, there are also many Russians and Koryo-saram (ethnic Koreans from former Soviet Union) who immigrated to Korea for a better life. Chinatown was an affordable place in Busan to settle so the area is strongly influenced by these countries.

Although if you’re looking for a Chinatown like London, New York, or Bangkok then this might be a slight let down, I still recommend coming here but you only need an hour at most to see it. It’s located across from Busan Station so can be easily visited while you wait for a bus or train.

Things To Do In Busan’s Chinatown

Close to Chinatown is Texas Street, an entertainment district with many bars and clubs, it’s also known as a red light district. I was pretty disappointed thinking there might be some good American food joints and bars. Aside from the name there is nothing American about it.

18. Haeundae Traditional Market

Another well known market in Busan is Haeundae’s Traditional Market. This is a small but lively street with delicious street food and fish restaurants.

You can try plenty of Korea’s famous food here from hot and sticky hotteok, crispy pork belly kimchi hotdogs, crispy soft spicy tteokbokki to fresh honeycomb ice-cream and sweet tanghulu.

Along with street stalls, there are many popular seafood restaurants such as Darudong and Lobster and Alaska King Crab. Come here with an empty belly, it will be filled pretty quickly.

Open from 9 AM, this market is best experienced at night when it becomes more vibrant. Some of the best food in Busan can be found here.

19. Goraesa Eomuk

If you’re in Haeundae and love food, don’t miss eomuk. It’s a classic Korean fishcake made with ground fish, eggs, veggies, and seasonings, usually served on a skewer with a warm, flavorful broth. Simple but so addictive, it’s one of the best street snacks you can grab.

A great place to try it is Goraesa Eomuk on Gunam-ro. This shop is huge and does fishcakes in all kinds of styles and flavours: crab, abalone, spicy stuffed peppers, pork, hotdog-style, even seaweed-wrapped ones.

The setup is casual, you take a tray, pick whatever catches your eye, pay, and then heat them up yourself in the microwave (about a minute). They’ve even got free soup next to the microwave, which is perfect with the fishcakes.

If you’d rather take some home, Goraesa also sells sealed packs you can reheat later.

20. Songdo Cable Car

Launched in 1964 as Korea’s first ever cable car, Songdo Cable Car (also called Busan Air Cruise) offers a completely different perspective of Busan’s coastline with its lovely 1.6 km (15 minute) ride to the mountain park. You reach heights of 86 metres.

There have been major refurbishments since its opening, with the introduction of clear glass bottom cabins for a more thrilling ride. We visited in the evening which was perfect timing as we enjoyed both daylight and night views during the journey. There’s even a fun feature where you can connect your music to the cable car speakers via bluetooth, though the volume is quite soft.

At both ends of the Songdo Cable Car, you’ll find nice walking paths, cafes, and photo spots, making it easy to spend a whole afternoon in the area. The park on the mountain side has some excellent trails (up to 4.5km) and don’t miss the suspension bridge to the small island, it costs 1,000 won (€0.60/$.70/£.52) to cross but the views are absolutely worth it.

Just be prepared for lots of stairs and steep inclines if you’re walking to the top, as it takes about 15 minutes of solid climbing. You’ll also find food stalls at the Sky Park station and lots of friendly stray cats wandering around the area.

The Sky Park also features unique attractions like Korea’s first cable car museum, Asia’s first midair VR Sky Swing, and romantic spots where you can write wishes on dragon scales or lock love padlock

Operating hours vary by season: January-February and December 9:00-20:00, March-June and September-November 9:00-21:00, and July-August 9:00-22:00.

Buses 26, 61, 171, 134 go from Busan Station while 172 leaves from Busan Station Back Gate. The buses drop you a 12 minute walk from Songdo Cable Car.

21. Moontan Road

Moontan Road is often called the place “where people meet the moon,” and it definitely lives up to its name. The trail is lit from sunset until 11 pm, and again from 5 am until sunrise, making it an ideal spot for a romantic evening walk.

The path itself is about 3 km (1.8 miles) long and runs alongside the Busan Green Railway. It’s an easy walk on a mostly flat trail through a peaceful pine forest. The trees provide plenty of shade during the day, and every so often, the forest opens up to views of the coast and the colourful Sky Capsules passing by.

Starting from Dalmaji-gil Road (famous for its cherry blossoms in spring), the trail also features an observation deck where you can take in views of Igidae, Dongbaekseom, and Gwangan Bridge. Don’t miss the picturesque Haewoljeong Pavilion along the way, it’s the perfect photo spot.

22. Busan Green Railway

Right beneath the Blueline Sky Capsule Park, you’ll find the Busan Green Railway, a 4.8 km (3 mile) wooden boardwalk that runs from Mipo Station through Cheongsapo all the way to Songjeong Beach. With ocean views and the colourful Sky Capsules gliding above you, it’s easily one of the best walks you can do in Haeundae.

The trail includes two observation decks worth stopping at. About 1 km in, you’ll reach the Sea and Moon Observatory (해월전망대), which only opened in July 2024. A little further along is the Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory (청사포 다릿돌전망대), a glass platform that gives you heart-racing views straight down to the waves below.

From Cheongsapo, it’s another 2 km (1.2 miles) to Songjeong Beach. Once there, you can either hop on the metro back to Haeundae or walk back via Moontan Road, a peaceful pine forest trail.

The walk itself is easy and takes about an hour each way, with plenty of cute cafés dotted along the path, perfect for grabbing a sweet treat or a coffee break (because it’s Korea, after all).

Cheongsapo stop

Since you’ll be passing through Cheongsapo anyway, it’s worth taking a short detour. This little seaside village is full of charm, with the Cheongsapo Twin Lighthouses, vibrant murals, and local delacies like baked shellfish. While you’re there, don’t miss the Cheongsapo Sakuragi Level Crossing, a popular photo spot where the beach train rumbles by right next to the sea.

23. BIFF Square

BIFF Square used to be just a couple of old cinemas from after Japanese rule, but they gave it a massive renovation for the first Busan International Film Festival and renamed it BIFF Square back in 1996.

It’s pretty much Busan’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame, along this 428 metre pedestrian street are actors handprints all over the ground, and if you’re lucky you might spot some movie stars you know.

Similar to Myeongdong, the highlight of BIFF Square are all the food stalls where you can find the best of Busan street food like fishcake skewers (odeng), green onion pancakes, K-Dogs, and Tteokbokki. You have to try Hotteok, Busan has their own version which is filled with seeds and drizzled in honey, soo good. There are also many shops, restaurants and bars.

The food stalls generally open at 12 PM until 10 PM, but the atmosphere is better in the evening.

24. Boat Ride To Oryukdo Island

Hop on a 50 minute scenic cruise for a different perspective of Haeundae.

The boat departs from the cruise terminal on Haeundae Beach, right across from the well-known Horangi mochi shop.

The route passes by Dongbaek Island, Orwangran Bridge, Igidae, and Oryukdo Island. If you go in the evening, there’s also a night cruise option that takes you past the beautifully lit-up Gwangan Bridge.

The boat itself has two levels: a covered lower deck and an open-air upper deck. One of the highlights of the trip was when the crew tossed crackers into the water, within seconds, a huge flock of seagulls (easily 150 or more) swooped in and followed the boat for a good 15 minutes. Watching them dive and soar alongside us was surprisingly fun.

25. Bosu Book Street

The smell of old books hits you immediately once you turn down this little alley, where 4-6 foot stacks of books are threatening to topple. Also called “Bosu-dong, this alley’s roots date back to the Korean war when North Korean refugees started selling books from boxes.

It’s a maze of tiny shops with books stacked on shelves, walls, and take up nearly all the space so you can barely navigate through. Most books are in Korean and Chinese, if you’re willing to hunt then you can find English books scattered randomly in different sections.

Hidden cafes are also tucked away in basements or up rickety staircases that seem to lead nowhere. Uri-geulbang is perfect if you need a rest, great atmosphere with small desserts, coffee and drinks surrounded by second-hand books, posters and LPs.

26. Centum City Mall

If you’re looking for attractions in Busan for a rainy day, head to Centum City Mall. Once recognised by the Guinness World Records as the largest shopping complex in the world (it’s since lost the title, but it’s still absolutely massive), this place is big enough to keep you busy for hours.

The complex connects Shinsegae Department Store and Lotte Trevi Mall, with everything from fast-fashion brands like Zara and H&M to high-end names like Dior and Chanel. That said, the real gems are the Korean brands, especially the stylish boutiques on the ground floor of Centum City, which I loved exploring.

Don’t miss the basement-level food hall, which is packed with tempting stalls. It’s the perfect spot to try local bites like yubuchobap (tofu pockets filled with rice), beef rolls, dumplings, the famous Purin pudding, and even the trendy Parisian “crookie.”

If you still have energy after all that shopping and eating, the Busan Museum of Art and BEXCO (Busan Exhibition and Convention Center) are right next door and often host interesting events and exhibitions.

27. Spa Land Centum City

Spa Land Centum City is something to have up your sleeve for a rainy day or when you just need to relax. It’s a massive Korean spa (jjimjilbang) inside the world’s largest department store, and honestly one of the best experiences you can have in Busan.

For approximately 22,000 won ($16/€13/£12) you get 4 hours access to everything, and if you spend over 10,000 won ($7/€6/£5) on food or treatments you get an extra 2 hours, which is ridiculously easy to do. The whole place runs on 100% natural thermal water pumped up from 1000 meters underground. There are two types, one with bicarbonate sodium that’s supposed to be amazing for your skin (they call it the ‘Beauty bathtub’), and another with sodium chloride that’s more like seawater for heat retention.

Rather than some Japanese and Turkish spas you don’t have to get naked in front of any strangers, instead you get pyjama like outfits and just wander around barefoot exploring outdoor foot pools, about a dozen different sauna rooms, and theme rooms with stuff like ion therapy or salt rooms. This also means the spa is not segregated into male/female areas so it’s a perfect thing to do in Busan for couples.

Unlike European saunas, there’s no seating, everyone just sits or lies on the floor, and the temperatures are so mild you’ll see people taking naps. There’s relaxation areas where locals are just chilling on their phones or having a snooze, along with a snack bar with complimentary soft-serve ice cream, yum!

The whole setup is foreigner-friendly and perfect if you’re a first-timer to a Korean spa. Kids under 12 aren’t allowed so it’s actually peaceful, and you get this plastic bracelet that works as your locker key and payment system.

28. Lotte World

Lotte World is a small theme park located on the outskirts of Haeundae. The rides are more kid-friendly but there are a few 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.

29. SEA LIFE BUSAN

SEA LIFE Busan is right on Haeundae Beach, making it super easy to visit, and it’s home to more than 10,000 creatures across 250 species. You’ll spot everything from sharks and turtles to otters, seahorses, and penguins.

There are daily feeding sessions where divers jump in and share fun facts about the animals, which makes it more engaging. For something extra, you can even hop on a glass-bottom boat and feed some of the fish yourself, it’s a pretty unique experience.

Honestly, this was one of the coolest aquariums I’ve been to. My favourite part was watching the penguins zip through the water and dive right past the glass, it felt like they were showing off for us.

30. Cafe With A View In Haeundae

Haeundae is home to some of Busan’s best cafes, making it perfect for cafe hopping between beach activities.

Rendeja-vous

One of the best cafes in Busan with sweeping seaside views of the entire Haeundae coastline. There’s a dedicated photo spot on the second floor, and their pistachio and strawberry cake is incredible.

TIDE Coffee Roasters

Tucked away down a nondescript side street, this hidden gem surprises with stunning views once you’re inside. The minimalist space features black walls and a long low counter. Their focused coffee menu delivers quality over quantity – the vanilla bean latte is outstanding.

Edge 993

This rooftop cafe and wine bar on the 3rd floor serves creative drinks like strawberry lattes, sweet potato lattes, and einspanner alongside classic coffee options.

31. Day Trip

Finally, if you are in Busan for a few days you might want to explore some of the best things to do nearby.

Gyeongju (1 hour by KTX): Used to be the Silla Kingdom’s capital for nearly 1,000 years, and you can tell, there’s old stuff everywhere. Ancient burial mounds just randomly pop up between apartment buildings, and you’ve got major sites like Bulguksa Temple within walking distance of each other. Great if you’re into history and don’t mind doing a lot of walking.

Daegu (1 hour by KTX):Korea’s fourth-largest city sits in a mountain-surrounded basin about 80km northwest of Busan. Known for its spicy food scene and authentic street food markets, it offers great mountain hiking and a more genuine urban Korean experience without international crowds.

Oedo Island Day Tour with Windy Hill: Located off Geoje Island (about 2 hours from Busan), this combines a stunning botanical island garden with dramatic clifftop views. Oedo Botania features Mediterranean-style landscaping while nearby Windy Hill is famous as a K-drama filming location showcasing Korea’s rugged southern coastline.

Mt. Naejangsan: Located in Jeollabuk-do province (about 2.5 hours from Busan), this mountain is considered one of Korea’s most beautiful, especially during autumn’s maple leaf season. The national park features ancient temples like Naejangsa nestled among peaks and some of Korea’s most photographed fall foliage.

Gamsamida – thank you for reading my list of attractions in Busan. Keep reading for FAQ’s with more tips.

Map Of Attractions In Busan

Attractions In Busan FAQ

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