Everyone knows about Busan, but planning a trip can still be overwhelming. The city is vast with so much to see and do! To make your visit to Busan easier, here’s a curated guide highlighting the must-see attractions and experiences. A guide for first-time visitors to Busan.
See all major tourist destinations in Busan at a glance
Reference: TRIPLEKorea
① Must visit when in Busan
Exploring the essential tourist spots
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Visit Haeundae and Gwangan Bridge, staples in any portrayal of Busan, as well as Taejongdae and Jagalchi Market, which are iconic in their own right. These renowned landmarks offer both memorable experiences and excellent accessibility.
How to enjoy Busan's landmarks
Take a stroll along the expansive sandy shores of Haeundae
Drive across the Gwangan Bridge, stretching gracefully over the blue waters of Busan
Capture stunning photos with the endless sea as your backdrop at Taejongdae
Savor local delicacies at BIFF Square
7 Must-see tourist attractions
- Haeundae BeachAttractionBusan(Haeundae)
- Gwangalli BeachAttractionBusan
- TaejongdaeAttractionBusan(Youngdo/Songdo)
- BIFF SquareAttractionBusan(Nampodong)
- Haedong Yonggungsa TempleAttractionBusan
- Jagalchi MarketAttractionBusan(Nampodong)
- Gamcheon Culture VillageAttractionBusan
② Food that is extra special in Busan
Taste the specialty of Busan
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Reference: rawkkim / unsplash.com
Reference: shutterstock.com
Reference: shutterstock.com
Busan's cuisine has its own unique flavor. From the cold jellyfish salad and spicy mustard-seasoned Naengchae Jokbal to the thick, chewy Tteokbokki made with Garaetteok and Ssiat Hotteok, each dish is infused with Busan's distinct twist, making them both novel and delicious.
How to best appreciate the food of Busan
Try Milmyeon at the top three spots: Gaya Milmyeon, Gukje Milmyeon, and Gaegum Milmyeon
Enjoy Ssiat Hotteok while exploring the market
Dip Sundae in spicy dipping sauce
Savor grilled clams at Cheongsapo
Search for your favorite Dwaeji-gukbap place
Where to Taste Busan Cuisine
- Wonjo Gaeguem MilmyeonRestaurantBusan
- Suyeong Dwaeji GukbapRestaurantBusan
- SuminineRestaurantBusan(Haeundae)
- HajinineRestaurantBusan(Haeundae)
- BIFF SquareAttractionBusan(Nampodong)
- Wonjo Busan JokbalRestaurantBusan(Nampodong)
③ Make special memories with the sea
Different ways to enjoy Busan sea
Reference: TRIPLEKorea
When you think of Busan, Haeundae may come to mind first, but there's much more to explore. At Songdo Beach, enjoy the transparent cable car and bridge for a closer look at the sea. At Dadaepo Beach, catch the stunning sunset fountain show in summer, combining a beautiful sunset with a captivating fountain display.
How to enjoy the sea in Busan
Stroll along Songdo Cloud Trails and ride Marine Cable Car
Watch the sunset at Dadaepo Beach.
Try or watch kite surfing at Dadaepo Beach
Experience surfing at Songjeong Beach
Where to enjoy the sea
- Songdo BeachAttractionBusan(Youngdo/Songdo)
- Songdo Cloud WalkAttractionBusan(Youngdo/Songdo)
- Songdo Marine Cable CarAttractionBusan(Youngdo/Songdo)
- Dadaepo BeachAttractionBusan
- Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of DreamAttractionBusan
- Songjeong BeachAttractionBusan
④ What a place!
Tour the up-and-coming destinations in Busan
Reference: TRIPLEKorea
The hottest spots for trendy cafés and camping are found in Busan’s Gijang. Although it's not the easiest to reach by public transport, the scenic coastal roads, picturesque cafés, and charming camping spots make it worth the trip. Head to Gijang to check out what the hype is all about.
For an in-depth exploration of Busan
Take a seaside café tour in Gijang
Capture your perfect shot at Ahopsan Forest
Enjoy camping at Orangdae Park in Gijang
Savor fresh seafood at Hanyeo Village
Hottest places in Gijang
- Waveon CoffeeRestaurantBusan
- Orangdae ParkAttractionBusan
- Ahopsan ForestAttractionBusan
- Hayden (Main Branch)RestaurantBusan
- Cafe BaseRestaurantBusan
⑤ Sites of modern and contemporary Korean history
Look around the town preserving the history of Busan
Reference: TRIPLEKorea
Busan, a refuge capital during the Korean War, is rich in modern history. Explore Tombstone Culture Village, built on a former Japanese cemetery due to lack of housing during the war, and Kangkangee Arts Village, home to Korea's first modern shipyard, for a meaningful look into Korea’s past.
To share the history of Busan
Find your favorite used book in Bosu-dong Bookstore Street
Ride monorail to Choryang Ibagu-gil
Take pictures in front of the murals of Kangkangee Arts Village and tour on a cruise ship
Explore Gukje Market and Kkangtong Market
Places preserving the history of Busan
- Bosu-dong Book StreetAttractionBusan
- Choryang Ibagu-gilAttractionBusan(Nampodong)
- Tombstone Culture VillageAttractionBusan
- Gukje MarketAttractionBusan(Nampodong)
- Bupyeong Kkangtong MarketAttractionBusan(Nampodong)
- Huinnyeoul Culture VillageAttractionBusan(Youngdo/Songdo)
- Provisional Capital Memorial HallAttractionBusan
⑥ A fusion of sea and city
Enjoy the night view unique to Busan
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Busan, a vibrant city by the sea, offers unique nighttime views. Enjoy nightscapes you can only experience in Busan - panoramic city and ocean views from Hwangnyeongsan Beacon Fire Station, and marvel at the stunning reflections of high-rise lights on the water in Marine City.
How to enjoy the night view of Busan
Sit at Gwangalli Beach and savor the night view of Gwangan Bridge
Enjoy a beer at The Bay 101 looking at Marine City
Appreciate the spectacular night view of Busan from Hwangnyeongsan Beacon Fire Station
Climb the Diamond Tower in Yongdusan Park if you like observatories
4 Top night view spots in Busan
- Gwangan BridgeAttractionBusan
- The Bay 101AttractionBusan(Haeundae)
- Hwangnyeongsan MountainAttractionBusan
- Diamond TowerAttractionBusan(Nampodong)
Check out this guide for more about Busan!