There are so many amazing places to visit in Busan, South Korea!
Busan is nestled on the coast in southeast South Korea. It is the second-largest city in the country and is a popular vacation destination with beaches, delicious seafood, and fun activities.
I loved my time in this beautiful city and know you will too. There are Busan attractions for all types of tourists whether you are interested in nature, culture, or finding the best views.
For great Busan tourist resources, I suggest visiting the Haeundae Tourist Information Center near Haeundae Beach. I went there a few times and the English-speaking workers helped me plan.
Now, let’s dive into the best things to do in Busan, SK!
15 Places To Visit in Busan, South Korea, For First-Time Visitors
Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is one of the most popular tourist places in Busan. As a bonus, this beautiful, white sand beach is free! Lined with skyscrapers, this is where the city meets the sea.
With a mile of coastline, this beach is a fantastic place to explore. Rent a beach chair under a colorful umbrella, soak in the sun, and take a dip in the clear water.
Fun events are also held here in spring and summer, including the Haeundae Sand Festival and the Busan Sea Festival.
Check out my other tips for traveling to South Korea!
This is one of the top places to visit in Busan for sunset so have your camera ready!
I stayed in this area during my trip to Busan and loved being close to many attractions. The beach is one of the top South Korea famous places.
Tourists and locals alike love it.
Look Here: Full-Day Busan City Tour
Haeundae Beach Train
Continue your fun beach day by riding the Haeundae Beach Train. Hop aboard at the Haeundae Blueline Park Mipo Station near the eastern end of Haeundae Beach.
You will love the scenic journey along the coast! There are six stops on the 3-mile railway. You can buy a one-way or roundtrip ticket. It takes about 30 minutes each way.
This ride is one of the most fun things to do in Korea for the entire family.
Look Here: Blue Line Park Train Ticket
Book Here: Busan: Full-Day City Tour with Blueline Park Beach Train
Haeundae Sky Capsule
An alternate to the train is the Haeundae Sky Capsule.
This is one of the most iconic Busan attractions with the small colorful capsules to ride in.
The Sky Capsule follows the same route as the train but runs on an elevated railway making it a unique experience. Each car fits four people.
I had wanted to ride the Sky Capsule but could not get tickets. Because it is so popular for Busan travelers, I highly suggest buying tickets in advance.
Book Here: Busan: Coastal Wonders & Cultural Gems Tour with Sky Capsule
Busan Green Railway Coastal Walking Trail
The Busan Green Railway Coastal Walking Trail is yet another way to explore the same path as the train and capsules but on foot.
This is what to do in Busan if the crowded train is too claustrophobic or you can’t snag tickets for the capsules. It is also great if you prefer a slower pace or a chance to stretch your legs.
The easy, wooden path is a wonderful spot to take photos as you walk among trees and take in panoramic views of the water.
The trail is about 6 miles round trip but you can do as little or as much as you want or have time for.
Look Here: Gamcheon Village and Haeundae Blueline Park Tour
Dongbaek Island Coastal Promenade
For another pretty walk, head to the western side of Haeundae Beach for the Dongbaek Island Coastal Promenade. I loved this walk because it provides a postcard-worthy scene of the Busan skyline and beach.
Near the start of the trail, look for the Princess Hwangok Mermaid Statue. Soon after, you will cross a suspension bridge. At the end of the peninsula stands the Dongbaekseom Lighthouse.
The coastal promenade is about half a mile roundtrip. The boardwalk is easy to traverse with a few steps.
You can also do the Dongbaekseom Island Circular Trail. This loop is about half a mile and will lead you to the peak of the park.
Dongbaek is Korean for “camellia” so look for the pretty flowers as you explore the former island. If you love nature, this is one of the places to go in Busan, SK!
Herer I am during my coastal walk along Dongbaek Island Coastal Promenade
Haeundae Traditional Market
After enjoying all the fun the Haeundae Beach area offers, it is a short walk to the Haeundae Traditional Market. Fill up on authentic Korean food before checking out more of Busan.
There are a ton of stalls selling fresh produce and seafood, as well as tasty street food. You can also buy clothing, souvenirs, and more.
Most vendors accept credit cards but have cash on hand just in case.
You must experience this market while visiting Busan! The lively atmosphere and tantalizing aroma of cooking food will leave you smiling.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Of course, you cannot visit South Korea without learning about the rich culture! The photogenic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is nestled right on the rocky coast.
Originally dating back to 1376, this Buddhist temple was rebuilt in the 1930s after being destroyed in a fire. Today, it is one of the best free things to do in Busan!
The temple honors the Sea Goddess Buddha of Mercy and is overseen by her statue.
This is one of the more unique temples in South Korea because of its seaside location so make sure to add it to your Busan itinerary.
Book Here: Busan: Full-Day City Tour
Look Herre: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Camellias Island and More
Gwangalli M Drone Light Show
The Gwangalli M Drone Light Show is one of the coolest attractions in Busan!
You must take time on Saturday night to ooh and ahh over this dazzling example of technology. I absolutely loved it!
Join the crowds at Gwangalli Beach to watch the colorful drone lights form pictures in the sky while music plays. The show is about ten minutes long and is perfect for all ages.
A jungle bird during the drone show I attended in Busan!
Magnate Cafe
If you are a BTS fan like me, you must visit the famous Magnate Cafe! It is owned by Park Hyun-soo, the father of Jimin, a member of the world-renowned K-pop group.
You will find BTS merch, signed albums, and fan letters to Jimin in the cafe. This is a destination for the BTS ARMY!
There is also a case full of tasty desserts and pastries. Order a coffee and a treat for yourself. Jimin’s father might even serve you!
I am a huge K-pop fan, so I made sure to stop by Magnate on my Busan trip!
A visit to Magnate is a must for all ARMY!
BIFF Square
Known as the site for the Busan International Film Festival, BIFF Square has theaters and handprints on the sidewalk from actors and actresses similar to those in Hollywood.
This is also another fantastic place to enjoy street food. One of the most popular things to try is ssiat hotteok, a sweet pancake filled with seeds.
With so many food stalls, this is one of the best places to visit in Busan for foodies!
Book Here: Explore Busan: Cultural Highlights and Scenic Full-Day Tour
Places to Visit In Busan: Hwangnyeongsan Mountain
If you want to enjoy the best views of Busan, you have to go hiking at Hwangnyeongsan Mountain! This is a gorgeous nature spot and the top place to see the sprawling city.
Slip on some sturdy shoes, pack snacks and a water bottle, and plan a few hours to explore the many trails. If you are into photography, bring a camera because you will want to snap epic city shots!
You can hike (or drive) to the Hwangnyeong Mountain Observatory for an amazing sunset location. You can also grab a drink at the Hwangnyeongsan Observatory Cafe.
The skyline viewpoint is one of the top things to see in Busan, Korea!
Book Here: Busan: Night Viewpoints with Evening Cruise w/ Fireworks
Places To Visit In Busan: Busan X the Sky
For a more urban observation point, visit Busan X the Sky.
The observatory is on the 98th, 99th, and 100th floors of the Haeundae LCT The Sharp’s Landmark Tower. This is the tallest building in Busan and the second tallest in South Korea.
The Sky Cruize elevator shoots you up to the 100th floor in 56 seconds. Visual and sound effects make it feel like you are floating through the sky in a hot air balloon.
Once you arrive at the top, you will be awed by the views. Busan X the Sky overlooks Haeundae Beach and features a restaurant, cafes, an art gallery, and a shop.
Places To Visit In Busan: Songdo Beach
Next, it is time to move to the Songdo Beach area with plenty of great Busan activities.
Songdo Beach opened in 1913 as the first public beach in Korea. The white sand beach is about half a mile long. The clear water is perfect for swimming.
Like with Haeundae Beach, many events and festivals occur here including the Songdo National Marine Sports Competition in October.
The city has done a lot recently to make this beach one of the best places to see in Busan, so make sure to visit.
Look Here: Jagalchi Market & Gamcheon Village Walking Tour
Places To Visit In Busan: Songdo Cloud Trails
Connected to Songdo Beach, the Songdo Cloud Trails, also called the Songdo Skywalk, is a fun place for a walk.
The flat boardwalk is just under a quarter mile long. Some glass floor portions allow you to look down into the water.
The trail leads you to Geobugseom (Turtle Island) and back to the mainland on a colorful, mosaic path.
This is a quick but cool attraction to check out when you visit Busan.
Look Here: Day Trip With Gamcheon Culture Village And Sky Walk
Places To Visit In Busan: Songdo Cable Cars
The Cloud Trails is next to the Songdo Bay Station where you can hop aboard the Songdo Marine Cable Car. If you are not afraid of heights, this is a must-do in Busan.
Also known as the Busan Air Cruise, these cable cars will bring you across the water to Songdo Sky Park in Amnam Park. The journey is one mile and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
You can buy one-way or return tickets. For a higher price, you can book the Crystal Cruise. These cable cars have transparent floors so you get a unique 360-degree view.
At Songdo Sky Park, you will find the Sky Harbor Observatory, cafes, restaurants, really cool photo ops, artworks, and other features.
This is easily one of the coolest tourist attractions in Busan!
Places To Visit In Busan South Kores Packing List
Here are some tips on packing lightly for your visit to Busan South Korea.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves would be handy in preventing identity theft.
World Traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel.
The Bobble replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
They are very comfortable. I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip-flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these very easy.
This cotton unisex lightweight scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.
If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.
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I only covered some of the best places to visit in Busan, South Korea, but this vibrant city has so much more to offer! From tasty street food to beautiful beaches, there are so many Korea Busan attractions!
If you have your own suggestions for stuff to do in Busan, leave them in the comments below!
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