Busan

Busan's beaches are the big summertime draw but there is plenty to be seen year round. Quintessential experiences include taking some rest and relaxation at a local spa and exploring the Beomeosa temple complex.

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  • 1. Bujeon Market

    Busanjin-gu

    Just a short stroll from central Seomyeon is one of Busan's great treasures: Bujeon Market. This sprawling complex is the largest in the city, a dizzying, full-force blast to the senses that reminds you just how exciting Korea can be. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, kimchi, fresh fruit, chili powder, dried squid, veggies, or live turtles, Bujeon has it all, along with a festive, frenetic atmosphere that's sure to get your blood pumping and mouth watering. You don't even have to buy anything: the market is worth a visit just for the experience alone, though you'd be foolish not to snack at one of the many food stalls.

    23, Jungang-daero, 783 beon-gil, Bujeon-dong, Busan, Busan, 47250, South Korea
  • 2. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

    Haeundae-gu

    Built in 1376, this exquisite complex sits on the rocks right above the roiling ocean waves. Seaside temples are rare in Korea, and Yonggungsa is arguably the country's finest. Perfectly combining raw nature and architectural splendor, this temple is a must-see, delivering a dose of both exhilaration and serenity to anyone lucky enough to visit. Try to visit on a weekday if possible, as weekends get crowded.

    86, Yonggung-gil, Busan, Busan, 46803, South Korea
    051-722–7744
  • 3. Haeundae Beach

    Haeundae-gu

    This 1.5-km (.9 mile) expanse of white sand is the most popular in the country, which means there are parasols as far as the eye can see during the busiest weeks of the summer. Still, the beach is home to events year-round, including the Polar Bear Swim and the Jeongwol Daeborum Fire Festival in the winter; it also plays partial host to the Busan International Film Festival in October. Whatever the season, this gorgeous inner-city beach is a destination unto itself and, for most Koreans, is synonymous with "Busan." Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; fee parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; swimming; walking.

    264 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Jung-dong, Busan, Busan, 48094, South Korea
    051-749–4000
  • 4. UN Memorial Cemetery

    Nam-gu

    A visit here serves as a reminder of Korea's recent past and the continuing state of political affairs on the peninsula. During the Korean war, almost 41,000 UN soldiers lost their lives; and approximately 2,300 people, from eleven nations, are interred here. While all of the fallen from the USA and seven other countries have been repatriated, the flags of the twenty-one nations that participated fly over the cemetery today.

    93, UN Pyeonghwa-Ro, Busan, Busan, 48492, South Korea
    051-625–0625

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 5. 40 Steps

    Jung-gu

    Walking up this flight of 40 stairs is a symbolic act: the climber is reminded of the struggle of refugees displaced by the Korean War. During that time, the area was a transportation hub where refugees would gather to set up camp in makeshift housing and meet up with loved ones from whom they'd been separated after fleeing their hometowns. Today, the area pays tribute to this history with several statues.

    40gyedan-gil, Jungang-gu, Busan, Busan, South Korea
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  • 6. Beomeosa

    First constructed in 678 AD, Beomeosa Temple sits on the flank of Geumjeongsan mountain just on the outskirts of Busan, though it feels a world away from the bustling city below. This is one of Korea's most renowned Buddhist temple complexes and is a beautiful example of mid-Joseon Dynasty temple architecture. Beomeosa is a sizable temple so give yourself plenty of time to explore—the main hall houses the Seokgamoni Buddha and two bodhisattvas; there are seven royal palace wings, three gates, and a bell pavilion with a three-story pagoda and a lantern dating from the Silla Dynasty. A free guided tour is available in English from the small office near the bus stop. Beomeosa also has a temple stay program if you care to spend the night. From Beomeosa station (exit 5) it's a five-minute walk to the bus station where bus 90 will take the rest of the way.

    250, Beomeosa-ro, Cheongyeong-dong, Busan, Busan, 46200, South Korea
    051-508–3122

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 7. BIFF Square

    Nampo-dong

    Packed with street food vendors and shopping stalls draped in neon lights, this lively area is also the main venue for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). It's sprinkled with first-run movie theaters and, like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, lined with handprints of the most famous Korean actors.

    58-1 Gudeok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, Busan, South Korea
  • 8. Busan Cinema Center

    Haeundae-gu

    Opened in 2011 as the official headquarters of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), this architectural award-winning complex not only houses editing rooms and scores of state-of-the-art cinemas, but also features the world's longest cantilever roof. Perhaps most impressive is the BIFF Archive, where you can check out any film screened in the festival's history and watch it on your own private viewer. 

    120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Busan, Busan, 48058, South Korea
    051-780–6000

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 9. Busan Museum

    Nam-gu

    Though it has a reputation for being slightly old-fashioned, the Busan Museum is ground zero for the art, culture, and history of Busan. Casual visitors may not be too interested in the first-floor galleries, but the second floor is fascinating. Here you'll find detailed explanation of the recent history of Busan and Korea, the Korean War, and the relationship between Japan and Korea. The video installations are all in Korean but the rest of the texts are in English.

    63, UN Pyeonghwa-ro, Busan, Busan, 48501, South Korea
    051-610–7111

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 10. Busan Museum of Art

    Haeundae-gu

    Hosting exhibitions by modern Korean artists rather than big name international draw cards is exactly what makes the BOMA interesting. Recent Korean art and design has a distinct aesthetic and is, in many cases, politically influenced. The BOMA offers visitors insight into recent Korean history and political thought through the eyes of the peninsula's artists. Located close to Centrum City, it is well worth taking an hour or so to visit.

    58, Apec-Ro, U-dong, Busan, Busan, 48060, South Korea
    051-744–2602

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free, Closed Mon.
  • 11. Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk

    Haeundae-gu

    One of three ocean observatories in Busan, this 72.5-meter (238-foot) long, 20-meter (66-foot) high platform is equipped with a transparent glass floor, giving visitors the illusion that they're walking on the water. It's an ideal place to catch the sunset, as the observatory provides a panoramic view of Cheongsapo Village, its lighthouse, and seashore.

    Jung-dong San, 3-9, Busan, Busan, 48095, South Korea
    051-749–5700
  • 12. Cheongsapo Village

    Haeundae-gu

    This little fishing village between Songjeong and Haeundae Beach is most famous for its restaurants specializing in grilled clams and eel. Once a hardscrabble collection of huts and seaside tents, the hamlet has seen a makeover in recent years and now hosts a few upscale cafes and Western-style eateries. It's just a thirty-minute walk down the coast from Songjeong Beach, making it an ideal side excursion. 

    Cheongsapo-ro, Jung-dong, Busan, Busan, 48113, South Korea
  • 13. Dongbaek Island

    Haeundae-gu

    With gorgeous views of the ocean and the Gwangan Diamond Bridge, Dongbaek offers a tranquil refuge among the camellias and pine trees and is a great place to stretch your legs on a stroll. The highlight of the island is the Nurimaru APEC House, which hosted world leaders for its big regional conference back in 2005. 

    116, Dongbaek-ro, U-dong, Busan, Busan, 48094, South Korea
  • 14. Gamcheon Cultural Village

    Nampo-dong

    Originally a hillside shanty town, Gamcheon Cultural Village has blossomed into one of the city's premier tourist attractions. In 2009 the tiny houses and warren of alleys and staircases were given a radical makeover, transforming this former slum into a chromatic mishmash of diminutive residences, art spaces, cafes, and vivid murals. While the village is open year-round, please keep in mind that this is a place where real people live and work, so please exercise courtesy and never take photographs of people without their permission. 

    200, Gamnae 1-ro, Ami-dong, Busan, Busan, 49266, South Korea
    1330-Korean Travel Helpline
  • 15. Geumgang Park Cable Car

    Dongnae-gu

    The massif of Geumjeongsan dominates much of the Busan skyline, and a visit to its ancient, fortress-topped ridge should be part of most any itinerary. The best way to access the mountain is from Geumgang Park, where you can ride the cable car and soak up spectacular views of the city during the 15-minute trip to the top. Enjoy your time up on the ridge by hiking its trails, and once you've worked up your appetite, be sure to stop off at the Sanseong Village for a hearty lunch of heok yeomso bulgogi (marinated black goat meat) or baeksuk (steamed ginseng chicken), along with a filling array of side dishes. Most of the restaurants in the village also provide a shuttle van that will ferry you to back down to the city and drop you off at Oncheonjang Station, completing the loop. 

    155, Ujangchun-ro, Oncheon-dong, Busan, Busan, 47731, South Korea

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: One way ₩5,000; return ₩8,000, Not wheelchair accessible
  • 16. Gwangalli Beach

    Suyeong-gu

    Even though it attracts fewer tourists and more locals than the neighboring Haeundae Beach, the sands here are equally beautiful and the views much better, especially with the Gwangan Diamond Bridge spanning the bay. The area is packed with cafés and bars overlooking the water, so it's an excellent place for a sunset or late night stroll. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunrise; surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

    219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Busan, Busan, 613-102, South Korea
    051-622–4251

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 17. Gwangan Diamond Bridge

    Suyeong-gu

    Busan's most iconic landmark is this suspension bridge, an architectural marvel spanning from Haeundae district to Suyeong district. At 7,420 meters (4.6 miles) long, it's the second longest bridge in South Korea. The best spot to get a glimpse is from Gwangalli Beach just across the water. 

    Busan, Busan, South Korea
    051-780–0077
  • 18. Haeundae LCT The Sharp

    Haeundae-gu

    Marvel at sweeping views from the observatory at the top of this 1,352-foot landmark tower, the second-tallest building in Korea. On clear days you can see the distinct rise of Japan's Tsushima Island in the distance.

    1058-2 Jung-1(il)dong, Busan, Busan, 48094, South Korea

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: ₩27,000
  • 19. Heoshimcheong Spa

    Dongnae-gu

    Said to be the the largest natural hot spring spa in all of Asia, this mammoth, pavilion-like complex is the granddaddy of soaking in Busan. There are more than 40 different kinds of baths available, including large open areas, cozy grottos, green tea and waterfall baths, as well outdoor pools. These range in temperature from geyser hot to glacially cold, so if one pool doesn't suit your taste, you're sure to find a perfect fit the next one over. The Heoshimcheong also includes a unisex jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) with heated rooms and relaxation areas, along with a nightclub, hotel, banquet rooms, as well a massive German-style hof where they brew beer their own beer and serve it up with sausages and pretzels. There's also a house band that rocks the roof off the place seven nights a week.

    23, Geumganggongwon-ro, 20 beon-gil, Oncheon-jang, Busan, Busan, 47709, South Korea
    051-550–2200

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: ₩12,000
  • 20. Igidae Coastal Trail

    Nam-gu

    Affording some of the most breathtaking vistas in the city, this 2.9 mile–long path winds along through pine forests, rugged beaches, and up and over the kind of rocky outcroppings that define the Korean coast. Though it's just a stone's throw from the sometimes claustrophobic crush of the city, you'll feel as if you've stepped into an unspoiled world. Igidae is the perfect place to move your muscles and and clear your head while taking in views of the Gwangan Diamond Bridge, Dongbaek Island, and the azure stretch of the East Sea. 

    105-20 Igidaegongwon-ro, Yongho 3(sam)-dong, Busan, Busan, 48577, South Korea

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free

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