Home Travel to Korea 10 must-see places in Busan, South Korea
Discover the Hidden Gems of Busan, South Korea
Unveiling the vibrant city of Busan, overlooked by many, is a delightful experience waiting to happen. Its bustling port serves as a gateway to a harmonious blend of captivating coastal and mountain landscapes, all while being immersed in a lively urban environment.
South Korea, renowned for its captivating allure, has emerged as an increasingly popular tourist destination. Drawing visitors with its modern metropolises, the country encapsulates the essence of awe-inspiring charm.
Among the noteworthy cities is Busan, the second largest in South Korea and celebrated for boasting the country's esteemed port. Here, a magnetic aura pervades, effortlessly uniting bustling urban landscapes with breathtaking natural wonders and a perfect blend of ancestral traditions with cutting-edge technology.
An air of tranquility envelopes Busan with its serene beaches invoking a sense of peace, futuristic bridges leaving visitors in awe, traditional neighborhoods teeming with charm, and ancient temples steeped in history. Embark on an unforgettable journey as we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the top attractions and activities to enjoy in Busan.
How to get to Busan from the airport?
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple In Busan
Gimhae International Airport is located close to Busan, so there's not much hassle in getting to the city. There are several ways to get there. Below, we tell you about all the options so you can choose the one that suits you best:
Buses: There are several intercity and express services that will take you to the centre of Busan. The journey time is 30 to 60 minutes. Lines: 11, 13, 307 and 1009. You will also find 2 limousine bus lines, the Haeundae Limousine and the Seomyeon/Busan Station Line Limousine.
Underground: B&G Metro's Light Rail service will take you to the city centre in 20 minutes. Major stops are: Sasang, Deokdu, Daejeo, Daesa, Buram, Jinae, Gimhae City Hall, Yeonji Park and Kaya University.
Taxis and private transfers: They are quite expensive and if there is a lot of traffic it may be counterproductive for your pocket, so perhaps the best option is to book a private transfer here with the price already fixed.
However, if you land at Incheon International Airport in Seoul, you can get to Busan on the fantastic KTX high-speed trains.
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Main points of interest to see in Busan
The most famous sights and attractions in Busan are varied and will offer you different experiences. From amazing beaches to enjoy the sea and sand to Buddhist temples full of beauty that will make you feel like you are in another world.
Below we tell you about those places that you can't miss if you visit Busan, although if you want to avoid complications you can always book a private tour of Busan with an English-speaking guide here..
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
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Nestled close to the coast lies a spectacular Buddhist temple, adding a unique charm as most temples are traditionally illuminated by mountaintops. Founded in 1376 by the visionary monk Naong Hwasang, a nocturnal revelation guided him to construct a temple by the sea.
The temple's existence was threatened during the late 16th century Imjin wars with Japan, which led to its destruction, fortunately, in 1970, restoration brought it back to life. In the present day, it courts a myriad of devotees and tourists mesmerized by its grandeur. The harmonious symphony of the ocean waves and the melodious chanting of Buddhist monks create a remarkably serene environment.
Exquisite deity statues, Buddha figures, and bridges captivate visitors. A 3-storey pagoda watched over by four lions is the temple's treasured jewel, containing precious Buddha relics. The temple invitation extends throughout the year, from the crack of dawn till sunset, with absolutely no admission fees.
Enjoy our detailed account on a visit to Busan's Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
Haeundae Beach: An Idyllic Summer Getaway in Busan
Haeundae Beach, often hailed as South Korea's most stunning beach, is a highly sought-after destination during the summer months. With its pristine white sands and shimmering turquoise waters, it captures the hearts of both locals and tourists alike.
This captivating beach offers more than just sunbathing and swimming. If you gaze towards the east, you'll be enchanted by the picturesque Dalmaji Hill that overlooks the beach. To the west, the captivating cityscape boasting futuristic towers creates an awe-inspiring sight. And on clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of the distant silhouette of Japan's Tsushima Island.
Plan a visit to Haeundae Beach and revel in a memorable day of relaxation and enjoyment. From various amenities and facilities available nearby, rest assured that your stay will be both comfortable and convenient. However, should you prefer a quieter experience, it might be wise to avoid visiting during the bustling summer season.
Discover Dongbaek Park
Indulge in the natural beauty of Dongbaek Park, a renowned destination situated at the southern tip of Haeundae Beach on Dongbaekseom Island. This picturesque park boasts a captivating landscape adorned with camellia and pine trees, creating a tranquil oasis in the heart of Busan.
Embrace serenity as you wander along the numerous trails of Dongbaek Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Alongside the breathtaking coastal views, you'll find rest areas, scenic viewpoints offering vistas of Mipo and Oryukdo Island, charming cafes, and even souvenir shops to enrich your exploration. Immerse yourself in the artistic allure of the monument embellished with a poem by Choi Chi-won, paying homage to the island's vibrant history. Don't miss the magnificent mermaid statue, a compelling depiction derived from an ancient legend. Additionally, the park is home to the remarkable Nurimaru APEC House, a significant landmark worth exploring during your visit.
Jagalchi Market
If you're in search of the freshest seafood, a trip to Busan's renowned Jagalchi Market is a must. This bustling market is a celebration of the city's fishing heritage and a haven for Korean culinary enthusiasts.
At Jagalchi Market, you'll be greeted by vendors who not only prioritize cleanliness but also take great care in handling and preserving their products. The vast array of fish available is thoughtfully displayed and meticulously organized for a seamless shopping experience.
From popular varieties like sole, octopus, and prawns to more adventurous choices such as sea cucumbers, tiger fish, sea worms, and lobsters, Jagalchi Market offers something to suit every seafood lover's palate. It's worth noting that many food stalls even have tanks with live fish species, allowing you to handpick your desired fish, which will then be prepared for you in traditional Korean style.
While exploring Jagalchi Market, we highly recommend indulging in the delectable sashimi and kimchi, both of which are iconic and flavorsome dishes representing Korean cuisine.
Seokbulsa Temple
If you're seeking an escape from the busy city life and a chance to immerse yourself in Buddhist culture, make sure to visit Seokbulsa Temple during your time in Busan. Perched atop a mountain, this temple showcases stunning stone carvings of Buddha, heavenly kings, and Bodhisattva, seamlessly blending in with the surrounding natural environment.
Despite being a relatively young temple, having been constructed in the 1930s, Seokbulsa exudes a magical spirituality that is palpable upon arrival. Its unique architecture adds to its charm, with one part of the temple crafted from the mountain rock and the other part following traditional construction techniques.
To reach the temple, I recommend taking the cable car and then embarking on a scenic hour-long walk. Alternatively, if you're up for the challenge, you can opt to hike all the way. The trails leading to Seokbulsa are serene and picturesque, making the journey well worth the effort.
Discover Beomeosa Temple's Rich History and Beauty
Located on Mount Geumjeong San, Beomeosa Temple, also known as the Nirvana Fish Temple, offers an intriguing glimpse into South Korea's rich cultural past. Originally constructed in the 7th century, the temple suffered significant damage during the Japanese invasion and was rebuilt in 1613.
Today, Beomeosa Temple impresses visitors with its stunning architectural elements and sacred treasures. The three-storey pagoda, the main hall, and the symbolic Gate of a Pillar are some of the must-see highlights. Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance as you explore the intricately designed hermitages, statues of Buddhas, and revered kings that adorn the temple grounds.
To reach Beomeosa Temple, simply hop on metro line 1 and disembark at Beomeosa station. From there, take bus 90, which will conveniently drop you off at the temple's entrance.
Experience the allure of Beomeosa Temple, where history, spirituality, and natural beauty merge to create an unforgettable journey through South Korea's cultural heritage.
Busan Tower
When visiting Busan, South Korea, one must not miss the renowned Busan Tower. Standing tall at a height of 118 meters, this iconic structure is situated in Yongdusan Park, specifically in Jung-gu. Its construction in 1973 was inspired by the Dabotap Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple.
What makes this destination truly spectacular is the breathtaking view it offers from its observation deck, both during the day and night. Additionally, the tower boasts a beautifully designed high-speed lift, enhancing the overall experience.
For an unforgettable outing, plan a trip up the tower just before sunset. Witness the magical transition as the sun sets and the city lights begin to illuminate the skyline. As you reach the top, take a moment to relax at the café while enjoying a coffee and marveling at the stunning harbor view. Furthermore, if you are visiting with your partner, it is customary to attach a padlock adorned with a romantic message on one of the tower's fences as a symbol of eternal love, believed to ensure a lifelong bond.
Gamcheon Cultural Village
Gamcheon Cultural Village is also known as the Lego Village or the Santorini of Korea. This is because it is made up of small, brightly coloured buildings and houses that appear to be stacked on top of each other.
The village is very picturesque and full of curious details. For example: wooden fish-shaped signs to point the way or a sculpture of the Little Prince and his friend the Fox admiring the village.
This neighbourhood is great for taking some pictures and a nice stroll through its streets full of street art. You can also take the Stamp Tour, where you will have to search for 9-dot stamps all over the village to win a postcard of the village.
Igidae Park Coastal Path
The Igidae Park Coastal Path is the perfect way to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and spend some time in nature. The views of the coastline are the best and the atmosphere of the place is really beautiful.
For starters, you can take one of the buses to the Oryukdo Skywalk. There you will find a glass platform where you can see the sea 35 metres below your feet. The 4.7-kilometre route follows the coastline and along the way there are several scenic spots to stop and gaze out to sea.
Gwangalli Beach
Another beach with blue waters, clean white sands is Gwangalli Beach. It's 1.4km long and 64m wide, and as a backdrop you'll see the incredible cityscape, with majestic towers and beautiful bridges.
Being here at sunset is quite a spectacle. Not only will you see a beautiful and colourful sky, but you can also see the lights of the city come on. This beach has very clean water and is full of fishermen.
Here you'll find the Olympic Yacht Rental and if your budget allows you can rent a yacht to cruise the coastline. There is also an open-air concert platform, a cultural centre, a gallery, shops and plenty of opportunities for water sports.
Where to eat in Busan
South Korea is famous for its cuisine. So much so that it is possible to enjoy well-prepared dishes at both street stalls and restaurants.
It won't be a problem to find a good place to eat in a city like Busan. Best of all, the food is very inexpensive. Here is a list of restaurants that we loved:
Halmae Dwaeji-gukbap: Try the pork soup, a comforting and delicious dish. It is their speciality. This restaurant is located in Beomil-dong, Dong-gu.
BiBiBiDang: Here is the perfect place to try a different and gourmet dessert with a cup of tea, while gazing at the sea. It is located in Haeundae Dalmaji-gil.
Myeongseong Sashimi: The star dishes are Baekban and Oden Baekban, as well as delicious sushi. Located in Gogwan-ro, Dong-gu.
Haemok: This place is a bit more expensive for its signature dishes. It is best known for its eel rice bowl, Hitsumabushi, accompanied by fried-on-the-spot side dishes. It is located in Haeundae-gu.
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Where to sleep in Busan
A myriad of lodging choices await in Busan catering to all types of budgets. To discover some fantastic selections, feel free to browse them here. But first, allow us to present some highly recommended spots for your stay:
Seomyeon: A district boasting a vibrant ambiance, plentiful dining establishments, and shops. Its prime location at the nexus of subway lines 1 and 2 offers excellent transport links. A good number of reputed hotels can also be found here.
Nampo: Conveniently located near numerous tourist locations and famous for its outstanding street food, it's a great choice for lodging despite being slightly off-center.
Haeundae: An area renowned for its vast hotel offerings owing to its status as one of the city's most frequented beaches. A wealth of accommodation options to suit all wallets awaits, along with an inviting shopping district. But if you're looking to explore beyond the hotels and enjoy a more personal touch to your stay, considering Seoul's apartments could be a great alternative. Check out the wide selection of Seoul apartments on www.seoulhotelspage.com for your next stay. Please note that it's situated rather far from the city center, but don't let this deter you from enjoying its unique charms.