Things to do in Busan

Things to do in  Busan

Seoul’s beachy little sister

With its captivating blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure, there's no shortage of things to do in Busan. This seaside South Korean gem beckons with its bustling markets, serene temples, and sandy beaches. Stroll through the vibrant streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, where vibrant murals adorn every corner, or find tranquility at the ornate Beomeosa Temple. For a taste of the sea, Jagalchi Fish Market delights guests with its spectacular array of live products. Water sports enthusiasts will find thrills at Haeundae Beach, while those seeking a rejuvenating vacation can head to the hot springs of Spa Land.

Top 15 attractions in Busan

Gwangan Bridge (Gwangandaegyo)

star-5950
The cover star of just about every Busan tourism poster since it opened in 2003, Gwangan Bridge (Gwangandaegyo) is the city's answer to the Golden Gate Bridge. Particularly impressive at night when it's illuminated, the bridge is best viewed from Gwangalli Beach, where you can see the nightly light show.More

Gamcheon Culture Village

star-51,708
Gamcheon Culture Village spills down a hillside in a riot of colors just outside Busan. The village, nicknamed “Santorini on the South Sea” and “the Machu Picchu of Busan,” was once an enclave for refugee members of the Taegeukdo religious movement. Today, the neighborhood attracts visitors with its steep cubicle houses, galleries, and cafés.More

Jagalchi Fish Market

star-51,413
Visitors come from all over to sample the fresh seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan. The largest seafood market in the country, Jagalchi is unique in that it’s run largely by women—a tradition dating back to the Korean War, when many of the men were off fighting and their wives took over the family businesses.More

Gukje Market

star-51,151
During the 1950s, refugees of war-torn Korea began opening small shops to try to earn a living. This modest collection of shops has since transformed into Gukje Market, Busan’s largest traditional market. Today, stalls sell everything from seaweed and street snacks to electronics and hanbok (Korean formalwear.More

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

star-5960
Built during the Goryeo Dynasty in 1376, historic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of only a few Korean temples on the coast, and it honors Haesu Gwaneum Daebul, a Buddhist goddess believed to live in the ocean, where she rides atop a dragon. Legends aside, the east-facing temple offers a spectacular view of the rising sun.More

UN Memorial Cemetery

star-5155
The 35-acre (14-hectare) UN Memorial Cemetery is one of Busan’s most peaceful spots. Established in 1951, the quiet park and cemetery honors a total of 2,300 United Nations soldiers representing 16 countries who were killed during the Korean War. Manicured hedges and flower bushes add to the beautiful and somber sight.More

Haeundae Beach

star-5233
Busan’s proximity to the sea is one of its charms, and Haeundae Beach is perhaps the most famous beach in South Korea. Nearly a mile long (1.5 kilometers), this stretch of coastline is lined with some of Busan’s top international hotels, as well as an assortment of restaurants, shops, and the Sea Life Busan Aquarium.More

Busan Tower

star-5108
Busan Tower (or Diamond Tower) soars skyward 120 meters (400 feet) from the center of the city’s Yongdusan Park—where you’ll find a forest-covered mountain reminiscent of a dragon’s head. Built in 1973 and modeled on Bulguksa Temple’s Dabotap Pagoda, the tower is an architectural icon of Korea’s second city. From the structure’s observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views that stretch across both land and sea.More

Dongbaek Island (Dongbaekseom)

star-5702
Dongbaek Island (Dongbaekseom), considered one of Busan’s most scenic places, isn’t really an island at all. The former island, now connected to the Korean mainland by a land bridge made up of accumulated sediment, gets its name from the abundant camellia (dongbaek in Korean) trees that grow throughout.More

Andong Hahoe Folk Village

star-5126
Located at a bend in the Nakdong River, Andong Hahoe Folk Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by pine forests, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs and offers a glimpse of bygone Korea. Wander the village to learn about South Korean architecture and traditions that date back to the 10th century.More

Yongdusan Park

star-4.569
Yongdusan Park, a mountainous park in the center of Busan, is one of the city’s most popular green spaces. Its name translates to “dragon’s head mountain,” as it’s thought to resemble a dragon poking its head above the surface of the sea. Highlights of the park include various monuments to battles and Korean heroes, Busan Tower, and the octagonal Palgakjeong pavilion.More

Taejongdae Resort Park

star-5476
The rocky seaside cliffs of Taejongdae Resort Park are situated on the southernmost tip of Yeongdo Island. The area, named after King Taejong of the Silla Dynasty, offers access to a rock beach, a lighthouse, a few temples, an observatory, and plenty of nature trails.More

Beomeosa Temple

star-5111
Beomeosa Temple was founded in 678 BC by Buddhist monk Ui Sang. Perched on Geumjeongsan Mountain, the current temple complex was built in 1613 after the original was destroyed in the Imjin War with Japan. The complex includes a pagoda, several pavilions, three ornate gates, and 11 hermitages.More

Haeinsa Temple

star-56
Nestled in Gayasan National Park, the colorful Haeinsa Temple complex boasts over 1,200 years of Buddhist history and two of Korea’s National Treasures. Visitors can happily pass a few hours wandering the spectacular UNESCO-listed grounds or, to become more immersed in the setting, experience an overnight temple stay (at an additional cost).More

Andong Folk Museum

star-56
Situated within Andong Dam Folk Village, Andong Folk Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the traditional folk cultures behind everyday life in the Andong region of Korea, from births to funerals. Learn about the region’s Buddhist and Confucian influences and see how people used to eat, work, and marry throughout past and present eras—from the Confucian coming-of-age ritual known as Gwanrye to jerye ceremonies, meant to honor one’s departed ancestors. The outdoor section is home to more than 20 perfectly-preserved thatched-roof hanok houses.More

Top activities in Busan

Full-Day Busan City Tour
Special Offer

Full-Day Busan City Tour

star-4.5
443
From
$51.30
$58.30  $7.00 savings
Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour From Busan
Special Offer

Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour From Busan

star-4.5
186
From
$74.88
$85.10  $10.22 savings
Gyeongju Night View Private Tour (from Busan)

Gyeongju Night View Private Tour (from Busan)

star-4.5
2
From
$550.00
per group
Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan
Special Offer

Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan

star-5
29
From
$99.00
$110.00  $11.00 savings
Adventures in Blossoms: Daegu E-World Cherry Blossoms Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

All about Busan

When to visit

Experience Busan’s beauty and pleasant weather between March and May or from September to November. In addition to mild temperatures, spring welcomes cherry blossoms throughout the city, while fall offers colorful foliage. You’ll also find fewer tourists. Check the calendar for the Lunar New Year, which varies each year, and the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in October. During these times, you can expect much higher crowds as well as special events and activities.

Getting around

Navigate Busan efficiently using the extensive bus and subway networks. If you plan to use the city’s public transportation system frequently, invest in a Cashbee, Railplus, or T-money card. Taxis are readily available, and visitors can use the Dongbaek Taxi app to arrange a swift pickup. Thanks to ample bike paths, renting a bicycle is another great and affordable way to explore the city at your own pace. To maximize efficiency and comfort, consider taking an organized city tour that includes transportation.

Traveler tips

Don’t miss a visit to the Gamcheon Cultural Village. Nicknamed “South Korea’s Santorini,” this vibrant neighborhood boasts exceptional panoramic views, modern art installations, and a labyrinth of brightly painted houses. Travelers can easily spend half a day exploring its winding streets, charming shops, and diverse restaurants. For an immersive experience, a private or group tour can take you to the kaleidoscopic town’s highlights and hidden corners.

Attractions
22
Tours
204
Reviews
3,413
EN
f7285c9a-807d-4da6-bbab-3195f254acf3
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is Busan famous for?

South Korea’s premier seaside city is most famous for Haedong Yonggungsa Temple—one of the few seaside temples in the country. Busan also boasts the sandy Songjeong and Haeundae beaches, backed by the city skyline; the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village; and a thriving film culture, celebrated during the annual Busan Film Festival.

...More
How many days in Busan is enough?

To experience the best of Busan’s culture and nature, spend between three and five days. You'll have the chance to see top city sights such as Jagalchi Fish Market, Beomeosa Temple, Yongdusan Park, and Gamcheon Culture Village, plus visit further-afield attractions including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Taejongdae Resort Park.

...More
What is the best time to visit Busan?

The best time to visit Busan is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October). Like Japan, South Korea experiences cherry blossom season—the blossoms peak from late March to early April. Busan buzzes in June, when students and locals flock to the city for summer to party and enjoy the beaches.

...More
What is there to do in Busan?

Busan boasts an all-star cast of beaches, museums, temples, and markets. Top Busan attractions include the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple; rainbow-colored Gamcheon Culture Village; Songjeong and Haeundae beaches; Busan Museum of Art; Busan Tower; and Taejongdae Resort Park.

...More
What is the old name of Busan?

The old name of Busan is Pusan. The South Korean government changed the name of Busan to Pusan to make it sound more appealing when pronounced in English.

...More
Which is the best area to stay in Busan?

The best area to stay when visiting Busan depends on what aspect of the seaside city you want to experience. Stay in central Seomyeon for easy access to top attractions; Haeundae is within easy reach of the beach; Nampo is best for shopping and eating; and budget-friendly Kyungsung has a hipster vibe.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Busan?
Q:
What are the top activities in Busan?
Q:
What are the top things to do near Busan?
A:
Check out things to do near Busan: