The second largest city in South Korea, Busan has something for every type of tourist. From cultural villages to historic temples, arts and science museums to local markets. Most importantly, a good balance of modern cafes and local restaurants that have decades of history.
Unsure of what to do in Busan? Check out our ultimate travel guide that comprises the best attractions and restaurants in this coastal city.
Day 1
1. Check in at Brosis Hotel
You can’t find a better deal than this.
$39 per night in the middle of Nampo-dong, the central commercial and shopping area in Busan. Famous tourist attractions in the area- such as Jagalchi Market, Biff Square, and Nampodong Market- are within walking distance.
Furthermore, if you’re arriving before the check-in time, Brosis Hotel allows you to store your baggages with them first.
The only downside is that the walls of the rooms are very thin, and the showers are communal.
Location: 4, Gudeok-ro 48beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, 48953, South Korea
2. Lunch at Dolgorae Sundubu
Sundubu, also known as tofu stew, is a popular dish in Korea.
Opened in 1982, Dolgorae Sundubu is one of the oldest sundubu restaurants in Busan. The owners make their own soft tofu daily, and it’s served with a Korean spicy soup and white rice for only ₩7,000.
Location: 15 Junggu-ro 40beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
부산광역시 중구 중구로40번길 15
Opening hours: 7am-10pm
3. Gamcheon Culture Village
Also known as the Machu Picchu of Korea, Gamcheon Culture Village is formed by houses arranged in a staircase fashion on the foothills of a mountain.
It started off as a collective housing project for refugees, before the locals decided to transform it into a cultural hub in Busan.
The village is not located near any train stations so you’ll have to either take a bus or a taxi. From the main entrance (the one closer to Nampo-dong), you can either turn right for the main attractions, such as street food, local crafts and photo spots, or turn left to catch of a glimpse of the true essence of the village.
If you’re tired, head to Coffee It House, a cafe that overseas the entire village. It’s located on the left of the entrance.
Location: 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
부산광역시 사하구 감내2로 203
4. Jagalchi Fish Market
One of the dishes you have to eat inn Korea is raw octopus.
Korea’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi Fish Market is the most popular place in Busan for it.
The seafood stores are located on the first floor of the building. They are are more or less the same, with only slight variations in the menu, so we recommend choosing a store where the owner can speak basic English. We were able to get half a portion of octopus for ₩10,000 instead, which allowed us to try a larger variety of seafood.
Location: 52, Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
부산광역시 중구 자갈치해안로 52 (남포동4가)
Opening hours: 2am-10pm (Closed on first and third Tuesday every month)
5. Taejongdae Resort Park
If you enjoy hiking, go for a walk around Taejongdae Resort Park.
It’s at the south-western edge of Busan, which is only accessible by a bus or car. The attraction features many naturally-formed geographical formations, including sea caves and uniquely-shaped rocks. The most famous landmarks are the Yeongdo Lighthouse, where a cafe with a sea view is located. Taejongsa Temple is also a popular spot, especially during the Hydrangea Festival in July.
You can walk the entire park, which is a 4.3 kilometer loop from the entrance. Alternatively, you can hop on and off the Danubi Circular Train. The tickets can only be purchased at the entrance for ₩3,000 per adult.
Location:24, Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
부산광역시 영도구 전망로 24 (동삼동)
Day 2
6. Busan X The Sky
What’s the best way to appreciate Busan? Viewing it from 384m from ground level, of course.
Located on the 98-100th floors of Haeundae L City Landmark Tower, Busan X The Sky provides an unparalleled view of the coastal city.
We recommend getting your breakfast here, either at BLACKUP COFFEE or Starbucks, while admiring Busan from the skies. For early lunch options, you can also savour on pasta and grilled meat at X The Lounge.
The tickets cost ₩27,000 for adults and ₩24,000 for children & senior citizens. Free admission for children ages two and under.
Location: South Korea, Busan, Haeundae-gu, Dalmaji-gil, 30 98~100 floor
부산 해운대구 달맞이길 30
Opening hours: 10am-9pm
7. Coffee and cakes at Montee 104
There is only one other thing that can rival the view from the heavens.
Montée 104 offers an interrupted view of the sea and beach trams.
This charming cafe is located beside a train platform. The first floor has a homely aesthetic to it, with sofas, books and potted plants. A large glass window provides the view of the beach trams that are entering and leaving the station.
Coffee starts from ₩5,000, and there is a small selection of bakes that ranges between ₩3,000 and ₩8,000.
Location: 1003-3, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
부산 해운대구 달맞이길104번길 18-19
Opening hours: 10:30am-7pm (closed on Tuesdays)
8. Haeundae Blue Line Park
Haeundae Blue Line Park provides a view of the beautiful coastal scenery along the east coast of Busan.
The attraction was redeveloped from an old railway facility along the East Sea South Line. Its tracks spans from Mipo Station, located beside Haeundae Beach, to Songjeong-yeock Station, a famous surfing beach.
The prices of the beach train starts from ₩7,000 for a one-time use, to ₩13,000 for free use, meaning you’re allowed hop on and off the stations. While it’s just a small price difference, we recommend purchasing the one-way trip ticket. Firstly, the attractions at each stop aren’t worth the waiting time. The train intervals at every station alternates between 15-30 minutes. But more importantly, the queue to board the train back to Mipo Station can take more than an hour. Taking public transport back would be much faster.
Alternatively, board the Sky Capsules instead. Essentially cable cars, they provide a more comfortable experience as the trains are always packed to the brim and you might not get a good spot to enjoy the view.
Location: 13 Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
부산 해운대구 달맞이길62번길 13
Opening hours: 9:30am-10:30pm
9. Surfing at Songjeong Beach
Songjeong Beach is one of the best place to surf in Korea as it accommodates beginner surfers and experts. Its large size provides different beach points, and thus, different wave speed and height.
First-time surfers can sign up for surfing classes on Trazy for $60
Location: 54 Songjeonghaebyeon-ro, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea
부산 해운대구 송정해변로 50 1층,2층 서프홀릭
Opening hours: 8am-7:30pm
10. Dinner at Choryang Milmyeon
One of Busan’s speciality is milmyeon, a long and thin cold noodle that are either served with a small ladle of meat broth.
Choryang Milmyeon is one of the most popular restaurants in Busan, featured on different television programmes, newspaper articles and online publications.
The Mul-Milmyeon (soup noodles) cost ₩4,500, while the Bibim-Milmyeon (spicy noodles) ₩4,500.
Mandu ₩3,500
Location: 225, Jungang-daero, Dong-gu, Busan
부산 동구 중앙대로 225
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
Day 3
11. Cafe hop at Jeonpo Cafe Street
Jeonpo Cafe Street mainly housed industrial shops until 2009, when it began to grow into a popular destination for locals and tourists alike for its collection of modern restaurants and cafes.
With a plethora of restaurants and cafes to choose from, we’ve curated a list of the best cafes in Jeonpo Cafe Street.
Location: 92 Dongcheon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
부산 부산진구 동천로 92
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