Busan, Korea: Everything You MUST See, Do, Eat & Try!

Busan is the second largest city in Korea and one of my favorite places to visit. If we weren’t living in Seoul, Busan would be our home for sure…. and not just because my husband is originally from there. This city on the southern coast of Korea has beachy vibes and tons of seafood to eat along with some mountains just north and all kinds of fun in between. If you can’t live there, a weekend… week… or just any time at all should be spent in this coastal city down south.

Want to know how to get to Busan from Seoul? Read on. Busan is definitely a must visit for anyone coming to or living in Korea. What is there to do in Busan? A ton. When should you go to Busan? Anytime. What is there to see in Busan? Everything from colorful seaside villages to one of the most popular Buddhist temples in the country and fish markets in between.

This is a long post with loads of information, if you want to skip ahead to a specific section, use these links:

• How To Get To Busan From Seoul
• How To Get Around Busan
• Where To Stay In Busan
• Seasides & Views In Busan
  • Taejongdae Seaside Cliffs (태종대유원지)
  • Busan Tower (부산타워)
  • Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장)
  • Night Yacht Tour at Haeundae Beach
  • Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장)
  • Igidae Urban Nature Park (이기대 도시자연공원)
  • Songdo Beach (송도해수욕장)
• Culture & History
  • Haedong Yonggung Temple (해동용궁사)
• Artsy Finds
  • F1963
  • Gamcheon Culture Village (부산 감천문화마을)
  • Huinnyeoul Culture Village (희여울문화마을)
• Where To Eat & What To Eat In Busan0
  • Jagalchi Fish Market (자갈치시장)
  • The Bay 101
  • Let’s Eat Alley (먹자골목)
  • Pork Rice Soup (Dwaeji gukbab)
  • Daegutang (Cod Soup)
• Fun Things To Do In Busan
  • Songdo Cable Car (송도해수욕장 케이블카)
  • Haeundae Sky Capsule (해운대스카이캡슐)
  • Oryukdo Sky Walk
  • Sea Life Busan Aquarium
  • Spa Land
• Day Trips From Busan
  • Oedo & Haegeumgang Islands
  • Geoje-do Island
  • Tonyeong
  • Yangsan
  • Namhae
  • Taehwagang River Bamboo Forest

Are you coming to Korea and want to know what to pack? Check out this post with a great packing list if you’re coming to Korea.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

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How To Get To Busan From Seoul

Most people heading to Busan are headed down to the southern port city from Seoul. There are multiple options for getting there so choose away.

By Flight

Catching a flight from Seoul to Busan is really easy and often not only faster, but also cheaper. It’s definitely something worth looking into. Jeju Air, Busan Air, Korean Air, Easy Jet, Jin Air, and T’Way  have flights throughout the day from Gimpo Airport (the closer airport to Seoul) to Busan International Airport (which is in actually in Gimhae, Korea just outside of Busan).

Flights from Gimpo to Busan tend to be cheaper than Incheon to Busan so keep that in mind when booking. Check Skyscanner.com to find the cheapest option. We’ve flown on all of these carriers and they’ve been great. The flight takes just over an hour and is easy and comfortable. Flights can range between W30,000 and W90,000 depending on the time of the year and holiday.

By Train

The train is a go to option for a lot of travelers that are on the east side or central Seoul. There are three kinds of trains which differ in how many stops they make and the speed. Wherever you’re staying in Seoul, maybe the tallest hotel in the country Signiel Hotel, hop on the subway or in a taxi and head to Seoul Station.

Get the KTX which picks up at Seoul Station or Yongsan Station which is the fastest, and also most expensive. Traveling at 305 kilometers an hour means it’ll get you there in just under three hours. If you’ll be traveling by train, definitely look into getting the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) which will end up giving you a discount on trips if you’re traveling to Busan and back or making multiple stops. The pass is the most cost effective way to travel for foreigners.

By Bus

If you’re going to head to Busan, bus is really the last resort. It takes either 4 hours (express option) or 6 hours (standard option) so it’s the whole day if you ride. While it is certainly the cheapest option, it’s just long. If you do want to go by bus, you can get one from Seoul Express Bus Terminal, or Dong Seoul Terminal. The express bus costs W25,000 and the standard a bit less.

By Car

If you want to enjoy the trip and make some stop off, maybe at the coolest rest stop in the country, then why not drive? It’s easy to rent a car and once you get out of Seoul, the roads are not congested and it’s easy to navigate. We’ve rented from Avis here in Seoul and it was easy and efficient. Don’t underestimate the fun of a road trip just make sure to remember your International Driver’s License.

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How To Get Around Busan

Busan Subway: If you plan to travel by subway while you’re in Busan, which you should because it’ll really get you all over the place, make sure you have your T-Money card and get it topped up.

Busan City Tour Bus: If you don’t live in Busan but want to get to all of the major sites, definitely look into getting a Busan City Tour Bus Day Pass. You can see so many of the major tourist sites all in one go.

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Where To Stay In Busan

If you’ll be visiting Busan, make sure you know where to stay near the things you want to see. The city is long so if you want to see things on the east side, don’t stay on the west side! Check out my guide to hotels in Busan to help you figure out the best areas to stay in for you! Which neighborhood will suit you? Let’s find out.

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Seasides & Views In Busan

Busan is seaside views and rocky cliffs everywhere you look. The city follows the coastline making the city longer rather than set around one central location. There are gorgeous scenes everywhere you look and it’s one of the first places that burst into cherry blossom bloom in Korea each year. Here is what you can’t miss.

Taejongdae Seaside Cliffs (태종대유원지)

The rocky cliffs of Taejongdae are a must see in Busan. One of my favorite spots to check out year after year, Taejongdae is the southernmost trip of Yeongdo-gu and on a clear day you can spot Daema, or Tsushima, an island of Japan. Admission to this cliff park is free but you can also purchase a ticket for the hop-on hop-off tram that goes up and around the cliffs. The walk really isn’t that bad though. If the weather is reeeeally hot or a bit rainy, it’s a good idea to get the train ticket.

Be careful when you get out there though because there are no railings or barriers between you and the sea on the cliffs. I’ve visited the area in the spring, summer, and autumn and every season thus far has been beautiful in different ways.

From the main path, take the various trails down to the cliffs. There are dinosaur tracks on some of them and an observatory you can climb up into. The observatory also has a seating area on the first/bottom floor that is great to take a rest or wait out the weather. Watch as fishermen perch perilously on the edges of the rocks in seek of a catch. You can even eat some of the seafood eats in some tents near the water on the rocks.

From summer to winter, in the sun and the rain, there are some great views from this spot. Continue walking around the cliffs and you’ll also come upon a temple before the path circles back. You can’t get lost while you’re on the cliffs as all paths lead back to the main road which circles back to the beginning.

To get to Taejongdae, the best option is to hop on to the Busan City Tour Bus which you can get at Busan Station. The loop bus goes by Jagalchi Market, Songdo Beach out to Taejongdae and comes back to Busan Station. If you don’t have a car, the hop on hop off bus is a great option if you want to do it yourself or a tour is another great option to hit some of the big stops all in one day. Klook has a couple great options:

• Address: 24 Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan (부산광역시 영도구 전망로 24 (동삼동))
• Join a tour:
  • A day tour that includes a stop at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Taejongdae, Songdo Skywalk and Gamcheon Culture Village.
  • A different day tour stops at Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, Yongdusan Park, Songdo Skywalk, Taejongdae and the Oryukdo Skywalk.

Busan Tower (부산타워)

• Address: 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan (부산광역시 중구 용두산길 37-55 (광복동2가))
• Hours: 10:30am ~ 8:00pm

Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장)

Haeundae is the most famous beach in Busan and each year tourists flock to the beach to lay out, catch some waves and attend numerous events hosted here. Just take your bathing suit and a towel in the summer and you can rent an umbrella to hang out under.  There are volleyball nets and food vendors set up so a whole day can be spent here if it’s warm and the water is just right.

There are cafes, hotels, restaurants  and plenty to do nearby. If you stay in the area or just want a great spot to get revitalized on your trip, check out Spa 1899’s Haeundae Branch. They have great facials and body treatments that harness the benefits of red ginseng.

I love Busan and the beaches there, but they can’t get mighty packed in the summer so if you just want a beach getaway, check out heading to places on the north eastern coast like Naksan Beach. You’d be surprised at the beauty up there. You can also surf in Korea up on the east coast with far less people if that’s your thing.

• Address: 264 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 264 (우동))

Night Yacht Tour at Haeundae Beach

The night yacht tour at Haeundae Beach is the BEST way to see the colorful lights of the popular Gwangan Bridge. Watch as the city lights turn on, the bridge lights up and the skies grow dark. The hour-long cruise is the perfect way to end a fun or maybe romantic day out in Busan. The cruises can be pretty popular so get tickets in advance just in case. Klook has a great tour that provides transportation from hotels in the Nampo-dong, Seomyeon, and Haeundae areas and the yacht tour. Another fun option for getting out on the water is a yacht tour that INCLUDES dinner. Join BusanMate for a yacht trip with some BBQ and drinks. See all the beautiful twinkling light sights while you sup.

Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장)

Gwangalli Beach is one of the most popular beach areas in Busan but less popular than Haeundae so it’s a bit more chill. Famous for its fine sand, the 1.4 kilometer long beach is popular from day into night. Lined with restaurants and cafes, this beachside area is our favorite district to stay in.

• Address: 219 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan (부산광역시 수영구 광안해변로 219 (광안동))

Igidae Urban Nature Park (이기대 도시자연공원)

Igidae was one of the first places Jae-oo took me many years back when we were just dating and he was showing me his hometown. It’s still one of my favorite places because of that. I like it because it’s rocky and for some reason rocky beaches just speak to me that much more. There are little sea water ponds when the tides are low to find sea creatures and it’s a bit moodier when there are rocks to traipse across. From the rocks, you can see across to Gwangalli and Haeundae. The area here was actually only for military use up until 1993 and was then opened to residents. There are walking trails in the area now that are between 2 and 4 kilometers so follow the signs and you could get a good walk in here along the coast.

If you want to get more out of your time in Igidae, you can join a really interesting Airbnb experience to walk along the Igidae Trail to a marine pothole, on to an observatory and then watch as the female divers (Haenyeo) of Busan bring in seafood. It’s a great tour you can check out here.

• Address: 68 Igidaegongwon-ro, Nam-gu, Busan (부산광역시 남구 이기대공원로 68 (용호동))

Songdo Beach (송도해수욕장)

This is my newest favorite area of Busan for numerous reasons but to get straight to the point, I’ll just say that it features a beautiful beach along with a cable car, suspension bridge which was newly opened in 2020 and fun places to walk and take in those coastal views. This area which has historically been THE place for Busan locals to head when they want to get away from the city has seen a major renovation in the past decade and has just gotten better and better. To learn more about this must see and definitely must stay area of Busan, check out my guide to Songdo in Busan.

• Address: 171 Songdo Haebyeon-ro, Soegu, Busan (서구 송도해변로 171)

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Culture & History

Haedong Yonggung Temple (해동용궁사)

This seaside temple is the most popular Buddhist temple in Busan. Translated to mean Korean Dragon Temple, it is widely known as the most beautiful seaside temple in the country. The temple was first founded in 1376. Like many others, it was destroyed during the Japanese invasions and was rebuilt in the 1930s with additions made during the 1970s and 2000s.

There are twelve statues that represent the twelve signs of the zodiac as you walk up to the entrance. Then head down the lantern lined 108 steps that represent the 108 agonies of earthly desire of Buddhism. Across the bridge, visitors will come upon the main buildings of the temple and a large golden dharma smiling broadly and happily.

Walk up to the top of the cliff behind the main building and you’ll find a tall Bodhisattva of Compassion. Do be careful as you walk up to, in and around the temple. The steps that lead down from the path that leads in are rock and there are a lot so watch our step. From the steps leading in, you can also take a short path to the left that goes out onto some rocks from which the vantage point to see the temple is the best. Head back in to see the main buildings and then you need to walk up more steps. Again, be careful.

The path to and from the temple is lined with tons of street food eats. Head to the temple a bit hungry and then jump in a line to wait for some of the eats and treats. There are fried fishy treats and sweet cinnamon filled buns as well. There are even places to sit nearby and enjoy whatever you’ve chosen. Street food is always a must in Korea and this is a great spot to try some if you’re in the area for the temple and have a bit of extra time to sit and just take in the atmosphere. Vendors are kind and used to foreigners, so just walk on up and order.

Again, the best way to get out to this if you’re trying it on your own, is to hop on the Busan City Tour Bus. There are stops around the city at various highlights so it’s easy enough to get on. Another option is to join a day tour that has this temple as one of the stops. Klook has some good options:

• Address: 416-3 Silang-ri Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan (부산광역시 기장군 기장읍 시랑리 416-3)
• Join a tour:
  • Join this tour that includes the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple along with the Busan Skywalk and Gamcheon Culture Village.
  • Join the Busan Easy Coast Cultural Day Trip with stops at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Taejongdae, the Songdo Skywalk, and the Gamcheon Culture Village

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Artsy Finds

F1963

F1963 was once a Kiswire factory which has now been transformed into a cultural factory. The “F” stands for factory and 1963 is the year the factory was founded. In operation until 2008, the factory produced wire ropes.

Today, F1963 is an eco-friendly culture space that houses an art gallery, a bookstore, a cafe, and restaurants. This renewed space that was opened once again in 2016 is a gorgeous example of regeneration. The exterior of the factory has been almost completely kept as is, while the interior was renovated. Head to the complex to enjoy art, eat lunch, walk the premises and then sip some coffee. It’s a great all-in-one spot to spend an entire afternoon.

When you get there, check out the bamboo forest and then head into Kukje Gallery. It’s the first outpost of the Seoul based gallery that was founded in 1982 to present significant Korean and international contemporary artists to the public. The space is huge and the Busan branch seeks to interweave the arts into everyday life and provide opportunities for visitors to meet local art enthusiasts… and maybe even become one.

• Address: 475-1 Mangmi-dong Suyeong-gu, Busan (부산 수영구 망미동 475-1)

Gamcheon Culture Village (부산 감천문화마을)

The houses that run up and down the mountain in Gamcheon Culture Village  used to house refugees from the Korean War. The neighborhood became rather dilapidated and then in 2009 the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism came in with an initiative to transform the village into a creative community. Painters and sculptors were brought in to paint and decorate the mountainside village.

Now, buildings are painted in various shades of beautiful colors so that from every angle there is a lovely view to be had. Tourists flock to the area for fun and a nice steep walk.

Definitely wear some good walking shoes and be prepared to walk up up up and then down down down and then up and maybe down again to really see everything. This is still very much a residential neighborhood, so remember to be quiet and respect the residents that call the area home.

Much like Ihwa Mural Village in Seoul, it’s important to respect the residents, stay quiet, don’t litter and leave before nightfall and only come at a reasonable time in the morning. If you want to make sure to see everything in the area, I highly suggest taking a guide. The area is a weave of alleyways that go up and down and all around. I was definitely happy to have a friend to tag along with who had been to the area before and knew how to cut through to see what we should see. Wandering through villages like this and the Incheon Chinatown really make for fun vibrant stops on any itinerary.

• Address: 203 Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan (부산광역시 사하구 감내2로 203 (감천동))
• Directions: Take the subway to Toseong Station (Line 1). From exit six, walk straight and turn right. You’ll see a small bus station board in front of the Pusan National University Hospital building (Block C, Cancer Centre, aka the PNU Cancer Centre). Hop on the market village bus en route to Gamcheon Culture Village.

Huinnyeoul Culture Village (희여울문화마을)

This seaside village overlooks Namhang ports and was born when Korean War refugees came to the area. Artists that took up residence in the area in 2011 began to decorate the decaying area and now it’s full of murals, mosaics, and fun cafes and restaurants with amazing views out over the blue ocean.

Huinnyeoul Culture Village got its name from the snow white water bubbles that formed when the fresh water from Bongnaesan Mountain met the sea down below. The area has become popular in more recent years because of various dramas and films filmed there, but the area has, for awhile, been known as the second Songdo. It’s a super fun place to spend an afternoon after visiting Taejongdae. Get more information on Huinnyeoul Culture Village here.

• Address: 1044-6, Yeongseon-dong 4-ga, Yeongdo-gu, Busan (부산광역시 영도구 영선동4가 1044-6)
• Directions: From Busan Station, you can take bus 82, 85, or 508 to get to the culture village. It’s also a stop on the Busan City Tour Bus route if that’s your mode of transportation for your trip.

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Where To Eat & What To Eat In Busan

Busan some has some of the best food in the country. Sure, I’m a little biased because my husband is from Busan and thus I eat a lot of the stuff, but it is good! Also, did you know that dalgona was originally invented in Busan? Dalgona coffee is making quite the scene around the world, but the original street candy is from this awesome city. Anyway, let’s get into the eats you need to try down south.

Jagalchi Fish Market (자갈치시장)

Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest fish market in the country and sells live and dried seafood. Walk the wet alleys outside and you might see live octopus trying to escape from their red bucket homes and find various other fishy delights that can only be found in Korea.

Head inside of the main building of Jagalchi Market and you can purchase life seafood on the first floor that will be taken up to the second floor and prepped to your liking on the spot. The market is open from 5:00am to 10:00pm so go anytime throughout the day and you are sure to be impressed by the numerous seafood eats. Don’t miss having a bite here. For a great treat that has been said to exceed expectations, sign up for a tour of Jagalchi Market that includes a cooking class afterward. You can learn to make things like ginseng chicken soup, seafood pancakes, fresh tofu stew among other Korean classics.

PRO TIP: When you head to the market to see the seafood eats and treats, make sure to go all the way up to the top floor of the main building. There is a free observation deck to get beautiful views of the nearby area.

• Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan (부산광역시 중구 자갈치해안로 52 (남포동4가))

While I think Busan, Korea is a city that really requires at least an entire weekend if not plenty plenty more time to see and enjoy, I do know that not everyone has the time to spare. If you have just ONE DAY, check them out this One Day Busan Itinerary from Treksplorer.

The Bay 101 (더베이101)

A hot spot in the Haeundae area of Busan, The Bay 101 is a yacht club, cafe, pub and restaurant that is best enjoyed at night. The food and drink are a bit pricier than other spots in the area, but this is definitely THE spot to go out to in the area if you’re looking for THE night out fun with an experience and all of the chic surroundings. Get dressed up and enjoy the atmosphere right on the water.

The Bay 101 also offers yacht cruises from their spot right on the bay. Jump on a premier boat to sail around Haeundae with a glass of champagne in hand. This is definitely chic experience to be had while in Busan. For something a bit faster, you can also take a speed boat ride from The Bay 101 at 11:00am, 1:00pm or 3:00pm.

• Address: 52 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산광역시 해운대구 동백로 52 (우동))

Let’s Eat Alley (먹자골목)

An experience you won’t want to miss is finding Let’s Eat Alley. Turn the corner to find small stools surrounding various older Korean women with huge portions, bags and tubs of food they portion out. Sit with them to sup on simple side dishes and kimbab while passerby try to get by. It’s definitely an experience eating on the street in this way and it’s super cheap too so budget friendly people be on the lookout. The food is simple but very satisfying and if you’re in the area, this is definitely a fun spot to check out.

• Address: 2-ga Changseon-dong Joonggu-dong, Busan (산광역시 중구 창선동2가)
• Directions: Jagalchi Station Line 1, Exit 7. Turn left at the first street and then turn right on the third street Gwangbokro, it’ll be down an alley on your left.

Pork Rice Soup (Dwaeji gukbab) (돼지국밥)

Dwaeji gukbap is a quintessential Busan food if you ask my husband. This hearty soup is made after pork bone has been boiled for hours to make a milky broth. Next, pork shank, soy sauce, miso, and sesame oil are added to make a delicious filling stew. This is a stew that my husband often seeks out and there’s an entire alley of dwaeij gukbap restaurants in the Seomyeon area. Whether or not you’re staying in that area though, there are PLENTY of restaurants serving up this dish all around Busan. You wont’ be able to walk far without finding one and when you do, definitely stop in for a treat.

When you sit down, notice the various dishes on the table. Some restaurants serve the soup all in, you just stir to find the hot pepper paste and other toppings inside. BUT some, you add yourself. Add the saeujeot, or tiny brined shrimp, to get it a bit saltier. Add the chogochuang, a hot pepper paste mixed with vinegar, to make it a bit spicier. And then top it off with some of the chopped leeks and a circle of noodles to finish it off.

Daegutang (대구탕)

One of my personal all time favorite restaurants in Busan is located at the west end of the Gwangalli Beach strip. The restaurant serves up the a deliciously simple cod soup. In the north of the country, this cod soup is often served with a spicier red broth, but here the broth is simple with just simply salt and garlic. It’s the best hangover option in my opinion but is also just filling and cleansing too. Eat at Goma Daegutang (고마대구탕) where the stew is served simply with just radish and scallions added to the milky white broth. No fuss, no muss but so delicious.

• Address: 5-3 Namcheon-dong Suyeong-gu, Busan (부산광역시 수영구 남천동 5-3)

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Fun Things To Do In Busan

Songdo Cable Car (송도해수욕장 케이블카)

The cable car which originally opened in 1964 was just RE-opened in 2017 after extensions were added to make it four times as long as when it was closed down in 1988. Hop on at Songnim Park and ride the cable car all the way to Amnam Park Observatory. If you’re afraid of heights, do be aware, SOME of the cars have a glass bottom so step aside if you do NOT want one. There are some great cable cars to enjoy in Korea. If you like them, be sure to also check out this guide with 18 cable cars in Korea. 

• Admission: Roundtrip is W15,000 OR W20,000 depending if you get the clear floor or not.
• Discounted Tickets: Purchase tickets on Klook for discounted tickets to the Busan Air Cruise.
• Hours: 9:00am ~ 11:00pm
• Address: 171 Songdo Haebyeon-ro, Soegu, Busan (서구 송도해변로 171)
• Directions: Jagalchi Station on line 1 and take a local bus 96, 26, 71 or 7 to Songdo Beach Parking – Namhang parking lot (near Namhangdaegyo bridge ramp). OR from Jagalchi Station, take those same buses but get off at Amnam Park bus stop to go the opposite direction.

Haeundae Sky Capsule (해운대스카이캡슐)

The Sky Capsule train cars are impossible to miss, adorned in vibrant colors of red, blue, yellow, and green. The track itself covers the stretch from Mipo Station to Songjeong Station, treating passengers to calming coastal views out over the ocean. It’s a fun and more and more popular addition to any trip to Busan.

• Learn More: There are a few different ways to approach this and two stations to catch the capsule from so read the guide to the Sky Capsule Busan to see where you want to start.

Oryukdo Skywalk

Located at the diving point of East and South Sea, the Oryukdo Skywalk was opened in 2013 and sits on a cliff 35 meters above the coast. Again, this skywalk has a glass floor. So, if you’re afraid of heights, do be aware that you’ll be walking on the sky if you want to get the views. It does make for a very Instagram-friendly shot though that’s for sure.

• Address: 137 Oryukdo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan (부산광역시 남구 오륙도로 137 (용호동))

Sea Life Busan Aquarium

Sea Life Busan is one of the largest aquariums in Asia. If you are love aquariums or need something indoors to do, this is an amazing option. There are 250 marine species and over 10,000 aquatic animals to view. Watch from the 180 degree glass tunnel as the sharks are fed above you. And if you have kids, they’ll love the Mermaid Show. Get your tickets online in advance for a discount.

• Addres: 266 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 266 (중동))

Spa Land

Spa Land is the premier Korean spa experience and it’s located in the world’s largest Shinsegae Department Store. The spa features 18 different hot springs and 13 unique sauna and spa areas along with the entertainment zone, restaurant, and cafe. It is the most relaxing spot to check out in Busan. Check out this guide to Spa Land for more information on the fun time to be had.

• Address: 35 Centumnam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산광역시 해운대구 센텀남대로 35 (우동))

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Day Trips From Busan

Oedo & Haegeumgang

One of the most interesting places I’ve been in Korea was out to the island of Oedo. The ferry to get there first proceeds past Haeguemgang Island (해금강) some rocky karsts that are 116 meters tall. The islands have quite a history. They are covered in herbs and as such, more than 3,000 people visited the island at the request of the Emperor of China in search of herbs for immortality. You can’t get off on the rocks, but ferries take visitors into a central area when waters aren’t too choppy to see what has been designated Natural Asset No. 2.

The ferry continues out to Oedo-Botania (외도 보타니아) an entire island that has been converted into a gorgeous idyllic botanical garden. Oedo is the first island in Korea to be owned and developed privately in the Halleo Maritime National Park. A couple unsuccessfully tried to grow and orchard of tangerines and breed pigs on the island but then in 1976 realized the could grow rare plants and today the island hosts a successful and rather interesting garden with over 3,000 different species of plants from Korea as well as some other subtropical climates.

Take a day tour with Klook that includes easy transportation from Busan that includes a stop at Windy Hill and Oedo Island as well as a guide.

Geoje-do Island

Geoje Island is the second largest island in Korea and there’s plenty to do for a day trip should you want to get out of Busan a bit. Not only does it feature the docks to catch a ferry to the Oedo-Botania and Haegeumgang karsts mentioned above, but there are things to see ON the island itself. Head to the island and you’ll find a beautiful bamboo forest. The Bamboo Theme Park or the Maengjongjuk Theme Park (맹종죽테마파크) is gorgeous and not promoted all that often so the opportunity to feel calm and relaxed and take beautiful pictures is there.

There’s also a POW Camp from the Korean War era (거제도 포로수용소 유적공원)  on the island if you want to learn more about the Korean War and how it effected this part of Korea. At one time, there were 173,000 POWs at this camp that has been turned into an outdoor museum with dioramas depicting life in the camp. The camp was shut down in 1953 upon the signing of the armistice but was re-opened in 1997 to educate the public and serve as a reminder of the Korean War.

Tongyeong

Tongyeong is an area that consists of Goseong Peninsula, Hansan Island, Mireuk Island and other islets west of Busan. Some popular destinations in the area include Tongyeong Jungang Market, a fresh seafood market with over 400 years of history, the Dongpirang Village that has colorful murals painted all around and more. Take a tour out to the peninsula to see all there is to see including the Hallyeosudo Ropeway for the adventurous and a Skyline Luge.

Yangsan

North of Busan are some other great sites that are great if you’re looking for a trip out of the city. Visit Tongdosa Temple, a gorgeous complex that is 1,300 years old. From there you can head to the Eden Valley Resort and take the luge down through the gorgeous mountains and then you can take a ride on the cable car through the Miryang Alps. This is a great option to get away, get some good deep breaths in natural surroundings and relax.

Namhae

Take a trip out to Namhae to get a more rural look at life in the area. The area is a hidden gem and is definitely for those seeking a chill beach experience and just a generally quieter day out. Seek out the Boriam Temple which offers a gorgeous view from it’s mountainside vantage point.

The temple is a Buddhist monastery and is high up in the mountains. For the adventurous, take the 3 kilometer medium difficulty hike up from the base of the mountain. If you just want to soak in the peace and serenity of the temple, take a car up.

From there you can head down to the Daraengi Village with terraced rice paddies and from there find the walking paths down to the coast where walking bridges will take you right out to the rocky seaside. Finally, head to the Yangmori Sheep Farm. This is something a bit different to get out of the city for.

Taehwagang River Bamboo Forest

Take a trip north to Ulsan and visit this amazing bamboo forest which is actually way way more than a gorgeous bamboo forest. It also features a massive flowering field from spring through autumn. Bamboo also stays green throughout the year which means if you just need some lush green in your life in the winter, it’s a great spot to visit too. Want to learn more? Check out this post on the Taehwagang River Bamboo Forest for all of the details.

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Busan is a great city with so much to see and a ton to do. Don’t miss out on an adventure on the southern coast of Korea. If you liked any of these places but would rather plan your own tour of the area, check out Klook’s Private Car Charter with a driver and guide. Get a group or your family together and this is definitely the best way to see the city and do exactly what you want when you want.

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