Busan Travel Guide: Best Things To Do, Where To Stay, and What To Eat
Last Updated on March 25, 2026
Busan is the kind of city that gets under your skin. Korea’s second largest city sits on the southern coast with beaches on one side, mountains on the other, and some of the best seafood in the country running through the middle of it all. My husband grew up here and if we weren’t based in Seoul, Busan would be home, which means I’ve spent years learning this city the way a local does rather than a tourist.
This is the guide I wish existed when I first arrived. It covers everything from the beaches and the hillside villages to the fish markets, the best food to seek out, where to actually stay depending on what you want, and the day trips worth making. Whether you have two days or a full week, Busan will reward every hour you give it.

Quick Busan Answers
Short on time? Here’s the Busan cheat sheet:
- Best area to stay for first-timers: Haeundae (beach and easy sightseeing) or Seomyeon (central area close to transit)
- Best sunset and night view spots: Gwangalli Beach, Night yacht tours
- Top 5 first-time musts: Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Village, Jagalchi Market, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Spa Land
- Must-eat Busan foods: Dwaeji gukbap (pork rice soup), seafood at Jagalchi, daegutang (cod soup)
- How many days: 2 days if you want to see the highlights, 3 days to get more of the coast and culture, 4 days is ideal
This is a long article all about the best things to do in Busan from beaches to overlooks and how to see it all… if you have time.
- Best Things To Do in Busan
- How To Get To Busan From Seoul
- How To Get Around Busan
- Where To Stay In Busan
- What To Eat In Busan: The Must-try Foods and Where
- Day Trips From Busan
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Best Things To Do 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.
Beaches & Coastal Views

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.
- 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 the next most popular beach area in Busan. 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. It’s just a bit more chill than Haeundae.
- Address: 219 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan (부산광역시 수영구 광안해변로 219 (광안동))

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. A beautiful beach, cable car, seaside boardwalk for walking, and more await here. Want to get away from the hype and go a bit more local? Stay around here. Learn more about this must see and definitely must stay area of Busan in my guide to Songdo in Busan.
- Address: 171 Songdo Haebyeon-ro, Soegu, Busan (서구 송도해변로 171)




Taejongdae Seaside Cliffs (태종대유원지)
The rocky cliffs of Taejongdae are a must see in Busan. 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.
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. 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.
- Address: 24 Jeonmang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan (부산광역시 영도구 전망로 24 (동삼동))
- Join a tour:
Local’s Tip: The walk around Taejongdae really isn’t that bad. If the weather is reeeeally hot or a bit rainy, it’s a good idea to get the train ticket. That said, if it’s too rainy, the tram won’t run. It’s useful if you have kids who won’t want to walk the entire time, but if you’re ready for a bit of movement, it’s totally doable.

Igidae Urban Nature Park (이기대 도시자연공원)
Igidae was one of the first places my husband 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.
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 Beach and Haeundae Beach. 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.
- Address: 68 Igidaegongwon-ro, Nam-gu, Busan (부산광역시 남구 이기대공원로 68 (용호동))

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Culture and Landmarks




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.
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.
- 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


Local’s Tip: 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.
Busan Tower (부산타워)

The Busan Tower is set 69 meters above sea level and offers great views of the seaside. Built in 1973, the observatory, which was designed and inspired from a pagoda at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. There is a fee to get up in the tower, but if you don’t want to pay for it, take a seat in the cafe inside of the nearby pagoda and you can get some good views from the platform surrounding the cafe.
- Address: 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan (부산광역시 중구 용두산길 37-55 (광복동2가))
- Hours: 10:30am ~ 8:00pm
Artsy Spots and Neighborhood Walks




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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Join a tour: Learn a bit more about the area and don’t get lost, visit the mountainside village with a guide.
Insider’s Tip: 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.

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.
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:



Museum of Contemporary Art Busan (MOCA Busan) (부산현대미술관)
With a focus on contemporary and new media art, the themes offered at the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan usually tie into nature, ecosystems, and humankind. Not just indoors, the art actually starts outside. This museum hosts some fantastic exhibitions, but it is a bit far to the west. It makes a great day out if you also visit nearby Eulsukdo Ecological Park.
- Address: 1191 Nakdongnam-ro, Saha-gu, Busan (부산광역시 사하구 낙동남로 1191)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.busan.go.kr/moca/index
Experiences Worth Booking



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.



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))
- Hours: 6:00am ~ 11:00pm
- Admission:
- Adults: W17,000 (weekdays) & W20,000 (weekends and public holidays)*
- Students 8-18: W13,000 (weekdays) & W16,000 (weekends and public holidays)*
- Discounts: Check out the deal on Creatrip or on KKday before you go as they offer discounts throughout the year.
- Notes: The basic ticket is good for 4 hours. Upon leaving, your wrist key will be scanned to add up the charges from inside and should you go over four hours, you pay an additional W3,000 per hour. HOWEVER, if you spend at least W10,000 inside (which isn’t difficult if you get a drink and lunch or a snack) then you can stay an additional 2 hours without an extra charge.


Songdo Cable Car (송도해수욕장 케이블카)
The cable car which originally opened in 1964 was 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.
- Admission: Roundtrip is W15,000 OR W20,000 depending if you get the clear floor or not.
- Hours: 9:00am ~ 11:00pm
- 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.
Fun Fact: 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.



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.
- Address: 266 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 266 (중동))
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.

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.
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 offs, 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.
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.
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.
Best Areas To Stay: Quick Guide
- Haeundae: Beach, family-friendly, easiest sightseeing
- Seomyeon: Transit hub, budget-friendly, central
- Nampo: Markets, old Busan vibe, Jagalchi fish market access
- Gwangalli: Best night views, cafes, evening energy
- Songdo: Quiet but cool, family-friendly, near fun villages

Ananti Hilton Busan
The gorgeous ocean views are more than enough to make this hotel a must stay but if you need more, the rooms are spacious and the staff incredibly helpful. Want to stay at the best hotel in the city? This is definitely your spot.
Book your stay here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com

Park Hyatt Busan
In the popular Haeundae district, this 5-star luxury hotel has all of the chic appeal any visitor could want. Enjoy a massage at the amazing Lumi Spa and then take a dip in the 19 meter indoor pool. Want to arrive in style, use the limousine transfer service from the train station or airport.
Book this amazing hotel on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com.

The Westin Chosun Busan
Want to stay right on the beach? Check into this 5-star luxury hotel with all of the views and all of the sand right outside the door. Take part in the activity programs on Oryukdo Island. With multiple dining options, there is plenty to do here and to eat so you’ll never have to leave.
Book a stay here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com

Paradise Hotel Busan
Want to live the celebrity life in Korea? Check into this spot that has plenty of nightlife options and fun like a casino and outdoor spa. Get a room with a balcony and enjoy the views. Plenty to do for singles, couples and families too. It’s an ideal location if you want to enjoy all that Busan has to offer.
Book your stay here now on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com
What To Eat In Busan: The Must-try Foods and Where
Busan 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?




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 live 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.
- Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan (부산광역시 중구 자갈치해안로 52 (남포동4가))
- Join a tour: 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.
Local’s 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.
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.

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)
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 affected 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.
FAQ
Is Busan worth visiting vs Seoul?
Of course, yes! Thanks to the beaches, cultural sites, seafood markets, and the coastal atmosphere, it is an amazing city in South Korea to visit. If you’re going to one other city outside of Seoul, most people choose Busan. Even though it’s the second largest city in Korea, it offers a huge contrast to Seoul’s urban lifestyle.
How many days do you need in Busan?
Most people head down for two days at a time when they live here and a weekend is a great amount of time to get the vibe of Busan. If you want to really see all of the major sites, you’ll need at least three days though.
When is the best time to visit Busan?
Busan is enjoyable year round if you ask me. In the spring, there are is mild weather, of course cherry blossoms, and plenty to do even if you can’t swim. In the summer, it’s all about hanging out at the seaside. Even hot and humid, it’s worth it. The autumn is crisp, the skies are clear, and though you’re back to no swimming, there is trekking, and seaside walks. And in the winter, it’s a lot less crowded and you can look for camellia flowers blooming!
Is tap water safe to drink in Busan?
Yes, tap water in Busan is generally safe to drink and meets South Korea’s strict water quality standards. It’s treated with modern purification processes and regularly tested for safety. Some locals and travelers still prefer filtered water for taste, but safety is not a concern in major urban areas.
Is the Busan City Tour Bus worth it?
The Busan City Tour Bus is an ideal way to get around if you want to see the major tourist spots in the city. While the subway can get there too, the city tour bus is efficient, easy to use, and budget friendly, making it much better for tourists.
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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