Things to do

The List Of 22 Amazing Things To Do In Busan, South Korea

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Busan, the second largest city in South Korea serves as a large port area. It is most reputed for its beautiful sand beach, seafood market, and cultural flavor.

The port city offers great tourist attractions, including Haeundae Beach and Jagalchi Market, and is home to the Busan International Film Festival. Due to the subtropical climate, and beautiful nature ranging from mountains to the sea coast, Busan is a perfect mix of attraction and leisure.

Check the following list to ensure amazing things to do in Busan.

1. Take A Cable Car Ride Over The Sea

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Songdo Bay Station provides the opportunity to glide over the ocean and admire the Busan coastline. You can even connect your music to the cable car speakers to enjoy the ride.

Ticket options are available in different forms. You can either opt for single, double or the crystal cabin one. The last one has a glass floor which allows you to see the sea beneath your feet.

The station itself is well-maintained, with friendly staff and smooth operations. It is a fantastic way to appreciate Busan's natural beauty from above. One of the top things to do in Busan South Korea.

2. Get Stunning Coastal Views From Taejongdae

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Taejongdae Resort Park is a huge park to explore the forest and see wonderful views of the ocean. You can start off riding a Danubi train that takes you to many landmarks and points of interest along the route.

It contains paths for hiking, an enjoyable balcony, and a fiberglass lighthouse that provides excellent seascapes. On the observation deck there is a very nice restaurant and shop where you can buy a cup of ice cream and a drink.

Friendly stray cats can also easily be found wandering around. The roads up to the lighthouse are steep with a limited space for two cars at a time, but the view at the summit is beautiful.

3. Witness A Drone Light Show At Gwangalli Beach

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The beach comes to life on certain nights for the Drone show. The Gwangandaegyo or Diamond Bridge provides a stunning backdrop which is a sight to behold.

The light show presents 600 drones equipped with LED lights. You can witness this performance every Saturday throughout the year and lasts for about 12 minutes.

The atmosphere is good and you will see people having picnics, and enjoying a quality time. You can also take a walk or chill at any of several coffee shops or restaurants. Catching a show is one of the highlights of what to do in Busan.

4. Experience The Unique Seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

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This temple located on a cliff overlooking the East Sea is very unique and has a magical atmosphere. There are so many details in this huge complex.

It gets very busy during the peak times, so be prepared for that. Nevertheless, the first thing you notice after visiting this place is a striking row of twelve statues lined up in perfect order. They are a powerful sight and make you pause for a moment.

Ahead you will find a steep climb; several flights of stairs wind their way up the hillside. If you are up for the challenge, make sure to reach the top. Locals believe in the temple's spiritual powers, especially for those seeking blessings for children and education.

5. Snap Worthy Photos At Gamcheon Culture Village

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It can be rightfully stated that this village is a vibrant tapestry of color and creativity. It is nestled against the hillsides like a painter's canvas brought to life.

Originally a hillside community built by refugees during the Korean War, it is now a super colorful and artsy spot filled with murals, sculptures, and quirky little shops. Walking through the narrow streets is like exploring a maze, with so many cool corners to discover.

The views of Busan and the sea are amazing, and there are lots of cafes where you can just chill and snap Instagram-worthy pictures. The Little Prince statue, perched elegantly in a quiet corner, captures the essence of wonder and innocence.

6. Try Seafood At Jagalchi Market

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You buy seafood, then you can go upstairs and pay a sitting fee. The vendors make the seafood exactly how you like, and give you side dishes as well.

One can taste everything to be super fresh and delicious. You can also bring your seafood to be cooked by them. This market stocks a vast variety of seafood; many that you might have not seen before.

The vendors and friendly and you can wander around and take photos if you don't intend to buy. One of the must-visit busan tourist attractions. On the outside, there are many seafood restaurants and even dried fish markets. Overall, a good place to eat, walk, and explore.

7. Go For A Scenic Walk On Songdo Cloud Trails

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The trails are located near Songdo Beach and Songdo Bay Station. They are built above the ocean with a glass floor so you can experience walking above the waves.

The winding paths and glass sections offer thrilling views of the water below. This place is ideal for a peaceful stroll or photography; it is a refreshing way to enjoy Busan's coastline.

If you want to experience something memorable, visit during the sunset as the views are spectacular. The walk is free and you can take a cable car to the other side of the land. Take it slow, appreciate the architecture of the trails, see the mermaid and her lover statues, and enjoy the breeze.

8. Taste Street Foods At BIFF Square

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This is a unique market area with tons of souvenir shops, clothing, and mostly food. It is the right spot for street food lovers with lots of food stalls selling skewered meats, fish, dumplings, and sweets at a reasonable price.

This square gets its name from the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). You can find celebrities' fingerprints and signatures along the road. There are also many standalone booths in the middle of the street providing fortune-telling services.

The place is quite busy and there is no access to cars and it is best to get there using public transport or a taxi. If you use your car, there is a parking lot at the beginning of the street.

9. Spend A Relaxing Day or Night At Haeundae Beach

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The golden sand, clear blue water, and lively atmosphere make it a perfect place for a relaxing day. You might love the blend of nature and city view with skyscrapers in the background.

The beach benefits from easy access and is close to convenience stores and eateries. Although the high winds cause sand to blow around during the day, it adds to the charms of the beach.

Taking a walk at night is also incredibly peaceful. The white waves rolling in, the quiet atmosphere, and the clean water make it the best spot to unwind. Haeundae Beach is well-maintained, with plenty of Haeundae signs scattered around, ideal for taking memorable photos.

10. Stop By UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea

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This place makes us realize those who laid their life for freedom. A beautiful and serene reminder of the cost of war.

The guards greet you with a friendly bow when you enter and you can smell the lush scent of pine. The first thing you notice is the carefully manicured trees. They are cut in a Korean style and give the cemetery an aura of sacredness.

You can enjoy getting lost in the many trails and gaze at the impressive vistas of Busan many hills. There are also some museums and galleries where you can learn about the war and the gravestones are beautiful and serene. Stop by and discover why this place is among the top-rated things to do in Busan Korea.

11. Explore Yongdusan Park

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The park is named after it resembles the head of a dragon, "Yongdu." It features beautiful walking paths, statues, and cultural monuments.

People usually visit the park for a relaxing walk, to climb the tower, or to enjoy cultural events. Also, do not forget to adore the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a revered naval commander in Korean history, and the flower clock.

The park is easily accessible from Nampo-dong shopping street and Jagalchi Fish Market. Although it is free to enter, there is a fee for going up Busan Tower. Expect to spend at least 1-2 hours if you are exploring the entire park and tower.

12. Savor Indian And Nepali Cuisine At Namaste Haeundae

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The food here is mouthwatering which makes one finish the meal. The restaurant environment is lively and the selection of food in the restaurant is massive.

You can enjoy some authentic foods such as biryani, butter chicken, or paneer tikka. It has an excellent, vibrant taste which is well exotic for those people who love Indian food.

Also, the staff is very courteous and friendly. You should order their naan bread; it's amazing when eaten with curries. If you visit Haeundae Beach, it is recommended to stop by the Namaste Restaurant. You'll enjoy their delicious meals, whether for breakfast or lunch.

13. Relax At SPA LAND Centum City

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The venue provides a great experience to relax and chill out. Amazing place to spend half a day if you are around the area.

There are two main areas. One where the pools and saunas are located, separated by gender, and a common one where you dress in the clothes provided at the entry.

The entry covers up to 4 hours and any longer time needs to be paid extra. Check online for deals on the tickets and save money by booking ahead of time. It can get quite crowded in the common areas but there are many rooms to relax and check out. So, as long as you have time, it is a lovely experience.

14. Go To Beomeosa Temple

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This is quite a big temple complex with multiple buildings. It is situated on the top of a mountain near Busan city center.

You can take a bus that leaves you at the door. Between the gorgeous temple complex, you can see colorful murals that tell Buddha's story and observe the monks chanting with instruments.

The place has an energy that is hard to describe. The forest around it adds to the meditative vibe, making it feel like a spiritual retreat. There is a stream next to the temple where Koreans have picnics with their legs soaked in the water.

15. Join A Cherry Blossom Tour

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These tours cover most of the popular sites including Dalmaji-gil Road, Namcheon-dong Cherry Blossom Street, and Oncheoncheon Cafe Street.

The Cherry blossoms are in bloom from late March to early April so plan your trip accordingly for the best view. It is advisable to contact the specific agency and book a tour in advance because these tours can be crowded in the summer.

Also, visit places like Hwangnyeongsan Mountain to have the best look at the flowers and have the scenery of Busan City behind them. You might also want to get into some color at Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival.

16. Take A Day Trip To Gyeongju

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This city presents a rich historical background of South Korea especially the history of the Silla Dynasty. To get familiar with the Buddhist impact on Koreans, a day tour allows you to view major attractions such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.

The best way to get to Gyeongju is by public transport, or joining a tour group of special interest. Bus from Busan Sasang Bus Terminal will take an hour to reach. Sightseeing tours provide flexible schedules with a historical focus and include such sites as Yangdong Folk Village and Cheomseongdae Observatory.

Self-guided tours let you be independent while guided tours give you more historical background.

17. Sit On A Cute Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule

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A nice monorail-type railway between Mipo and Cheongsapo stations. The cute capsule train travels gently along an elevated 2 km track of Blue Line Park.

Tickets are issued within a 30-minute time slot, and the boarding process is quite slow but well organized. Cars have seating for 4 people and there is also a small center table. A little bit touristy but has nice views along the way.

A one-way trip costs about $25 per person, but the price is worthwhile, especially if you start in Mipo since that direction provides the best seaside views. This attraction can be busy, so maybe book in advance to avoid disappointment.

18. Explore Busan's Coffee Shops

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Visitors can explore both the old and the new styles of coffee shops all in one place. Because it has several beautiful views and cultural attractions, the city can be considered a perfect place for coffee lovers.

The International Coffee Museum in Busanjin Station has over 2,000 coffee machines from various manufacturers presented there. This gives a social history of coffee-making technology. Jeonpo Cafe Street on the other hand provides a European feel and has several cafes with various concepts and beautiful interior photographs.

Momos Roastery and Coffee Bar is another sneaky peek into the process of coffee making, storing, and roasting of the beans. It is led by a world-champion bartender.

19. Take The Bay 101 Yacht Club Tour

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This is another best things to do in Busan for the excellent night view and a classy environment. The night view created by the combination of building lights and the sea is spectacular.

This is recommended for a cozy evening in Busan, where you can enjoy a beer, a few bites, and a view of all the high-rise buildings. The place is suitable for taking pictures.

The scenery is also beautiful in the daytime, but the night view is much prettier. You can visit Haeundae Beach during the day, get a good walk around Dong Baek Island, and then go to Bay 101 at night.

20. Visit The Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory

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It is worth visiting this one of the top three ocean observatories in Busan. A beautiful spot that can be accessed either via its dedicated stop on the Haeundae Blue Line beach train or through an easy walk along the wooden trail from Cheongsapo.

You will be asked to wear shoe covers before entering to prevent damage or scratches to the glass floors. The admission is free and the observatory allows you a great view of the coastline.

The glass floors let you appreciate the waves below. From here you can take the beach train going back to Seongjeong or Mipo station or Cheongsapo station for the Sky Capsule.

21. Discover Underwater Wonders And Marine Life At SEALIFE Busan Aquarium

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It is best to buy a ticket in advance than on the day of a visit. They do not accept cash, only credit cards. The aquarium boasts an impressive underwater tunnel.

You can sit under the tunnel section for hours watching the sharks, rays, and turtles amongst others. The aquarium is divided into several themed zones. Kids will love the interactive touch pools.

It provides a chance to get up close and personal with starfish and other sea creatures. Moreover, the aquarium also offers daily shows and feeding sessions. The shark feeding show is another things to see in Busan.

22. Stroll Around Dakbatgol Mural Village

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Mural Village is a very lively place situated in Seo District. It was repainted into a mural site in 2010 with the help of artist Gu Bon-ho and the inhabitants of the territory.

The village got its name from mulberry trees used in the production of Korean Paper known as Hanji during the old days. It has six different themes of murals and art installations. Facilities include artistic murals on the walls, small display areas, and cultural units to explore.

There is an elevator located in the Buksan-ri public parking lot that gives a glimpse of the city of Busan. Other attractions within easy reach are Somang Stairs Monorail; this is a beautiful cable car mostly preferred by elderly people.