Busan guide
As the 2nd-largest city in South Korea, Busan is frequented by locals and tourists from all parts of the world. The city is more than just beautiful beaches and seafood, and our comprehensive Busan guide will prove just that.
– Where to stay in Busan –
1. Hotel – Park Hyatt Busan
Image credit: Agoda
Park Hyatt Busan is a 5-star hotel in the Haeundae district that provides a luxurious stay for visitors.
The hotel is located right beside the famous Haeundae beach, which means you get to enjoy scenic ocean views from your room.
King-sized bed with ocean view.
Image credit: Park Hyatt Busan
Their 1 King Bed With Ocean View Room has a clean and modern interior, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows for you to admire the view while having a comfortable stay.
Park Hyatt Busan is a 17-minute walk from Dongbaek Station.
Address: 51 Marine city 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Contact: 051-990-1234
2. Budget Hotel – H Avenue Hotel Gwangalli
Image credit: @havenue_gwangalli via Instagram
If you are on a budget trip, you can consider opting for H Avenue Hotel Gwangalli. Just like Park Hyatt Busan, it’s situated next to one of Busan’s most visited beaches, the Gwangalli beach.
The Gwangalli beach is only 190m away from the hotel, and the nearest convenience store is only 300m from the hotel.
Double room with sea view.
Image credit: Booking.com
H Avenue Hotel Gwangalli is a 20-minute walk from the nearest train station, Gwangan Station. If you choose to take the bus instead, the hotel is only 600m away from the nearest bus stop.
Address: 29, Millaksubyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
Contact: 0507-1300-1340
3. Hostel – Uniqstay Hostel & Suite
Image credit: Agoda
The most affordable form of accommodation in South Korea would be hostels. Uniqstay Hostel & Suite is a 3-star hostel located at Seomyeon, which is also known as the main shopping district in Busan.
Since the hostel is situated in the city, accessibility to major tourist attractions such as the Seomyeon Underground Shopping Centre is a given here.
Double room.
Image credit: Agoda
The hotel is a 7-minute walk from Seomyeon Station, and the nearest convenience store is only 100m away.
Address: 59 Bujeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Contact: 0507-1423-5583
4. Hanok Stay – Daranhyang Hilltop
Image credit: Airbnb
Hanok houses, otherwise known as Korean traditional houses, are rare in Busan. In fact, Daranhyang Hilltop is one of the few hanok stays you can find there.
Image credit: Airbnb
As Daranhyang Hilltop is located in the remote areas of Busan, you’ll get to enjoy quiet time away from the bustling city area. Better yet, you can experience an authentic hanok stay as you can chop your own firewood and even hold an outdoor BBQ party.
Address: 626-7 Gomnae-gil, Jeonggwan-myeon, Gijang-gun, Busan
Contact: Contact host via Airbnb | Airbnb Website
– Places to go in Busan –
5. Gamcheon Culture Village
Image credit: @snowb_in via Instagram
Gamcheon Culture Village is one of the top-visited tourist attractions in Busan. The titular village is packed with cultural art works, endless activities, and trendy cafes.
If you are unsure what to do in Gamcheon Culture Village, visit the Tourist Information Centre where you can purchase a stamp tour map.
Image adapted from: 도리도리 via Naver
The stamp tour map costs KRW2,000 (~USD1.72), and it has a trail that you can follow to visit various places in the village.
Once you’ve visited all the checkpoints and collected all the stamps, you can redeem 2 free postcards from the Tourist Information Centre.
You can also refer to our Gamcheon Culture Village guide to see what else you can explore and experience at the village.
The nearest train station is the Toseong Station, where you can board a direct bus, Seogu 2, that will take you to the entrance of the village.
Address: 200 Gamnae 1(il)-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
Contact: 051-204-1444
6. Lotte World Adventure Busan
Image credit: @kdj2478 via Instagram
Lotte World Adventure Busan officially opened in March 2022. The theme park has 16 attractions.
Image credit: @hhr_0505 via Instagram
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss out on Lotte World Adventure Busan’s signature ride, the Giant Digger. The 1-minute roller coaster ride has 4 thrilling 360° turns, and it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Image credit: @hhahong via Instagram
The parade at Lorry Castle is held everyday between 2pm and 8pm.
Ticket prices:
Adults: KRW47,000 (~USD32.81)
Students: KRW39,000 (~USD27.22)
Children: KRW33,000 (~USD23.03)
Infants: KRW12,000 (~USD8.37)
Take the Donghae Line to Osiria Station, and board Bus No. 139 or 183 to get to Lotte World Adventure Busan.
Address: 42 Dongbusangwangwang-ro, Gijang-gun, Busan
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 1661-2000
7. Skyline Luge Busan
Image credit: @jin0.0104 via Instagram
Located right beside the Lotte World Adventure Busan is the Skyline Luge Busan.
Image credit: @ssooodanija via Instagram
The Skyline Luge Busan is great for families with children. It’d be helpful to note that tickets are sold according to the number of times you wish to ride the luge.
| Adults | Children | |
| 2 rides | KRW27,000 (~USD19.04) | KRW12,000 (~USD8.47) |
| 3 rides | KRW30,000 (~USD21.18) | |
| 4 rides | KRW33,000 (~USD23.30) | |
| 5 rides | KRW36,000 (~USD25.43) |
Address: 205 Gijanghaean-ro, Gijang-gun, Busan
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm | Sat & Sun 10am-8pm
Contact: 051-722-6002
8. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Image credit: 미세 via Naver
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is known for its amazing sea view and heritage.
Image adapted from: 토로링 via Naver
You’ll also find shops selling beaded bracelets according to the Chinese zodiac signs. You can even buy a candle according to your zodiac sign, and light it up in exchange for your prayers.
The Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a 11-minute walk from the Skyline Luge Busan, so make sure to visit the temple after a fun Luge ride.
Address: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan
Opening hours: 4.30am-8.30pm, Daily
Contact: 051-722-7744
9. Busan Premium Outlet
Image credit: 아로하 via Naver
Busan Premium Outlet is home to many outlet stores from sportswear brands such as Adidas, Puma and Patagonia to high-end brands such as Celine and Valentino.
Don’t forget to bring your passports along to get tax refund in the stores.
The nearest train station is Jwacheon Station, where you can take Bus No. 1008 to get to the entrance of the mall.
Address: 1133 Jeonggwan-ro, Gijang-gun, Busan
Opening hours: 10.30am-9pm, Daily (May-Oct) | Mon-Thu 10.30am-8.30pm | Fri-Sun 10.30am-9pm (Nov-Apr)
Contact: 02-763-1112
10. Museum 1
Image credit: Naver
Museum 1 is located opposite the Centum City Station, and you can easily spot it thanks to the conspicuous exterior.
Image adapted from: Clara Quek, Naver
There are many exhibition rooms with different artwork and aesthetic light displays. The main exhibition hall has a giant LED screen which extends all the way to the floor.
Ticket prices:
Adults: KRW18,000 (~USD12.58)
Between 14-19 years old: KRW15,000 (~USD10.48)
Children: KRW13,000 (~USD9.08)
Address: 20 Centumseo-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm | Sat & Sun 10am-8pm
Contact: 051-731-3302
11. Haeundae Blueline Park
Image credit: @sun_.y via Instagram
The Haeundae Blueline Park is located right next to the Haeundae beach, and they primarily provide 2 services.
The 1st service is the Haeundae Beach Train, which costs KRW7,000 (~USD4.84) for a single trip and KRW10,000 (~USD6.92) for a round trip.
Video adapted from: Clara Quek
Enjoy the sea view as the train proceeds from one end to the other end of Haeundae beach.
Image adapted from: @allisoncheng via Instagram, @uujin___ via Instagram
The other popular service is the Sky Capsule, which is a private capsule that you and your loved one can take for a private experience sea-viewing experience.
| No. of pax | Price |
| 2 persons | KRW30,000 (~USD20.80) |
| 3 persons | KRW39,000 (~USD27.04) |
| 4 persons | KRW44,000 (~USD30.50) |
We recommend that you make prior bookings as they follow a strict schedule and have limited slots.
The nearest train station is the Jangsan Station, where you can take a direct bus, Haeundae 10, which will take you to Haeundae Blueline Park.
Address: 13 Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 9.30am-6.30pm, Daily (Mar-Apr & Oct) | 9.30am-7.30pm, Daily (May-Jun & Sept) | 9.30am-9pm, Daily (Jul-Aug) | 9.30am-6pm, Daily (Nov-Feb)
Contact: 0507-1332-5548
12. Huinnyeoul Culture Village
Image credit: Clara Quek
Apart from Gamcheon Culture Village, you can visit the Huinnyeoul Culture Village, which is located on a high cliff overlooking the Busan Sea.
Even though it is a village which is filled with majority of residential housing, you can still find many cafes and restaurants that cater to visitors as they take advantage of the scenic views.
Image adapted from: @seul9 via Instagram
There are beautiful paintings and artwork around Huinnyeoul Culture Village, making every corner of the village a potential photo spot.
Image adapted from: @soso_huinnyeoul via Instagram
You can also find stationery shops selling cute keychains, magnets and postcards that you can bring home as keepsakes.
Huinnyeoul Culture Village is located on an island away from the main Busan land. You can take Busan Metro Line 1 to Nampo Station, then change to Bus No. 6 and alight at Huinnyeoul Culture Village bus stop.
Address: 1044-6, Yeongseon-dong 4-ga, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
Contact: 051-403-1863
13. 168 Stairs & Monorail
Image adapted from: @story_jeon via Instagram
Challenge yourself to climb this flight of 168 stairs in the shortest time possible. Along this flight of stairs, there are numerous shops ranging from a bakery to a pollack roe store selling pollack roe character merchandise.
Image credit: @yen_pic via Instagram
There’s a monorail that is used as a form of transportation for the older residents living in the area.
However, in recent years, the monorail has become a tourist attraction. Best of all, rides are free-of-charge.
Image adapted from: @phj174 via Instagram, @danmi__jh32 via Instagram
Located right next to the flight of stairs is a traditional dosirak (lunch box) restaurant selling affordable lunch boxes.
168 Stairs is a 15-minute walk from the Busan Station, and the fastest way to get there is by foot.
Address: Yeongcho-gil 191beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan
Opening hours (Monorail): 7am-8pm, Daily (Oct-May) | 7am-9pm, Daily (Jun-Sept)
14. Songdo Cable Car
Image credit: @capyun77_art via Instagram
Visit the Songdo Cable Car, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the Busan sea and Songdo beach.
There are 2 types of cable cars available: the basic Air Cruise and Crystal Cruise.
Crystal Cruise.
Image credit: Busan Air Cruise
The Crystal Cruise has transparent glass floors for you to look down into the ocean when you’re on it. It’s best for thrillseekers who are not afraid of heights. Meantime, the Air Cruise has a covered floor if you’ve got jelly legs.
Inside each cable car is a bluetooth speaker you can connect to and play your favourite songs while admiring the amazing view.
| Air Cruise | Crystal Cruise | |||
| Adult | Children | Adult | Children | |
| Round trip | KRW15,000 (~USD10.42) | KRW11,000 (~USD7.64) | KRW20,000 (~USD13.90) | KRW15,000 (~USD10.42) |
| Single trip | KRW12,000 (~USD8.33) | KRW9,000 (~USD6.25) | KRW16,000 (~USD11.12) | KRW12,000 (~USD8.33) |
Get to Songdo Cable Car by taking Busan Metro Line 1 to Nampo Station, then take Bus No. 30. Alight at Amnam-dong Community Service Centre bus stop.
Address: 171 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 9am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 051-247-9900
15. Hurshimchung Spa
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After a long day of walking and travelling, unwind and relax at the Hurshimchung Spa.
The spa is located within Hotel Nongshim, and just like any other jimjilbang (Korean bathhouse), it houses many facilities such as the barber shop, restaurants, sauna rooms and a gym.
Image credit: Hotel Nongshim
What sets Hurshimchung Spa apart from others is their hot springs, which are located on the 5th floor. There are various types of hot springs with different temperatures and special ones like red ginseng hot springs.
Here’s a jimjilbang guide so you can enjoy an authentic Korean bathhouse experience.
| Weekday | Weekend & Public Holidays | ||||
| Adult | Elementary school
students |
Children | Adult | Elementary school students | Children |
| KRW12,000 (~USD8.37) | KRW9,000 (~USD6.28) | KRW6,000 (~USD4.18) | KRW15,000 (~USD10.46) | KRW10,000 (~USD6.97) | KRW6,000 (~USD4.18) |
The Hurshimchung Spa is a 10-minute walk from the Oncheonjang station.
Address: 23 Geumganggongwon-ro 20beon-gil, Dongnae-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 5.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 051-550-2200
– Must-try food in Busan –
16. Jagalchi Market
Image credit: 이레쌤 via Naver
Besides its breathtaking nature, Busan is known for fresh sashimi and seafood.
Jagalchi Market is the largest seafood distribution market in South Korea, and it is a must to visit the market for the freshest seafood.
Image credit: @gimgyomin46 via Instagram
Jagalchi Market has many restaurants selling sashimi, stews, steamed crabs and all kinds of seafood dishes.
Prices of the seafood vary depending on the size and weight, so do check with the restaurant owners before you purchase them.
Take Busan Metro Line 1 to Nampo Station. Jagalchi Market is only a 3-minute walk from the station.
Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 10.30am-8pm, Daily
17. BIFF Square Hotteok
Image adapted from: @dalcom0406 via Instagram, @_dodoqoo_ via Instagram
Located only 500m away from Jagalchi Market is the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Square. BIFF Square is known for its street food, especially the Busan-style Ssiat Hotteok (sweet pancake with assorted seeds).
Video adapted from: 승미라이프 via Naver
We highly encourage you to get the Ssiat Hotteok (KRW1,500, ~USD1.05), which is fried with assorted fillings such as sunflower seeds, almonds and peanuts.
Address: 20, BIFF Gwangjang-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
18. Yeongdong Milmyeon & Dwaeji Gukbap
Image credit: @jhsy7170 via Instagram
Busan is also famous for its Dwaeji Gukbap (pork soup with rice). Visit Yeongdong Milmyeon & Dwaeji Gukbap for a comforting bowl of soup packed with generous portions of pork slices.
You can’t go wrong with the hot soup as the rich pork bone broth is usually boiled over a long duration of time.
Tip: add some chilli powder, salted shrimps and chives to make your gukbap extra flavourful.
Image credit: @lmjbbp via Instagram
Besides the soup, this restaurant also specialises in milmyeon (traditional wheat noodles) that comes in 2 variations: the soup version and the dry, spicy version.
A small bowl of Milmyeon is priced at KRW5,000 (~USD3.50), while the big bowl costs KRW5,500 (~USD3.85).
Take Busan Metro Line 1 to Busan Station. Yeongdong Milmyeon & Dwaeji Gukbap is only a 2-minute walk from the station.
Address: 460-4, Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan
Opening hours: Thur-Tue 10am-9pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: 070-4214-8347
19. Horangi Gelatteok
Image adapted from: @leeyoungranl via Instagram, @eunvley__ via Instagram
Located in the vicinity of Haeundae beach, Horangi Gelatteok sells an assortment of mochi ice cream flavours such as roasted pistachio, Jeju matcha and Himalayan pink salt with milk.
Image credit: @_hendohen via Instagram
Their signature ice cream is the Roasted Pistachio (KRW4,500, ~USD3.15), which is a nutty and fragrant pistachio ice cream wrapped up in soft tteok (rice cake) skin.
Take Busan Metro Line 2 to Jungdong Station. Horangi Gelatteok is a 17-minute walk from the station.
Address: 38 Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11am-10pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 0507-1302-4130
20. Cafe Magnate
Image adapted from: Guiyomiii via Naver
While you’re in BTS Jimin’s hometown, don’t miss out on Cafe Magnate, a cafe opened by his father.
Image adapted from: 1pt via Naver
Try their signature Cream Gialio (KRW6,500, ~USD4.55), which is a refreshing earl grey tea topped with lemon-flavoured cream.
Image credit: 더운 via Naver
There’s also a wide variety of pastries and desserts for you to choose from. You can find croissants, pizza bread and cinnamon rolls here to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Image credit: 푸르딩구 via Naver
We encourage you to give the Ang Butter Croissant (KRW5,100, ~USD3.57) a shot – it is a crispy croissant with sweet red bean paste and a thick slab of butter worth a try.
Take Busan Metro Line 2 to Motgol Station. Hop on bus Namgu 9 and alight at Yeonpo Elementary School bus stop.
Address: 135 Jinnam-ro, Nam-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 051-635-5005
Where to eat, sleep & play like a pro in Busan
Busan is such a huge city to explore, and this guide will give you an idea of where to visit when you’re there.
For more comprehensive guides, check out 6 best cities in South Korea to visit besides Seoul and Busan, 11 things to do in Jeju, 10 trendy neighbourhoods in Seoul, Mangwon guide, and 7 things to do in Suwon.
Cover image adapted from: @hhahong via Instagram, @sun_.y via Instagram, @yen_pic via Instagram