Busan

Visit South Korea’s most popular summer destination to relax in a luxurious spa complex, discover peaceful forests and stroll along scenic beaches.

Busan is the second-largest city in South Korea but contrasts with the country’s metropolitan capital, Seoul, because it is mostly populated with resorts. Visit this scenic city to enjoy its wide beaches, lush parks and convenient proximity to the islands and coast of Hallyeohaesang National Park. Busan’s beaches are best during the warmer months.

Visit Haeundae Beach to find the country’s most famous strip of coastline. In summer, the long beach is populated with masses of beachgoers relaxing under brightly coloured sun umbrellas. For a little more seclusion, head west to reach Gwangalli Beach. This beach generally attracts fewer people and features clear views of South Korea’s longest bridge, Gwangan Bridge.

Enjoy diverse shopping at Shinsegae Centum City, the largest department store in the world, with 14 floors. Explore Shinsegae Centum City’s numerous stores, boutiques and cafés before winding down with a bit of golf at the indoor driving range or skating at the ice rink.

To experience South Korea’s famous seafood, visit Ja-galchi Market, Busan’s expansive fish market. Head to the dock and wander around the multilevel warehouse to experience the largest seafood market in South Korea.

Busan is becoming a popular destination for cosmetic surgery and medical tourism. Indulge in a luxurious facial treatment or get a full facelift at one of 160 clinics on Seomyeon Medical Street in Busan’s city centre. Book ahead to secure your spot at the Shinsegae Centrum City Spaland and treat yourself at one of 22 spas and 13 saunas.

Catch a ferry or a bus to nearby Tongyeong, a busy port town located on an island just off Busan’s southwest coast. Enjoy your Tongyeong daytrip with a visit to the Hallyeo Waterway Observation Cable Car and see magnificent views of the mainland. Take a stroll through the fascinating streets of Dongpirang Village, a historic town that had been condemned to demolition before villagers turned it into an outdoor art gallery.

Busan does have a city metro system, but most destinations are easily reached with bus, car or ferry.

Explore the best attractions in Busan
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Relax on an inflatable tube or sit back under a beach umbrella at South Korea’s most popular beach, where the usual South Korean rules don’t apply.
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Swim in the calm water of a sheltered bay, dine at waterfront seafood bars and see uninterrupted views of Gwangan Bridge. 
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Hear the chanting coming from the temple’s monks as you explore these magnificent historic pavilions and buildings, which sit in the shadow of Mt. Geumjeongsan.
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Experience the world’s biggest department store, complete with big brand shops, boutique stores, a diverse food hall, spa complex and golf driving range.
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Examine a series of monuments and take photos of the panoramic views from a lookout tower at this hilltop park in downtown Busan. 
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Head to Busan’s most popular beach for a day of swimming, building sand castles and watching the impressive musical fountain show.
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Visit the historic site of the 2005 APEC Leaders’ Meeting, only accessible via a hike through a forested peninsula, and see wonderful views of the coast.
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Hike through fragrant pine forests to high cliffs at this scenic peninsula park, where according to legend, gods came to relax.
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Take a poignant stroll through this memorial grounds, which pays homage to those that lost their lives while serving the United Nations during the Korean War.
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Feel inspired and challenged in one of Busan’s top modern art museums, where fascinating exhibitions, challenging pieces and a wide array of genres await.
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Make your way to the very top of Busan’s famous mountain, where there is a vast fortress, an ancient temple, abundant wildlife and panoramic views.
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Try fresh delicacies from the ocean prepared by expert fishmongers at the largest seafood market in South Korea.
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One of Busan’s most energetic areas centers on this neighborhood that started a major international film festival. Shop, dine and view celebrity handprints.
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Spend time in this huge green space, which was created on an old U.S. army base and today boasts a plethora of attractions alongside abundant nature.
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Discover the history of Busan at this museum packed with fascinating relics from across the region, displayed across numerous floors and halls.
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Learn about the region’s military history at this tranquil shrine dedicated to the fighters who died in the 16th-century Japanese invasion.
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Be amazed at the spectacle of Busan’s famous dancing fountain, which follows a perfectly choreographed routine combining water with music and light.
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Experience the spectacular views from this cliff-top road and village, where the sunsets and moon rises are legendary across South Korea.
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Wander along beautifully landscaped paths and paved walkways, discover statues and pagodas and, in spring, observe the camellia trees in bloom in this pretty city park.
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Shop for clothing, homeware and souvenirs and sample typical Korean street food at this sprawling and lively market that is popular with locals. 
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Browse for fashion trends and electronics and sample local street food amid the bright lights of this bustling commercial thoroughfare. 
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A colorful and artistic Buddhist temple complex, this religious site stands atop a rocky cliff where you can see spectacular sea views. 
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With its exhibits ranging from aquatic creatures to maritime industries and seafaring vessels, this museum showcases the power and importance of the ocean.
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Fine golden sand, lively restaurants, a sky walk and lively music festivals make this a popular beach in southern Busan. 
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Enjoy swimming, surfing and live music events during the warm summer months at this quiet beach situated on Busan’s east coast. 
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Walk across Korea’s first-ever drawbridge, which links mainland Busan with the island district of Yeongdo, and watch as it opens to let boats pass through.