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Things to do in Busan

Things to do in  Busan

Welcome to Busan

Known for its beaches, mountains, and seafood, South Korea’s second city offers a first-class range of attractions to suit all travelers. A flight out of Seoul will get you to this beachfront metropolis in just over an hour. You can enjoy the white sand of Haeundae, Korea’s largest beach (one of six official beaches), all year round in Busan. Don’t leave without visiting the renowned Jagalchi Fish Market, where hundreds of fishmongers hawk squirming, swimming wares to both travelers and locals. For street food options, stroll through Gwangjang Market, and for panoramic views of the city, head to the top of Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park.

Top 15 attractions in Busan

Gamcheon Culture Village

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Gamcheon Culture Village spills down a hillside in a riot of colors just outside Busan. The village, nicknamed “Santorini on the South Sea” and “the Machu Picchu of Busan,” was once an enclave for refugee members of the Taegeukdo religious movement. Today, the neighborhood attracts visitors with its steep cubicle houses, galleries, and cafés.More

Jagalchi Fish Market

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Visitors come from all over to sample the fresh seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan. The largest seafood market in the country, Jagalchi is unique in that it’s run largely by women—a tradition dating back to the Korean War, when many of the men were off fighting and their wives took over the family businesses.More

Haeundae Beach

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Busan’s proximity to the sea is one of its charms, and Haeundae Beach is perhaps the most famous beach in South Korea. Nearly a mile long (1.5 kilometers), this stretch of coastline is lined with some of Busan’s top international hotels, as well as an assortment of restaurants, shops, and the Sea Life Busan Aquarium.More

Busan Tower

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Busan Tower (or Diamond Tower) soars skyward 120 meters (400 feet) from the center of the city’s Yongdusan Park—where you’ll find a forest-covered mountain reminiscent of a dragon’s head. Built in 1973 and modeled on Bulguksa Temple’s Dabotap Pagoda, the tower is an architectural icon of Korea’s second city. From the structure’s observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views that stretch across both land and sea.More

Gukje Market

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During the 1950s, refugees of war-torn Korea began opening small shops to try to earn a living. This modest collection of shops has since transformed into Gukje Market, Busan’s largest traditional market. Today, stalls sell everything from seaweed and street snacks to electronics and hanbok (Korean formalwear.More

Andong Hahoe Folk Village

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Located at a bend in the Nakdong River, Andong Hahoe Folk Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by pine forests, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs and offers a glimpse of bygone Korea. Wander the village to learn about South Korean architecture and traditions that date back to the 10th century.More

UN Memorial Cemetery

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The 35-acre (14-hectare) UN Memorial Cemetery is one of Busan’s most peaceful spots. Established in 1951, the quiet park and cemetery honors a total of 2,300 United Nations soldiers representing 16 countries who were killed during the Korean War. Manicured hedges and flower bushes add to the beautiful and somber sight.More

Taejongdae Resort Park

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The rocky seaside cliffs of Taejongdae Resort Park are situated on the southernmost tip of Yeongdo Island. The area, named after King Taejong of the Silla Dynasty, offers access to a rock beach, a lighthouse, a few temples, an observatory, and plenty of nature trails.More

Gwangan Bridge (Gwangandaegyo)

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The cover star of just about every Busan tourism poster since it opened in 2003, Gwangan Bridge (Gwangandaegyo) is the city's answer to the Golden Gate Bridge. Particularly impressive at night when it's illuminated, the bridge is best viewed from Gwangalli Beach, where you can see the nightly light show.More

Beomeosa Temple

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Beomeosa Temple was founded in 678 BC by Buddhist monk Ui Sang. Perched on Geumjeongsan Mountain, the current temple complex was built in 1613 after the original was destroyed in the Imjin War with Japan. The complex includes a pagoda, several pavilions, three ornate gates, and 11 hermitages.More

Yongdusan Park

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Yongdusan Park, a mountainous park in the center of Busan, is one of the city’s most popular green spaces. Its name translates to “dragon’s head mountain,” as it’s thought to resemble a dragon poking its head above the surface of the sea. Highlights of the park include various monuments to battles and Korean heroes, Busan Tower, and the octagonal Palgakjeong pavilion.More
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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

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Built during the Goryeo Dynasty in 1376, historic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of only a few Korean temples on the coast, and it honors Haesu Gwaneum Daebul, a Buddhist goddess believed to live in the ocean, where she rides atop a dragon. Legends aside, the east-facing temple offers a spectacular view of the rising sun.More

Haeinsa Temple

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Founded in 802, UNESCO-listed Haeinsa Temple famously houses the Tripitaka Koreana, one of the world’s most complete collections of Buddhist texts and a Korean national treasure. These 81,000 sacred religious works were engraved on wooden blocks between 1237 and 1248.The buildings designed to house the Tripitaka Koreana date back to the 15th century and are considered themselves a work of art, and the temple ranks among Korea’s most beautiful. Located within the forests of Gayasan National Park, the Haeinsa grounds harmonize with the natural surroundings to create a serene temple experience.Like many of South Korea’s temples, Haeinsa Temple welcomes visitors to its stay program – a two-day, one-night glimpse into what life is like for monks at the temple. A typical itinerary includes meditation sessions, lectures on temple etiquette and a chance to chat with the monks over tea or while strolling the grounds.More

Andong Folk Museum

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Andong Folk Museum is the perfect place to get acquainted with Andong’s ancient culture and traditions. Next door to Andong Folk Village, the museum contains over 3,700 artifacts. From traditional clothing to pottery dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1897), as you wander two floors of exhibits you’ll get to learn the traditions that Koreans go through from birth to childhood, in adulthood, and in death. From Korean child rearing to ancient cooking methods, wedding ceremonies to spiritual practices, there are lots of interesting facts to learn about. Did you know that, in the past, when pregnant Korean women wanted a boy they would pray to phallic rocks?After seeing the indoor exhibits, head to the outdoor park to see the thatched-roof houses that were saved when nearby Andong Dam was erected in 1976. In the garden you’ll also get to see and learn about Korea’s giant totems, traditionally built with fierce faces to ward away evil spirits.More

Haedong Yonggung Temple (Haedong Yonggungsa)

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This impressive temple offers travelers an up close look at traditional religious architecture amid the stuffing backdrop of mountains and shoreline. Built in 1376 by a famed Buddhist teacher, Yonggungsa Temple is a rare gem in the landscape of South Korea.Travelers can wander the grounds and explore its structures—which include a sanctuary that was reconstructed in the 1970s. Brilliant colors and a three-story pagoda decorated with hand-carved lions are hallmarks of this traditional sanctum. A tower of 108 stairs and several stone lanterns guide visitors to remarkable views and the meditative sound of waves. Though a popular destination for travelers and locals most any time of year, Yonggungsa Temple attracts more visitors on New Year’s Day, when people gather at sunrise to make wishes for the coming year.More

Trip ideas

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Recent reviews from experiences in Busan

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Excellent experience
Elif_G, Mar 2023
Small Group Full Day Busan Tour (Max 6 Pax)
It was a great tour guide and a full day to see all main attractions in the city.
star-5
Wonderful time in Busan
June_C, Jan 2023
Busan Customized Private Tour with private vehicle
Peter is a very nice tour guide and trying his best to fit in all the ought to visit places for us.
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Experience the history of Korea
Hwee_N, Jan 2023
Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan
Thanks to our guide Rosey for her detailed English explanation and taking care of our needs and wellbeing throughout the tour.
star-5
Well organised tour
Andrew_W, Jan 2023
Full-Day Busan City Tour
Great experience being shown around by Joon (English guide) and Jewel (Chinese guide).
star-5
Great tour!
EzelleNicole_S, Jan 2023
West Busan Small Group Photo Tour
Great was to see some highlights of Busan while getting some amazing photos!
star-5
Must be seen
Joanne_K, Jan 2023
Busan by Night
Our guide was very knowledgeable and polite, fluent in English, gave us enough time to absorb the beautiful night scenery of Busan.
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Thumbs up to our tour guide.
Ron, Dec 2022
Busan Customized Private Tour with private vehicle
She was very concerned because we ended the tour early and offered a few more places to visit before we headed back to Seoul.
star-5
Fabulous night.
Mark_J, Nov 2022
Busan Night Tour Including a Cruise w/ Fireworks
Even though the weather turned bad and we were unable to do the boat cruise portion of the tour, Helena went above all our expectations and made every effort to ensure we saw as much of Busan night attractions as possible.
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A must to see in Busan for one day!!!
Josephine_K, Nov 2022
Full-Day Busan City Tour
Beautiful places of Busan to visit while visiting Korea!
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The perfect beauty of old time
NanaKirana_H, Nov 2022
Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan
It covered all the beautiful places we wanted to visit in Gyeongju area.
star-5
I fell in love with Busan
Amy_H, Oct 2022
Busan by Night
I got to see Busan in such a beautiful and lively night.
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Fun day trip to Busan from Seoul
Sarah_W, Oct 2022
Busan Tour with Gamcheon Culture Village
We managed to visit 5 places in a breeze.
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Excellent 2-day Busan Land Tour
Lluwe_P, Dec 2022
2-Day Busan City Tour Package
We bought the 2-day Busan Land Tour from Viator, itinerary included areas we wanted to see but unfortunately due to weather conditions, skywalk is closed in December.
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Amazing Experience
Chris_R, Nov 2022
Busan Tour with Gamcheon Culture Village
Overall, the tour is the best value because it allows you to see all the different areas of Busan and several main attractions.
star-5
Amazing - A must do in Busan!!!
David_G, Oct 2022
Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour
Jesse the tour guide was incredible - he spoke perfect English, was kind, knowledgeable, accommodating and most of all a very talented photographer!
star-5
Beautiful Busan with a wonderful guide.
Sayak_C, Oct 2022
Full-Day Customizable Private Busan Highlight Tour
Thanks Willow and we hope to see you soon next time we are in Busan…
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The tour was an excellent...
Alanna_H, Aug 2022
Small Group Full Day Busan Tour (Max 6 Pax)
The tour was an excellent way to see all the hot spots of Busan in one day because they are spread throughout the city.
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Beautiful Busan by night
Sofia_S, May 2022
Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour
Thank you Jesse for taking us to see Busan at night from well located spots, it looks beautiful, and i’m very curious to see how the photos turn up.
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Amazing Trip
MOHAMMAD_A, Dec 2022
Busan Customized Private Tour with private vehicle
Jay Song as she’s perfect in English and well educated with good knowledge about the trip in Busan.
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Wonderful day with the best guide !!
Rina_K, Jan 2022
Private Busan tour with gamcheon culture village and the temple (Customizable)
He speaks fantastic English and went the extra mile to show us different areas of Busan.
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All about Busan

When to visit

Summer’s heat and humidity draws the warm-weather crowd to Busan’s beaches, bars, and festivals, while winter sees dry, icy-cold days, ideal for hitting the slopes at nearby Eden Valley Ski Resort. Alternatively, the shoulder seasons of May and September offer fewer crowds, lower prices, and moderate temperatures with enough sun to keep the beaches lively.

People Also Ask

What is Busan famous for?

South Korea’s premier seaside city is most famous for Haedong Yonggungsa Temple—one of the few seaside temples in the country. Busan also boasts the sandy Songjeong and Haeundae beaches, backed by the city skyline; the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village; and a thriving film culture, celebrated during the annual Busan Film Festival.

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How many days in Busan is enough?

To experience the best of Busan’s culture and nature, spend between three and five days. You'll have the chance to see top city sights such as Jagalchi Fish Market, Beomeosa Temple, Yongdusan Park, and Gamcheon Culture Village, plus visit further-afield attractions including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Taejongdae Resort Park.

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What is the best time to visit Busan?

The best time to visit Busan is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October). Like Japan, South Korea experiences cherry blossom season—the blossoms peak from late March to early April. Busan buzzes in June, when students and locals flock to the city for summer to party and enjoy the beaches.

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What is there to do in Busan?

Busan boasts an all-star cast of beaches, museums, temples, and markets. Top Busan attractions include the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple; rainbow-colored Gamcheon Culture Village; Songjeong and Haeundae beaches; Busan Museum of Art; Busan Tower; and Taejongdae Resort Park.

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What is the old name of Busan?

The old name of Busan is Pusan. The South Korean government changed the name of Busan to Pusan to make it sound more appealing when pronounced in English.

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Which is the best area to stay in Busan?

The best area to stay when visiting Busan depends on what aspect of the seaside city you want to experience. Stay in central Seomyeon for easy access to top attractions; Haeundae is within easy reach of the beach; Nampo is best for shopping and eating; and budget-friendly Kyungsung has a hipster vibe.

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Busan information

Number of Attractions

22

Number of Tours

147

Number of Reviews

1,228

Currency

KRW
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