Hey there! This site utilizes ads to pay the bills so that we can continue bringing you free travel advice. We are also part of several affiliate programs, which means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for reading and supporting Live Like it’s the Weekend! I spent three days in Busan after a packed 5-day trip to Seoul and Busan ended up being a surprisingly refreshing change of pace from South Korea’s capital. We almost decided to skip Busan, but I’m so glad we didn’t! Compared to Seoul’s endless neighborhoods, nightlife, and shopping, Busan felt much more relaxed. The long sandy beaches, scenic coastal walks, and cliffside temples made me forget I was in the second-largest city in South Korea . I absolutely loved the balance of culture and nature —it’s easy to see why Busan is a popular local destination for Koreans! We had a fun, well-rounded few days in Busan that included popular sites, hidden gems, and foodie spots. I included all my favorites and more spots you’ll love to help you plan your Busan trip effortlessly. Visiting other parts of South Korea? Don’t miss my guides to the best things to do in Seoul and where to stay in Seoul . Ultimate Guide: the Best Things to do in Busan As South Korea’s second largest city, Busan has A LOT to do. In this post, I’m sharing the most fun and unique things to do in Busan from markets and temples to observation decks and more. This is a long list and realistically, you probably won’t have time to get to everything (we didn’t either). If it’s your first visit, I recommend bookmarking what’s most interesting to you and building your Busan itinerary around that list. Quick Tips for Your Busan Trip How to Get to Busan There aren’t typically any direct flights from the USA to Busan, South Korea. If you’re flying into Busan from a nearby country or arrive on a connecting flight, you’ll arrive at Gimhae International Airport . From the airport, it takes at least 20 minutes by taxi to get into the main area of the city and calling a taxi through the Uber app is easy. If you are traveling from Seoul or other cities in South Korea, you’ll want to take the KTX train to Busan Station , located in the city center. Travel time is a little over 2 hours. You can book your train tickets to Busan directly on the KORAIL website . Getting Around Busan Busan is a huge city, and it’s not walkable because everything is so spread out. Public transportation, Uber, or tour guides are the best way to get around. If you’re only staying for a few days, I would recommend just using Uber or hired guides to get around in the interest of time. This way, you’ll be able to fit in a lot more of these top things to do into your itinerary. I would also highly recommend purchasing an eSIM ahead of your trip so that you can stay connected with ease while in Busan. This will make navigating and ordering Ubers 10x easier. You can grab a discount for an Holafly eSIM here . Best Time to Visit Busan As a beach destination, especially for Koreans, summer is the peak season for sunny weather. Late Spring and Fall are also great times to visit when the weather is pleasant. I went in mid-March and it was a bit too cold and still overcast during that time, but we still enjoyed many sites. It just depends on your preference. Where to Stay in Busan If you’re only visiting for a few days, it’s best to stay in one spot. Here are hotel recommendations in a few of the most popular areas to stay in Busan. For Convenience: Asti Hotel is a perfect spot if you’re taking the train in. Located directly across from Busan Station, this is where we stayed for its awesome convenience. Once we arrived in Busan from Seoul we were able to quickly check into our hotel, drop our bags and set off exploring. For Coastal Luxury: If you’re visiting in summer and want more of those coastal vibes, the Westin Josun Busan can’t be beat. It has epic views of Haeundae Beach and is close to the Sky Capsule (one of my favorite experiences in Busan). You’ll get the best of both the beach and city vibes here. For a Unique Design Stay: After Chapter Hotel Gwanganri has a unique design and is super close to Gwangalli beach where you can lounge in the sun by day or catch the area’s famous drone show at night. There’s plenty of great restaurants and cafes in this area as well. For the Ultimate Luxury Stay: If you want the top of the top hotel in Busan with views overlooking Gwangalli Beach and Diamond Bridge, then don’t miss Park Hyatt Busan . If you book through my Luxury Travel Club with BTA you’ll get additional perks for your stay including resort credits, daily complimentary breakfast for 2 and much more. Book Park Hyatt Busan here . How Many Days Do You Need in Busan? I spent three days in Busan and it was the ideal amount of time to see the city’s highlights without rushing. If you spend only a day or two there, you’ll have to prioritize what you really want to see on your Busan itinerary which is totally doable! 28 Best Things to do in Busan for First Timers 1. Gamcheon Culture Village Gamcheon Culture Village is one of the most well-known parts of the city. You’ve probably seen pictures of this historic village full of colorful homes. They were first built in the 1950s as a settlement for Korean War refugees, but in 2009 got transformed into an arts and cultural area with murals and homes painted in all colors of the rainbow. Navigating here, you’ll likely arrive at the top viewpoint overlooking the entire village, but take some time to wander down the hill. Explore the winding alleyways to discover murals, small shops, and quirky corners. Quick Tip: To get more scenic views of Gamcheon Culture Village, grab a coffee at Avant Garde Cafe . Then head out to their patio overlooking the village for what I think is a better vantage point for photos of the full expanse of the area. 2. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple If you can only visit one temple in Busan, then it should definitely be this one. The stunning 650 year old Buddhist temple sits directly on the coastline overlooking the sea where you can see waves crashing on the rocks below. It’s literally straight out of a painting. Haedong Yonggungsa is the most famous temple in Busan and when you see it in person, you’ll understand why. I highly recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds as it’s one of the most visited sites in the city. Since it’s a bit far to get here out of the city center, we booked this excursion as part of a private customizable tour which I can’t recommend enough in Busan. It allows you to create your own itinerary and move from spot to spot efficiently without the hassle of constantly having to call new cars at every place. 3. Jagalchi Fish Market Jagalchi Fish Market is South Korea’s largest seafood market where vendors sell all types of fish, shellfish, and even sea creatures you may have never seen before. I did not even recognize many things! Guests can buy fresh seafood downstairs from the rows of vendors, then take it to the second level to have your seafood cooked for you. Quick Tip: My friend and I felt quite overwhelmed by how massive this market is and so we ended up just browsing rather than dining. If you want to try the seafood for yourself, I would definitely hire a guide to help distinguish between which seafood, vendors, and restaurants are best. This highly-rated tour offers a look through the market led by an expert guide and chef who then cooks your food for you in a small group setting. 4. Bosu Book Street This outdoor market is a dream for any book lovers visiting Korea! A quiet street full of new and used bookstores, Bosu Book Street is worth a stroll if you love visiting bookstores in other countries like me. 5. Oryukdo Skywalk As you begin to do research on your Busan trip, you’ll start to realize that this city has a love affair with observation decks. With so many stunning coastal views, it makes sense—but It’s absolutely not necessary to visit them all. Our top choice for coastal observation decks in Busan was Oryukdo Skywalk . The name Oryukdo means “five or six islands,” referring to the number of unique rocky islets you can see from the viewpoint depending on the tides. The Skywalk hanging over the coast has a glass bottomed structure to view the waves below which might be a little nerve-wracking for those with a fear of heights. You need to put booties on before walking out, and it’s a pretty short experience. What I enjoyed even more than the Skywalk itself was strolling along the wooden path below with coastal views of the islands, which would be especially lovely at sunset. 6. Ride the Sky Capsules at Haeundae Blueline Park The city’s famous Sky Capsules are one of the most fun experiences you can’t miss in Busan. Head to Mipo Station at Haeundae Blueline Park to ride in a charming mini train car along a raised coastal track. A one way ride takes about 30 minutes. While it can feel a little touristy, I genuinely loved it especially at sunset so you can catch the warm glow over the city skyline which makes the ride absolutely gorgeous. You can also ride the Busan Sky Capsule from Cheongsapo Station in the opposite direction, but I would recommend Mipo Station as it is the more popular choice. There’s surprisingly a lot to know about the ticketing process and timing your trip right for the best photos, which is why I wrote an entire post with everything you need to know about riding the Busan Sky Capsules , so make sure to check that out. ➡️ Or just join this Busan night tour for guaranteed Busan sky capsule tickets at sunset. 7. Gukje Market This popular market amongst locals and visitors has been around since the 1950s. Fun fact: Its name, Gukje, means “international” as this was the place to find foreign goods back in the day and it was a major trading market during the Korean War era. At Gukje Market , vendors sell a broad range of goods—you can literally get anything from street food and vintage wares to electronics and imported goods. Quick Tip: If you decide to eat your way through Gukje Market’s “Food Street” (국제시장 먹자골목), don’t miss Busan classics like milmyeon (wheat noodles), dwaeji gukbap (pork soup), and tteokbokki . If you love immersive installations and interactive modern art, you can’t miss Arte Museum . It’s great for kids or when the weather is rainy, and it kind of reminded me a bit of teamLAB Planets in Tokyo if you’re familiar with the installations there. The museum is open everyday, but plan your visit on a weekday for cheaper admission. 9. Try Korean BBQ If you eat meat, you can’t visit South Korea and not eat Korean BBQ at least once. One restaurant that I highly recommend is the Michelin rated Eonyang Bulgogi Busanjip , which is quite affordable and delicious. We had a blast grilling our own meats and were grateful for the staff who showed us how to create flavorful combos from the many dishes they kept piling on our table. 10. Songdo Cable Car We chose to experience the Busan Sky Capsules over the Songdo Cable Car during our trip, but if the Sky Capsules aren’t really your thing, this is another option for a unique way to get scenic views over the city. The cable cars opened in June 2017 as a way to bring more tourists to Songdo Beach and they cruise almost 300 feet in the air at their highest point. You can choose a gondola with glass-bottom floors for views of the sea and mountains and it’s a pretty quick ride overall. 11. BIFF Square BIFF Square used to be the former location of the Busan International Film Festival as you’ll see from the signage at the main entrance. These days, it’s a bustling shopping area with tons of street food vendors and popular shops like Olive Young. Quick Tip: Keep an eye out for handprints of famous Korean actors along the walkway (similar to the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame). 12. Somang Stairs Monorail Built for locals to get up and down the steep neighborhood hill, this cute monorail at Somang Stairs is free to visit and is a sweet look into local life in Busan. It only fits two people and is a short ride, but the area is great for street art and a more neighborhood feel. This wouldn’t be a top priority on my list if you have minimal time in Busan, but it’s a nice stop if you have extra time or have kids. 13. Bupyeong (Kkangtong) Market Bupyeong (Kkangtong) Market is among the cluster of Busan’s most iconic markets and best visited at night. This is the market I would choose for a casual street food dinner. Located next to Gukje Market, you can find a mix of Korean dishes and international cuisine here. To get the full lively night market atmosphere, go after 7pm, and get the tteokbokki or fish cakes if you want to try some traditional Korean foods! 14. Explore Busan’s Best Cafes Similar to Seoul, cafe culture is thriving in Busan and we had a grand ‘ole time over-caffeinating throughout our entire trip. Here are my recommendations for cafes to add to your must-hit list.

Having Moment Cafe in Huinnyeoul Cultural Village for a coffee, pastry, and some of the best coastal views. Don’t miss the upstairs portion which has more plentiful seating and windows. Simmian Cafe near Cheongsapo Station for a tea and matcha flavored dessert. This place is near the Busan Sky Capsule and has absolutely gorgeous Japanese inspired design with its own zen garden inside. Picosten is one of the most design forward cafes in the Gwangalli Beach area. We loved the calming, minimal design here just steps from the beach. Little Aus is another cute cafe in the Gwangalli Beach area that serves a more extensive menu if you’re looking for a full meal. Rendeja-Vous Cafe is a popular local cafe in the Haeundae Beach area. It has ocean views and is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. Cafe Yoon near Haeundae area is a hidden gem for coffee or tea with oceanfront views and a rooftop. Suwol Gyeonghwa in Haeundae area for beach and train views in a cafe styled like a hanok. 15. Busan Tower If you’re in search of panoramic city views, then Busan Tower is a great stop on a clear day. The 120 meter high landmark in Busan’s Yongdusan Park is a classic city landmark and offers a unique vantage point of the city, the port, and the coastline from its observation deck. At the base of the tower you can wander through galleries and souvenir shops. 16. Haeundae Beach Haeundae Beach is the ultimate beach destination in Busan. The tall skyscrapers are a contrasting backdrop against the white sand beaches, and the area itself is one of the more upscale neighborhoods in the city. If you’re visiting when it’s sunny and warm, you can’t miss out on having a relaxing beach day. You can rent umbrellas and mats on the beach, or stroll along the paved walkway if you prefer that more. 17. Seokbulsa Temple This remote temple meaning “ Stone Buddha Temple ” is a hidden gem in Busan and it ended up being one of my favorite places we visited the entire trip. Other than a handful of other visitors, we had the place mostly to ourselves, but getting there does require a light 20-30 minute hike from the parking lot. What makes Seokbulsa so special are the giant stone buddha carvings lining both sides of the temple. On a clear day, if you climb the steps at the back of the temple, you’ll also get stunning skyline views of Busan, though it was a little hazy out the day we visited. Quick Tip: Seokbulsa Temple is pretty far from the city center to get to without a guide, but is absolutely worth it. I highly recommend booking this private customizable tour we did and building out a full-day itinerary for the most convenience. 18. Ahopsan Bamboo Forest For a peaceful relaxing vibe outside the main city area, visit Ahopsan Bamboo Forest . This 400 year old forest has only been open to the public since 2016 and became popular after being used as a filming location for the movie, Kundo: Age of Rampant , in 2014. The bamboo forest is open every day, but get there before 5pm for the last entry. 19. Try the Beloved Local Pork Rice Soup Dwaeji gukbap, literally meaning “pork, rice, soup” is Busan’s comfort food. It became popular post-war as an affordable filling meal and has remained a favorite staple amongst local Koreans. The soup has a rich milky broth prepared from simmering pork bones for hours. People enjoy it all year round, especially in winter. Our guide who we booked through this private tour took us to this local spot 교통부돼지국밥 , but FYI if you go on your own, there’s not really any English spoken here. Other popular spots in Busan to try pork rice soup include: Hapcheon Gukbap House 20. Samgwangsa Temple Samgwangsa Temple is another picturesque temple in Busan known for its thousands of vibrant lanterns. Located along the hillside of Baegyangsan Mountain, it has quite a large complex to walk around. When the lanterns are lit up at night during the Lantern Festival in spring, the entire complex glows. It’s easily one of the most unique temple experiences I’ve ever had and should be on your list if temples are an important part of your itinerary. 21. Huinnyeoul Culture Village To visit another culture village, check out Huinnyeoul Culture Village on the Southwestern side of Busan. Originally a small fishing village, you’ll find buildings painted in hues of blue and white. Many people refer to it as the “Santorini of Busan,” which might be a little generous but it at least offers the same color palette. Huinnyeoul Culture Village offers pretty views and is a pleasant coastal walk. You can stroll through the many alleys to discover murals and photo opps. And while you’re there, pop into Having Moment Cafe for a coffee or a pastry while enjoying the views. They have a nice little patio as well as an upper deck. Other spots to explore nearby include Jeoryeong Coastal Walk (don’t miss the colorful piano stairs) and Huinnyeoul Coastal Tunnel . If you’re visiting only one cultural village on your Busan itinerary, I’d still recommend Gamcheon Culture Village because it’s more visually and historically interesting. 22. Enjoy a Michelin Rated Meal Busan boasts three one-star Michelin restaurants ( Palate , Mori , Fiotto ) and many Michelin recommended restaurants offering an array of cuisines and dining experiences. If you’re a foodie, then you’ll want to plan ahead and try to book one of these spots ahead of your trip. Palate is the least expensive of the three, but you can also consider one of the many spots recommended in the Michelin guide instead if you’re looking for something more affordable. I would recommend Born and Bred (steak house featuring Korean style omakase), Haemok Haeundae (an affordable Unagi restaurant), and Eonyang Bulgogi Busanjip (Korean BBQ spot) as a few options. 23. Daytime at Gwangalli Beach Gwangalli Beach is another well-known beach community in Busan. The area has nice hotels and restaurants and design-centric cafes. My favorites in the area are Picosten and Little Aus . Gwangalli Beach is a great area for a slow morning, cafe hopping, or strolling the beach and boardwalk. In colder months, you can skip beach time but don’t miss the iconic views of Diamond Bridge any time of the year. The area comes alive at night when the bridge lights up across the harbor, especially on Saturdays for the Gwangalli M Drone Light Show . 24. Dongbaekseom Island Coastal Promenade To experience this beautiful coastal area, have a car drop you off at the Westin Josun . This is where you’ll begin one of two different coastal trails. One option takes you along a circular paved path around the island while the other goes along the raised wooden dock right along the coast. You’ll see a lighthouse, a park, and scenic views toward Haeundae Beach. Depending on how much you stop to take photos, the trail takes 30 minutes to 1 hour and is a great little way to get your steps in. 25. Shop for K-Beauty at Olive Young Don’t know where to shop for Korean skincare and beauty products? Head to Olive Young to pick up something to take home with you! They have many stores across the city and you’ll find all the top Korean brands and products all in one place. I’m embarassed to admit how many times my friend and I stopped into Olive Young during our time in Seoul and Busan—it’s definitely an experience you can’t miss if you’re curious about K-beauty. Quick Tip: I would suggest doing a little research ahead of your visit in to have an idea of what you want to get as the language barrier (if you’re a non-Korean speaker) can be a little overwhelming to navigate. 26. Try the viral Ice Cream Rice Cake at Horangi Gelatteok Located in the Haeundae Beach area, this shop puts a Korean twist on mochi ice cream. “Gelatteok” combines Italian gelato (“Gela”) wrapped in traditional Korean rice cake (“Tteok”) for a refreshing sweet treat. Don’t be surprised if there’s a line to get in, as there usually is! 27. Haewol Observatory Haewol Observatory is another observation deck that features a crescent shaped tower and offers stunning views. You can walk along a boardwalk to get there from Mipo Station and view the sea and cliffs from its U-shaped skywalk. This is a good one to pair with a trip to the Sky Capsules at Haeundae Blueline Park as you literally pass by the observatory while you’re on the coastal train. 28. See diamond bridge lit up at night If you’re in Busan on the weekend, don’t miss a trip to Gwangalli Beach at night to witness their ongoing drone show that takes place on Saturdays and is completely free. Featuring hundreds of drones above Gwangalli Beach , the show lasts 10 minutes and has two showtimes at 8pm and 10pm from March to September and 7pm and 9pm from October to February. Occasional special schedules happen, so check the official calendar before you go. Was this post helpful in planning your Busan trip? Let me know in the comments! Busan’s Sky Capsules: Everything You Need to Know 3 Day Busan Itinerary Best Cafes in Seoul, South Korea Planning a trip right now? Make your life easier with this checklist of my favorite travel resources. Booking Accommodations: Over the last decade of travel, Booking.com has consistently been my favorite site for finding great deals on hotels, boutique inns, home rentals and more. Plus, they have an amazing filtering system making it super easy to find the best accommodation that fits your needs. If you’re looking for unique home stays, no one does it better than Airbnb . Booking Flights: Skyscanner is always the first place I look to compare and contrast routes and find the best flight deals. Find the Best Tours and Experiences: Viator is always my go-to when searching for the best experiences around the globe. They have everything from group tours and private experiences, to airport transfers and much more. Book Car Rentals: Discover Cars is my favorite site for booking easy and affordable car rentals in any country I visit. They make the process super simple and transparent, so you know you’re getting the best price up front with no surprises later. Stay Connected: The days of purchasing physical sim cards are over. Holafly is my favorite eSIM provider, offering unlimited data in over 200 destinations worldwide. Take 5% off your plan with code WEEKND or check out my full Holafly eSIM review for more info. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance: World Nomads has personally saved me thousands with their flexible travel insurance. Don’t leave for an international trip without this one! Lastly, wherever you go. Don’t forget to check visa requirements , make sure your passport is up to date and purchase any travel adapters you might need on the ground! How many days we should spend at Busan? Reply About 3 days is a great amount of time to spend there! Reply How many days we should spend at Busan? About 3 days is a great amount of time to spend there! Reply About 3 days is a great amount of time to spend there! Leave a Reply Cancel reply