Busan

Travel Guide

Busan
Busan featuring a city, a bridge and landscape views
Chungnyeolsa featuring a park, wild flowers and heritage elements
Gwangalli Beach showing a skyscraper, general coastal views and a coastal town
Busan featuring night scenes and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Unwind on long beaches, relax in a multistory spa and explore the breathtaking coastal forests of Korea’s most popular summer destination.

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, but unlike the massive metropolis of Seoul, Busan is a resort town. Travel here for expansive beaches, forested parks and easy access to the islands and dramatic coastline of Hallyeohaesang National Park.

Come to Busan during the summer to experience the beaches at their best, the views at their clearest and industrious South Koreans at their most relaxed. The long Haeundae Beach is the most famous in the country on hot summer days it is lined with record-breaking numbers of colorful umbrellas and masses of people. If you prefer a little more space, head west to Gwangalli Beach, which is generally less crowded and offers great views of the Gwangan Bridge, the longest in South Korea.

Discover Busan’s world-class shopping at the 14-story Shinsegae Centum City, the largest department store in the world. After exploring the many stores, boutiques and cafés, practice your golf swing at the indoor driving range, then lace up your skates for a few laps on the ice rink. 

Seafood lovers should head to Jagalchi Market, Busan’s massive fish market. Occupying a wide stretch of dock and several stories of a huge warehouse, Jagalchi is the largest seafood market in South Korea.

Busan has recently become a global center for cosmetic surgery and medical tourism. Exfoliate your pores or treat yourself to a full facelift at one of the 160 clinics on Seomyeon Medical Street in central Busan. Or, reserve a spot at the Shinsegae Centum City Spaland to spend an evening relaxing in one of the 22 spas and 13 saunas.

Just a ferry or bus ride away is Tongyeong, a bustling port town situated on an island to the southwest of Busan. From Tongyeong, ride the Hallyeo Waterway Observation Cable Car for stunning views back to the mainland. After enjoying the views, wander through the charming streets of Dongpirang Village, which was destined for demolition until villagers transformed the streets into an outdoor art gallery. 

Busan has a metro system, but most destinations are best reached by bus, car or ferry.

Where to stay in Busan

Haeundae which includes general coastal views, a sunset and a coastal town

Haeundae

Famous for its stunning beach, Haeundae also boasts the scenic Dalmaji Hill and Dongbaek Island. Enjoy shopping malls and movie theaters near Haeundae Station, with easy access via Busan Subway Line 2.

Haeundae
Busan Citizens Park featuring heritage elements, a garden and wildflowers

Seomyeon

Consider a visit to Lotte Department Store Busan Main Branch and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Seomyeon. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Buam Station or Gaya Station.

Seomyeon
Jagalchi Fish Market showing food and markets

Nampo-dong

Shopping and seafood restaurants are highlights of Nampo-dong. Make a stop by Jagalchi Fish Market or Nampodong Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Jangalchi Station to get around town.

Nampo-dong
Jung District which includes a city, a river or creek and a bridge

Jung-gu

Travelers choose Jung-gu for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Jungang Station or Nampo Station and check out top sights like Busan Tower.

Jung-gu
Lovely night view in Busan, Korea.

Gwangan-dong

When in Gwangan-dong and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Gwangalli Beach or Shinsegae Centum City and hop on the metro to see more the city at Gwangan Station or Suyeong Station.

Gwangan-dong
Yeongdo which includes boating, a bay or harbor and general coastal views

Yeongdo

Located on Yeong Island, Yeongdo District boasts the Korea Maritime and Ocean University and the National Maritime Museum of Korea, offering a unique experience for travelers.

Yeongdo
Ananti at Busan Cove

Ananti at Busan Cove

5 out of 5
268-32, Gijanghaean-ro Gijang-eup, Busan
The price is CA $290 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
CA $290
CA $319 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Busan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Very nice. Modern. Great staff. Beautiful area. Wonderful views."

Reviewed on Jul. 9, 2025

Ananti at Busan Cove
Lotte Hotel Busan

Lotte Hotel Busan

5 out of 5
772, Gaya-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan, Busan
The price is CA $160 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
CA $160
CA $193 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Busan. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,951 reviews)
Excellent Stay
"This hotel made us the highlight of our Busan stay. We were treated like royalty every time we entered the hotel; the staffs were very kind to help in anyway they can. We want to thank especially Oscar Park, and his manager. Oscar went above and beyond and to make sure our stay was comfortable, with ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Lotte Hotel Busan
Ananti At Busan Village

Ananti At Busan Village

5 out of 5
267-7 Gijanghaeanro Gijangeup Gijanggun, Busan, BUSAN
The price is CA $350 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
CA $350
CA $386 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Busan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (200 reviews)
"It was clean and modern!"

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Ananti At Busan Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Urbanstay Seomyeon

Urbanstay Seomyeon

3 out of 5
752, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Busan. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lotte Department Store Busan Main Branch ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (88 reviews)
"Great location. Great stay"

Reviewed on Jun. 14, 2025

Urbanstay Seomyeon
NEWCZ HAEUNDAE RESIDENCE

NEWCZ HAEUNDAE RESIDENCE

4 out of 5
30 Haeun-daero 570beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Stay at this 4-star residence in Busan. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (280 reviews)
"The building is really nice and in excellent location. The only drawback is no laundry option."

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 2025

NEWCZ HAEUNDAE RESIDENCE
Urbanstay Haeundae Station

Urbanstay Haeundae Station

2.5 out of 5
620 Haeun-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Stay at this residence in Busan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (61 reviews)
Enjoyed our stay
"Very good location if you plan to spend most of your time in Haeundae. Good accessibility to local transportation. Many eating options near the hotel."

Reviewed on May 14, 2025

Urbanstay Haeundae Station
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Busan

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
35
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
20
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Not friendly and user friendly for English speaking foreigner.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

People were very friendly and it has a lot of good places to eat and drink. Also, it has a beautiful night skylines over the ocean and bridges.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Busan is beautiful. It is a gorgeous ocean port city with so many food, outing and shopping options.

5/5 - Excellent

Em

Friendly seaside city with something to do for everyone, and good food options. Extensive bus and subway network. Do not miss Gamcheon cultural city, Yonggusa temple, Spaland, and the food markets.

5/5 - Excellent

Jo

BUSAN IS GORGEOUS. WISH WE COULD'VE STAYED HERE LONGER. However, flights out to Hong Kong are specific to certain days of the week, so we have to shorten our trip versus lengthening it. I love the beach and city vibe that Busan emits.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city to Visit. Will definitely come back to visit.

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