Gwangalli Beach Tours and Activities

Gwangalli Beach showing a skyscraper, general coastal views and a coastal town
Gwangalli Beach featuring a sandy beach, general coastal views and a bridge
Gwangalli Beach featuring general coastal views, a beach and a coastal town
Gwangalli Beach which includes general coastal views, boating and a bridge
Gwangalli Beach which includes a beach, a coastal town and a city


Swim in the calm water of a sheltered bay, dine at waterfront seafood bars and see uninterrupted views of Gwangan Bridge.

Gwangalli Beach is an urban beach well-known for its fine sand and clean, swimmable water. It sits in an attractive bay while looking out across the Sea of Japan to a famous bridge. Gwangalli Beach is a hive of activity from early in the morning until long into the night. Find traditional Korean barbecue restaurants, a fish market, amusement park and concert stage.

The beach runs for about a mile (1.6 kilometers) and has powdery golden sand. During the mild summer months the water invites you to take an invigorating swim. Jet skis, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and windsurfers are available to rent.

Crossing the water and running almost parallel to the beach is Gwangan Bridge (aka Diamond Bridge). As night falls the bridge becomes illuminated with hundreds of bright lights, which proceed to change color. Accompanied by the neon lights of the surrounding tower blocks it presents a stunning nighttime setting.

Weekends are a great time to visit the beach, when local musicians put on free live shows at the stage. The stage is also a venue for the Busan Sea Festival, an event held at six city beaches in August. In October, the Busan Fireworks Festival takes over the beach. Enjoy spectacular pyrotechnic and laser-light displays.

Go for a walk along the paved beachfront promenade. Find a children’s playground and, at the northern end, a small amusement park. The opposite side of the road from the promenade is lined with barbecue restaurants, burger bars, brewpubs, coffeehouses and sushi restaurants. Don’t miss the Millak Fish Market, where you can purchase all manner of fresh fish and seafood and then take it to be cooked at the food carts.

Located in the Suyeong District, Gwangalli Beach is easy to get to via public transportation. The nearest metro stations are Geumnyeonsan and Gwangan. You can walk to Haeundae Beach in under an hour via a continuation of the waterfront esplanade. The beach is open to the public between July and September.

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Best Lodging Options Near Gwangalli Beach

Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington

Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington

3.5 out of 5
229, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington
BUSAN GWANGALLI HOTEL RYOKAN BADADA

BUSAN GWANGALLI HOTEL RYOKAN BADADA

3 out of 5
42, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 278beon-gil, Ocean Bridge A Building 13-14th floor, Busan, Suyeong-gu
BUSAN GWANGALLI HOTEL RYOKAN BADADA
The Marine View Hotel

The Marine View Hotel

2.5 out of 5
42, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 278beon-gil, Suyoung-gu, Busan
The Marine View Hotel
H Avenue Gwangalli Beach

H Avenue Gwangalli Beach

3 out of 5
42, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 278beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan
H Avenue Gwangalli Beach
Busan Gwangalli The Moor Hotel

Busan Gwangalli The Moor Hotel

2.5 out of 5
281 Gwangan Beach-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
Busan Gwangalli The Moor Hotel
Hotel Aqua Palace

Hotel Aqua Palace

4 out of 5
225, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, Busan
Hotel Aqua Palace
The Wave Pension

The Wave Pension

3 out of 5
9 Millaksubyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, Busan
The Wave Pension
Homers Hotel

Homers Hotel

4 out of 5
217, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, Busan
Homers Hotel
Ocean the point Hotel

Ocean the point Hotel

3.5 out of 5
42 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 278 beon-gil, Suyeong, Busan, Busan
Ocean the point Hotel
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.

Things to do near Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach offers a vibrant mix of activities for visitors, including running along the scenic shoreline and enjoying various festivals throughout the year. You can relax at the sun terrace and explore attractions just steps from the beach, such as the thrilling Skyline Luge Busan, perfect for adventure seekers. Whether you're there for sports or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Gwangalli Beach has something for everyone.

Shopping

For a fantastic shopping experience near Gwangalli Beach, visit Shinsegae Centum City, just 1.6km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family fun. Lotte Department Store and Bujeon Market, both 6.4km away, feature diverse shopping options and local vibes, perfect for souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Busan Cinema Center for live music concerts just 1.6km from Gwangalli Beach. For sports enthusiasts, Busan Asiad Main Stadium, located 6.4km away, offers thrilling events. For ultimate relaxation, indulge in treatments at SPA LAND Centum City, a spa situated 1.6km from the beach.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Songdo Bay Station cable car gondola, located 12.9km from Gwangalli Beach, offering stunning views. For water fun, head to Gimhae Lotte Water Park, 27.4km away, packed with rides and entertainment. Don't miss the Yangsan Luge, 33.8km away, for an exhilarating tobogganing adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Gwangalli Beach is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a fun night of bowling at Hyeopseong Bowling Alley, located 8.0km away, or catch a captivating performance at Actors Sogeukjang, just 1.6km away. For more bowling excitement, try Uil Bowling Center, 4.8km from the beach.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach in Busan offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can explore the scenic Gwangalli Bridge and enjoy the beach's vibrant atmosphere. Nearby urban parks and cultural centres provide additional opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun or delve into local culture, Gwangalli Beach is a fantastic destination for a memorable vacation.

  • Haeundae Beach: Only 3.2km from Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with soft sands and lively beach vibes. It's a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying local food stalls.
  • Busan Exhibition and Convention Center: Located 1.6km away, this cultural centre showcases the artistic and cultural essence of Busan. It hosts various exhibitions and events, making it a hub for culture enthusiasts.
  • Busan Citizens Park: Just 6.4km away, this eco-friendly park is perfect for families. Enjoy outdoor activities, serene walking paths, and beautiful green spaces that promote relaxation and community engagement.

Best time to go to Gwangalli Beach

The best time to visit Gwangalli Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Gwangalli Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Gwangalli Beach falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.7°F (3.7°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February42.3°F (5.7°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
April55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July75.9°F (24.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August79.3°F (26.3°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September73.0°F (22.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December42.1°F (5.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gwangalli Beach

To save money during your trip to Gwangalli Beach, consider visiting between February and April when accommodation prices are lower. Wednesdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to filter hotels by your budget and preferences, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities along the beach and utilize public transport, which is a cost-effective way to navigate Busan.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Gwangalli Beach are February to April, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Gwangalli Beach is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Gwangalli Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Gwangalli Beach hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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