8 Marvelous Things to Do in Busan, South

Korea
by Ryan O'Rourke / Last Updated: April 1, 2019

With over 3.6 million people, Busan is South Korea's second largest city and largest seaport.
Busan is known for its beaches, hot springs, nature reserves and events such as the city's
renowned international film festival held each fall. Busan is a good destination for those
seeking a more laid back atmosphere than Seoul. Located at the southern tip of the Korean
peninsula, Busan's important port gives the city an international flair, with sailors from
around the world trooping through and a growing number of tourists.

While it lacks the popularity of Seoul among travellers, the brazen port city of Busan sweats
with enough swagger to drop in as a must-see destination for any first-time visitor to Korea.

Many of the most obvious charms of Korea’s second biggest city don’t appear instantly.
Carve out just one day in Busan though and the picture will slowly start to focus. Sift through
the best things to do in Busan, and you’ll dazzle at mountainside and seaside temples,
splash around on some of the best beaches in Korea, and embark on a shopping spree that’d
make the likes of Myeongdong or Ginza proud.
Catch a spirited sunrise at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

There’s no better place to give your Busan trip an adrenaline shot than at the city’s most
compelling site, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. This ancient Buddhist temple, digging its
roots as far back as the 14th century, sits perched along the oceanfront giving it a unique
maritime vibe that slots it in among the best temples in Korea.

The approach to the heady temple complex begins on a 108-step staircase, lined by
atmospheric stone lanterns. As you descend towards the shoreline, Haedong Yonggungsa
Temple comes into view, slowly revealing its glory one step at a time.

As you’d imagine, visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the most popular
adventures for travellers to Busan. Once you arrive, it’s best to simply experience the temple
at leisure. Explore its nooks and crannies, from the colourful Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary
and gilded Buddha statues to the stone pagodas, stupas, and cave sanctum.

To get the most out of your visit, drop into the temple complex as early as possible. Haedong
Yonggungsa Temple opens to visitors at 5am. This is the perfect time to visit as the morning
sun bathes the temple complex in its soft orange hues, creating a scene that’s nothing short of
glorious. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best sunrises you’ll ever catch, not just in Busan or
Korea, but anywhere!

Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: It’s a bit of a trek out to the temple complex.
First, hop onto the Busan subway and make your way to Haeundae Station (Line 2). At Exit 7,
transfer to Bus 181. The Yonggungsa Temple Bus Stop is about 12 minutes away. From here,
it’s another 15 minutes by foot to the temple.

Colour your world at Gamcheon Culture Village

If you’ve seen postcards of Busan, there’s no escaping the famous hillside charms of
Gamcheon Culture Village. Once little more than a shanty town on the fringes of the city
centre, this small “village,” now a full-on part of Busan, is one of the most interesting corners
of Korea’s second metropolis.

At a glance, Busan can feel like a collection of faceless and styleless buildings stretching as
far as the eye can see. Gamcheon Culture Village completely defies that reputation by
painting the city with much needed surface colour among its vividly toned buildings.

And things get even more compelling at street-level. Wander into Gamcheon Cuture Village,
plying up and down its steep alleys, and you’ll uncover a whole slew of bright wall murals,
art galleries, small craft stores, and cafés. Don’t take it too fast; this is one area of Busan you
won’t want to rush.
Getting to Gamcheon Culture Village: Take Busan subway Line 1 to Toseong Station.
From Exit 6, locate the bus stop for Bus Sakha 1-1, Seogu 2 or Seogu 2-2. Any one of these
will take you to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop, where you’ll be able to continue
your journey through the village by foot.

Get your seafood fix at Jagalchi Market

Whether the thought of staring face-to-face with odd sea creatures (and perhaps eating one)
appeals to you or not, you probably shouldn’t miss out on the experience of visiting Jagalchi
Market when travelling to Busan. This bustling market is like none other; it’s chock-loaded
with the freshest seafood in the country with a long history and cultural buzz that makes it
one of the top places to visit in Korea.

In the clamorous market stalls of Jagalchi Market, everything from octopus and squid to sea
urchin and eel hangs about. Adventure eaters should take the opportunity to test their
constitution at one of the hoe (raw fish) restaurants dwelling on the second floor. Some
Jagalchi Market restaurants will even prepare your purchase from the market area for you on
the spot for an unforgettable meal as fresh as they come!

Getting to Jagalchi Market: Take the Busan subway Line 1 to Jagalchi Station. The market
lies just 5 minutes by foot from Exit 10.
Chillax on Haeundae Beach

Even if you’re on a time-crunch, there’s no excuse for missing out on Haeundae Beach,
Busan’s most famous attraction. Draped over about a kilometre and a half of coastline,
Haeundae Beach captures the heart of nearly every Busanite. With all its energy and its
gorgeous ocean and city views, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon getting to know
the city.

Even if you’re not keen on taking a dip in the ocean, Haeundae Beach’s charms don’t end
with its oceanfront prowess. Along the beach’s boardwalk, you can treat your tastebuds to
some of the best restaurants in Busan or simply grab a pint of maekju (beer) and let the sea
entrance you. On warm sunny days, Haeundae Beach also becomes abuzz with artists and
performers trying their best to cheer up the beachgoers.

Getting to Haeundae Beach: From Haeundae Station on the Busan metro (Line 2), use Exit
5. At street-level, it’s about a 8- to 10-minute walk to the beach and boardwalk along Gunam-
ro.
Balance your chi at Beomeosa Temple

Quite possibly the grandest site in Busan, Beomeosa Temple is an absolute must-see while
visiting the city. Drawing upon a 1,300-year history, this Buddhist temple grew in importance
over the centuries to become one of the most important places of worship in Korea.

The current reincarnation of Beomeosa Temple dates back to 1613 when it was rebuilt after
the bloody Japanese invasions during the Imjin War. Most impressive is the main
Daeungjeon Hall, long considered one of the finest architectural specimens of the Joseon Era.
Also worth keeping an eye out for is the ornate 9th-century Iljumun Gate and the colourful
tree-fringed Cheonwangmun Gate.

What makes Beomeosa Temple one of the most compelling places to visit in Busan though is
its location. Built upon the fringes Geumjeongsan, Busan’s most famous mountain,
Beomeosa Temple blends seamlessly among the evergreens and maples. To see the temple at
its best, visit in late spring when the delicate purples of wisteria flood the area or in fall when
the autumn colours overtake the mountain’s trees.

Getting to Beomeosa Temple: Take Busan subway Line 1 to Beomeosa Station. From Exit 5
or 7, walk up Chongnyongyejeon-ro about 5 minutes to the Samsin Bus Stop, just before the
traffic circle. Hop onto Bus 90 and exit at the stop in front of the Beomeosa Ticket Office.
Shop and munch at Gukje Market

Those who are more inclined to consumer goods and regular street food will prefer a visit to
Gukje Market over the take-it-or-leave it port-side “charms” of Jagalchi. This market, also
referred to as Nampodong International Market, sells just about everything under the sun
from clothing and household goods to electronics and mouth-watering Korean street food.

The history of Gukje Market dates back to the Korean War when local refugees, escaping the
worst of the fighting, peddled international goods disembarking at Busan’s port (currently the
9th largest in the world). Today, the market’s grown to the biggest in the city, practically
swallowing up other once separate markets like Bupyeong (Kkangtong) Market.

As fun as it is to ply through everything under the sun, the best way to experience Gukje
Market is through the tastebuds. Grab yourself a meal among the crowded stalls of Restaurant
Alley (Arirang Street) in the central part of the market to take down Korean specialties
like chungmu gimbap (squid & radish seaweed rice rolls), bibim dangmyeon (spicy glass
noodles with fish cakes), sundae (Korean blood sausage) or, for the sweettooths in the
house, ssiat hotteok (seed- and sugar-filled sweet Korean pancakes).

Getting to Gukje Market: From Jagalchi Station (Line 1), take Exit 7. Swing left at the first
intersection onto Junggu-ro while crossing to the opposite side. Walk straight for three and a
half blocks and you’ll see the market streets to your right.
Admiring evening views at Gwangan Bridge (Gwangandaegyo)

There’s hardly a more iconic image of Busan than peering upon the skyline with the lights
of Gwangandaegyo (Gwangan Bridge) shining on. This massive bridge, spanning over
seven kilometres between Namcheon and Centum City, is one of the most awe-inspiring
structures in the country and an integral part of the city’s guise.

Other than contemplating its mind-boggling size and admiring the views, there isn’t
necessarily anything to do at Gwangandaegyo Bridge. To get the most of it, drop down to
Gwangalli Beach, the city’s second most popular oceanside recreation spot. Pick your
perfect viewing spot from the multitude of seaside restaurants, cafés, and bars, and watch as
the incredible Busan evening cityscape surfaces before your eyes.

Getting to Gwangandaegyo Bridge: To get to Gwangalli Beach where the best views of
Gwangandaegyo arise, zip over to Gwangan Station on Line 2 of the Busan metro. From
either Exit 3 or Exit 5, it’s about a 10-minute walk down Gwangan-ro to the seafront.
Take in Busan from above at Yongdusan Park

Despite a name that’s a little more formidable than its looks, Yongdusan Park and its
namesake Yongdusan (Dragon Mountain) make for a pleasant afternoon out in the city. Set
among beautiful evergreens, this park in central Busan throws down some satisfying vistas
over the city and the port.

To extend the views at Yongdusan, on its own rising just 49 metres above sea level, scuttle
up the park’s centrepiece Busan Tower. For just W8,000 ($7.41), you’ll get to scope out
360-degree views of the city from 120 metres higher than the mountain itself.

Getting to Yongdusan Park: From Nampo Station (Line 1), take Exit 3 and walk straight up
Nampo-gil one block. At Gudeok-ro 22-beon-gil, hang a right. Walking straight ahead, you’ll
see the escalators to Yongdusan Park on the opposite side of Gwangan-ro.