Busan is the second largest city to see in South Korea with many interesting places to visit, from street markets of all kinds to traditional neighborhoods with a lot of charm. The ideal is to dedicate 1 night/2 days to Busan, although if you can add a few more days, from here you can take an excursion to see some of the most beautiful places in South Korea such as Gyeongju or Tongyeong.
In this post I talk about the 30 essential things to see and do in Busan and what excursions you can do from Busan.
30 ESSENTIAL THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA
The city of Busan is quite modern. Unlike Seoul, where you can find many royal palaces and traditional neighborhoods, in Busan there are not so many such places. The city stands out for its large number of markets, of all kinds. In addition, it is a coastal city, where if you travel in summer, you can take a dip and rest for a day in the sun.
You have the possibility of taking a private tour of Busan, in order to learn more about the history of the city and visit its most emblematic places.
1. Visit BIFF Square, Busan's Walk of Fame
Busan also has its Walk of Fame and it is an interesting place to see in Busan. This walk is located in BIFF Square, very close to the markets. It receives this name because the Busan International Film Festival is held there. There are many commemorative plaques of various actors related to the film industry with their hands engraved.
2. Go to Jagalchi Market, one of the most interesting markets to see in Busan
This impressive market is located in a huge building with 7 floors. In addition to the building, the market extends through all the streets that surround it. Most of the stalls sell fresh fish and seafood.
On the first floor you will see all kinds of fish. One of the stalls sells gigantic crabs. It is worth approaching and wandering aimlessly between the stalls. The best time to come is in the morning, the sooner the better.
3. Climb to the top floor of the market for incredible views of Busan
Few know that if you take the market elevator up to the top floor you will have incredible views of the city of Busan. Do not miss it!
4. Gamcheon Culture Village, one of the most beautiful places to see in Busan
This small neighborhood is known for its colorful houses. It is a place with a lot of charm. From a distance, it reminded me of the favelas in Medellín or some of the towns on the Greek Islands.
The neighborhood was built by the Korean War refugees in the 1950s and the state of maintenance was quite poor. However, in the early 1990s the neighborhood received public funds to transform it into the work of art we find today. Getting lost in its streets is one of the best things to do in Busan. You will find beautiful houses, small cafes with beautiful views, urban art, art galleries and many viewpoints.
5. The Gujke Market, a curious place to see in Busan
Very close to Jagalchi Market you will find another of the most famous markets in Busan. In Gujke there is everything; DIY products, tools of all kinds, souvenirs, clothing, accessories, makeup, jewelry...
6. Take a boat ride in Busan Bay
In the afternoon, before the sun goes down, I recommend taking a boat ride in Busan Bay. If the day is clear, the views of the skyline are incredible, tinted by the warm tones of the sunset. The tour lasts 1 hour and a half. It is advisable to book it online to get up to a 20% discount.
7. Going out at night around Seomyeon
One of the most entertaining things to do in Busan at night in Busan is to go through the Seomyeon neighborhood. The neon lights illuminate its streets full of restaurants, bars and shops of all kinds. It is the perfect place to go for dinner or a drink. There are also many recreational venues.
8. Enjoy the views from the Busan Tower
The Busan Tower is 118 meters tall. From above you will have incredible views of Yongdusan Park, the city and the Busan waterfront. It is advisable to buy the ticket previously online, to avoid queues.
9. Stroll through Yongdusan Park
Right in the same place where the Busan Tower is located, is the Yongdusan Park, in the heart of downtown Busan. In addition to climbing the tower, venture into the park to visit all its interesting temples and monuments.
10. Bathing at Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is the most famous and exclusive beach in South Korea. If you compare it with beaches in other Asian countries or even with Spanish beaches, it's not a big deal, but it's great to spend the day sunbathing, playing shovels and even taking a dip in summer.
11. Visit the Beomeosa Temple, one of the most beautiful places to see in Busan
Beomeosa Temple is one of the largest temples in South Korea. It is located at one end of Geumjeongsan Mountain. It was built by the monk Ui Sang in 678 AD. Despite the fact that the original was destroyed during the Imjin War (1592-1598), in 1613 the temple was restored, giving it the shape and appearance with which it is known today.
The interior of the temple is beautiful. But the outside is so much better, it's surrounded by amazing scenery with multiple walking paths. The entrance to the temple is free as it is a place of worship for many locals.
12. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, an essential place to see in Busan
It is undoubtedly the most famous and beautiful temple to see in Busan. It is located on the outskirts of Busan and its location, next to the sea, makes this place a very special temple, unique in South Korea.
The temple dates back to the 14th century and is very popular with Buddhists because there is a belief that if you come to this temple and make a request from your heart, it will be
The entrance to the temple is free.
13. See the world's largest indoor fountain show
Inside the Lotte Department Store is the world's largest indoor fountain. Throughout the day they do quite a few shows with music.
14. Go up to the terrace of the Lotte Department Store to enjoy the views
Lotte Department Store is a very large mall. I went directly to see the fountain show and go up to its terrace. But if you want, you have the opportunity to go walking, shopping... The top floor of the building has a panoramic terrace, the largest in South Korea. From the terrace the views of Busan are incredible.
15. Find the rock-carved figures at Seokbulsa Temple
One of the interesting temples to visit in Busan is the Seokbulsa Temple dating from the 1930s. The highlight of the temple is its rock-carved Buddha figures. It is a little crowded temple since access is somewhat complicated. You will have to get off at the Mendeok stop on line 3 and walk about 2 kilometers uphill. You can also get off at Oncheonjang on Line 1 and take a cable car. The views are very beautiful. Of course, when you arrive, then you will have to walk a little over 3 kilometers to get to the temple.
16. Take in the views from The Bay 101
One of the best things to do in Busan is to go to The Bay 101. It is a yacht club where you will find several cafes, restaurants and a great atmosphere. It is advisable to go at dusk to enjoy the sunset and have something to eat.
17. Night Cruise with Fireworks
If you are thinking that you need to add a romantic activity to your trip to South Korea, without a doubt, this is one of the best activities. With this night cruise you can enjoy the illuminated Busan skyscrapers and a fireworks display.
18. Visit the United Nations Cemetery to pay tribute to the victims of the UN Army during the Korean War
This is one of the most essential places to see in Busan. It is the only UN cemetery in the world. More than 2,300 soldiers who lost their lives during that war are buried there.
19. Walk on the water in the Oryukdo Skywalk
Oryukdo is one of the most popular places to see in Busan. Crossing its glass walkway over the sea has become a very fun activity. It is located on a 35 meter cliff. The best way to get there is to take the 27 bus from Busan Station.
20. Take in the views on the Igidae Coastal Walk
If you visit Oryukdo Skywalk you cannot miss the Igidae Coastal Walk. Although it is true that the name can be a little misleading because it has nothing of a seafront promenade. The walk is not easy at all as it is quite steep. But is it worth it. It has a total of 5km (with stops it will take about 2 hours and a half). The best time to visit is a little before dark to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
21. Watching a sunset from Hwangyeonsang Mountain
It is another of the recommended places to see the sunset in Busan. Without a doubt, doing it from Hwangyeonsang Mountain is something incredible.
To get there, it is best to get off at the Geunmyeonsan stop on line 2 and ask for a taxi there. We advise you to ask him to pick you up again or to wait since it costs a lot to get transportation back to the city.
22. Going up the Song Marine cable car, a great activity to do in Busan
This cable car was the first in all of South Korea. It opened in 1964 and despite being closed in 1988, it was reopened in 2017. If you like panoramic views, you won't be disappointed. Some even have a glass floor! The round trip costs 15,000 won per person.
23. Go for a swim at Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli beach is very calm, as well as beautiful. From it you will have spectacular views of the Gwangan Bridge, the second longest in South Korea.
24. See the Lantern Festival at Samgwangsa Temple
This temple is one of the most beautiful to see in Busan. During the Buddha's birthday, temples across the country are adorned with thousands of paper lanterns. Thousands of lanterns cover the various structures of the temple and create a magical atmosphere. I have only had the opportunity to enjoy a firefly festival in Chiang Mai (Thailand) and it was truly magical.
25. Fall in love with Bosu Book Street, one of the most beautiful streets to see in Busan
In the heart of downtown Busan you will find a street full of books. For a book lover like me, any library or place full of books is like a true temple. I was fascinated by Starfield Library, in Seoul, but Bosu Book Street has a very special charm. Despite being a very photogenic and striking street, it is usually not very busy. You will be able to browse among the piles of books and even buy the one that catches your attention the most. Almost all of them are in Korean, but it is a very curious thing to do in Busan, don't miss it!
26. Go on a trip to Taeojongdae Resort
If you still have time, I recommend you go to Taeojongdae Resort. It is the perfect place to have a good time, be in contact with nature and enjoy this environment. The place houses a promenade with incredible views of the sea and the cliff, you can walk to the lighthouse and visit its temple. From Nampo station you can take buses 8, 30, 66, 88 or 186 to the last stop.
27. Go on an excursion to Gyeongju, a must see and do in Busan
Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla kingdom for more than 10 centuries. At present we can visit many historical sites, among which you will find several temples and beautiful Palaces. It is about 40 minutes by bus from Busan. I tell you what to see in Gyeongju here.
28. Go on a day trip to Tongyeong from Busan
It is one of the most interesting excursions to do from Busan. To get there, you take a ride on the Hallyeosudo cable car, from where you will have incredible views of the city.
A stop is also made to see Dongpirang Villahe, Joongang Market, Hansan Battle Memorial Park, Yi Sun-Shin Statue, Hagikjeong Pavilion, among other places.
29. Go on an excursion to Oedo Island from Busan
Oedo Island is one of the most beautiful natural places to see in South Korea. You can visit it making a stop including night or just a day trip. We did the day trip and we returned to spend the night in Busan and it was enough to get to know its most beautiful places such as the landscapes of Windy Hill, its botanical garden, the stairs to paradise...
30. More things to do in Busan
If you have time to add more activities and places to visit near Busan, here is a list of the most recommended:
POSTS FROM BUSAN AND SOUTH KOREA THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to South Korea a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!