What to See in Busan

One of the most popular summer destinations in South Korea. Haeundae beach attracts tourists from all around the country and gets really overcrowded in late July and early August. Deck chairs and parasols are available to rent for ₩10,000. There are numerous hotels including International chains nearby with the Busan Aquarium is on the beach front.…

The spot where the Nakdong River meets the South Sea has been declared a natural monument since 1966. Where the large mouth of the river forms, there are sand dunes and deltas and many small islands (including Ilung-do). It is now a bird sanctuary for migrating species that visit between October and March.…

Another impressive temple about 90 minutes hike from the cable car station. It is often overlooked, but has magnificent statues carved into the mountain itself. Great views over Busan and very peaceful. From the South Gate (남문), the path indicated by the Mandeokchon (만덕촌) sign leads to a collection of restaurants and volleyball courts in Namman Village (남만 마을).…

This pleasant little park is home to Busan's one true tourist attraction, the 118 meter tall Busan Tower. This is the fourth tallest tower in South Korea, although it is over 100 meters shorter than the Namsan Tower in Seoul. There are some decent views even without going up the tower, and you can buy some corn to feed the resident population of ravenous pigeons.…

This building housing the Busan Modern History Museum was used as the Busan Branch of the Oriental Development Company during the Japanese occupation and as the Busan USIS Cultural Center (An American CIA post) following the Korean war.…

Songdo beach was apparently the first official beach in Korea and the main attraction in Busan for many years until Haeundae became the main tourist center. Today the beach is small (450 meters) and quiet with some charm, surrounded by low key restaurants and cafes. It is also in easy reach of Jagalchi fish market. (Jagalchi Station - Subway Line 1, Exit 2.…

One of Korea's great temples, this large complex is located up in the mountains and feels further away from the city than the few kilometers that it really is. The buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt many times since they were founded back in 678, yet they are still atmospheric. The temple does get packed with worshippers, hikers and tourists on weekends.…

Yet another of Lotte's shrine to consumerism, the Nampo-dong outlet hosts a roughly 10 minute long cascading musical fountain show on the hour, 11 times per day. The water falls from the ceiling 4 floors up and is even used to draw pictures and display words so it's quite the interesting watch. Supposedly the largest cascading musical fountain in the world.…

This is regarded as Busan's 'romantic road', and climbs a hill overlooking the sea. It is often called the Montmartre of Busan by locals, although the two locations only share the attributes of being romantic and on a hill. The majority of visitors are couples of all ages looking for a romantic experience.…

Far out to the very east of Busan, Songjeong is a sandy cove-beach that is about 1.2 km long. There are many hotels and restaurants directly on the beach or within an easy walk. Since it is less crowded, this beach van be a better option than Haeundae beach in summer.…

Gamcheon village was a former Korean war refugee camp, and backwater outside of the city center. In 2008 it attracted the attention of local university students who began painting murals throughout the village as part of their social service activities.…

This is possibly Korea's most famous fish market with a large selection of seafood there. You will have to opportunity to eat squid that is still wriggling when you eat it! Try and come very early to see the activity around the fish being landed.…

This is the only United Nations cemetery in the world. Soldiers from many countries who contributed to the United Nations during the Korean War are buried here. Take bus from in front of the Memorial Park after subway exit.…

If you are near Haeundae, then Jangsan mountain can provide a good day's hiking. There are military bases at the summit, complete with minefields but these are clearly marked and fenced off, and great views over Busan and on a clear day to Japan. A good starting point is Daecheon Park in Jangsan.…

Although not particularly remarkable compared to Heaundae and Songjeong beaches on eigher side, this village is remote and away from the crowds with some cafes and restaurants by the sea.…

A popular route is to take the metro to Oncheongjang, and then a short taxi ride to the cable car station. At the top of the mountain head towards the South Gate (Nammun) of Geumjeong Fortress and then through the North Gate (Bukmun) and down to Beomeosa Temple.…

This is the largest aquarium in Korea with great facilities and excellent displays. There is also a 3D ride that is worth checking out. There are larger aquariums in Asia, and outside the facility looks rather underwhelming, but inside the displays are high quality and the tanks well maintained.…

Contains three art galleries of modern art (one being for children). You can probably feel pretty good about spending 2-3 hours here and feel like you've seen it all. Closed every Monday and January 1st. In case Monday is a national holiday then the museum is closed on the next day instead.

Best experienced at night when the impressive Gwangan Grand Bridge is illuminated. The area is similar to Haeundae but smaller and less up scale. There are plenty of local restaurants, bars and shops in the area. In summer the crowds are slightly less than in Haeundae Beach.

The Busan International Film Festival has had this impressive open cinema built for the October 2011 festival. Go at night time to appreciate the light show displayed on the ceiling. To get there take the subway/bus to Centum City. The building is behind Shinsigae Centum City.

Dongbaekseom is not a real island, but a forested area with Camellia and pine trees past the Westin hotel. It offers a pleasant and short coastal walk, and the APEC Conference Center (with great views of the Gwangali area in Busan) can be visited here as well.

This Buddhist temple complex is situated on top of a large rock along the ocean. Since most Korean temples are in the mountains this is an unusual location with sweeping ocean views. You need to walk through a long market from the car park to the complex itself.

A few streets of a grubby district have been 'restored' to their condition in the post-Korean War 1960s, with wooden lamppost and bronze figures illustrating scenes of hardscrabble street life. Also easy walking distance to Yongdusan Park.

The area around the PNU is very lively. It is full of students, bars, cafes and fashion shops. You can try Korean student food specialties. Note that it retains the old spelling of 'Pusan'.

Offers commanding views over the city of Busan. It can be reached via a relatively steep 2km climb of the mountain behind the Beomeosa Temple.

This is a nice forested walk along the sea coast on Dalmaji Hill with an impressive lookout in the middle. At night time the path is lit up.

Roman Catholic museum dedicated to eight Christian martyrs who were killed for their faith in 1868.

South Korea's largest collection of sealife exhibits, with giant squid, whale sharks and oarfish.

Buddhist temple and monastery located up Jangsan mountain. Good scenic views over Haeundae.

Discover the history of Busan from the Prehistoric period to the present day.

Home of Busan's Chinese community with cheap and delicious dumplings

Take bus number. 29, 29-1, 89 or 129 and walk for five minutes.

Museum of Korean traditional art.