Top 25 Busan Attractions (2023)
Busan is one of the top three tourist locations in South Korea after Seoul and Jeju. Busan is not only the second-largest city in South Korea but is also the largest seaport of the country. There is so much you can do here in this natural gem of Korea, where you will get to see temples, natural parks, famous leisure and entertainment spots. Busan also serves one of the freshest and extensive seafood due to its geographical location by the sea. Come and explore the top 25 attractions in Busan today.
1. Beomeosa
Beomeosa is scenic a temple that is settled on the edge of Geumjeongsan Mountain. This is a must-visit attraction as Beomeosa Temple is one of South Korea’s Great 5 Temples. This natural monument encompasses a huge area with intricate-design temples, pavilions, hermitage and also a four-pillar pagoda that was built in the 9th century. The temple also offers temple stay for those who seek to find their true-self in this nature retreat.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
2. BIFF Square
BIFF Square is a movie district, and the abbreviation stands for Busan International Film Festival. Located in the heart of Busan, this place as built in 1996 to spread the Korean culture to visiting tourist in this city. The street is bustling all year round with many street vendors selling delicious local cuisines on both sides of the road. You will easily find egg buns, Korean rice cakes and kimbaps in this Busan street paradise.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
3. Bujeon Market
Bujeon Market is one of the largest markets in Busan that is just situated beside Bujeon Station. This is an indoor market place that is ideal for grocery shopping. You can easily spend hours here browsing through local products, fresh vegetables and also stalls that sells freshly made banchan. Banchan in Korea means side dishes, which can be made out of seafood, fermented vegetables and even mini pancakes. They can be kept for a few months if stored well.
Operating Hours: Daily, 2:30am – 7:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
4. Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market
Located 15 minutes away from Jalgachi Station, Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market is another food haven that celebrates taste from all over South East Asia. As the first permanent night market in South Korea, it is one of the most popular tourist attraction in town. With 30 over stalls that lined up on both side of the alley, you will be able to savour the popular street snacks from not only Korea but Indonesia, Malaysia, Philipines, Vietnam as well.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00pm – 12:00am
Ticket Price(s): Free
5. Busan Citizens Park
Busan Citizens Park is one of the largest park in Busan and its the first park that integrated technology into its facility. Aiming to be a world-class leisure destination for all, this park was built under five themes; Memory, Pleasure, Culture, Nature and Participation. There are plenty of facilities and activities here such as a 4D theatre, play areas, cafes and convenience stores to ensure you will have a wonderful time here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 5:00am – 12:00am
Ticket Price(s): Free
6. Busan Museum
Busan Museum is one of the top attraction sites in Busan as it serves as a platform to preserve and spread knowledge of the rich South Korea culture to everyone who visits this place. Spanning across five-stories, Busan Museum houses a wealth of 45,000 artefacts and relics that were excavated in the Busan and Geongnam area. You will also be able to see pagodas and Buddha statues in the outdoor exhibition area, which plays a vital role in the country’s tradition and culture.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
7. Busan Tower
Busan Tower is an iconic building in Busan that stands at 120 metres high. Built in 1973, this tower is located in Yongdusan Park, which is 5 minutes away from Nampo Station. This building which was structured after Bulguksa Temple’s Dabotap Pagoda with possesses an observatory tower that enables visitors a beautiful panoramic view of the Busan city and coastal lines.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 11:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₩8,000 | Child – ₩6,000
8. Changseondong Meokja Golmok
For a taste of the local culture, you will have to visit Changseondong Meokja Golmok. Also known as ‘Let’s Eat’ in Korean, it is a short alley just opposite of the BIFF street. Here you will find many local middle-aged women dishing out delicious Korean delicacies which will tantalise your tastebuds. There are plenty of foods to choose from such as bibim dang-myeon, hot noodle soup, mini kimbaps and many more. It provides you with a unique way of dining, where you will be seated on short stools just in front of the stalls.
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
9. Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory
Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory is a beautiful bridge in Haeundae that was built in 2017. This is the third bridge in Busan and is 72.5 metres long that stretches out to the sea. This observatory bridge enables visitors to soak in the beauty of Haeundae Beach and its surrounding while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze. A section of the bridge floor is made of glass, where you will able to observe the sea just under your feet.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
10. Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dream
Located in the beach of Dadaepo, this Sunset Fountain of Dream is one of the world’s largest water fountain. It is one of the most popular shows in Busan, where you will be able to enjoy the beautiful water display accompanied by light projections and music. With water shooting up to 55metres high, this musical water fountain show lasts 30 minutes and only has one slot a day, three days a week.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday, 7:30pm – 8:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
11. Daejeo Ecological Park
Daejeo Ecological Park is a 750,000 square metres recreational and flower park that is located close to Nakdonggang River. This park is located 10 minutes walk away from Gangseo-gu Office Station. This natural patch is home to migratory birds and is a rich ecosystem that is made up of gardens, marshs and streams. The best time to visit this place is during Spring; you will not only see cherry blossoms but a stunning view of the golden field that is covered with blooming sunflowers.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00am – 9:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
12. Gamcheon Culture Village
This is one of the top must-visit attraction in Busan as it boasts a picturesque landscape view of the village. The path leading up to the Gamcheon Culture Village Observatory Rooftop is decorated with many arts from wall paintings, Petit Prince statues, a book staircase that will keep you entertained throughout your journey. At the top, you will be able to see the panoramic Machu Pichu of Busan view; with colourful village houses that are built in staircase fashion.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
13. Gukje Market
Gukje Market or commonly know as Nampodong International Market is a traditional market that has been around since 1948. This market started when refugees from the Korean War set up stalls here to earn their livelihood from selling items. Up till today, Gukje Market is still one of the largest markets in South Korea that sells everything from kitchen wares, clothes, souvenirs, shoes and local products. You will also get to find a myriad of food stalls that sells some of the best Korean traditional food.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
14. Gwangbok-ro Shopping Street
Gwangbok-ro Shopping Street is dubbed as Myeongdong of Busan and is located a few blocks away from Nampo Station. This place perfectly encapsulates the Korean shopping and beauty culture, where you will find rows and rows of retail shops to the delight of many ladies. It provides a pleasant shopping experience with plenty of domestic and international brands, unique alley boutique shops and multiple food joints.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
15. Haedong Yonggungsa
Built during the Goryeo Dynasty, Haedong Yonggungsa is a Buddhist Temple that is perched at the side of the sea. This temple complex is one of the three temples if South Korea that is devoted to the Goddess of Mercy. Within the temple grounds, you will be able to appreciate the colourfully designed main temple building, intricate deities statues while listening to the calming sound of the waves that echo throughout the temple grounds.
Operating Hours: Daily, 5:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
16. Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is the epitome of Busan tourism and is a must-visit place. Surrounded by Busan’s top attractions, the beach is bustling during the summer months providing tons of sea activities such as kiteboarding, surfing, paddle-boating and many more. You can also choose to rest and relax under the colourful umbrella shades while enjoying the sea breeze. At night, it is also a popular entertainment area with the many pubs that lined-up on the shore selling a wide variety of craft beers and pizzas.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
17. Hwangnyeongsan Mountain
Hwangnyeongsan Mountain is located in the centre of Busan and is part of the Geumnyeon Mountain Range. This mountain is a beautiful natural landscape that is filled with luscious floras and boasts a beautiful panoramic view of the city. The hike up to the peak takes approximately 50 minutes and can be a challenging trail for some. Many people come here for the breathtaking sunset and night view, which can be crowded on the weekends.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
18. Jagalchi Market
Jagalchi Market is a seafood market that is located by the sea of Busan. It is the largest seafood market in South Korea and offers a variety of seafood and dried-seafood products across the seven floors. Dining in Jagalchi Market is a unique experience where you will get to purchase fresh seafood from any store vendors at Level 1 and have them cooked at any of the restaurants of your choice that is located on Level 2.
Operating Hours: Daily, 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
19. Nakdonggang Bird Sanctuary
Nakdonggang Bird Sanctuary is South Korea’s natural monument and is a perfect place for bird-watching. Spanning across 2.7 square kilometres, it is home to an Eco Centre and the larger area of natural landscape for these migratory birds to roam. As the groves here are made out of marshs, the best way to get around is by engaging a local boat guide. Do take note that the best time to visit is from 9am to 4pm daily as the birds are most active then.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 8:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
20. Oryukdo Island
Oryukdo Island is a cluster of rocky islands that off coasts of south Busan. The journey there will take 45 minutes from Busan town, where you will get to admire this beautiful rock formation from the Oryukdo Skywalk. Depending on the water tide, you will be able to see five or six islands with one of them sporting a lighthouse.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
21. Oryukdo Skywalk
Oryukdo Skywalk is one of the three bridges that is constructed in Busan. The bridge is only 15metres long but provides an experience of walking in the sky since this bridge is built with a transparent glass panel. Boasting a magnificent view overlooking the Oryukdo Island, you will need to wear a cloth covering over your shoes to avoid scratches on the surface of the bridge.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 5:50pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
22. SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium is a famous attraction in Busan perfect for family and friends. Located along the Haeundae Beach, the Aquarium spans across 32,000 square metres that is home to 10,000 creatures. Divided across three levels, you will be able to a variety of marine lives, reptile, mammals and amphibians here. At SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, you will also get to see mermaid princess swimming around in the coral water tank daily as part of the Aquarium’s unique performances.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10:00am – 7:00pm | Friday – Sunday, 9:00am – 9:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₩29,000 | Child – ₩23,000
23. Songdo Marine Cable Car
Songdo Marine Cable Car is the first-ever cable car in South Korea that was launched in 1964. This Busan Air Cruise will take you on an 8 minutes journey across the sea and admiring the beauty of the surrounding city and natural landscape. Your journey will start at Songnim Park on the east and ends in the west in Amnam Park. At Amnam Park, you will get a chance to see the beautiful 360 view of the city from the observatory deck located here.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 9:00am – 9:30pm | Friday – Saturday, 9:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): One way – ₩12,000 | Roundtrip – ₩15,000
24. Taejongdae
Taejongdae is a nature park that is located in the south corner of Yeongdo-gu island. This park is an important landmark to Busan’s heritage and culture as you will not only find lush greeneries, gorgeous landscapes but some of Busan best temples. There are pathways created to allow visitors to appreciate the scenic view through the pine tree forest and to the rocky cliffs. One of the most notable highlights will have to be the lighthouse that is perch on the highest point of the hill.
Operating Hours: Daily, 5:00am – 12:00am
Ticket Price(s): Free
25. Yongdusan Park
Just 10 minutes walk away from Nampo Station, Yongdusan Park is an evergreen park that is located on Yongdu Mountain. This is a scenic park that is home to the iconic Busan Tower which can give you a birds-eye-view of the city and its surrounding. Encompass within this park, you will also get to see a flower clock together with dragon sculptures and a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
Busan offers everyone as gastronomic experience for all who visits here. Food ranging from street foods to cafe and renown local restaurants with each whipping out delicious meals for your tummy. Besides that, it is also a unique holiday experience that encapsulate the old and and the new South Korea for all to explore.