As South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan offers a plethora of things to do. On any single day, you can be hiking up mighty mountains and enjoying panoramic views, relaxing on golden stretches of sand, soaking yourself in some soothing hot springs and tucking into some fantastic seafood. The city also plays host to the Busan Film Festival each year, one of the most important film festivals in the whole of Asia.
To really get a sense of where you are and to get a bird’s eye view of the city, head up to the summit of the 120-metre-tall Busan Tower. Constructed in 1973, you’ll get a brilliant view of the port from up here, and there’s also a café so that you can tuck into some tasty treats as you soak up the vistas. Other sites to visit here include the Gamcheon Culture Village – billed as the ‘Machu Picchu of Busan' – the contemporary Kim Jae Sun Art Gallery and the 14th-century Haedong Yonggung Temple – an important site of Buddhist worship.
Being a port city, Busan is famous the world over for its lip-smackingly good seafood, and there are plenty of options for all kinds of tastes here. You can’t miss a visit to Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, which is open from 05:00 and is teeming with everything from anchovies to sea urchins. Other places to visit include the labyrinthine Gwangbokdong Food Street and the AnGa barbecue restaurant.
Tonight
From £22 per night
This weekend
From £76 per night
Next weekend
From £59 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | KRW 10,000 = £5.78 |
Language | Korean |
Average weekend price | £74 per night |
Average weekday price | £69 per night |
Typical stay | 1 night |
Gamcheon Culture Village
5.4 miles from city centre
Shinsegae Centum City
3.9 miles from city centre
I honestly loved Busan more than Seoul!
27 April 2024
I honestly loved Busan more than Seoul! it is like Seoul but in a smaller foot print which means you can experience vibey places, natural places, or cool places all within close proximity to one another. The beaches is really what makes Busan IMO as it attracts and creates a VIBE which makes you smile. And the beaches Haeundae and Gwangali are so clean and fresh! The tourist attractions are great! and unique enough that it doesn't feel same same as Seoul. Mind you there is a lot heights so make sure you aren't afraid of heights.
We preferred Seoul to Busan.
24 April 2024
We preferred Seoul to Busan. Busan is more of a party city, and a city for tourists who like to stay on the beaten track, people who like to shop and see fast cars. We missed some culture, museums, ....
Vibrant port city with lots to see, eat, and do!
24 April 2024
Vibrant port city with lots to see, eat, and do! Great mode of transportation with walking, using subway and buses however if we could we would have liked to take a taxi to eliminate long traveling, especially after a long day or later at night. Yugsigdo on Gwangbok-ro was a very yummy korean bbq restaurant to eat. Maybe have the app Papago or a translator if you struggle with Korean to communicate, that would have been helpful for us.
Extremely beautiful city on the coastline - so much to do...
15 April 2024
Extremely beautiful city on the coastline - so much to do and see. We went in early April, and there was an abundance of cherry-blossoms and blooming spring flowers. Seafood is superb. Wish we could be back there!!!
Everything was marvellous.
11 April 2024
Everything was marvellous. Haeundae beach was beautiful. The eating at restaurants nearby was superb, including the nearby Traditional Market. Both the train and tram systems were easy to follow and awesomely cheap. So much to do. We did a superb day tour and a Busan city bus tour, including the very moving, beautiful and informative UN cemetery for the Korean War.
I have to admit the only context I had heard about Busan...
5 February 2024
I have to admit the only context I had heard about Busan before my trip was a horror movie about zombies (Train to Busan) But the movie was enough to make me curious to find out more about the city. I discovered an interesting story and the great potential that this city has. The visit was even more impressive than I ever thought it would be. In addition to the beautiful beach and the Gamcheon culture village, the entire surrounding area is also beautiful and offers, for example, the most beautiful temple in Korea. Right on the water next to cliffs. Really a must when the weather is good. I would have liked to have stayed more than 2 days and explored the Gamcheon Culture Village even more.
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