Busan Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Busan
Busan showing a bridge, a city and a river or creek
Chungnyeolsa showing heritage elements, a park and wild flowers
Gwangalli Beach featuring a skyscraper, general coastal views and a coastal town
Busan featuring night scenes and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Unwind on long beaches, relax in a multistory spa and explore the breathtaking coastal forests of Korea’s most popular summer destination.

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, but unlike the massive metropolis of Seoul, Busan is a resort town. Travel here for expansive beaches, forested parks and easy access to the islands and dramatic coastline of Hallyeohaesang National Park.

Come to Busan during the summer to experience the beaches at their best, the views at their clearest and industrious South Koreans at their most relaxed. The long Haeundae Beach is the most famous in the country on hot summer days it is lined with record-breaking numbers of colorful umbrellas and masses of people. If you prefer a little more space, head west to Gwangalli Beach, which is generally less crowded and offers great views of the Gwangan Bridge, the longest in South Korea.

Discover Busan’s world-class shopping at the 14-story Shinsegae Centum City, the largest department store in the world. After exploring the many stores, boutiques and cafés, practice your golf swing at the indoor driving range, then lace up your skates for a few laps on the ice rink.

Seafood lovers should head to Jagalchi Market, Busan’s massive fish market. Occupying a wide stretch of dock and several stories of a huge warehouse, Jagalchi is the largest seafood market in South Korea.

Busan has recently become a global center for cosmetic surgery and medical tourism. Exfoliate your pores or treat yourself to a full facelift at one of the 160 clinics on Seomyeon Medical Street in central Busan. Or, reserve a spot at the Shinsegae Centum City Spaland to spend an evening relaxing in one of the 22 spas and 13 saunas.

Just a ferry or bus ride away is Tongyeong, a bustling port town situated on an island to the southwest of Busan. From Tongyeong, ride the Hallyeo Waterway Observation Cable Car for stunning views back to the mainland. After enjoying the views, wander through the charming streets of Dongpirang Village, which was destined for demolition until villagers transformed the streets into an outdoor art gallery.

Busan has a metro system, but most destinations are best reached by bus, car or ferry.

Where to stay in Busan

Haeundae featuring a sunset, landscape views and a city

Haeundae

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Haeundae Beach and Paradise Casino are top sights in Haeundae, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Haeundae Station or Jung-dong Station to see more sights in the area.

Haeundae
Busan Citizens Park featuring heritage elements, a garden and wild flowers

Seomyeon

Travellers choose Seomyeon for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Buam Station or Gaya Station and check out top sights like Lotte Department Store Busan Main Branch.

Seomyeon
Jagalchi Fish Market showing markets and food

Nampo-dong

Shopping and seafood restaurants are highlights of Nampo-dong. Make a stop by Jagalchi Fish Market or Nampodong Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Jangalchi Station to get around town.

Nampo-dong
Jung District which includes night scenes, a river or creek and a bridge

Jung-gu

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Busan Tower while getting to know Jung-gu, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Jungang Station or Nampo Station to see more of the area.

Jung-gu
Yeongdo featuring general coastal views, boating and a bay or harbour

Yeongdo

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Yeongdo. You might want to make time for a stop at Taejongdae Park or Korea National Maritime Museum.

Yeongdo
Default Image

Gwangan-dong

When in Gwangan-dong and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Gwangalli Beach or Shinsegae Centum City and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Gwangan Station or Suyeong Station.

Gwangan-dong
Ananti at Busan Cove
Ananti at Busan Cove
5 out of 5
268-32, Gijanghaean-ro Gijang-eup, Busan
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Busan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"We enjoyed it so much even though we couldn’t see the blue sea and blue sky due to the weather. The suite room was bigger than our master room and bathroom together at home! The breakfast was amazing!"

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Ananti at Busan Cove
Lotte Hotel Busan
Lotte Hotel Busan
5 out of 5
772, Gaya-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan, Busan
The price is £99 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
£99
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Busan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,943 reviews)
Excellent Stay
"This hotel made us the highlight of our Busan stay. We were treated like royalty every time we entered the hotel; the staffs were very kind to help in anyway they can. We want to thank especially Oscar Park, and his manager. Oscar went above and beyond and to make sure our stay was comfortable, with ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Lotte Hotel Busan
Paradise Hotel Busan
Paradise Hotel Busan
5 out of 5
296, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, Busan
The price is £168 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£168
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Busan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,432 reviews)
"The hotel is perfectly located along the most beautiful beach and close to all shops and action. Amazing stay."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Paradise Hotel Busan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Urbanstay Seomyeon
Urbanstay Seomyeon
3 out of 5
752, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Busan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lotte Department Store Busan Main Branch ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (88 reviews)
"Great location. Great stay"

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Urbanstay Seomyeon
NEWCZ HAEUNDAE RESIDENCE
NEWCZ HAEUNDAE RESIDENCE
4 out of 5
30 Haeun-daero 570beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Stay at this 4-star residence in Busan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (271 reviews)
Great location!
"Great location. Wonderful condo accommodations."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

NEWCZ HAEUNDAE RESIDENCE
LCT Residence Y Collection
LCT Residence Y Collection
4 out of 5
30 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Stay at this 4-star residence in Busan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (85 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

LCT Residence Y Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Busan

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
29
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
24
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It is a really beautiful city to visit. Less crowded than Seoul, and it has many attractions for visitors! Highly recommended.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Busan is easy to get around,plenty of places to eat. A much different vibe than Seoul,quite hilly so you'll get a good workout. Spoilt for choice beach wise...all easy to get to and well kept. Overall a place to explo

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great city worth visiting for 4-5 days

5/5 - Excellent

Nopnara

One time is not enough

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice and good food tastes

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I really like it.

Cities near Busan