Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach featuring a skyscraper, general coastal views and a coastal town
Gwangalli Beach featuring general coastal views, a bridge and a beach
Gwangalli Beach showing a beach, a skyscraper and a coastal town
Gwangalli Beach featuring general coastal views, a bridge and boating
Gwangalli Beach which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and a city


Swim in the calm water of a sheltered bay, dine at waterfront seafood bars and see uninterrupted views of Gwangan Bridge. 

Gwangalli Beach is an urban beach well-known for its fine sand and clean, swimmable water. It sits in an attractive bay while looking out across the Sea of Japan to a famous bridge. Gwangalli Beach is a hive of activity from early in the morning until long into the night. Find traditional Korean barbecue restaurants, a fish market, amusement park and concert stage.

The beach runs for about a mile (1.6 kilometers) and has powdery golden sand. During the mild summer months the water invites you to take an invigorating swim. Jet skis, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and windsurfers are available to rent.

Crossing the water and running almost parallel to the beach is Gwangan Bridge (aka Diamond Bridge). As night falls the bridge becomes illuminated with hundreds of bright lights, which proceed to change color. Accompanied by the neon lights of the surrounding tower blocks it presents a stunning nighttime setting.

Weekends are a great time to visit the beach, when local musicians put on free live shows at the stage. The stage is also a venue for the Busan Sea Festival, an event held at six city beaches in August. In October, the Busan Fireworks Festival takes over the beach. Enjoy spectacular pyrotechnic and laser-light displays.

Go for a walk along the paved beachfront promenade. Find a children’s playground and, at the northern end, a small amusement park. The opposite side of the road from the promenade is lined with barbecue restaurants, burger bars, brewpubs, coffeehouses and sushi restaurants. Don’t miss the Millak Fish Market, where you can purchase all manner of fresh fish and seafood and then take it to be cooked at the food carts.

Located in the Suyeong District, Gwangalli Beach is easy to get to via public transportation. The nearest metro stations are Geumnyeonsan and Gwangan. You can walk to Haeundae Beach in under an hour via a continuation of the waterfront esplanade. The beach is open to the public between July and September.

Plan a trip to see Gwangalli Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Bay Hound Hotel
 NEWCZ LCT RESIDENCE
LCT Residence Y Collection

Tours & day trips

See all 130 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 73 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 19 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 9 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 6 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

H Avenue Gwangalli Beach

H Avenue Gwangalli Beach

3 out of 5
42, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 278beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan
H Avenue Gwangalli Beach
The Marine View Hotel

The Marine View Hotel

2.5 out of 5
42, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 278beon-gil, Suyoung-gu, Busan
The Marine View Hotel
Ocean the point Hotel

Ocean the point Hotel

3.5 out of 5
42 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 278 beon-gil, Suyeong, Busan, Busan
Ocean the point Hotel
B'AMU Hotel & Spa

B'AMU Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
15 Millaksubyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
B'AMU Hotel & Spa
The Wave Pension

The Wave Pension

3 out of 5
9 Millaksubyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, Busan
The Wave Pension
Homers Hotel

Homers Hotel

4 out of 5
217, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, Busan
Homers Hotel
Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington

Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington

3.5 out of 5
229, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
Kent Hotel Gwangalli by Kensington
Hotel Aqua Palace

Hotel Aqua Palace

4 out of 5
225, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, Busan
Hotel Aqua Palace
Ocean 2 Heaven

Ocean 2 Heaven

3 out of 5
42, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 278beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, A, 5th and 6th floor, Busan
Ocean 2 Heaven
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.

Things to do near Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach offers a vibrant array of activities, including invigorating runs along the shore, lively festivals celebrating local culture, and various sports to engage in. Visitors can immerse themselves in the energetic atmosphere, making the most of the beach's stunning views and dynamic surroundings.

Shopping

Shinsegae Centum City, a vibrant shopping mall just 621m away, offers a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Bujeon Market, 2.5km from the beach, is perfect for local goods, while Lotte Department Store Busan Main Branch, also 2.5km away, combines shopping with leisure activities.

Recreation

At Busan Cinema Center, immerse yourself in vibrant music concerts just 1.6km from Gwangalli Beach. For sports enthusiasts, the Busan Asiad Main Stadium, located four miles away, offers thrilling events. Meanwhile, SPA LAND Centum City, 1.6km away, promises rejuvenating spa treatments for ultimate relaxation.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the Songdo Bay Station cable car, located 5.0km from Gwangalli Beach, perfect for family adventures. For water fun, visit Gimhae Lotte Water Park, 10.6km away, offering thrilling slides and entertainment. For a unique ride, try the Yangsan Luge, 13.0km away, combining sport and adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Gwangalli Beach is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a fun evening at Hyeopseong Bowling Alley, just 3.1km away, or catch a show at the charming Actors Sogeukjang theatre, only 621m from the beach. For more bowling excitement, visit Uil Bowling Center, 1.9km away.

Find the best attractions near Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach in Busan offers a delightful blend of urban parks, cultural centres, and scenic park areas perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can enjoy a rich cultural experience while exploring the beloved Gwangalli Beach. For convenience, there are several hotels located just metres from the beach, making it easy to enjoy the stunning coastal views and local attractions nearby.

  • Haeundae Beach: Only 1.2km from Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae Beach boasts a vibrant atmosphere with golden sands and lively beach vibes. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying local seafood from nearby stalls.
  • Busan Exhibition and Convention Center: Situated 621m away, this cultural hub offers a glimpse into Busan's dynamic art and culture scene. With various exhibitions and conventions, it’s ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
  • Gwangan Grand Bridge: Located 435m from Gwangalli Beach, this modern marvel connects the city with stunning views. The bridge is particularly captivating at night when illuminated, embodying the city's vibrant spirit.

Best time to go to Gwangalli Beach

The best time to visit Gwangalli Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Gwangalli Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Gwangalli Beach falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.7°F (3.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February42.3°F (5.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
April55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July75.9°F (24.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August79.3°F (26.3°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September73.0°F (22.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December42.1°F (5.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gwangalli Beach

To save money on your trip to Gwangalli Beach, visit during the cheaper months of February to April, avoiding the peak prices of July, August, and December. Opt to stay on Wednesdays for the best rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by applying filters for Eco-certified hotels and sorting prices from lowest to highest. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Take advantage of the local public transport, which is affordable and efficient, and explore free activities along the beach to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Gwangalli Beach are February to April, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Gwangalli Beach is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Gwangalli Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel reservation at Gwangalli Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.