Planning a trip to Busan and wondering what to see and do? You’re in the right place. In this Busan travel blog I’m sharing the top sights and activities in Busan, South Korea, including beaches, cultural villages, night markets and some of the city’s most spectacular viewpoints. Whether you’re searching for the top sights Busan, top activities Busan, what to do in Busan or what to see in Busan, this guide covers the places I think are absolutely worth your time. Busan is very different from Seoul: it’s more spread-out (so keep the travel times in mind), surrounded by the sea and mountains, and perfect for a mix of sightseeing, food and coastal views.
Getting from Seoul to Busan
You can easily reach Busan from Seoul by train. The train ride takes around 3 hours, depending on the amount of stops, and leaves multiple times a day. It’s necessary to buy your tickets a few days to weeks in advance, as they usually sell out. The official website for train tickets doesn’t work with international credit cards, so it’s best to book your tickets via a platform like Klook. You’ll pay a small commission to the website, but then at leas you’ll have your tickets for your train ride from Seoul to Busan secured. You can choose your seats when booking. I recommend getting seats in coach 7, 8 or 9 as they’re the middle of the train and probably where you’ll enter the platform on the station.
Hotel near Busan Station
I recommend that you book a hotel near Busan Station. As the city is very spread out, it’s really useful to stay at a central location. From Busan Station you can get on many bus and subway lines to explore Busan from East to West and from North to South.
I stayed at Hound Hotel Busan Station, where you have comfortable rooms for a very reasonable price. And as a bonus the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with a bar on the 12th floor.
1. Sky Capsule Train
The Sky Capsule Train is probably the most Instagram-famous activity in Busan, and honestly, it’s worth the hype. The colorful capsules move slowly along the coast between Mipo and Cheongsapo, giving you beautiful views of the sea. Make sure to reserve your tickets far in advance, especially if you’re visiting during spring, summer or autumn. The most magical time to ride is around sunset. Keep in mind that sunset in Busan may be a bit earlier than you’re used to; in summer the sun sets around 7:30 PM, so plan accordingly. I recommend taking the capsule from Mipo to Cheongsapo and then exploring the area afterward.
2. Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village is one of the most iconic places in Busan. The colorful houses climbing up the hillside create a stunning view, and the narrow alleys are filled with murals, cafés and small shops. It’s often called the “Santorini of Korea,” although it has a much more local and artistic feel. Wear comfortable shoes because there are quite a few stairs, but the views over the village and the sea are absolutely worth it.
3. Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is the most famous beach in Busan and a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing. The beach is wide and clean, and the surrounding area is full of restaurants, cafés and shops. Even if you’re not planning to swim, it’s lovely for a walk along the promenade, especially in the evening when the city lights start to reflect on the water.
4. Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market
If you love Korean street food, don’t miss Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market. The atmosphere is lively and there are endless stalls selling snacks and local dishes. It’s a great place to try authentic Busan street food. Two of the most popular foods here are mung bean pancakes (Bindaetteok) and Tteokbokki (rice cakes and fish cakes in a spicy gochujang (chili paste) sauce). The mung bean pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft inside, and vegetarian, making them my favorite on the night market in Busan.
5. BIFF Square
Just a short walk from the night market is BIFF Square, one of the best areas for shopping and street food. You’ll find clothing stores, cosmetics shops and plenty of food stalls selling hotteok, fried snacks and seafood dishes. Nearby is Gukje Market, but personally I think you can skip it unless you’re specifically interested in traditional markets. It feels a bit old and dusty compared to the more vibrant BIFF area.
6. Arte Museum Busan
Arte Museum Busan is a fantastic indoor activity, especially on a rainy or very hot day. This museum is filled with immersive digital installations where you become part of the art. Rooms are transformed into oceans, forests, waterfalls and other dreamlike scenes using light, sound and projections. It’s much more than a traditional museum and makes for some amazing photos.
7. Huinnyeol Culture Village
Huinnyeol Culture Village is a quieter coastal neighborhood with white and pastel-colored houses overlooking the sea. To be honest, I found it a bit overrated compared to Gamcheon, but it’s still a very pleasant walk. You have the ocean on one side and cute little houses and cafés on the other. My favorite stop here was the foot bath café called View, where you can soak your feet, enjoy a drink and look out over the beautiful coastline. It’s a wonderfully relaxing experience.
8. Songdo Sea Cable Car
The Songdo Sea Cable Car offers spectacular views over the sea and the rocky coastline. You can choose between a regular cabin or one with a transparent floor if you’re feeling brave. The ride is relatively short but very scenic, and the area around Songdo Beach is also nice for a walk.
9. Dakbatgol Mural Village
Dakbatgol Mural Village is a lesser-known alternative to Gamcheon. The streets are decorated with colorful murals and art installations, but there are far fewer tourists. It feels more authentic and residential, making it a good option if you want to explore a quieter side of Busan.
10. Busan X the Sky
For the best panoramic view of Busan, head to Busan X the Sky in the LCT Tower near Haeundae Beach. This is one of the tallest observation decks in Korea, and the views are incredible. You can see the beach, the city skyline, the harbor and the surrounding mountains all at once. I recommend visiting around sunset or after dark when Busan is illuminated.
Pingback: Top Sights and Activities in Seoul, South Korea - Anne Travel Foodie