Things to do in Busan
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Busan must see attractions
1. Gwangalli Beach
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.
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2. Haeundae Beach
On sunny days in July and August, Haeundae Beach is the most popular spot in Busan. Fields of colorful umbrellas line the entire 0.9-mile (1.5-kilometer) stretch. Masses of visitors float on bright yellow tubes. Regularly, more than 100,000 people come here each day during the summer. On particularly hot days, the beach has hosted up to a million sun worshipers, making it as much a place to people-watch as a place to swim.
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3. Dadaepo Beach
Dadaepo Beach is Busan’s most famous stretch of sand. Join locals at this delightful beach where the waters are shallow and gentle, there are plenty of facilities and the scenery is beautiful. There is also the rather impressive Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dream spectacle to enjoy too.
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4. Songjeong Beach
Discover a relaxed coastal atmosphere at Songjeong Beach. Join the hordes of local families that come to relish in the beach’s calm water and gorgeous sand. Dabble in watersports, go fishing and be part of vibrant festivals. Songjeong Beach is the quieter and less commercial option to the nearby, developed resort of Haeundae Beach.
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5. Gukje Market
Prepare yourself for a sensory overload at Gukje Market. This vast street market has hundreds of shops packed tightly together along a network of both covered and open-air lanes. Browse for electronics, fashion trends and sundry household goods. Enjoy the traditional flavors of Korean snacks. Gukje Market began during the Korean War of the early 1950s when refugees sold their wares as a way to make a living.
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6. Busan University of Foreign Studies
Students at the Busan University of Foreign Studies are resolutely turned toward the world. Studying more than 15 languages from all over the globe, from English to Thai, they learn about international law and business, international studies and more, all in a striking modern campus at the foot of Geumjong Mountain. Walk amid the buildings along the esplanade. Bring a picnic with treats procured from nearby shops to enjoy while listening to the chatter of multiple languages.
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7. Songdo Beach
Join the city residents and tourists that escape the sweltering summer heat of downtown Busan at Songdo Beach. Created in 1913 and upgraded in the 2000s, Songdo Beach is Korea’s first public beach. The name Songdo means pine island and is a reference to pine forests that were once thought to flourish in the area. It presents a quieter coastal experience to Busan’s other beaches such as Gwangalli Beach and Haeundae Beach.
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8. Shinsegae Centum City
Shinsegae means “new world,” an appropriate description for this 14-floor, all-encompassing department store. Officially the largest department store in the world, Shinsegae Centum City offers the hottest brands, the finest foods and numerous entertainment and relaxation options.
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9. Busan Cinema Center
For just over a week in October, the Busan Cinema Center is the focus of one of Asia’s and the world’s biggest film festivals. Known affectionately as “Dureraum,” which in Korean means “enjoying seeing movies all together,” the center is much more than just a host for the almost 200,000 people who descend on the city to appreciate the best of Korean and international cinema. See a movie practically any day of the year, appreciate the architecture and visit the Asian Film Archive.
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10. Taejongdae Park
One of the southernmost points in Busan, Taejongdae Park is one of Busan’s best natural landscapes. Take a walk on the gentle hiking trails, enjoy the coastal views and find a little tranquility after exploring busy Busan.
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Popular places to visit in Busan
Gwangalli Beach
4.5/5(102 reviews)
Swim in the calm water of a sheltered bay, dine at waterfront seafood bars and see uninterrupted views of Gwangan Bridge.
Haeundae Beach
Let your cares float away while you bob on a tube just off Korea’s most famous beach, where locals and tourists come to see and be seen.
Dadaepo Beach
Head to Busan’s most popular beach for a day of swimming, building sand castles and watching the impressive musical fountain show.
Songjeong Beach
4.4/5(45 reviews)
Enjoy swimming, surfing and live music events during the warm summer months at this quiet beach situated on Busan’s east coast.
Gukje Market
Shop for clothing, homeware and souvenirs and sample typical Korean street food at this sprawling and lively market that is popular with locals.
Busan University of Foreign Studies
Hear the sound of Malaysian, Russian, Italian or Uzbek without leaving Busan at one of Korea’s foremost universities of languages and international relations.
Songdo Beach
4.4/5(15 reviews)
Fine golden sand, lively restaurants, a sky walk and lively music festivals make this a popular beach in southern Busan.
Shinsegae Centum City
Pull on ice skates, practice your golf swing or slip into a spa at the world’s largest department store. You’ll find great shopping and dining too, of course.
Busan Cinema Center
The home of the world-renowned Busan Film Festival, a year-round hotspot for cinephiles and architecture lovers, has one of the world’s largest cantilevered roofs.
Areas of Busan
Haeundae
4.5/5Wonderful!(300 area reviews)
Known across the country for its spacious and beautiful beach, this part of Busan also has numerous exciting cultural attractions.
Seomyeon
Consider a visit to Lotte Department Store Busan Main Branch and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Seomyeon. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Buam Station or Gaya Station.
Busanjin
4.5/5Wonderful!(97 area reviews)
For shopping in Busan, this part of the city is superb. You’ll find traditional markets and high-end shops along with food and entertainment.
Yeongdo
4.5/5Wonderful!(14 area reviews)
You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Yeongdo. You might want to make time for a stop at Taejongdae Park or National Maritime Museum.
Jinhae
2.5/5(3 area reviews)
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Jinhae. You might want to make time for a stop at Korea Naval Academy Museum or Busan New Port.
Suyeong-Gu
4.5/5Wonderful!(25 area reviews)
Noted for its beaches and bars, there's plenty to explore in Suyeong-Gu. Top attractions like Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Grand Bridge are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Gwangan Station or Suyeong Station to see more of the city.
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