Busan

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.

Explore the best attractions in Busan
Point of Interest

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.
Point of Interest

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

Hear the chanting coming from the temple’s monks as you explore these magnificent historic pavilions and buildings, which sit in the shadow of Mt. Geumjeongsan.
Point of Interest

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.
Point of Interest

Examine a series of monuments and take photos of the panoramic views from a lookout tower at this hilltop park in downtown Busan. 
Point of Interest

Head to Busan’s most popular beach for a day of swimming, building sand castles and watching the impressive musical fountain show.
Point of Interest

Hike out to the site of the 2005 APEC Leaders’ Meeting for some recent history and unmatched Busan views.
Point of Interest

Hike along the dramatic cliffs and through the misty pine forests of this peninsula park, where legends say the gods once came to relax.
Point of Interest

Take a poignant stroll through this memorial grounds, which pays homage to those that lost their lives while serving the United Nations during the Korean War.
Point of Interest

Feel inspired and challenged in one of Busan’s top modern art museums, where fascinating exhibitions, challenging pieces and a wide array of genres await.
Point of Interest

Make your way to the very top of Busan’s famous mountain, where there is a vast fortress, an ancient temple, abundant wildlife and panoramic views.
Point of Interest

Sample the fruits of the sea at this sprawling fish market, the largest in South Korea.
Point of Interest

One of Busan’s most energetic areas centers on this neighborhood that started a major international film festival. Shop, dine and view celebrity handprints.
Point of Interest

Spend time in this huge green space, which was created on an old U.S. army base and today boasts a plethora of attractions alongside abundant nature.
Point of Interest

Discover the history of Busan at this museum packed with fascinating relics from across the region, displayed across numerous floors and halls.
Point of Interest

Learn about the region’s military history at this tranquil shrine dedicated to the fighters who died in the 16th-century Japanese invasion.
Point of Interest

Be amazed at the spectacle of Busan’s famous dancing fountain, which follows a perfectly choreographed routine combining water with music and light.
Point of Interest

Experience the spectacular views from this cliff-top road and village, where the sunsets and moon rises are legendary across South Korea.
Point of Interest

Wander along beautifully landscaped paths and paved walkways, discover statues and pagodas and, in spring, observe the camellia trees in bloom in this pretty city park.
Point of Interest

Shop for clothing, homeware and souvenirs and sample typical Korean street food at this sprawling and lively market that is popular with locals. 
Point of Interest

Browse for fashion trends and electronics and sample local street food amid the bright lights of this bustling commercial thoroughfare. 
Point of Interest

A colorful and artistic Buddhist temple complex, this religious site stands atop a rocky cliff where you can see spectacular sea views. 
Point of Interest

With its exhibits ranging from aquatic creatures to maritime industries and seafaring vessels, this museum showcases the power and importance of the ocean.
Point of Interest

Fine golden sand, lively restaurants, a sky walk and lively music festivals make this a popular beach in southern Busan. 
Point of Interest

Enjoy swimming, surfing and live music events during the warm summer months at this quiet beach situated on Busan’s east coast. 
Point of Interest

Walk across Korea’s first-ever drawbridge, which links mainland Busan with the island district of Yeongdo, and watch as it opens to let boats pass through.