Busan is loaded with things to do and see and most of the best things are totally free! *woot woot* After living in Jangsan, Busan, South Korea for almost a year – here are my personal favorites.
1. Go to the beach (Haeundae Beach)
There’s a bunch! I lived near Haeundae beach (which is AMAZING), but they are all special and unique. If you’re moving to Korea and have some time, I’d recommend checking them all out!
Here are some of my favorites:
- Dadaepo Beach (most low-key, off the radar)
- Gwangalli Beach (view of the Gwangan Bridge)
- Haeundae Beach (most popular, best night-time beach + summertime concerts/events)
- Songdo Beach (ocean walkways)
- Amnam Park Coastal Walk (awesome hiking near the beach)
- Songjeong Beach (good for surf)
Tip: if you’re heading to Haeundae beach, check out Dongbaek Island by taking the walking trail past the hotel.
2. Hike a mountain (Geumnyeongsan Mountain)
Again, like beaches: there are loads of mountains waiting for YOU to climb them. The best part of Busan (and my favorite) is the mountains. I lived right by Jangsan Mountain (level: moderate) and spent most of my weekends exploring outside.
Here are a few mountains for your Busan bucket list:
- Geumnyeongsan Mountain and Hwangnyeongsan Mountain
- Jangsan Mountain
- Seunghaksan Mountain
- Yangsan Mountain (short distance outside Busan)
More info on Busan hikes, check out: The Best Hiking in Busan
3. Check out a night market (Bupyeong Kkangtong)
The outdoor market scene in Busan is AMAZE, you HAVE to check out all the markets! If you don’t have much time, I recommend at least going to Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market filled with local + international food, clothing, and goods. Also, check out BIFF square in that area.
A couple of my favorite markets in Busan:
- Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market (most popular, aka Gukje International Market)
- Haeundae Market (street food + some shops)
- Jalgachi Market (fish market)
- Jayu Market (clothes + shoes)
4. Walk through Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village is my favorite “tourist attraction” in Busan. It’s 100% worth the hype. I recommend carving out at least 2-3 hours to spend at the culture village. It’s completely free, but you can buy a map (useful, but not crucial). There are multiple routes, I’ll post a picture of the map below.
How to get there:
More info on Gamcheon, checkout: Gamcheon Culture Village 2020 Travel Guide
5. Explore the underground shopping scene #windowshoptilyoudrop
Seomyeon is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Busan and it happens to have the coolest underground shopping center. It’s lined with small local shops home of the hottest Korean current trends (for cheap).
Two of my favorite underground shopping in Busan:
- Nampo Underground Shopping Center
- Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center (personal favorite)
6. Take a scroll down Millak’s walking trail (beautiful ocean views)
Millak is a beautiful neighborhood right off the metro. I recommend going for a walk along the ocean. Stop for lunch at Vegenarang (vegan restaurant) and coffee at Cafe Afternoon Tea for amazing views.
7. Hidden Gem: China town + Texas Street (you’ll thank me later)
Texas street wins for most unique tourist attraction in Busan. Chinatown and Texas Street are right next to each other and both worth checking out. Texas Street is an American-inspired street lined with the world’s tackiest items (#merica) and international cuisine.
Texas Street is known for its *risque* nightlife scene, go at night at your own risk. Personally, the street is daylight was interesting enough for me.
Tip: stop for lunch at Milhanjum.
How to get there: Exit Busan Station exit
8. Go to a temple (Haedong Yonggungsa)
Can you really say you’ve been to Korea if you don’t check out a temple? I think not.
Here’s a few of the best temples in Busan:
- Haedong Yonggungsa (most popular)
- Beomeo Temple
- Seokbul Temple
- Samgwang Temple
- Tongdo Temple
9. Escape from the city to Cheongsapo, Busan
Looking for a lowkey, cute day trip? While it’s not on all the “best things to do in Busan” blogs, it’s a personal favorite. Cheongsapo is a small escape from the city (walkable from Jangsan) with lighthouses, cute cafes, and beautiful ocean views. Check out the Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk and walk along the trail nearby.
Tip: Cheongsapo is on the way to Haedong Yonggungsa. I recommend going to Haedong Yonggungsa first then going to Cheongsapo at night.
Note: Cheongsapo is small, so there aren’t many vegan/vegetarian options for lunch. I recommend going to Indus Cafe for some nighttime coffee or tea.
How to get there: Exit Jangsan station (line 2), exit 5. Take bus Haeundae-gu 2 to Cheongsapo. 10 minute walk to the skywalk.
Note: I walked from Jangsan, it’s a *not so casual* walk (prepare for hills), but doable.
10. Spend the day with locals at Citizen’s Park
Citizen’s Park is filled with walking trails, lawns, streams, and playgrounds. Bring a blanket, snacks, and a novel for a scenic picnic in the park.
How to get there: Exit Bujeon Station (Donghae line), exit 2
What are your favorite things to do in Busan? Let me know in the comments!
Are you moving to South Korea to teach English? Check out:
- Moving to Korea Guide + Packing List
- Best Vegan + Vegetarian Restaurants in Busan
- Pros and Cons of Teaching Abroad (Everything I Wish I Knew Before)
- FAQ – Teaching in Korea (monster list of every Q I’ve ever gotten)
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