If you believe that Seoul is the only city of interest in South Korea, you obviously haven’t been to Busan. Located in the Southern regions, Busan has recently been gaining traction and now sees a steady flow of tourists.

Busan is a seaside town and is the second largest city in South Korea. It boasts a plethora of beaches, seaports, hot springs and more. You could say that the city is a more chilled out, relaxed version of the populated Seoul, and also holds treasures aplenty just waiting to be explored.

Have not got a clue where to start? These are the 14 Amazing Things To See & Do In Busan, South Korea.

#1 VISIT THE HUR SHIM CHUNG SPA

The Koreans indulge in relaxing spas and bathhouses, and going to one while you are in their country is arguably compulsory.

Hur Shim Chung Spa is, in fact, one of the oldest spas known in South Korea. The waters used boasts an abundance of magnesium—perfect for mineral spas. You will also find a huge hot spring within as well.

Hur Shim Chung Spa
23 Geumganggongwon-ro 20beon-gil
Dongnae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 51-550-2200
Daily: 5am – 12am
Nearest Station: Oncheonjang

Photo Credit: Box of Photos

#2 JAGALCHI FISH MARKET

Busan is a massive seaport. With that being said, visiting a fish market is a must for every visit to the city. Jagalchi Fish Market is extremely famous for it is Korea’s largest seafood market. You can find all sorts of live and dried seafood, including whale meat.

There is an indoor and outdoor section to the market, and you can even find seafood restaurants and buffets available with fresh ingredients. It is definitely a place you should visit to get a feel for the lifestyle that the Busan locals live.

Jagalchi Fish Market
52, Jagalchihaean-ro
Jung-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 2 1330
Daily: 5am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jagalchi

Photo Credit: Flickr

#3 TAEJONGDAE RESORT PARK

The Taejongdae Resort Park is one of Busan’s must-visit locations. It is set on a cliff and is especially famed for its rock beach. The highest peak is 250 metres above sea level, and there are even tour courses around the park that cater specifically to couples and families.

There is also the Danubi Train that runs across the park for quick sight-seeing! The park might be a little out of the way from the rest of Busan city, but the stretching oceans and the beautiful blue hues of the sea will make your trip worthwhile.

Taejongdae Resort Park
24, Jeonmang-ro, Dongsam-dong
Yeongdo-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 405 2004
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Nampo-dong

Photo Credit: Flickr

#4 HAEDONG YONGGUNGSA

Another way to fully immerse yourself in Busan culture is to visit one of their many temples. Haedong Yonggungsa is one of the more popular Buddhist temples in Korea, mainly because it can be found on the coast. This is considered rare since a majority of the Korean temples are situated in mountainous areas.

Haedong Yonggungsa offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean. Busan locals often come here on New Year’s Day to make a wish during sunrise as well. There are even cherry blossoms that bloom in April, making the temple look even more magical.

Haedong Yonggungsa
86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup
Gigang-gun, Busan
Tel: +82 51 722 7744 7755
Daily: 5am – Sunset
Nearest Station: Haeundae

Photo Credit: Lottepan

#5 GWANGALLI BEACH

You know what they say—when in Rome, do what the Romans do. The Gwangalli Beach is popular among Busan locals and is especially populated on the weekends when there are various cultural events and live concerts happening.

Gwangalli Beach offers fine sand and clear blue waters. It is also an excellent spot to see the lighted cityscape when the sun sets.

Gwangalli Beach
219, Gwanganhaebryon-ro
Suyeong-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 622 4251
Nearest Station: Gwangan

Photo Credit: Visit Korea

#6 SEA LIFE BUSAN AQUARIUM

Sealife lovers should definitely pay the SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium a visit. You get to experience a thrilling scuba dive with sharks and enjoy a 4D ride within the aquarium itself. There are three underground

There are three underground levels and even an outdoor park! The state-of-the-art technology used in the aquarium makes it one of the best in Korea. When you are done marvelling at the wildlife, pop by the restaurants in the aquarium basement.

SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium
266, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro
Haeundae-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 740 1700
Mon to Thu: 10am – 8pm
Fri to Sun and Public Holidays: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Haeundae

Photo Credit: Artofgettinglostinsouthkorea

#7 GUKJE MARKET

This market is one of Korea’s largest, with stalls flanking both sides of the alleyways. Gukje actually translates to ‘international’ and was originally set up by refugees who took shelter in Busan during the Korean War. You will be able to find lots of street food, clothing, electronics and more.

Gukje Market connects to other markets such as Bupyeong Market and Kkangtong Market, so you can have an entire day dedicated to just roaming the streets and shopping away!

Gukje Market
36, Junggu-ro,
Jung-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 54 270 2842
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jagalchi

Photo Credit: Interzone

#8 BEOMEOSA TEMPLE

This temple has a rich history and has been around for approximately 1,300 years. It sits on the edge of Mount Geumjeongsan, one of Busan’s more famous mountains. The original structure of the temple was lost during the Japanese Invasion in 1592, but it was rebuilt in 1713 and has lasted until today.

Within the temple grounds, you will be able to find Iljumun, a three-storey pagoda with four pillars. There are also several other royal palace wings, pavilions and gates. The peak period for the temple is in May when the wisteria woods surrounding the temple grounds are in full bloom.

Beomeosa Temple
546, Cheongryong-dong
Geumjeong-gu, Busan-si
Tel: +82 51 508 3122
Nearest Station: Beomeosa

Photo Credit: Shinsagae

#9 SHINSEGAE CENTUM CITY

Shinsegae clocks in as the world’s largest shopping complex.

A day might not even be enough to cover the entire shopping centre. Shinsegae is almost like a gigantic outlet mall, with tons of branded items going at whopping discounts. Tired after lots of shopping? It is said that the spa services within the mall are affordable.

Shinsegae Centum City
35, Centum nam-daero
Haeundae-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 1588 1234
Daily: 10.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Centum City

Photo Credit: Traesco

#10 ORYUKDO SKYWALK

The Orykdo Skywalk is also another of Busan’s more iconic locations. The skywalk just finished construction in the year 2012 and began operation a year later in 2013.

The glass bridge allows you to look down to catch a glimpse of the waves crashing against the cliff. On clear, sunny days, you can even see Daemado Island from the skywalk!

Oryukdo Skywalk
137, Orykdo-ro
Nam-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 607 6395
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Busan

Photo Credit: yeonfhwa

#11 GAMCHEON CULTURE VILLAGE

Now, this is definitely iconic of Busan. Gamcheon is where you can find a bunch of bright, pastel-hued houses seemingly stacked one on top of the other, located at the foot of a mountain. No wonder it is nicknamed as a cross between Santorini and Macchu Picchu!

The site is extremely photogenic and it is little wonder it enjoys popularity among tourists; why would it not be? It is a magnificent sight to behold and makes for amazing photo opportunities.

Gamcheon Culture Village
177-11, Gamnae 2-ro
Saha-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 291 1444
Nearest Station: Goejeong

Photo Credit: Busan Haps

#12 HAEUNDAE BEACH

This panoramic beach is a feast for the eyes. As Busan’s top beach destination, Haeundae Beach is the place to go to get a nice tan under the sun or to engage in numerous fun activities with your friends or family.

After your water activities, stroll to the nearby Folk Square where you can enjoy traditional Korean games such as seesaw jumping, Korean wrestling, arrow throwing or even tug-of-war

Haeundae Beach
Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 51 749 5700
Nearest Station: Haeundae

Photo Credit: Pheurontay

#13 TAEJONG-DAE

A great way to engage in exercise while you are on your trip here is to take a hike to Taejong-Dae and marvel in the breathtaking views.

Visit the lighthouse, observatory, port viewing points and more. Hike up to the cliffs and take in the scenic scenes all around you.

Taejong-Dae
24 Jeonmang-ro, Dongsam 2(i)-dong
Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 51-405-2004
Nearest Station: Nampo

Photo Credit: Walk With Cham

#14 BIFF SQUARE

BIFF Square was remodelled to become a cultural tourist attraction promoting the advancement of Korea’s film industry, contributing to Busan’s fresh branding as an international cultural tourist city.

The main attractions here are the cinemas but over the years, shops have been popping up all around so you can enjoy some food, shopping and more while strolling around the square.

BIFF Square
58-1 Gudeok-ro, Nampo-dong
Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Nearest Station: Jagalchi