Aside from Seoul and Jeju, Busan is arguably one of the more popular tourist destinations in South Korea. Being South Korea’s second largest city, Busan is filled with endless places to explore, and many things to do. This city is famous for its stunning coastal views, its rich history and for the vibrant energy that it radiates. There is an adventure at every turn, and you will be thoroughly engaged during your time in Busan. 

So if you’re wondering whether it is worth taking a trip to Busan with your children, we promise you that it is. Here are 8 Child-Friendly Places In Busan To Include In Your Itinerary.

#1 JAGALCHI MARKET

Just as Tokyo is famous for the Tsukiji Fish Market, one of Busan’s most popular attractions has got to be Jagalchi Market. Jagalchi Market is situated at the edge of Nampo Port in Busan and it is South Korea’s largest fresh seafood market. Here, your children can get up close and personal with plenty of live seafood and also have a go at selecting their own meal.

If you’re concerned about using strollers in Jagalchi Market, rest assured that the walkways are sufficiently wide so this would be a non-issue for you. Communication-wise, most of Jagalchi Market’s store owners speak simple Mandarin so you don’t have something else to worry about on top of looking after your children.

Jagalchi Market
52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu,
Busan, South Korea

#2 MUSEUM 1 

Located in Centum, Busan, MUSEUM 1 prides itself as South Korea’s largest multimedia art museum which comprises approximately 80 million LED lights on the floor, ceiling and walls of its large duplex space. MUSEUM 1′s curators have deliberately featured artwork which allow visitors to be fully immersed in the exhibits, so as to heighten one’s appreciation of the messages behind the artworks.

Whilst the lights and screens will be sure to entertain your children for a substantial period of time, do bear in mind that some of the themes in the artworks here may be more appropriate for an audience which is slightly more mature.

MUSEUM 1
20 Centum seo-ro, Haeundae-gu,
Busan, South Korea

#3 ZOORAJI 

For those whose kids are fans of dinosaurs, you need to slot a visit to ZOORAJI into your itinerary. ZOORAJI is an outdoor theme park situated on the 9th floor of Shinsegae Centum City,  which holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest department store in the world.

ZOORAJI occupies approximately 40,000 square-foot of space, and this immersive theme park is divided into 5 distinct zones which your children can explore. From the Land of Dinosaurs, the African Rainforest, the Rain Garden, the Woods and the Pirate’s Shipwreck, your children will be thoroughly entertained by ZOORAJI. And if you’re Curious, entrance to ZOORAJI (and the carousel ride located within) is completely free.

ZOORAJI
9F, 35, Centumnam-daero,
Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

#4 GAMCHEON CULTURE VILLAGE 

Even if you haven’t been to Busan before, you would probably have sighted some pictures and videos of Gamcheon Culture Village. Also affectionally referred to as Busan’s own Santorini, Gamcheon Culture Village was formed by the refugees of the Korean war and this tourist attraction remains an actual residential village till today.

There is aplenty for families to explore at Gamcheon Culture Village. Here, you can explore alleys filled with street art and sculptures, experience making your own hand-flipped photobook, appreciate the sights of Busan at the Haneul Maru Observatory and more. Gamcheon Culture Village is also home to a number of street food stalls and cafes, such that you will find it difficult to stay hungry during your visit.

Gamcheon Culture Village
203 Gamnae-2-ro, Sah-gu,
Busan, South Korea

#5 SONGDO CLOUD TRAILS 

Located on the eastern side of Songdo Beach, the Songdo Cloud Trails (also called the Songdo Skywalk) is a skywalk fitted with glass floors that spans across 365 metres in length. Apart from giving visitors the experience of walking above the sea, the Songdo Cloud Trails is also connected to Geobukseom Island (Turtle Island) which is home to 2 statues of a sea dragon and a fisherman.

And if you take a short walk to the shores beneath the entrance to the Songdo Cloud Trails, this is where you’ll find many Korean families exploring the shallow waters of the Songdo Beach. This would definitely be a hit with the kids and also serve as a chance for the parents to sit down and take a break.

Songdo Cloud Trails
120-4 Annamdong, Seo-gu,
Busan, South Korea

#6 SONGDO MARINE CABLE CAR

One of the best ways to enjoy the views of Songdo Beach is to take a ride in the Songdo Marine Cable Car (or also otherwise known as the Busan Air Cruise). This is a 1.62km long cable car route which not only gives visitors a view of the Songdo Beach, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, Songdo Coastal Dullegil Road and road cliffs from a height of 86 metres.

Depending on your preference, Songdo Marine Cable Car offers 2 different types of cabins — the Air Cruise (cabin with a closed floor) or the Crystal Cruise (cabin with transparent floor). Ticket prices are more worthwhile for a return trip, and will set you back 15,000 won (Air Cruise) or 20,000 won (Crystal Cruise) per adult and 11,000 won (Air Cruise) or 15,000 won (Crystal Cruise) for children between the age of 3 to 12 years.

Songdo Bay Station at Songnim Park (near Songdo Beach/Songdo Cloud Trails)
171, Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu,
Busan, South Korea

Songdo Sky Park Station (Amam Park)
181 Amnamgongwon-ro, Seo-gu,
Busan, South Korea

#7 HAEUNDAE BEACH

No trip to Busan is complete without a visit to the majestic Haeundae Beach. As one of Busan’s most popular tourist attractions, Haeundae Beach is recognised as one of the most popular beaches in South Korea and attracts more than 10 million visitors every season.

For families visiting Busan during the spring or summer season, do cater at least a day to relax at Haeundae Beach and to explore its surrounding attractions, such as the Dongbaekseom Island, the Haeundae Food Stall Town and Haeundae Traditional Market. 

Haeundae Beach
264 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu,
Busan, South Korea

#8 JEONPO CAFE STREET

Jeonpo Cafe Street is exactly as it name suggests — alleys lined with various restaurants, dessert shops, and coffee joints. If your children are avid fans of food and are up for an adventure, they will find delight in exploring the wide range of eateries with different themes, and in popping into a souvenir shop or too.

Allthough Jeonpo Cafe Street is in itself child-friendly, do note that you may need to climb stairs to access some restaurants. Also, as this area is popular with youths and young adults and it may be difficult for you to get around with a stroller in the early evening. For a more comfortable experience, you may wish to pop by Jeonpo Cafe Street on a weekday and in the earlier part of the day. 

Jeonpo Cafe Street
92 Dongcheon-ro, Busanjin District,
Busan, South Korea

Busan is the second most populated city in South Korea that has been gaining more attention from the travel industry thanks to the growth of Kpop culture. Although the place is more well known for their gorgeous beaches, the cafe scene in Busan has also grown significantly in recent years that caters to the young and well-travelled.

With many stunning cafes popping up in Busan, they truly deserve a spot in your travel itinerary. Pack your cameras because you will definitely be taking lots of pictures!

Read on to discover 10 gorgeous cafes in Busan you have to visit at least once in your life. 

Photo Credit: Daldal_0909

#1 4 YEARS APART

The cafe’s rustic wooden furniture and woven baskets portray a minimalist outlook, making it a great place to relax and chill with your friends. Coffee aside, indulge in fancy, colourful sodas such as the Blueberry Lime Soda (6000KRW) for a light and refreshing taste.

8 Gwangnam-ro 258beon-gil
Suyeong-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 010-9909-6398
Mon to Fri: 2pm – 9pm
Tue to Thu, Sat & Sun: 12pm – 9pm

Photo Credit: PandyPatty

#2 APEACH CAFE

Fans of Kakao Friends are going to love this one!  Located on the fourth floor of the Kakao Friends building lies Apeach character-themed cafe. It serves up a variety of Apeach cakes, muffins, macarons, drinks and more. With a pretty baby pink interior and marble tables, this place is definitely made for Instagram.

62 Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
Daily: 10:30am – 10:00pm

Photo Credit: Mattias Soh

#3 CAFE FOOTLOOSE

A bicycle-themed cafe, Cafe Footloose appeals to all cycling enthusiasts. With a range of delectable mains, this is the perfect place for brunch with your friends. The plus point for this cafe is the hybrid bicycle service rental that goes for 15,000 won per hour and 20,000 won for two hours.

1436-2 U 1(il)-dong, Haeundae-gu
Busan, South Korea
Daily: 10am – 11pm

Photo Credit: Coffee Mandalay

#4 COFFEE MANDALAY

If you are looking for a simple, yet satisfying meal in Busan, Coffee Mandalay is your best bet. Decked out in warm and earthy tones that will help you unwind after a long day, the cafe offers typical cafe grub and 100% organic coffees that cannot go wrong. Try the Shrimp Panini when you are there!

South Korea, Busan
Haeundae-gu, Gunam-ro, 46
Tel: +82 51-730-9985
Daily: 7am – 5pm

Photo Credit: Oncheoncheon Melbourne Cafe

#5 ONCHEONCHEON MELBOURNE

A cafe known for its quality coffee and awesome brunches, Oncheoncheon Melbourne Cafe is the go-to place for quality time with your loved ones. Overlooking a river opposite the road, this place also exudes a warm and homely atmosphere. Do try the apple cinnamon pancake when you are there!

Dongnae-gu, Allak 2dong, 631-57
Daily: 11 am – 11pm

Photo Credit: Maison De Dawl

#6 MAISON DE DAWL

A gorgeous cafe that will win all the hearts of the ladies, Maison De Dawl has a Beauty and the Beast-inspired tea set which features a Mrs Potts teapot which guests will use to pour out tea for themselves. The aesthetically-pleasing desserts served on classic grey tinted trays adds to the overall Instagrammable factor.

223-30, Bugok-dong
Geumjeong-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51-583-8819
Daily: 11am – 11pm

Photo Credit: Ordinary Flower & Cafe

#7 ORDINARY FLOWER & CAFE

More than just a cafe, Ordinary Flower & Cafe also serves as a flower shop, design studio and workshop space. Unleash your creativity through crafting your very own handmade flower design, as this cafe conducts floristry courses as well. Its floral interior exudes dreamy, whimsical vibes that will charm your socks off.

35-1 Jeonpo-daero 77beon-gil
Munhyeon 2(i)-dong, Nam-gu
Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 010-2607-8409
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 8pm
Sat: 12pm – 6pm
Sun: 12pm – 5pm

Photo Credit:  Port 1902

#8 PORT 1902

Situated near Songjeong beach, you get a sweeping view of the ocean when you dine at PORT 1902. The 4-storey cafe building has an open rooftop that holds a glistening swimming pool for you to jump into when the weather gets scorching. Do save some tummy space for great coffee, fantastic cocktails and delicious brunches.

No. 853 Songjeong-dong
Haeundae, Busan
Tel: +82 51-704-1902
Daily: 11am – 12am

Photo Credit: Sobok

#9 SOBOK

Designed in a simple and clean-cut setting, the woody design allows patrons to have a cosy and relaxed dining experience. Known for their delicious desserts that come with nutritional factors, Sobok serves up several items using brown rice as the core ingredient. The vanilla ice cream is a must-try, with natural ingredients such as pumpkin seeds and sweet pumpkin puree. 

Chungdong-gu, 692, Road 45
Busan, South Korea

Photo Credit: Waveon Coffee

#10 WAVEON COFFEE

If you need to escape from the fast-paced city, this beachside cafe will do the trick. Its intriguing architecture is one of a kind, making full use of space and floor-to-ceiling window panels as part of its design. The cafe also has its own roastery, so be sure to check out their neat range of coffee beverages.

286 Haemaji-ro, Jangan-eup
Gijang, Busan, South Korea
Daily: 11am – 12am

Read: 14 amazing things to see and do in Busan, South Korea