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

There are many ways to spice up your time in Busan but this incredible port city is more well known for its exciting nightlife. In other words, exploring Busan’s best bars and clubs is essential for an enriching experience when you drop by this sprightly city. And who knows—one of the nights may draw out the party animal in you!

Here is a list of Busan’s top bar picks with jazzy chill nights, top-notch brews and a delectable assortment of bar snacks—so extraordinary that there is a chance you will eventually leave Busan with better nights than days!

Photo Credit: Instagram

#1 BILLIE JEAN BAR

Along with dim lights and a pleasant ambience, Billie Jean is an absolute must-visit for the complete nightlife package. The experience is further enriched with generous portions of steak, darts and a pool table to unwind and lounge on a weeknight.

22, Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan 1F
Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 108 704 1949
Mon to Thu & Sun: 7pm – 3am
Fri & Sat: 7pm – 4am
Nearest Station: Jung-dong/Haeundae

Photo Credit: stripes

#2 CLUB MONK

Located near Kyungsung University, Club Monk is one of the oldest Korean Jazz clubs where you can enjoy live jazz performances every night. With an unpredictable range of nightly events, Club Monk is sure to astound and turn into one of your favourite places in Busan to jam and chill.

58-34 Daeyeon 3 Samdong
Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 51 622 2212
Mon to Sat: 6.30pm – 2am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Daeyeon

Photo Credit: flickr

#3 FUZZY NAVEL

This little Mexican bar is a fantastic destination for good music and conversation. With an open bar overlooking the amazing Haeundae Beach, it’s a place that does not solely offer booze and cocktails but a selection of sumptuous lunch fare too.

249, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro
Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 51 754 6349
Daily: 4pm – 6am
Nearest Station: Gwangan

Photo Credit: hapskorea

#4 GALMEGI BREWING COMPANY

Galmegi Brewing Company is Busan’s first American-style microbrewery and brewpub. With a focus on improving their brews with only the world’s finest ingredients and resourceful ideas, this place is heaven for all beer lovers.

9 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 265beon-gi, U-dong
Haeundae, Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 51 622 8990
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 1am
Fri: 6pm – 3am
Sat: 1pm – 3am
Sun: 1pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Haeundae

Photo Credit: tripadvisor

#5 GORILLA BREWING CO.

One of the best brew pubs in Busan and conveniently located near Gwangan Station, Gorilla Brewing Co. offers excellent Stout and range of quality craft beer that has won the loyal patronage of its regulars.

321 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Millak-dong
Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 51 714 6258
Mon to Fri & Sun: 5pm – 12 Midnight
Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Gwangan

Photo Credit: facebook

#6 PAPA’S

Papa’s is a place everyone will deem their favourite haunt after a night of savouring the bar’s special cocktails and electrifying new concoctions. It is definitely not the type of bar with exhilarating events; instead, Papa’s is where you’ll come home to.

287, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro
Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 105 678 4440
Mon to Sun: 8pm – 6am
Nearest Station: Haeundae

Photo Credit: google

#7 ROCK N ROLL BAR

Rock N Roll Bar sits across Lotte Hotel, right on Haeundae Beach. It boasts a collection of some of South Korea’s best brews. Ping pong and pool tables are available for your nightly amusement.

477-3 Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu
Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 51 818 3425
Daily: 6pm – 4am
Nearest Station: Seomyeon

#8 SAM RYAN’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL

If you ever need a good beach view, you’ll find it here at Sam Ryan’s. Spacious and hospitable, eating out with a massive group of people has never been easier. Equipped with a fully stocked bar and a reasonably-priced menu, there is no reason why Sam Ryan’s should not be included in your itinerary.

Haeundae Hyebyunro ST.298. 24 ‘Palede CZ’ 1-18
Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 51 746 7868
Daily: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Haeundae

Photo Credit: cityawesome

#9 SHARKY’S BAR AND GRILL – HAEUNDAE STRIP

Sharky’s is where you should head to if you are craving for savoury and palatable western fare. Out of Busan’s list of expat bars, Sharky’s Bar and Grill screams the loudest in terms of acquiring a more ‘American’ experience.

1305 U-dong 3rd floor
Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 10 6533 2959
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1pm
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Haeundae

Photo Credit: ulsanonline

#10 THURSDAY PARTY IN GWANGALLI

Described as one of Haeundae’s hottest western bars, Thursday Party is a popular haunt amongst the university crowd. With Kpop music thundering against the backdrop, their regulars often drop by to relish the bar’s cheap draught and curry-flavoured snacks.

197-18 Gwangan-dong, Suyeong-gu
Busan, South Korea
Tel: +82 51 758 0822
Mon to Sun: 6pm – 6am
Nearest Station: Haeundae

Read: 14 Amazing Things To See & Do in Busan.