Disclosure: if you make a purchase through any affiliate links on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

5 Best Beaches in Busan (+ Beach Events to Attend)

The beaches in Busan are a nice getaway, and each beach offers different experiences and views of Busan.

Plus, beaches in Busan are safe and open 24/7 for any early risers or night owls.

Here are the 5 best beaches in Busan and what to look forward to at each beach, along with annual events to attend.

➡️ If you’re new to South Korea, read my essential Korea travel tips for first-time visitors.

1. Gwangalli Beach

Address: Gwangan 2-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea

Highlights: best night views & photo ops, live music

Events to look out for: annual Busan Fireworks Festival (November or December)

A scenic view of Gwangalli Beach in Busan, Korea, featuring the iconic Gwangan Bridge spanning the horizon under a cloudy sky. The foreground displays a red installation with Korean text, and visitors can be seen strolling along the sandy beach and boardwalk.

Gwangali beach is probably the most popular beach in Busan, along with Haeundae beach.

It’s located in the Suyeong-gu district in eastern Busan.

Gwangali Beach at night is especially beautiful with views of the Gwangan Bridge, which is lit up every night.

Things to do at Gwangali Beach:

  • Watch music performances in the evening.
  • Walk down the cement paths or along the beach on the sand.
  • Take photos at the art installations along the beach.
  • Go to one of the 300+ shops and restaurants along the beach.

🌌 Take a Busan Night Tour of Gwangalli Beach and see popular sites at night

Busan locals taking photos of each other on circular lit up swings on the sand at Gwangalli Beach - best beaches in Busan

Before you head to Gwangali Beach, make sure to start at Millak Waterside Park nearby, a waterside hang out with views of the bridge and sea.

Related postThings to do at Gwangali Beach at night

A nighttime scene at Gwangalli Beach in Busan, South Korea, showing the illuminated Gwangandaegyo Bridge in the background. In the foreground, an orange neon sign in Korean reads "안녕. 그냐아냐리" on the beach, with a few people standing nearby and one person seated on the sand looking out towards the water.

2. Dadaepo Beach

Address: 680 Dadae-ro, Dadae-dong, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea

Highlights: coastal walking trails, sunset views

Events to look out for: Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams (May-October)

Sunset over Dadaepo Beach Sunset Busan Korea

On the western edge of Busan in the Saha-gu district is Dadaepo Beach, and where the Nakdong River meets the sea, so the beach is quite expansive.

Things to do at Dadaepo Beach:

  • Watch a colorful sunset and take a walk along the shoreline.
  • Watch the Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams.
  • Have a picnic on the beach. Dadaepo is less crowded than other beaches in Busan.
  • Explore the coastal walking trails surrounding Dadaepo Beach.
  • Visit nearby attractions such as the Dadaepo Port and Dadaepo Park.

3. Haeundae Beach

Address: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

Highlights: best beach for swimming, white sand, nightlife

Events to look out for: Haeundae Sand Festival (every May)

White sand beach in gray weather with red Haeundae Beach sign

Haeundae Beach is one of Busan’s most popular destinations and beaches in Busan.

Haeundae Beach is one of my favorite beaches in Busan to visit during the day.

I visited during the Busan EXPO and seeing the large sandcastle art was quite special.

There was also a special stage set up with musical performances throughout the day.

Lit up colorful heart installation on ground surrounded by flowers - Haeundae Beach Busan Korea
View up it of large sand art at night in Busan

Things to do at Haeundae Beach:

  • Take a swim during the summer months or put your feet in the water.
  • Attend the annual Haeundae Sand Festival.
  • Watch street performers and take photo ops at the art installations at Haeundae Square (most lively during warmer months).
  • Experience the nightlife along the Haeundae Beach area with bars and clubs.

Make your trip to Busan easier with a day tour:

🎫 Busan Tour Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions

☀️ Best Busan full-day sightseeing tour with driver + guide

🚌 Most popular tour: Haeundae Sky Capsule, Gamcheon Culture Village

4. Songdo Beach

Address: 100 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan

Highlights: great sea views, less crowded, next to Songdo Skywalk and Cable Car

Events to look out for: Songdo Beach Festival (summertime)

A cloudy day at Songdo Beach in Busan, South Korea, with the wide sandy beach in the foreground and a line of modern high-rise buildings in the background. The beach is mostly empty, with a few people scattered in the distance near the shoreline. A backdrop of forested hills is visible behind the buildings, creating a contrast between the natural and urban environments.

Songdo Beach is a man-made beach in Busan located in the southern Seo-gu district.

It’s Busan’s oldest beach which opened in 1913. I did go on a gloomy day so it wasn’t crowded at all.

⛴ While there: Ride the Songdo Air Cruise Cable Car ($12 USD)

Things to do at Songdo Beach:

  • Stroll along the beach’s promenade and watch the sunset.
  • Walk the Songdo Skywalk next door for beautiful views of the coastline.
  • Take a ride on the Songdo Marine Air Cruise Cable Car for scenic views of the beach.
  • Go at night, and see the skywalk and art installations colorfully light up.
A view of cable cars in the air over a path of oval stones in the middle of a sea at Songdo Bay Station in Busan

5. Songjeong Beach

Address: 62, Songjeonghaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Highlights: Less crowded, water sports, white sand

Events to look out for: Busan Sea Festival (August, across all beaches in Busan)

Long coastline of white sand beach and shallow water

Songjeong Beach is located in the eastern part of Busan and is more laid-back with a long stretch of white sand to enjoy.

Things to do at Songjeong Beach:

  • Explore the scenic pine tree forest surrounding the beach.
  • Attend the Busan Sea Festival.
  • Enjoy water sports such as surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
  • Go to nearby attractions like Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory, and Jukdo Park.

What is the Best Beach in Busan?

People sitting on benches watching young man perform on a guitar with lit up white Gwangan Bridge and beach behind him

If you’re only spending one day in Busan, I recommend going to Haeundae Beach during the early morning or day, and Gwangali Beach at night.

If you’re spending more than a few days in Busan, go to multiple or ones that are near other attractions like Songdo Beach.

Whichever of the beaches in Busan you go to, have a great time!

Top 13 Free Things to Do in Busan Korea in 2024 🇰🇷 (popular + underrated!)
📍Busan Travel Guide - costs, tips before you go + things to do - Korea Solo Travel Vlog