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

ByRoseanne Ducut

Busan is popular for its beaches, and each one offers something different—from sunrise views and summer festivals to nighttime cityscapes.

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

I’ve visited Busan four times now, and beaches are always part of my itinerary.

In this guide, I’ll share the 5 best beaches in Busan, what makes each unique, and annual events to check out.

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

Map — Where to Find the Best Beaches in Busan

The beaches in Busan are scattered along the southern coast of Busan. They’re all accessible by public transit, whether by bus or subway.

1. Gwangalli Beach — Best Night Views in Busan

Beach 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.

Gwangalli Beach is arguably the most popular beach in Busan along with Haeundae Beach.

I usually save this beach for the end of day, and often choose to stay near Gwangalli Beach.

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

I often book my hotel in Gwangalli Beach just so I can stop by at the end of the night to see the Gwangan bridge lit up.

Things to do at Gwangalli Beach:

  • Watch music performances in the evening.
  • Catch the drone show every Saturday night.
  • Take photos at the art installations along the beach (varies by season).
  • 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 Gwangalli Beach, you can also visit Millak Waterside Park nearby, a waterside hang out with views of the bridge and sea:

Millak Waterside Park in Busan, South Korea, at night, featuring the illuminated Gwangan Bridge stretching across the water. The foreground showcases a colorful, patterned seating area along the waterfront, while the city skyline with high-rise buildings glows in the background. The dark sky and gentle waves enhance the peaceful nighttime atmosphere.

Related post: Things to do at Gwangalli Beach at night

2. Dadaepo Beach — Sunset Views & Quiet Trails

Beach highlights: coastal walking trails, sunset views

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

A tall white human-shaped statue stands alone on the sandy Dadaepo Beach in Busan, South Korea, with forested hills and calm seas in the background.

Dadaepo Beach is a bit farther from central Busan, but there’s a dedicated subway stop right across.

It’s a quieter and less-crowded beach, especially during the day.

It’s also a popular filming location for kdramas like Doctor Slump and Marry My Husband.

View of Dadaepo Beach from the Morundae coastal walkway, showing gentle waves, red buoys, rocky patches, and a backdrop of city buildings and green hills.

Things to do at Dadaepo Beach:

  • Watch a colorful sunset and take a walk along the shoreline.
  • Watch the Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams.
  • Explore the coastal walking trails surrounding Dadaepo Beach.
  • Visit nearby attractions such as the Dadaepo Port and Dadaepo Park.

I loved exploring the observatories next to the beach with plenty of scenic views. Next time I’ll explore the extended trails.

A quiet oceanside observatory with black wooden railings and a bench overlooks the hazy sea and distant islands as the sun peeks through the clouds.

3. Haeundae Beach — Sand Festival & Swimming

Beach 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.

It’s my favorite beach in Busan to visit during the day to sit on the sand.

I’ve visited during the annual sandcastle competition in May and seeing the large sandcastle art was quite special.

➡️ Related: 8 Most Popular Things to Do in Busan at Night

Lit up colorful heart installation on ground surrounded by flowers - Haeundae Beach Busan Korea
People walking along a beach promenade at night, with colorful tents and tall skyscrapers in the background.

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:

▢ Get the Visit Busan Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions

▢ Take a Busan Night Tour and see popular sites at night

▢ Check out the Top 20 day tours in Busan

4. Songdo Beach — Sea Views and Cloud Skywalk

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

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

Collage of four beachside images showing scenes from a coastal boardwalk and cable car attraction. A stone turtle sculpture, colorful “SONGDO” sign, and a wooden pathway leading to the sea are featured. Overhead, cable cars stretch across the ocean under a clear blue sky.

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’ve visited during the day and night, and if you stay til nighttime, visit the Songdo Skywalk next door or take the cable car:

A mesmerizing night view of Songdo Cloud Trails in Busan, South Korea, with a cable car system stretching across the dark sky. The illuminated walkway and colorful lights reflect beautifully on the water, adding a magical glow to the scene. In the background, the city skyline and mountain silhouettes enhance the atmosphere of this coastal attraction.

⛴ 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 — Laid-Back Scenic Views

Beach 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 Gwangalli 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!

Book before you visit Busan:

More Busan Posts

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🎥 Watch my Busan vlog for more tips:

Top 13 Free Things to Do in Busan Korea in 2026 🇰🇷 (popular + underrated!)
📍Busan Travel Guide - costs, tips before you go + things to do - Korea Solo Travel Vlog

Roseanne Ducut is a Filipina solo female traveler of over 10 years from the Bay Area, California. She creates ultimate travel itineraries + vlogs inspired by the rich history and pop culture in Asia. A veghead for over 17 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.