13 Free Things to Do in Busan (Popular + Underrated Spots!)
Busan is 100% worth the side trip if you’re visiting Seoul in South Korea. I’ve been twice now and can’t wait to go again.
Busan is well known for its beaches, scenic water views, and cultural sites. While Busan has many bustling areas, I found Busan very chill and homely.
If you’re on a budget, or need ideas on where to go in Busan, here’s 13 free things to do in Busan (of course, minus any bus or subway fare).
I personally visited all of these sites, some multiple times.
New to South Korea? Read my essential South Korea travel tips and Best Busan Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown).
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13 Free Things to Do in Busan
If you only have one day in Busan, make sure to read my Best Day Trip to Busan Itineraries (+ Hour Breakdown).
🎥 Watch my Busan vlog:
1. BIFF Square
Address: 58-1 Gudeok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
BIFF Square used to be the center for an international film festival, now it’s a popular spot for street food, souvenir shops, and markets.
There’s streets and alleys filled with stores and market stands. Located nearby is also the famous Gwangbokdong Food Street
2. Lotte Mall Rooftop Observatory
Address: 2 Jungang-daero, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
This free Busan observatory is not super well known to tourists, and is a free alternative to visiting the Busan Tower. Go inside the mall and go up to level 13 for a beautiful rooftop view.
You’ll see clear views of Busan, the harbor, Busan bridge, and the Busan Tower. One of the top free things to do in Busan!
There are multiple levels that have different views including a garden and observatory deck. There’s also lots of benches to sit on.
(More photos on my Lotte Mall Rooftop Observatory blog post).
🎫 If you are visiting Busan Tower, you can buy tickets online to beat the crowds
3. Gamcheon Culture Village
Address: 203 Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
Gamcheon Culture Village is a main highlight and must-see for tourists visiting Busan. There are different origin stories online, but this served as a village for refugees of the Korean War.
Walk around for different viewpoints, famous art alleys, and local shops.
Read my full post on visiting Gamcheon Culture Village and things to do there, including Gamcheon guided tours.
4. Huinnyeoul Culture Village
Address: 1043 Yeongseon-dong 4(sa)-ga, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Huinnyeoul Culture Village, or Hynyeoul Munhwa Maul is another colorful culture village in Busan, this time by the sea, located in southern-central Busan.
There are lots of shops, cafes, and colorful mural art. You can also walk downstairs along the coast.
It’s worth the bus trip!
📖 Read my full Huinnyeoul Culture Village post and how to get there.
5. Huinyeoul Coastal Tunnel
Address: 1043 Yeongseon-dong 4(sa)-ga, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
If you keep walking past the coastal walk at Huinnyeoul Culture Village, you’ll reach Huinyeoul Coastal Tunnel, a long cave tunnel with wall art and photo op stations.
6. Jeoryeong Coastal Walk
Address: 650-4 Yeongseon-dong 4(sa)-ga, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
At the end of the Huinyeoul Coastal Tunnel is the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk. It was so peaceful walking along the water here.
You’ll see an occasional ajumma or ahjussi taking a walk, but overall there’s not a lot of people.
I didn’t walk too far, but you can walk all around the coast. This would the perfect spot to watch the sunset on a clear day. One of my favorite free things to do in Busan!
💸 You can also save money with the Visit Busan Tour Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions. Grab it on Klook
7. Songdo Bay Station
Address: 171 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea
While you do need to buy a Songdo Bay Station ticket to take the cable car, the actual Songdo skywalk viewing deck across the street is free.
It’s a long walking path that leads to a deck with views of the sea and the Songdo cable cars above going to the Yonggung Suspension Bridge.
You’ll see large sea turtle statues, and statues of the love story between a human and the Songdo mermaid.
8. Songdo Beach
Address: 100 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan
To the right of the Songdo Bay Station, and a few minutes walk away is Songdo Beach, which opened in 1913.
I went on a cloudy day, but Songdo Beach was less crowded, and would be nice to sit on the sand on a sunny day, or another spot to watch the sunset.
Beaches in Busan are open 24/7, and are some of the best free things to do in Busan.
9. Bosu Dong Book Street
Address: Bosudong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
If you keep walking north of BIFF Square, there’s Bosu Dong Book Street, alleys filled with bookstores lined with stacks of books. This was created during the Korean War for a place to access books.
You can read my full post on what to see at Bosu Dong Book Street in Busan.
10. Millak Waterside Park
Address: 361 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Before you head to the Gwangalli Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Busan, make sure to start at Millak Waterside Park nearby.
There’s sets of steps to sit and relax on and look at the waterside and bridge views. Many locals go here to eat and drink on the steps.
11. Gwangalli Beach
Address: Gwangan 2-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Gwangalli Beach is especially beautiful and busier at nighttime. Walk down the cement path or along the beach on the sand.
You can also catch music performances at night. The beach is bordered by bustling buildings and restaurants.
Related post: Things to do at Gwangali Beach at night
⛴ Book a river cruise around Gwangalli Beach or night tour of Gwangalli Beach + other popular sites at night 🌌
12. Haeundae Beach
Address: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Haeundae Beach is one of my favorite beaches in Busan to visit during the day. (Gwangalli beach for nighttime).
This beach gets quite busy, but there’s long stretches of clean sand to sit on. You can also swim here during the day.
You can watch street performers along the promenade leading to the beach, and look at the growing number of street art there. At night, the promenade lights up.
13. Seomyeon District
Address: 지하 730 Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea
Seomyeon District has been called the “Hongdae of Busan.” This area has lots of newer cafes, shopping spots, and restaurants.
There’s also the popular Jeonpo Cafe Street to check out. If you’re looking to shop in Busan, go to Seomyeon (or just walk around to stick with the free things to do in Busan route).
Is Busan Worth Visiting?
Busan is the second largest city in South Korea, and similar to Seoul, there’s always things to do in Busan, from cultural sites, to coastal areas and beaches.
You’ll see a different side of South Korea than if you were to only visit Seoul. A bustling, but more laid back city that’s just as interesting and easy to get around as well.
Plus there’s tons more free things to do in Busan beyond this list.
Don’t skip Busan if you’re able to visit!
Related Posts
The Best Busan Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown)
Is Busan Safe? (Personal Experience as a Solo Female Traveler)
5 Best Beaches in Busan (+ Events to Look Out For)
5 Things to do in Gwangalli Beach at Night
How to see Cherry Blossoms in Busan in 2024
Don’t Miss This Free Busan Observatory Deck at Lotte Mall
The Must-Visit Huinnyeoul Culture Village by the Sea in Busan
Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan: Travel Tips & How to Get Here
Is Bosu Dong Book Street in Busan Worth Visiting? (History + Travel Tips)
🎥 Watch my Busan vlogs:
