Don't Miss This Free Busan Observatory Deck at Lotte Mall

Also called the Observation Deck, this free Busan rooftop observatory at the Lotte Department Store in Busan is not super well known to tourists.

And I nearly teared up when I reached the top.

This Busan observatory deck was so worth it!

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View of a white stairs leading to roofto pgarden on an Observatory Deck in Lotte Mall Busan

Table of Contents

How to Get to the Lotte Mall in Gwangbok

Address: 2 Jungang-daero, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

NOTE: there are two Lotte Department Stores in Busan. The other Lotte Mall in Busan is on Gaya street and does not have the free Busan observatory.

Only the Lotte Department Store Gwangbok has the observatory, so make sure you visit the right one!

Front entrance of Lotte Mall Department Store in Gwangbok Busan with large gray panels

I didn’t find an official visitor’s page nor Google Map page for the observation deck, but there are many Google reviews recommending visiting the rooftop.

I personally walked to the Lotte Mall in Busan after visiting BIFF Square and Bosu Book Street, which took around 20-30 minutes.

Once inside the mall, take the elevator (or multiple escalators) to level 13.

By Train

The closest train station to the Lotte Department Store is the Nampo station and is just a quick few minutes walk after exit 8.

By Bus

Depending on where you’re coming from, there are plenty of buses that stop near Lotte Department Store and are a few minutes walk away.

By Taxi

You can also take a taxi to the Lotte Department Store. Uber works in Busan if you don’t have the Kakao Taxi app, or don’t want to hail a taxi.

Again, make sure to go to the Lotte Department Store in Gwangbok.

🎫 If you are visiting Busan Tower, you can buy tickets online to skip the lines

Things to Do at the Lotte Mall Busan Observatory

Rainbow Art on Lotte Department Store Rooftop Observatory Deck, Busan, South Korea): A vibrant section of the rooftop observatory deck featuring a large, colorful painted floor mural that resembles a rainbow blending into the sea. The mural is set against the backdrop of the distant mountains and sky, adding a creative and whimsical touch to the space.

The rooftop has several levels and different viewpoints, including a garden near the lower level.

At the very top observation deck, you’ll see the floor painted in a beautiful rainbow.

View from Lotte Department Store Rooftop Observatory Deck, Busan, South Korea: A stunning view from the rooftop observatory deck, overlooking the port of Busan and surrounding cityscape. The deck features a well-manicured garden area with potted trees, with mountains and the sea visible in the background under a clear sky.

At each level you’ll see clear views of Busan, the harbor, Busan bridge, and the Diamond, or Busan Tower.

There’s also lots of benches to sit on.

Observation deck with garden and weenie dog statue with mountains and water views

Cost to Visit the Lotte Mall Busan Observatory

Visiting is free. Note that the mall opens at 10:30am.

From Friday to Sunday it closes at 8:30pm, and 8pm on weekdays.

Top Busan Tours to Book:

🎫 Busan Tour Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions

🎫 Busan full-day sightseeing tour

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

Best Time to Visit

Garden with Heart Sculpture at Observatory Deck, Lotte Department Store, Busan, South Korea: A landscaped garden area on a rooftop observatory deck, with a red heart-shaped sculpture prominently displayed in the center. The area is surrounded by green lawns, small trees, and a South Korean flag waving in the background, creating a serene and patriotic atmosphere.

I visited during the hot summer month of July. It was bearable, especially being near the water, but bring a hat! Thankfully it didn’t rain when I was in Busan, as it did in Seoul.

I went around 1pm and was one of the only few people there, including staff patrolling or cleaning.

This would also be beautiful to visit at night or right at sunset!

If you can, try to avoid rainy and cloudy days for clear views.

Is it Really Worth Visiting?

View through glass window of sea in Busan with buildings and ships

The Lotte Department Store in Gwangbok Observation Deck is a great alternative and addition to the Busan Tower, and is much less crowded.

The Lotte Mall in Gwangbok itself is huge and you can take some time to wander around there as well.

I highly recommend visiting! It was probably my favorite place to visit after the Gamcheon Culture Village.

🎫 BUT if you do visit Busan Tower, you can buy prebook your ticket online to skip the lines

You can also visit Haeundae X the Sky on the 100th floor for more views of Busan during the day or night!

Don’t Miss This Free Busan Observatory Deck at Lotte Mall