23 Best Things to Do in Busan (Popular + Underrated Attractions)
Busan is 100% worth the trip if you’re visiting South Korea.
I’ve been three times 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 to be very chill.
I personally visited all of these attractions, some multiple times.
I left a ⭐️ next to the best things to do in Busan for a first trip.
New to South Korea? Read my essential South Korea travel tips.
Busan Checklist: have you booked these yet?
▢ Busan Tour Pass for access to 30+ Busan attractions
▢ Book discounted stays in Busan (what I use for Asia)
▢ Prebook your ride from the Busan airport or Busan station
▢ Join the most popular Busan tours
1. Gamcheon Culture Village ⭐️
Cost: free | Google Maps
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. This is one of the best things to do in Busan.
🚌 Join a full-day Busan tour with Gamcheon Culture Village, Songdo Skywalk and Yonggungsa Temple
2. Huinnyeoul Culture Village ⭐️
Cost: free | Google Maps
Huinnyeoul Culture Village, or Hynyeoul Munhwa Maul is another colorful culture village, this time by the sea and located in south-central Busan.
There are cute 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.
3. Diamond aka Busan Tower
Cost: Busan Tower is $8 USD | Google Maps
Busan Tower (aka Diamond Tower) is one of the most iconic attractions in Busan, with an observation tower at the top.
You can buy tickets online to go up the observatory.
You can also visit Haeundae X the Sky (book online) on the 100th floor for more city views and things to do in Busan at night.
4. Yongdusan Park
Cost: free | Google Maps
Visit Yongdusan Park where Busan Tower is located for great views of the city.
You’ll see statues, temples, shops, and memorials scattered throughout the park.
Access the top of the park by stairs or escalator from the main street.
5. Lotte Mall Rooftop Observatory
Cost: free | Google Maps
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 best 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).
Make your trip easier with a day tour:
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🎫 Most popular tour: Haeundae Sky Capsule, Gamcheon Culture Village
6. Huinyeoul Coastal Tunnel
Cost: free | Google Maps
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.
7. Jeoryeong Coastal Walk
Cost: free | Google Maps
At the end of the Huinyeoul Coastal Tunnel is the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk. It was so peaceful walking along the water.
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. One of my favorite things to do in Busan!
8. Songdo Bay Station ⭐️
Cost: Varies | Google Maps
Taking a cable car ride at the Songdo Bay Station is one of the best things to do in Busan for coastal views.
I rode the cable car during the day and evening and the daytime views are better than night views as it’s quite dark from the cable car.
I did the ride solo and chose the crystal glass option and got the cabin to myself!
Get your Songdo Bay Station ticket on Klook for a cheaper price.
9. Songdo Cloud Trails
Cost: free | Google Maps
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.
You’ll see large sea turtle statues, and statues of the love story between a human and the Songdo mermaid.
10. Songrim Park
Cost: free from other entrances | Google Maps
The Songdo cable cars leads to Songrim Park.
You can choose to explore the different trails at the park or just hang out at the start of the park where there’s food stalls and fun displays for photo ops.
I ended up hiking for around for 1-2 hours. There’s lots of stairs, though it’s easy to get re-routed even with the occasional directional signage.
11. Songdo Beach
Cost: free | Google Maps
A few minutes walk from the Songdo Cable Station is Songdo Beach, which opened in 1913.
I went on a cloudy day, but Songdo Beach was less crowded, and would be nice to relax at on a sunny day.
Beaches in Busan are open 24/7, and are some of the best free things to do in Busan.
12. Bosu Dong Book Street
Cost: free | Google Maps
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.
13. Millak Waterside Park
Cost: free | Google Maps
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.
14. Gwangalli Beach ⭐️
Cost: free | Google Maps
Gwangalli Beach is especially beautiful and busier at nighttime. Walk down the cement path or along the beach on the sand.
One of the best things to do in Busan at night.
You can also catch music performances in the evening. The beach is surrounded by hundreds of restaurants.
Related post: Best things to do at Gwangali Beach
15. Haeundae Beach ⭐️
Cost: free | Google Maps
Haeundae Beach is one of my favorite beaches in Busan to visit during the day. (Gwangalli beach for things to do in Busan at night).
This beach gets quite busy, though mostly during the warmer months, with long stretches of clean sand to sit on.
You can watch street performers along the promenade leading to the beach, and look at the growing number of displays, though mostly present during the summer.
16. Haeundae Blueline Sky Capsule ⭐️
Cost: 7,000 won ($5.20 USD) or book a tour on Viator | Google Maps
Take the popular sky capsule ride starting from the Mipo Station at Blueline Park in Haeundae to Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory.
The 30-minute ride provides panoramic views of the coastal landscapes.
It’s highly recommended to book in advance as tickets sell out each day, and it’s one of the most popular things to do in Busan.
➡️ Check ticket availability here or book a Busan tour that includes tickets.
17. Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory
Cost: free | Google Maps
Cheongsapo Daritdol Observatory is a 2.5-meter-long ocean observation skywalk, designed to resemble a blue dragon.
You’ll see views of the East Sea and the surrounding coastal landscape and lighthouses.
To enter you just have to wear cloth coverings over your shoes as protection for the glass walkway.
18. Haewol Skywalk Observatory
Cost: free | Naver Map
If you walk it instead of the taking the cable car like I did, stop at the nearby Haewol Skywalk Observatory.
I arrived right before sunset and the views are beautiful.
There’s a glass floor area here too, but no shoe coverings are needed.
19. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Cost: free | Google Maps
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on a cliff, with sweeping views of the coast. You can explore the the architecture and statues, and enjoy panoramic views of the East Sea.
It can quite crowded as one of the more popular things to do in Busan. There are also food stalls near the entrance.
There’s buses that stop about a 10-minute walk from the temple.
20. Oryukdo Skywalk
Cost: free | Google Maps
The Oryukdo Skywalk in Busan is an observation deck with a 15-meter glass walkway.
The bridge is securely positioned over a cliff, and you get views of the East Sea and South Sea, as well as the Oryukdo islets.
I went in November, but I’m sure it gets quite windy in every season!
21. Igidae Coastal Trail ⭐️
Cost: free | Google Maps
The Oryukdo Skywalk is where you can start the hike down the Igidae Coastal Trail, which is what I did.
It took me about an 1-1.5 hours. Hiking here was one of my favorite things to do in Busan during my last visit.
The trails are safe and well-paved, but there are some areas where you have to take lots of stairs.
It ends at the Yongho Starlight Park with views of the Gwangan bridge (photo above).
22. Seomyeon District
Cost: free | Google Maps
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 or looking for more lively things to do in Busan at night, go to Seomyeon.
23. BIFF Square
Cost: free | Google Maps
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
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 things to do in Busan beyond this list, and most are free.
Don’t skip Busan if you’re able to visit!
More Busan Posts
- The Best Busan Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown)
- 5 Best Beaches in Busan (+ Events to Look Out For)
- Best Things to Do in Gwangalli Beach
- 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