23 Things to Do in Busan, South Korea for an Epic Getaway

Looking for the best things to do in Busan? You've come to the right place! Busan is one of the most vibrant Asian cities, and is a must for your South Korea itinerary. With beaches, mountains, temples, markets, and one of the best food scenes in South Korea, it feels more relaxed than Seoul while still offering plenty to do. 

If you are planning your itinerary and wondering about the best things to do in Busan, this city delivers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and coastal vibes.

From colorful seaside neighborhoods and scenic coastal walks to historic temples tucked into the hills, Busan is a destination that will surprise you in the best way. Whether you are there for street food, ocean views, or easy day trips, we're sharing all of the cool and fun things to do in Busan, so that you can start planning your most epic trip.

The Best Things to Do in Busan: An Intro to Visiting South Korea's Second Largest City

Busan is South Korea’s vibrant coastal city where beaches, mountains, markets, and modern neighborhoods all collide. Unlike Seoul, which feels fast and sprawling, Busan has a more relaxed rhythm, with ocean views all along it, and neighborhoods that each vary from old to new. 

It is a destination where you can start your morning at a temple overlooking the sea, spend the afternoon on the beach, and end the night eating street food by the water and going on a pub crawl.

What makes Busan special is its variety. From cultural villages and skywalks to food markets and nightlife districts, the list of things to do in Busan feels endless without ever becoming overwhelming. It is a city that balances urban energy with nature in a way few destinations manage to do.

⭐️ What is Busan Best Known For?

Busan is best known for its beaches, fresh seafood, and stunning coastal scenery. Haeundae and Gwangalli are two of the most famous beaches in South Korea, offering lively atmospheres, oceanfront cafes, and beautiful night views. The city is also known for its massive seafood markets, where you can see the day’s fresh catches and experience local food culture up close.

Beyond the coast, Busan stands out for places like Gamcheon Cultural Village, its scenic skywalks, and its mountain viewpoints that overlook the entire city. It is also home to major festivals, including film and cherry blossom events, making it a destination that constantly feels alive.

Busan also boasts stunning natural landscapes other than its beaches, which are particularly captivating and vary in each season. We saw tons of pamphlets for specific places, and just know that we have to make it back there for Autumn, Spring, and Winter!

🤔 Is Busan, South Korea Worth Visiting?

Yes, Busan is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want a different side of South Korea beyond Seoul. The city offers a mix of culture, nature, food, and entertainment that's perfect for a variety of traveler types. 

Whether you enjoy relaxing on the beach, exploring markets, hiking to viewpoints, or experiencing nightlife, Busan truly delivers a good time.

It's pretty easy to get around Busan, it's a place welcoming to travelers, and is full of memorable experiences that feel uniquely local. If you are planning a trip to South Korea and want a destination with personality, scenery, and an impressive range of things to do, Busan is definitely a city that deserves a spot on your itinerary.

The Best Things to Do in Busan

Now that you know a bit about what makes this city special, let's dive into all of the cool and fun things to do in Busan, South Korea!

🌈 Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village

Gamcheon Culture Village is one of the most iconic and colorful things to do in Busan. Built into the hills overlooking the sea, this former refugee village is now filled with pastel houses, murals, staircases, and hidden viewpoints. 

Wandering through the narrow alleys feels like walking through an open air art gallery, with small cafes, galleries, and photo spots tucked around every corner. It is best explored slowly, allowing time to take in the views and discover the quieter streets away from the main photo zones.

Don't miss out on the cafe that serves you your coffee in a hot air balloon!

🌊 Enjoy the Beaches

Busan is famous for its beaches, and spending time by the sea is one of the most relaxing things to do in Busan. There are plenty of different beaches you can enjoy along Busan's coast, but here are some of the most popular ones to check out:

• Gwangalli Beach: Famous for views of Gwangan Bridge, especially at night, with a lively strip of cafes and bars along the shore.
• Haeundae Beach: Busan’s most popular beach, known for its wide sand, nearby attractions, and energetic summer atmosphere.
• Songjeong Beach: A laid back, local favorite that is one of the best spots for surfing in Busan.
• Songdo Beach: Known for its scenic cable car over the water and quieter, more relaxed coastal vibe.

🕢 It is forbidden to swim at night in Busan! Each beach has a specific timetable to control when people are able to go into the water, for safety reasons.

📸 Snap Away at the Selfie Centers

Photo studios and selfie centers have become one of the most fun and bizarre things to do in Busan. These creative spaces offer themed rooms, props, lighting setups, and timed photo sessions where you can take professional looking photos without a photographer. 

We saw them EVERYWHERE, especially in Haeundae. They're simply open at all times without employees, so they're self operating and and easy stop. They are especially popular with couples and friends and make for unique souvenirs from your trip.

🧴 Shop for Skincare

South Korea is famous for skincare, and Busan is a great place to stock up. Neighborhoods like Seomyeon and Haeundae are filled with Korean beauty shops offering sheet masks, serums, sunscreens, and cosmetics at affordable prices. 

Shopping for skincare is one of the easiest things to do in Busan, even if you are short on time, and many stores offer tax free purchases for travelers, so make sure to bring your passport with you!

🛍 For absurdly affordable finds, head to Daiso in Haeundae - they have anything you can imagine, even aside from skincare!

🔮 Get a Tarot Reading

Getting a tarot reading is a surprisingly popular thing to do in Busan, especially in busy nightlife areas like Haeundae. Small tarot booths and cafes offer readings ranging from quick questions to more in depth sessions. Even if you are not a believer, it is a fun cultural experience and an interesting way to interact with locals.

🛒 Explore the Markets

Markets are at the heart of Busan’s food culture, and exploring them is one of the best things to do in Busan for both eating and shopping.

• Jagalchi Market: Korea’s largest seafood market and a must visit for anyone curious about local cuisine. You can see live seafood displays and even choose your meal to be prepared on the spot.
• Millac the Market: a modern waterfront market that combines food stalls, cafes, and scenic views. It is a great place to sample trendy snacks and enjoy the ocean atmosphere.
• Gukje Market: one of the largest traditional markets in Busan, packed with stalls selling clothing, household items, souvenirs, and classic Korean street food.
• BIFF: located in Busan’s famous film district, this square is best known for its lively street food scene, and is especially popular for Busan style seed filled hotteok.
• Haeundae Market: offers a more immersive street food experience, perfect for trying local snacks - we highly recommend the toasted marshmallows and wasabi ice cream!

👉🏻 Want to explore the best of the markets in Busan? There are some really great market tours you can take with a local!

🫖 Join a Tea Ceremony

Participating in a traditional tea ceremony is one of the most peaceful things to do in Busan, and is really great if you want to enjoy a slice of Asian tea culture. These experiences focus on mindfulness, tradition, and connection, offering a quiet break from the city. 

Tea houses often explain the history behind the ceremony and the significance of each step, making it both relaxing and educational.

🕺 Experience the Nightlife

If you like to party, then Busan is a great place for you. With lively pubs near the beach and organized pub crawls, you can easily meet other travelers and have a fun night out, especially if you're visiting Busan for a weekend getaway.

Seomyeon-ro is the city’s nightlife hub, packed with bars, clubs, karaoke rooms, and late night eateries, which is energetic, social, and popular with locals. Meanwhile Haeundae Beach offers a more laid back nightlife scene, with beach bars, lounges, and night views that feel relaxed but lively at the same time, ideal for meeting tourists.

🧞‍♂️ Climb the Stairs of Wishes

The Stairs of Wishes are a lesser known but really beautiful stop in Busan. The staircase is complete with 192 mosaic steps, and is said to be a place where wishes come true. Visitors often leave notes, coins, or wishes as they climb, making it an endearing experience, and also a fun one for getting cute pictures in Busan.

🚡 Ride the Monorails

Busan is built along lots of hills, and one of the best ways to climb them without actually having to physically climb them is by taking advantage of the monorails around the city. There are 4 different ones you can enjoy, one of them being at the stair of wishes. They're colorful, scenic, and a fun way to enjoy great views of Busan's different neighborhoods.

🌅 Catch the Sunrise or Sunset at Morundae

Morundae offers one of the most beautiful coastal viewpoints in the city, and is particularly special because of its position that allows you to enjoy both sunrise and sunset. With dramatic cliffs and 180 degree views, this is one of the most scenic things to do in Busan, and it's also a spot that is still flying under the radar.

👀 Check Out the Views at Hwangnyeongsan Observatory

Looking for the best views in Busan? Hwangnyeongsan Observatory sits on one of the highest hills of the city, providing panoramic views over Busan’s skyline, mountains, and coastline. It is especially stunning at night when the city lights come alive, so we'd recommend going for sunset. 

This is one of the best things to do in Busan if you want to really take in how dynamic the city really is, and get some beautiful photos.

🗼 Go to the Top of Busan x the Sky

Busan X the Sky is one of the tallest observation decks in Korea and offers sweeping views of Haeundae Beach and the surrounding coastline. The glass floors and open viewing areas make it a really epic stop for travelers who love city viewpoints.

🌊 Walk Along the Oryukdo Skywalk

Looking for some more incredible views and fun photos? The Oryukdo Skywalk extends over the ocean with a glass floor, creating a thrilling experience as waves crash below. It is a short but unique stop and one of the more adrenaline filled things to do in Busan.

🤩 Stroll Along the Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk

Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk offers similar ocean views to Oryukdo Skywalk but with a slightly calmer atmosphere. It is ideal for a scenic stroll, photography, and enjoying the sound of the sea without large crowds.

🚡 Ride the Colorful Cars Along the Haeundae Blueline Park

The Haeundae Blueline Park is a scenic coastal route where you can ride colorful sky capsules along the shoreline. It is one of the most photogenic things to do in Busan and perfect for travelers who want great views without strenuous walking. It's particularly beautiful at sunset, but it's important you get your tickets in advance! We arrived for sunset and the slots were sold out.

Also, don't miss out on Dongbaek Dessert Cafe, which is an eatery that has views of the capsules passing!

🎢 Experience Lotte World Adventure

If you're traveling with family, then Lotte World Adventure is the perfect place to bring them. Lotte World Adventure is a family friendly theme park filled with rides, shows, and attractions. It is one of the best things to do in Busan if you are traveling with kids or simply want a fun and exciting day.

🛶 Visit Kookman Healing Park

Planning on visiting Busan in winter? Kookmin Healing Park is an absolute winter wonderland with natural ice formations surrounding a scenic lake. It's a relaxing escape from the busy city, and simply stunning for photography.

❄️ Take a Trip to Cheongsong Ice Valley

Another beautiful icy landscape is the Cheongsong Ice Valley, which is an excellent day trip from Busan. Tour companies often pair it with several other nearby destinations, making it an easy place to enjoy on a guided excursion.

⛲️ Watch the Dadaepo Sunset Fountain Dream

Seeing the Dadaepo Sunset Fountain Dream is one of the most underrated things to do in Busan. It combines water, lights, and music into a free evening show. Set against the sunset, it is a beautiful and unique experience that feels especially magical after a long day of exploring.

From April-August it's at 8:00 pm and on weekends at 8:00 and 9:00 for 20 minute shows. From September-October shows on weekdays are at 7:30 and on weekends and public holidays at 7:30 and 8:30.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

🏯 Visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the most stunning temples in South Korea, set dramatically along the coastline. Unlike most temples located in mountains, this one offers ocean views, making it one of the most special attractions in Busan.

🚐 Take a Day Trip to Gyeongju

Gyeongju is one of the best day trips from Busan, and is a city which offers ancient temples, tombs, and historical sites. It's an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best places to include in your Busan travel itinerary if you have an extra day.

🌸 Experience the Cherry Blossom Festival

Visiting Busan during cherry blossom season is one of the most beautiful times to go. Parks, streets, and riversides fill with pink blossoms, creating a colorful and romantic atmosphere that completely transforms the city. We weren't able to visit in Spring, but have friends that have gone and said it was absolutely magical!

The Best Things to Do in Busan: Final Thoughts & What's Next

Busan is a city that offers a little bit of everything, which is exactly what makes it such a standout destination in South Korea. From beaches and mountain viewpoints to bustling markets, temples, and nightlife, the variety of experiences is what truly defines this city and makes it an excellent destination for any type of traveler..

Whether you are watching the sunset over the ocean, exploring colorful neighborhoods, or sampling street food at local markets, Busan feels vibrant without being overwhelming.

If you are deciding whether to add it to your itinerary, Busan is absolutely worth the visit. It balances city life with nature better than most major cities in Asia, and it is an ideal stop for both first time visitors and seasoned travelers. No matter how long you stay, all of the great things to do in Busan will certainly make it a destination you will want to return to.

👀 What's Next?

Now that you know the best things to do in Busan, you probably want to know more about visiting! We have a guide about how to get to Busan and how to get around Busan, as well as more South Korea travel guides that we have for you.

Here are a few other travel guides we have about South Korea:

✈️ How to get to Jeju Island

🚗 How to get around Jeju

🤩 The best things to do in Jeju

☕️ The best cafes in Jeju

📖 Jeju travel guide

🚆 How to get to Seoul

🚌 Seoul transportation guide

🛍 Things to do and see in Seoul

💆🏻‍♀️ Korean scalp massage review

🍴 Seoul food guide

📖 Seoul complete travel guide

We're going to also be having new articles each Thursday as well, so stay tuned!

So are you ready to experience all of the fun things to do in Busan, South Korea? We hope this guide has helped you with the foundation of your Busan itinerary. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them down in the comments below.

Want to learn more about visiting Busan? We have a few more Busan travel guides for you, as well as other Korean travel guides for you to check out. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly guide updates, and exclusive discounts on the Scratch Your Mapa shop.

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