15 Best Things to Do in Busan South Korea
Table of Contents
Introduction: Things To Do In Busan
In this Busan travel guide, we will share the 15 best things to do in Busan. Busan has become one of the most popular travel destinations in South Korea. We have spent a lot of time in Busan while discovering the best attractions, and sights. Busan is a wonderful city for family vacations, couples, or solo trips.
Are you wondering when to visit, how to get around, where to stay, and more? Find this more general city travel-related information in our Ultimate Busan Travel Guide.
As we share the best things to do in Busan, we will share a travel hack we discovered! We love it when cities offer travel passes that allow you to pay one fixed price to save on many attractions. Luckily, Busan is one of the cities that offers this!
There are so many activities included in the Visit Busan Pass. We will include the prices of each attraction on its own. Additionally, we will highlight the Visit Busan Pass activities all included for only 69,000 KRW which is about $52 USD. The total value of attractions included in the 15 things to do in Busan is 228,000 which is ~70% savings. Let’s dive right in! The things to do in Busan will include some from the pass to maximize its benefit and some things to do outside of the pass.
Our goal is simply to provide you with the best, comprehensive trip-planning information when planning your trip to Busan! You will have a clear understanding of what to do in Busan.
Things To Do In Busan Attraction Map
We mapped all the things to do in Busan, South Korea in one map below! This Busan attraction map will help you visualize all the attractions to plan your itinerary efficiently.
If you’re interested in a full comprehensive multi-day Busan itinerary, you can find this below. It features things to do in Busan in a daily itinerary.
1. Songdo Beach
Songdo Skywalk, Songdo Cable Car, Songdo Suspension Bridge.
Songdo Beach is a vibrant area featuring many things to do in Busan! The beach is 80 meters long with beautiful sand and is swimmable. Songdo Cloud Trails is located right near the beach. Both the beach and Songdo Cloud Trails are free things to do in Busan.
Songdo Bay Station is right beside the cloud trails which is where you can board a very cool cable car. The Air Cruise (cable car) provides transporation to the suspension bridge known as, Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge. This bridge extends from Amnam Park to Dongseom Island.
For more comprehensive information, travel tips, and everything you need to know about Songdo Beach, check out our guide below.
Detailed Guide: 4 Songdo Beach Attractions.
Songdo Beach
Price: Free
Address: 135-5 Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Songdo Cloud Trails (Songdo Skywalk)
Price: Free
Address: 129-4 Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Songdo Bay Station (Songdo Cable Car)
Price: Normal Cabin 12.59 USD
Crystal Cabin (transparent floor) 16.29 USD
(Included in Visit Busan Pass)
Address: 135-5 Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge
Price: 1,000 KRW (0.75 USD)
(Included in Visit Busan Pass)
Address: 703 Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea
We saved on a lot of the things to do in Busan by getting the Visit Busan Pass. The Visit Busan Pass gives you access to over 30+ attractions in 24 or 48 hours!
2. Gamcheon Culture Village
Top Cultural Activities In Busan
Gamcheon Culture Village, is one of the most vibrant and unique places to visit in Busan. It’s often referred to as the “Santorini of South Korea” or “Machu Picchu Of Korea”. This hillside culture village is so charming with colorful houses, winding alleys, and breathtaking views.
Originally built by war refugees during the Korean War, Gamcheon has transformed into a thriving cultural destination. It is one of the most breathtaking things to do in Busan. You can walk through the streets in a hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing while taking picturesque photographs. Observe the murals and stunning art installations.
We created a detailed guide to Gamcheon Culture Village below sharing everything you need to know. From prices of street food, where to eat, best observation decks, murals, and more!
Detailed Guide: Gamcheon Culture Village-See Busan’s Colorful Views
Visiting the culture village can also be one of the free things to do in Busan. It depends on how much you want to do when you get there!
However, if you want to dress up in a hanbok you will need to pay. In our opinion, it’s a great way to enhance your experience while taking photos you will remember forever. One of Busan’s food experiences is trying viral street food in the village.
Renting a hanbok is one of the most culturally immersive things to do in Busan. It is included with no extra costs if you get the Visit Busan Pass.
Google Maps Address: 203 Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
Korean Address:부산광역시 사하구 감내2로 203
3. Busan Tower
A Must-See Busan Landmark with Stunning Views
Busan Tower is a must-visit on your list of things to do in Busan. Located in Yongdusan Park, it offers incredible views of the city and coast. The tower is a fun attraction for kids, and visitors with its unique art displays, and challenges. The large windows allow you the opportunity to capture amazing photos of Busan from the enclosed observatory. Go on a scavenger hunt through various areas while collecting clues to solve a puzzle at the end.
We discuss all the things to do and everything you should know about Busan Tower in our detailed guide below.
Detailed Guide: Busan Tower – The Ultimate City Views Guide
Price: 9,000-12,000 KRW ($6-8 USD)
Busan Tower tickets are one of the things to do in Busan that are included in the Visit Busan Pass.
Google Maps Address: 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
부산광역시 중구 용두산길 37-55
4. Jagalchi Market
South Korea's Largest Seafood Market
Jagalchi Market is located along a beautiful seaside road in the Jung-gu area of Busan. It’s a must-see among the top foodie things to do in Busan. As Korea’s largest seafood market, it’s famous for selling both live and dried fish.
This is one of the best Busan food experiences, we loved it! You can purchase fresh seafood from one of the many vendors, and eat the food all in the same market. There is a restaurant upstairs where the cooks will prepare everything you purchased from the market for a small fee!
We have created a very detailed and comprehensive guide below. It outlines everything you need to know, from how to buy seafood to choosing the right vendor. Additionally, it will share what food is worth it and the prices you can expect.
Detailed Guide: Jagalchi Market: Korea’s Ultimate Seafood Paradise
You can feel the lively identity and culture as you walk through the vibrant market. If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Busan or traveling solo in Busan, it’s everyone should experience.
Google Maps Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
Korean Address: 부산광역시 중구 자갈치해안로 52
5. Biff Square
BIFF Square: Food & Cultural Things To Do In Busan
BIFF Square showcases the city’s cinematic legacy, lively street food scene, and trendy shopping spots. Originally home to just two cinemas after Korea’s liberation, the area was transformed in 1996. It became the location of the first Busan International Film Festival. Today, this 428-meter district features Star Street and Festival Street. You can find handprints of movie icons, and annual festival events. There is a diverse mix of theaters, boutiques, and local eateries.
Biff Square is among the top Busan food experiences and one of the outdoor activities in Busan. Among the array of Korean street food like hotteok and chicken skewers, one thing blew our minds. Find the vendors making apple cream waffles! It’s an unforgettable treat as you explore the energetic atmosphere from late afternoon to evening! This makes Biff Square another must-visit on this list of things to do in Busan.
Price: ~2,000-5,000 KRW range per street food item ($1.40-$3.50 USD)
Google Maps Address: 4 Nampo-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
Korean Address: 부산광역시 중구 남포길 4
6. Haeundae Blueline Park
Popular attractions in Busan's Haeundae Blueline Park
Haeundae Blueline Park is a must-visit for those exploring unique things to do in Busan. This eco-friendly attraction repurposes an old railway line into a scenic 4.8-kilometer journey along the coast. You can hop on the Haeundae Beach Train, which runs between Mipo and Songjeong with stunning views of East Busan’s shoreline. Another highlight is the romantic Sky Capsule, a colorful four-seater ride that glides 7–10 meters above sea level at a relaxing 4km/h.
In our detailed guide below, find everything you need to know about one of the most unique experiences in Busan. From all the prices of the attractions, how to book, and travel tips for efficiently experiencing the park. We will even walk through what order to experience each of the things to do in Busan’s Haeundae Blueline Park.
Detailed Guide: Haeundae Blueline Park – Ultimate Attraction Guide
You can visit the Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk and the red lighthouse for unique views. This park offers one of the most scenic things to do in Busan, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary.
Price: Blue Line Park Seaside Train 12,000 KRW (Included in Visit Busan Pass)
*All prices and travel tips are outlined in our ultimate detailed guide which starts at Mipo Station, Haeundae Blueline Park.
Mipo Station Address: 13 Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
부산 해운대구 달맞이길62번길 13
7. Busan X The Sky
Visit The 2nd Tallest Tower in South Korea
Busan X The Sky is one of the most popular things to do in Busan. It’s located in the Haeundae LCT Landmark Tower. This observatory offers incredible views of the city and ocean from its 98th to 100th floors. You can enjoy the views, visit the world’s tallest Starbucks, and take great photos. This spot is perfect for anyone looking to see the best views of Busan’s coast & Haeundae Beach.
In our detailed blog post below, we share a guide to Busan X The Sky. From everything you need to know about how to get discounted tickets to what to expect. We break down the best viewpoints and best areas of the attraction.
Detailed Guide: Busan X The Sky Observatory Best Attraction Guide
This observatory is not only one of the top attractions in Busan, it’s our personal favorite observatory in Busan. If you’re planning to do multiple attractions in Busan we recommend getting the Visit Busan Pass. We strongly recommend pre-booking tickets online to ensure smooth entry. Plus, enjoy discounted rates by booking in advance.
If you’re only interested in the single admission ticket, you can pre-book tickets in advance. You will save ~7,000 KRW from the price quoted below on their main website.
Price: Adult 27,000 KRW (Included in Visit Busan Pass)
Google Maps Address: 30 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Korean Address: 부산광역시 해운대구 달맞이길 30
8. Haeundae Beach & Korean Shaved Ice
Busan's Popular Beaches - Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is one of the most relaxing things to do in Busan. This white sandy beach stretches 1.5 kilometers and is 30-70 meters wide. It’s a very popular summer destination for international and domestic tourists. There are millions of visitors coming to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Surrounding the beach you can find everything from luxury hotels to budget-friendly accommodations.
Haeundae Beach also hosts fun cultural events and festivals throughout the year, like the Haeundae Sand Festival in May and the Busan Sea Festival in July.
If you’re planning a trip to Busan, don’t miss the chance to visit Haeundae Beach!
Google Maps Address: 264 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Korean Address: 부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 264
Korean Shaved Ice Busan Food Experience At Sulbing
One of the best foodie things to do in Busan is to try Sulbing’s Korean shaved ice (bingsu). Sulbing is a famous dessert café chain in Busan offering delicious and Instagram-worthy bingsu varieties.
From the classic red bean bingsu to trendy flavors like strawberry crumble which we tried. Each bowl is topped with fresh ingredients and paired with soft, milky ice. Ours had whipped cream, pound cake, fresh strawberries, ice cream, shortbread crumble, and vanilla creme anglais. So refreshing on any day when the sun is out!
Korean Dessert Café Sulbing, Haeundae branch
Address: 20 Gunam-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
9. Busan Yacht Tour
Top Affordable Luxurious Outdoor Activities In Busan
This Busan yacht tour is one of the most affordable, luxurious things to do in Busan. You can enjoy a luxurious experience without the luxury price tag with Diamond Bay Yacht Tours. You will sail near the stunning Gwangan Bridge and cruise by Busan’s breathtaking skyline.
This attraction feels exclusive yet is surprisingly affordable. Book your time slot by contacting the office via WhatsApp at +82 51-200-0002. We recommend visiting their location at least one day in advance. This budget-friendly attraction is highly recommended.
We created a detailed guide below-featuring everything you need to know! From how to book, prices, what to expect, duration, and more!
Detailed Guide: Ultimate Busan Yacht Tour
We used our Visit Busan Pass to board this yacht tour. We seamlessly incorporated this adventure into our itinerary and it was one of our favorite memories. The Visit Busan Pass allowed us to save 60% on all our Busan attractions, and things to do in Busan.
Price: Typically 30,000 KRW (Included in Visit Busan Pass)
Google Maps Address: 101 Bunpo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea
A yacht tour is one of the most satisfying things to do in Busan, you won’t be disappointed. Explore some of these top-rated boat cruise tours below:
10. Spaland Centum City
Top Wellness and Luxury Things To Do In Busan
Centum Spa Land is located inside the world’s largest department store (Shinsegae). It is one of the most relaxing things to do in Busan. This spa complex combines traditional Korean-style baths and modern Japanese-style hot springs for a luxurious and relaxing experience. With 22 baths, 13 themed saunas, and an open-air foot bath, there are so many unique spaces. The highlights include the Roman Sauna, Finnish dry sauna, Himalayan Salt Room, and outdoor spa. The baths use 100% natural hot spring water from 1,000 meters underground, offering unique health benefits and ultimate relaxation.
There is a self-service ramen station inside the spa which we thought was cool! If you don’t want to spend too much time eating, it’s a great spot to enjoy a snack.
Don’t miss the open-air foot bath, where you can soak your feet in warm mineral water while gazing at the sky. It’s a calming oasis in the heart of the city. It’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring perhaps one of the other things to do in Busan in this guide!
The baths inside the spa require you to be fully nude. However, if you’re not comfortable doing this you can make your way straight to the co-ed section. This section features the saunas, and fun areas to explore. This is where we spend almost all our time.
We visited this amazing spa twice in one week when we were visiting Busan. We cannot recommend it enough! We entered the spa at no additional using our Visit Busan Passes. If you’re not getting the Visit Busan pass, we recommend purchasing these discounted Spaland Centum City Passes.
For comparison purposes, we have included the original prices of the tickets under its official website below.
Price: 25,000 KRW
The price for Spa Land is 25,000 KRW (~$17 USD) per person following its website.
35, Centum nam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Korean Address:
부산광역시 해운대구 센텀남대로 35 (우동)
11. Skyline Luge
Exhilarating & Fun things To Do In Busan
Skyline Luge is one of the most fun things to do in Busan for kids and families! It’s a gravity-fueled kart experience that’s fun no matter the age. It’s located next to Lotte World Busan and combines the fun of go-karting and tobogganing into one thrilling ride.
You can race down four unique tracks totaling 2.4 kilometers. The tracks feature over 100 meters of descent, 30+ curves, tunnels, and hairpin corners to enhance the thrill. We enjoyed that you have full control with a simple braking and steering system, pull back to stop, release to accelerate. This way it’s easy to control the speed. The staff will provide a training lesson before.
When combining one Skyride & luge experience, each ride can take about 20 minutes. This of course can depend on how busy the attraction is!
Kids over 85 cm and 2 years old can ride with an adult, making it a family-friendly activity. Whether you pick the fast lane or a scenic route, you’ll quickly realize once is never enough!
We have outlined the combo packages below.
We rode the Skyline Luge 3 times in our Visit Busan Pass and saved money by doing this. If you don’t decide to proceed with Visit Busan Pass, you can pre-book individual tickets in advance to save time.
Regular Price (No Discounts): 28,000 KRW ($19 USD) for 2 rides to 34,200 KRW ($23 USD) for 5 rides including skyride. To add a child/tandem it’s 12,000 KRW ($8 USD).
Google Maps Address: 205 Gijanghaean-ro, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
Korean Address: 경상남도 통영시 발개로 178
12. Lotte World Adventure Busan
Amusement Park - Family Friendly Activities In Busan
Lotte World Adventure Busan is the city’s first amusement park! It’s one of the great family-friendly things to do in Busan. It offers a mix of thrilling rides, attractions, and entertaining live performances. The park covers 158,000 sqm which is 22% larger than Seoul’s. It is divided into six themed zones: Underland, Wonder Woods, Royal Garden, Joyful Meadows, River Village of Tinker Falls, and Rainbow Springs.
Our Favorite Rides At Lotte Adventure Busan
Giant Digger: This signature rollercoaster in the Underland Zone reaches 105 km/h speeds, features a 1 km track, and includes three 360° loops.
Giant Splash: Korea’s first water-coaster, located in Wonder Woods, drops riders 44.6 meters at 100 km/h, creating massive splashes.
Giant Swing: A high-speed pendulum ride spinning up to 110 km/h and 44.8 meters above the ground, located in the Underland Zone.
If you’re looking to enjoy more family-friendly rides for younger children? You can check out the Cookie Train, Spinning Swing, and Swan Lake. You can visit the River Village of Tinker Falls to meet the animatronic Talking Tree, which tells enchanting park stories.
Rollercoaster Restaurant At Lotte World Adventure Busan
Don’t miss the chance for an unforgettable dining experience at Raracost within the park, where your meal is delivered by a rollercoaster – a truly cool adventure!
Travel Tips & How To Get Discounted Prices
We recommend either getting the Visit Busan Pass or pre-booking discounted tickets to save. The 1-day pass for Lotte World Busan is automatically included in the Visit Busan Pass. This is what we did when visiting and it was so convenient. If you don’t end up getting the Visit Busan Pass, you can pre-book discounted Lotte World tickets in advance here.
We have provided the original prices for Lotte World Adventure Busan below under the official website for reference purposes.
1 Day Pass All Day (The prices below are from the official website and are not discounted)
Adult: 47,000 KRW (~$32 USD)
Teenagers: 39,000 KRW (~$27 USD)
Children: 33,000 KRW (~$23 USD)
Baby: 12,000 KRW ($8 USD)
42 Dongbusangwangwang-ro, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
부산광역시 기장군 동부산관광로 42
13. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
A Serene Cultural Experience Along Busan's Coast
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple History
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of the most culturally significant things to do in Busan. It’s the most unique coastal temple we’ve ever seen! It’s located on the northeastern shore of Busan. Unlike most temples in Korea, which are located in the mountains, this temple offers a serene feeling that overlooks the ocean. This is one of the top cultural, and historic things to do in Busan.
The temple was originally built in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty by the Buddhist educator Naong. It was beautifully reconstructed in 1970, honoring the traditional colors and designs of Korean Buddhist temples.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Highlights
There are many picturesque spots to take photos inside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. From the Three-Story Pagoda to 108 Steps, Buddhist Sanctum in a Cave, and stone lanterns.
Haedong Yonggungsa is also considered one of Korea’s three sacred sites connected to the Goddess of Buddha, making it a spiritual and scenic destination.
Getting To Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
There are a few different ways of getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
From Haeundae Station:
The best routes from Haeundae Station to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple can be found here.
From Busan Station:
The best routes from Busan Station to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple can be found here.
Bus: If you’re coming from Osiria Station (Donghae Line), take Bus #1001 to its last station then walk 10 minutes to Haedong Yonggugngsa Temple.
Taxis: You can taxi, however, this will be the most expensive option but most convenient. Taxis are generally available at the temple entrance for your return trip.
Price: Free
Haedong Yonggungsa Operating Hours: 4:00 a.m -8:00 p.m.
Google Maps Address: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
Korean Address: 부산광역시 기장군 기장읍 용궁길 86
14. Millac The Market
Busan Art & Food Experiences
Millac the Market is one of the coolest things to do in Busan for arts, relaxing, and eating great food! Inside, there are lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants, including pop-up stores that change often, so there’s always something new to see.
The space is organized into three distinct areas: Busking Square, Ocean View Stand, and the F&B Zone. Busking Square is one of our favorite spots. There is seating where you can relax and enjoy amazing views of Gwangan Bridge and Millak Port through huge glass windows.
We also visited Millac Market for a trendy and tasty dining experience in Busan. We opted for Ryoko, known for its mouthwatering pork tenderloin tonkatsu. The flavors were delightful. Millac The Market is within walking distance of Gwangalli Beach, the last of the things to do in Busan!
Price: Discretionary; the Visit Busan Pass offers discounts on some restaurants.
Google Maps Address: 56 Millaksubyeon-ro 17beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Korean Address: 부산광역시 수영구 민락수변로17번길 56
15. Gwangalli Beach Drone Show
Coolest Things To Do In Busan At Night
The Gwangalli M Drone Light Show happens every Saturday night at Gwangalli Beach and is a must-see in Busan. For 10 minutes, the sky lights up with over 300 hundred colorful drones, music, and amazing patterns. It’s the biggest permanent drone show in Korea, with even more drones added recently to make the show even better.
Price: Free
Address: 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Each week the drone show has a new theme. This makes it enjoyable every week as there is always something fresh to enjoy. The stunning view of Gwangan Bridge makes it even more magical—a perfect way to end your day at the beach!
This was one of the things to do in Busan that we unexpectedly came across and we were so happy! You can’t miss the spectacular drone show that takes place on Saturdays. The show times are 8 P.M. and 10 P.M !
You can find updated show times per the official website to plan accordingly.
Gwangali Beach Drone Shows and Times
Price: Free
Google Maps Address: 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Korean Address: 부산광역시 수영구 광안해변로 219
Our Thoughts
Our Busan Pass experience was beyond remarkable – offering incredible value, saving us nearly 70% compared to individual activity fees. Navigating Busan became effortless, thanks to seamless access via public transit. We indulged in a multitude of enjoyable activities and diverse experiences, making our trip unforgettable. Without a doubt, we highly recommend the Visit Busan Pass to anyone visiting – it’s an absolute must for maximizing both savings and adventures in this vibrant city.
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Andrew & Melissa
@HungryPursuit