All activities in Busan

More about Busan

Officially known as Busan Metropolitan City, Busan is South Korea’s second most populous city, after Seoul–Seoul to Busan is relatively near; it only takes around 2 hours and 28 minutes by train, 4 hours by bus, and an hour via air. Busan is the state’s economic, cultural, and educational center, with the sixth-busiest port in the world. The two largest central business districts in the city are Seomyeon and Gwangbok-dong/Nampo-dong, while Busan Daehak-ga in Jangjeon-dong and Centum City in Haeundae-gu are the city’s major shopping areas.

In the cultural and tourism sectors, Busan is called the summer capital of Korea because it attracts tourists from all over the country to its popular beaches: Haeundae, Gwangalli, Dadaepo, and Songdo Beach. Additionally, a range of outstanding parks are dispersed throughout the city, like Yongdusan and Taejongdae Park. Yongdusan Park is a home to the Busan Tower, an art gallery, and the largest aquarium in South Korea: SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, while Taejongdae is a natural park with cliffs facing the open sea on Yeongdo Island. You think that’s all about Busan attractions? You might be wrong, since this city is also the most-visited destination in Asia due to its diverse historical sites, such as Gamcheon Cultural Village, Beomeosa Temple, Chungnyeolsa Shrine, and more.

There would not be enough space to discuss Busan attractions; we don’t even talk about Busan restaurants with its favorite local cuisines, and festivals yet. Hence, let the city speak for itself. Visit and see why it’s so special; read on and find out what to do in Busan, how to get around the city, Busan restaurants, shopping centers, and the best time to visit Busan.

Best Things to Do in Busan

If Busan is already on your travel list, consider several Busan’s top sights below for your greatest trips to Busan:

SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium

Opened in 2001, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium is the state’s largest aquarium, showcasing the mystery of the sea. With the campaign ‘Breed, Rescue, Protect’, this aquarium emphasizes on the protection of the marine ecosystem. However, it’s also a perfect place for family leisure; it features a range of aquarium zones, underwater performances, as well as feeding and talk sessions–not only entertaining, but also insightful, especially for younger visitors.

Skyline Luge Busan

Skyline Luge Busan provides gravity-based tourism, where you can slide down slopes and through tunnels on a thrilling luge ride. Enjoy your ride while admiring the panoramic views of Osiria Theme Park and the eastern mountains. Then, combine with other attractions: Hyfly and Skyride. Don’t you know that you can adjust your own luge’s speed, so you can enjoy the thriving greenery at your own pace?

Busan X The Sky

Another scenic attraction in Busan is Busan X The Sky; get the breathtaking bird-eye views of Haeundae Beach, Dongbaekseom Island, and Gwangan Bridge from the observatory. You can also explore the interactive installations showcasing the city’s beauty in the spectacular lighting and enjoy your sip on a cup of coffee at the city’s highest coffee shop–whether you seek romance or family fun, this place has something to present!

Haeundae Blue Line Park Sky Capsule/Beach Train

Still can’t get enough of Busan’s appealing surroundings? Look no further than Haeundae Blue Line Park Sky Capsule/Beach Train. Experience remarkable coastal views on the train, traveling from Mipo to Songjeong via Cheongsapo. Alternatively, you can have a ride with the Sky Capsule, floating 7-10 meters above the coast while being mesmerized by the coastal scenery.

Busan Spa Land Centum City

Busan Spa Land Centum City is the biggest public bathhouse where you can take a dip in the soothing beauty bathtub filled with sodium bicarbonate and choose various themed saunas and spa rooms for a new level of radiant beauty. Unwind in this calm and rejuvenating luxurious spa, as well as soothing hot springs; then come out feeling refreshed and energized.

Busan Lotte World School Uniform Rental

Admiring the South Korea’s school uniform you found in many Korean movies and dramas? Now, you can also try it on at Busan Lotte World School Uniform Rental. Experience being Korean students and capture as many photos as possible in the photo area. There would be a variety of uniforms you can rent one or two days straight!

1. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, located on the coast of the north-eastern part of Busan, offers the tourists a unique experience of cultural exploration. The temple features colorful structures with uniquely designed Buddhist sanctum and a 3-storey pagoda with 4 lions. Be amazed by the charms of the temple and the calming sounds of the waves as you go down the 108 steps of the stairs. 

2. Gamcheon Culture Village

Known as “Korea’s Santorini” and “Machu Picchu of Busan” Gamcheon Culture Village is an area famous for its layered streets, twisted labyrinth-like alleys, and brightly-painted houses. Every corner of the area offers extraordinary spots for photography, as well as various artworks, mural paintings, and souvenir shops. Strike a pose with a traditional hanbok against this picturesque village backdrop. Experience a seamless Busan adventure with Busan City Tour: Haedong Yonggungsa, Taejongdae, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Songdo Skywalk on Traveloka; skip the stress, and just focus on enjoying Busan!

Busan Transportations

As the second largest city in South Korea, Busan has a well-connected public transport system, including:

Metro

Busan’s extensive Metro system makes it possible to go just about anywhere. It has 6 lines: Lines 1-4, the Donghae Line, and the Busan-Gimhae LRT), connecting major parts of the city, including tourist spots and shopping districts. This is the most efficient transport in Busan for both locals and tourists because the destination announcements are delivered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. It costs from around RM 1,95 (for kids) to RM 4,56 for adults for a single journey, which increases based on distance.

Bus

Busan operates 4 types of buses: Blue (mainline buses), Green (local buses), Yellow (community buses), and Red (express buses). The Blue buses serve long-distance routes connecting various districts; the Green operates shorter routes, often feeding into subway stations/mainline buses; within the neighborhood is served by the Yellow buses; and the Red ones connect Busan with nearby cities/districts. The fares range from RM 1,30 to RM 8,47, depending on the passenger ages and the bus types.

Taxi

Taxi is another convenient mode of transport in Busan, especially for areas not covered by subways/buses. All taxis in the city use meters and the drivers are generally honest. The taxi fares range from around RM 15,64 to RM 24,44, depending on the distance and travel time.

Train

If you plan to travel to nearby cities, Busan Station is a hub for Korea’s KTX (high-speed) trains. A journey to Seoul from Busan lasts for 2.5 hours at around RM 195,48 to RM 260,64. There’s also SRT (Supreme Railways Train) over Gyeongbu and the Honam high-speed line. It costs from RM 4,24 to travel 10 km with the maximum fare around RM 8,15.

Recommended Busan Restaurants

Gourmets all around the world are welcome in Busan because the city is a haven for mouthwatering local cuisines. Here are some restaurants you must give a visit in Busan:

Namaste Haeundae

Address: 7 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 265beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

Operational hours: 11 am to 11.50 pm daily

Welcome to Namaste Haeundae, the Indian cuisine gem operated by a local chef. Indian curries and Tandoori barbecue are some restaurant’s signatures that should come up in your mind as you stop by in this restaurant. The use of the traditional Indian oven keeps the authenticity of the curries, said to have conquered Western Europe.

Jung-ang Sikdang

Address: 394-18, Daeseong-ri, Bonghwa-eup, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Operational hours: 10 to 12 am daily

Part of Busan is a coastal area, so seafood is the first dish to understand how the city eats. Jung-ang Sikdang has served the specialty for more than 50 years. Here, make sure to order a bowl of daegutang (cod soup), yet if you’re not feeling brothy, try the hobaekban (raw halibut slices).

Shopping in Busan

After being full of the local delicacy, burn the calories by walking around Busan’s popular shopping districts:

Shinsegae Centum City Department Store

Address: 35 Centum nam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

Operational hours: 10.30 am to 8 pm daily

Shinsegae Centum City isn’t only the city’s largest shopping paradise, but also a leisure and entertainment center: Spa Land and Ice Rink. On its 9th floor rooftop, there’s an outdoor theme park with huge dinosaurs, pirate’s ships, an African village, and other fascinating attractions at ZOORAJI. Trust me, your kids would love spending time here.

Jagalchi Market

Address: 52 Jagalchi Haean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

Operational hours: 5 am to 9 pm

Located on the seaside road in Busan’s Jung-gu, Jagalchi Market is the largest seafood market in Busan. Selling both live and dried fish, most of the sellers are women–this is why the vendors are called Jagalchi Ajumeoni, meaning middle-aged or married women in Korea. Not only buying fresh seafood, you can also eat fresh raw fish right on site.

Best Time to Visit Busan

The best time to visit Busan is during April to May. It’s considered the peak season, since everyone wants to see cherry blossoms and autumn foliage; it’s also an ideal period for pleasant sightseeing. Meanwhile, if you prefer beach recreations, outdoor activities, and festivals, consider visiting from June to October. This moderate season presents warm weather and lively atmospheres. The off season, during November to March, is suitable for winter sports. There would be serene landscapes and fewer tourists, yet if you’re a budget-conscious traveler, this time is the right moment for your trip to Busan. The accommodation and activity ticket rates tend to be lower during this season.