If you are in South Korea or planning to go to South Korea, make sure to add Busan to your list! Seoul is a great city with many things to do, but Busan is just as great with its numerous cultural sites and exciting entertainment spots. Whether you like shopping, eating, or just relaxing, Busan has countless of options to choose from! From cultural experiences like the Gamcheon Culture Village to the relaxing Gwangalli Beach, here are four must-visit spots in Busan.
Haeundae Beach
When you ask any Koreans about Busan, one of the first things that come to their mind is the famous white-sand Haeundae Beach! Open year-round, the beach is one of South Korea's most famous and popular beaches. Festivals and events are held at the beach throughout the year. The beach is located in Haeundae District, one of wealthiest district in South Korea. Being about 1.5km long (about 0.9 mile) and 70m-90m wide (about 200-300 feet), the spacious has many recreational facilities and activities for people of ages to enjoy.
If swimming or relaxing in the sun is not your style, the SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium is located right at the entrance of the beach. The aquarium has over 250 different species and 30,000 sea creatures for you to admire and even interact with! Once you are done playing in the beach, grab a meal at one of the many shops and restaurants near the beach. Whether you want a quick and cheap bite or a luxurious, fancy meal, the area has endless options for you to choose from. At night, Haeundae Beach shines with lights from surrounding shops and buildings, as well fireworks and light shows (depending on the season).
Additional Information
Haeundae Beach: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan / 부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 264
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium: 266, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan / 부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 266
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium Operating Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 – 19:00
- Weekends: 10:00 – 20:00
Transportation:
- Take Subway Line 2 to Haeundae Station and use Exit 5, about 5-8 minutes walk from the station
- (General) 139, 307 OR (Express) 1003, Get off at Haeundae Beach
Gamcheon Culture Village
The Gamcheon Culture Village is an exciting and iconic tourist destination of Busan. The area is filled with vibrant, colorful houses and winding alleyways decorated with artworks and murals. With the concept of Machu Picchu in Busan in mind, the neighborhood sits on steep slopes with labyrinth-like alleys. Numerous art exhibits, galleries, and craft shops exist throughout the neighborhood. In addition to the artsy vibe of the neighborhood, themed and traditional cafes and shops can be found around the area.
Stop by the Little Prince and the Fox Statue and take a photo!
Additional Information
Gamcheon Culture Village: 203 Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan / 부산광역시 사하구 감내2로 203
Transportation:
- Take Subway Line 1 to Toseong Station and use Exit 6, transfer to village bus to Gamcheon Culture Village (village bus station board in front of the Pusan National University Hospital building)
Shinsegae Centum City Department Store
If you are looking to do some shopping, look no further than the Shinsegae Centum City Department Store in Busan! Holding the world's record for the largest department store in the world, the Shinsegae Department Store is about 293,905 m² (3.16 million ft²), just enough for you to do all the shopping you want as well as other entertainment facilities. The department store has everything ranging from your typical movie theater to an ice rink, golf range, and a spa. The Shinsegae Department Store has over 21 designer brands, 622 famous brands (both local and international), and many other shops inside.
If you want to reax and rest from your shopping, try Spa Land on the 1st floor of the department store. Experience 13 different themed jjimjilbangs and saunas among the 22 spa options, as well as an open-air bath and foot spa. It's known for its high quality natural spring water used in the facility
Additional Information
Shinsegae Department Store Operating Hours (And Spa Land):
- Mon. ~ Thurs. : 10:30 – 20:00
- Fri. ~ Sun. & Holidays: 10:30 – 20:30
- Food Court: 11:00 – 21:00
- Spa Land: 6:00 – Midnight (Last entry time: 22:30)
Address: Centumnam-daero 35, U-dong, Haeundae, Busan
Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 to Centum City Station and use Exit 12
Spa Land's Admission Fee:
- Adults: Weekdays 17,000 won / Weekends & Public holidays 20,000 won
- Students: Weekdays 13,000 won / Weekends & Public holidays 16,000 won
- Early morning (before 9:00) / nighttime ticket (after 20:00): Weekdays 12,000 won / Weekends & Public holidays 15,000 won
*Admission ticket allows up to 4 hours. After the 4 hours, additional charge is 3,000 won per hour*
Gwangalli Beach
Other than Haeundae Beach, Busan has another famous and amazing beach: Gwangalli Beach. Gwangalli Beach, also known as Gwangan Beach, spans by the Gwangan Bridge (also known as the Diamond Bridge) and covers about 1.4km (about 0.8 mile or 4600 feet) in length and 25-110m (80-360 feet) in width. The clean and pristine beach has a stage installed for musical performances and other events. You can walk along the beach and enjoy the numerous shops and restaurants. Some of Busan's best restaurants and coffee shops can be found along the Gwangalli Beach. At night, the beach becomes as lively as a party as the landscape is decorated with lights from surrounding buildings, shops, and the Gwangan Bridge itself. The Gwangan Bridge performs nightly LED shows for visitors to enjoy.
Additional Information
Address: 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan / 부산광역시 수영구 광안해변로 219
Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 to Mount Geumryeon Station and use Exit 5. You can also take Subway Line 2 to Gwangan Station and use Exit 3 and 5, about 5 minutes walk from the station
Busan
Whether you're in Busan for vacation, school, or business, you are surely going to enjoy these 4 locations. Offering good food, exciting entertainment, and cultural experiences, your trip to Busan will be one to remember!