Busan Travel Guide 2023: Must-Visit Places, Restaurants, Accommodation, and Itinerary

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Busan travel

In this article, we will be your comprehensive guide to exploring the captivating city of Busan in South Korea. From its stunning beaches and delicious culinary scene to its vibrant city life and historical landmarks, Busan offers an array of experiences for travelers to enjoy.

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busan travel

Welcome to the Busan Travel Guide, your ultimate resource for exploring the vibrant city of Busan in South Korea. Spanning an area larger than Seoul, Busan offers a diverse range of experiences, from pristine beaches to bustling cityscapes. In this guide, we’ll provide you with recommendations for must-visit attractions, delectable restaurants, comfortable accommodations, and a well-crafted itinerary to make the most of your Busan adventure. Whether you’re a beach lover, a food enthusiast, or a culture seeker, Busan has something for everyone. So, let’s dive in and discover the charms of this coastal gem on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula.

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Where is Busan : Busan Travel Guide


Busan, with an area of 770 square kilometers, is larger than Seoul (605 square kilometers). However, about half of its total area is occupied by mountains, so it doesn’t feel as expansive as it sounds. Additionally, places like Gijang-gun and Gangseo-gu are not particularly popular as travel destinations, so a summarized version of a Busan trip can be outlined as follows:

Busan City Tour: Seomyeon, Haeundae, Nampodong, Dongrae
Busan Beach Tour: Haeundae, Gwangalli, Songdo, Taejongdae, Songjeong

Recommendations for Busan Travel Itinerary

When it comes to Busan, the first place that comes to mind is Haeundae, as it is a famous port city with large and renowned beaches. Each beach has its own unique characteristics, and you can find more details below:

  • Haeundae: A versatile destination suitable for swimming, dining, drinking, enjoying coffee, and taking walks.
  • Gwangalli: Known for its excellent dining, drinking, coffee shops, and leisurely strolls.
  • Songjeong: Specializes in swimming, coffee, and leisurely walks.
  • Songdo: Known for swimming and seafood.
  • Taejongdae: Specializes in seafood and scenic walks.

It is convenient to reach Busan by train. Busan Station is located between Nampodong and Seomyeon. However, as the express bus terminal is located in Nopo-dong at the northern end of Busan, it takes quite some time to travel to Seomyeon or Nampodong. Nevertheless, Busan has a well-developed transportation system, and you can reach Seomyeon from Nopo-dong by subway in about 30 minutes and Nampodong in 50 minutes.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, the first places to visit should be Nampodong or Haeundae. Nampodong is located in the southwest part of Busan, while Haeundae is situated at the eastern end. These areas serve as excellent starting points for your trip and are considered the central hubs of Busan travel.

You can plan your Busan travel itinerary by referring to the map provided. By clicking on the top left icon of the map, you can see the locations of each area.

Haeundae -> Gwangalli -> Dongrae -> Seomyeon -> Nampodong
Nampodong -> Seomyeon -> Dongrae -> Gwangalli -> Haeundae

Following this route will minimize unnecessary detours. You can visit Songjeong and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple while staying in Haeundae for one night.

I recommend exploring the specific attractions in each area and checking the route accordingly. Generally, it is essential to spend at least one night in Nampodong and one night in Haeundae, as these places leave a lasting and enjoyable impression during your Busan trip.

Busan Subway Transportation

Busan has a total of four subway lines, one light rail line (Donghae Line), and a regional train known as the Donghae Nambu Line, all of which have transfer points.
The most commonly used subway lines during a Busan trip are Line 1 and Line 2.

Line 1: This line passes through Nampodong, Busan Station, Seomyeon, Dongrae, and Nopo-dong, connecting with all other subway lines.
Line 2: This line passes through Seomyeon, Gwangalli, and Haeundae, and you can transfer to Line 1 at Seomyeon.
Donghae Nambu Line: You can transfer to this line at Line 1’s Gupo Station, and it takes you to Songjeong.
Light Rail (Donghae Line): If you arrive at Gimhae Airport, you can take the light rail to Sasang Station and transfer to Line 2, which will take you to Seomyeon.

Most of Busan’s famous attractions can be reached by subway.

Address: Haeundae-gu, Jung-dong, Busan

Haeundae is the most famous beach in Korea, attracting many visitors throughout the year with its concentration of hotels and resorts. Along the main road, Gwangan-ro, you can find various restaurants and shops, making it a mecca for travelers in Busan.

Here are some tourist attractions near Haeundae. Click on the icon in the top left corner of the map to see the locations of each area.

  • SEA LIFE Aquarium: An aquarium located at the entrance of Haeundae Beach. The admission fee is 29,000 won for adults.
  • Dongbaek Island: This is the place depicted in the famous Korean song “Dongbaek Island in Full Bloom” by Jo Yong-pil. It’s a great place for a stroll with the beach as a backdrop.
    Marine City: One of Busan’s representative upscale neighborhoods, featuring high-rise luxury apartments.
  • Mipo Breakwater: A place known for its abundance of raw fish restaurants. It served as a filming location for the movie “Haeundae” and has appeared in various other films.
  • Gwangan-ro: A long road lined with various restaurants and shops on both sides.
  • Dalmaji-gil: One of the most famous driving courses in Busan, with numerous cafes gathered along the way. If you continue along this road, you will reach Songjeong Beach.
  • Cheongsapo: A small harbor located below Dalmaji-gil. It is famous for its delicious grilled clams enjoyed in a refreshing seaside atmosphere. We recommend experiencing the ambiance of enjoying a drink on Gwangan-ro in the evening and taking a stroll along the beach at night. Therefore, we suggest allocating at least 1 night and 2 days for Haeundae in your itinerary.

For accommodations in Haeundae, we recommend the 4-star Shilla Stay Hotel, which offers excellent ocean views. It is close to Gwangan-ro, offers great ocean views, and has reasonable prices. If you have come to Haeundae, staying one night at a hotel with a magnificent sea view is not extravagant. Check the link below for the lowest prices at Shilla Stay Hotel in Haeundae.

(Book at the Lowest Price Link)

Book restaurants at the Lowest Price

  • Haeseong Makchang (Grilled Intestines): 29, Jungdong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
  • Dallin Makchang (Grilled Intestines): 13, Jungdong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
  • Haeundae Giwajip Daegutang (Codfish Soup with a View): 46, Dalmaijigil 104beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
  • Geumsu Bokguk (Pork Soup): 23, Jungdong 1-ro 43beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
  • Tongyeong Jangeo Sutbulgui (Charcoal-grilled Eel): 46, Haeundaero 608beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
  • Mipo Kkeutjip (Seasonal Raw Fish): 77, Dalmaijigil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
  • Haemok (Grilled Eel Rice Bowl): 8, Gunamro 24beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
  • Noh Hong-chul Mandu (Dumplings): 26-4, Gunamro 41beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
  • Nagahamamangeutsu (Japanese Ramen): 57, Udong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
  • Moon Sushi (Sushi): 43, Jwadongsunhwanro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
  • Somunnan Amsogalbi (Beef Galbi): 32-10, Jungdong 2-ro 10beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan


Address: Jung-gu, Busan

Nampodong used to be the largest commercial district in Busan, where you can experience the past and present of the city. It is the central hub of various activities, including shopping, food, and entertainment, making it the focal point of a trip to Busan, along with Haeundae.

Here are some tourist attractions near Nampodong:

  • Jagalchi Market: The largest fish market in South Korea, always bustling with people. It is the best place in Busan to enjoy seafood. Having a glass of soju with fresh grilled eel is a special treat.
  • BIFF Square: The venue for the Busan International Film Festival held annually. There is nothing special about it when the film festival is not taking place.
  • Gukje Market: A place where shops selling various goods are densely packed. There are diverse clothing stores and even a used clothing alley.
  • Bupyeong Kkangtong Market: The mecca of street food in Busan. Most of the famous street foods introduced on TV can be found here.
  • Bosu-dong Book Alley: A place where used bookstores gather.
  • Busan Modern History Museum: A museum where you can explore the modern history of Busan.
  • Yongdusan Park: A park that can be reached by escalator. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery, and there is Busan Tower, which is great to visit in the evening due to its beautiful night view. The admission fee for Busan Tower is 8,000 won for adults, and it operates from 10 AM to 10 PM.
  • Chinatown Street: The street featured in the movie “Friend,” where you can find wholesale fish markets. This is the place where the four friends raced to watch a movie. Let’s run like the characters in the movie and purchase delicious seafood.
  • Bupyeong Jokbal Alley: A place where long-standing jokbal (pig’s trotters) restaurants gather. In addition to jokbal, there are various other restaurants such as lamb intestines. It’s a great place to visit in the evening and enjoy delicious side dishes with a drink.
  • Provisional Capital Memorial Hall: A memorial hall dedicated to commemorating the status and historical significance of Busan as the provisional capital of South Korea during the Korean War. It offers an opportunity to learn about the history of Busan as the temporary capital of South Korea during the Korean War. Although not well-known, it is quite a satisfying place to visit.
  • Dalbatgol Wall Painting Village: The place featured on the SBS variety show “Running Man.”

If you plan to stay overnight in Nampodong, we recommend Stanford Inn Busan Hotel, which is close to the bustling downtown area, offers a good view, and has excellent facilities. Check the link below for the lowest prices at Stanford Inn Busan Hotel in Nampodong.

(Book at the Lowest Price Link)

  • Genjjang Curry (Japanese Curry): 1st floor, 26 Daecheong-ro 135beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
  • Geointongdak (Kamado-style Chicken): 34 Junggu-ro 47beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
  • Oksunggwan (Gan Jjajang): 66 Daecheong-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
  • Lee Jaemo Pizza (Imsil Cheese Pizza): 31 Gwangbok Jungang-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
  • Iga’s Tteokbokki (Baek Jong-won’s 3 Great Kings Tteokbokki): 48 Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
  • Baekhwangyang Gobchang (Charcoal-grilled Gobchang): 6 Jagalchi-ro 23beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
  • Wonjo Busan Jokbal (Jokbal): 19-1 Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
  • Daejeong Yang Gobchang (Yang Gobchang): 31 Junggu-ro 23beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
  • Hanwol Sikdang (Grilled Fish): 27 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
  • Address: Bujeon 2-dong, Busan

Seomyeon is the largest and most vibrant district in Busan, where young people gather. It is a bustling area with various shopping malls, stores, and a famous nightlife street called “Baedepo.”

Here are some tourist attractions near Seomyeon:

Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center: A variety of shops located underground, connected to the Seomyeon subway station. It’s recommended to start your exploration by taking the subway to Seomyeon and then visiting this shopping center.

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  • Seomyeon Food Alley: A street filled with various street food vendors and restaurants, including a popular pig’s trotters restaurant.
  • Baedepo Alley: A street known for its numerous bars and pubs. It’s the liveliest spot in Busan during the evenings.
  • Jeonpo-dong Cafe Street: A street lined with diverse cafes and unique restaurants.
  • Bujeon Market: A traditional market within walking distance from Seomyeon. You can explore and experience the local market atmosphere here.
  • Children’s Grand Park: A well-maintained park with hiking trails and a large lake called “Seongjigoksuwonji.” Please note that there is no subway connection, so you’ll need to take a bus to reach this park.
  • Busan Citizen Park: A park created from the former site of a US military base. It gained popularity after BTS member V visited the park.
    Recommended Restaurants near Seomyeon:
  • Chunhachudong Milmyeon (Milmyeon): 48-1 Seomyeonmunhwa-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
  • Gijang Son Kalguksu (Handmade Knife-cut Noodles): 56 Seomyeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
  • Kanda Soba (Soba Noodles): 105 Dongcheon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
  • Ramenya (Japanese Tonkotsu Ramen): 78 Jungang-daero 680beon-gagil, Busanjin-gu, Busan
  • Cheongjindong Agujjim (Spicy Braised Monkfish): 38-1 Seomyeonmunhwa-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
  • Gogi-ro Hana Doeneun Sungan (Amhoeji – Grilled Fish): 38 Seojeon-ro 2nd floor, Busanjin-gu, Busan
  • Songjeong Samdaegukbap (Pork Rice Soup): 33 Seomyeon-ro 68beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan
  • Moru Sikdang (Curry): 37 Seojeon-ro 38beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Address: Gwangan 2-dong, Busan

Gwangalli is famous for its crescent-shaped white sandy beach and the beautiful nighttime illumination of the Diamond Bridge (Gwangan Bridge).

Along the beach road, there are numerous cafes and restaurants, making it a popular spot for enjoying a cup of coffee during the day and a glass of beer at night.

Here are some tourist attractions near Gwangalli:

Minrak Waterfront Park: A park by the seaside where many people gather in the summer to sit and drink alcohol. There is a giant rock in the park that is said to have been brought by Typhoon Maemi.

Gwangalli Cafe Street: A place where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while overlooking the refreshing ocean view.

Igidae Park: A park with a beautiful coastal walking trail. It offers high satisfaction on a sunny day. Since it is quite far from Gwangalli, it is recommended to take a taxi for transportation.

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain Observatory: The best night view spot in Busan. It is a mountain that can be reached by car, with an altitude of 427m.

Regarding accommodation in Gwangalli for a one-night stay, Kent Hotel Gwangalli recommended for its convenient location, affordability, and great ocean view. You can check the lowest rates for Hotel 1 in the provided link.

  • Takedaya (Udon, Soba): 31, Namcheondong-ro 108beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan
  • Halmae Jaechipguk (Spicy Seafood Stew): 8, Gwangnam-ro 120beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan
  • Ihajung Ganjang Gejang (Soy Sauce Marinated Crab): 46, Gwangseo-ro 10beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan
  • Jamae Gukbap (Pork Rice Soup): 56, Minrakbon-dong-ro 27beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan
  • Subyeon Choego Dwaejigukbap (Pork Rice Soup): 9-32, Gwang-anhaebyeon-ro 370beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan
  • Eden (Seafood): 101, Namcheonbada-ro 33beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan

About Dongrae, Busan:

Dongrae Busan


Dongrae is a historic place in Busan with various cultural assets. It was featured in the popular Netflix drama “Kingdom” Season 1, where the character played by Ju Ji-hoon visited a clinic to diagnose his father’s illness.


Nearby Tourist Attractions in Dongrae:

  • Myeongnyun 1st Street: A vibrant street with various restaurants and bars, known as the second major nightlife area in Busan after Seomyeon. The age demographic of visitors is relatively high compared to Seomyeon.
  • Dongrae Eupseong: Designated as Cultural Heritage No. 5 in Busan, this place has many historical sites. It’s a good option for a walk or hiking.
  • Dongrae Hyanggyo: A Confucian school from the Joseon Dynasty, designated as Cultural Heritage No. 61 in Busan.
  • Chungnyeolsa: A shrine that enshrines patriotic martyrs who sacrificed themselves during the Japanese invasions of Korea. It is designated as a tangible cultural asset No. 7 in Busan.
  • Heosimcheong Spa: Once known as the largest Oriental hot spring facility in East Asia, it now offers large bathhouses with natural hot spring water. The admission fee is 10,000 won.
    Bokcheon Museum & Bokcheon-dong Tumuli: A museum where you can explore the history of Busan after the fall of the Gaya Kingdom and ancient tombs.

Restaurants near Dongrae, Busan:

  • Dongrae Halmae Pajeon (Korean Pancake): 43-10, Myeongnyun-ro 94beon-gil, Dongrae-gu, Busan
  • Somunnan Wonjo Jobangnakji (Nakji Bokkeum): 37, Myeongnyun-ro 94beon-gil, Dongrae-gu, Busan
  • Dongrae Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup): 39, Dongrae-ro 116beon-gil, Dongrae-gu, Busan
  • Geumgang Mandu (Dumplings): 11, Sajikbuk-ro 5beon-gil, Dongrae-gu, Busan
  • Jumunjing Makguksu (Buckwheat Noodles): 8, Sajik-ro 58beon-gil, Dongrae-gu, Busan
  • Gukje Milmyeon (Wheat Noodles): 23-6, Jungang-daero 1235beon-gil, Yeonje-gu, Busan
  • Taesan Son Mandu (Dumplings): 209-1, Sisil-ro, Dongrae-gu, Busan


Regarding Songjeong, Busan:

Songjeong, Busan

Songjeong is a popular beach in Busan, known for its gentle waves and clean water. It is a favorite spot for local residents to enjoy swimming. There is a surfing school, so many people come here to enjoy surfing. In the evening, you can find people enjoying the sea breeze, and there are various street cafes.

If you are heading to Yonggungsa Temple, one of Busan’s famous tourist attractions, you will pass through Songjeong. Unlike Haeundae and Gwangalli, Songjeong offers a relatively peaceful beach experience.

Here are some nearby tourist attractions in Songjeong:

  • Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: A seaside temple founded during the Goryeo Dynasty in 1376. From the entrance, there are statues of the Twelve Heavenly Generals, and after climbing 108 steps, you will reach a beautiful temple harmonizing with the sea. It is said that if you sincerely pray, one wish will come true, so let’s pray wholeheartedly.
  • Jukdo Park: A well-maintained park with a nature trail located at the entrance of Songjeong Beach.
    Lotte Premium Outlet Dongbusan Branch: A Lotte outlet near Songjeong Beach. It has a kids’ theme park, which is popular among children.

Songjeong Restaurant List:

Songjeong End Jip Gogi (Meat, View): 178, Songjeonggudeokpo-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Muntoast (Toast): 16, Songjeonghaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

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