Cradled on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula, Busan dazzles visitors with its miles of stunning coastline, historic sites, and mouthwatering seafood. This bustling port city bursts with unique attractions waiting to be explored. From lively beaches and captivating temples to the largest fish market in the country, Busan entices travellers seeking vibrant culture, thrilling activities, and scenic vantage points. Read on for the best places to visit in Busan.
Top Places to Visit in Busan
- Haeundae Beach
- Sea Life Busan Aquarium
- Taejong Dae
- Jagalchi Fish Market
- Gwangalli Beach
Haeundae Beach
Famed for its soft white sand and lively atmosphere, Haeundae Beach stretches over a mile long, with the surrounding area packed with restaurants, shops, and luxury hotels. During summer, colourful umbrellas dot the shoreline as locals and visitors alike bask in the sun and cooling waters.
Things to do in Haeundae Beach
- Relax on the beach or rent water equipment like jet skis and banana boats
- Visit the Haeundae Market for street food and souvenir shopping
- See the giant "The Fish" sculpture emerging from the sand
- Admire Dalmaji Hill and the checkerboard marine skyline
Sea Life Busan Aquarium
As Korea's largest aquarium, Sea Life Busan transports visitors into an underwater world teeming with exotic marine creatures. Interactive exhibits reveal local species alongside those from across the globe, bringing the mysteries of the deep to the surface.
Things to do in Sea Life Busan Aquarium
- Marvel at king penguins and gentoo penguins in a frosty Antarctic zone
- Gaze up at sharks and rays sweeping overhead in a 90-meter see-through tunnel
- Get hands-on with sea stars and sea cucumbers in the touching pools
- See otters, jellyfish, seahorses, and thousands of dazzling fish
Taejong Dae
Perched atop a soaring cliff in Yeongdo Island, Taejongdae Park offers unparalleled views of Busan's jagged coastline. Meandering forested paths lead through lush gardens to diverse observation decks, the most popular being Yeongdo Lighthouse.
Things to do in Taejong Dae
- Soak in panoramas of the blue ocean and tiny islands from Uisangdae and Sinseondae lookouts
- Pose for photos at the iconic Yeongdo Lighthouse
- Ride the Danubi Train mini-railway around the park
- Visit the Korean Naval Academy Museum to learn about Korean naval history
Jagalchi Fish Market
As Korea's largest seafood market, Jagalchi Fish Market provides visitors with rows upon rows of vendors selling the freshest catches of the day. Watch locals haggle for marine bounty before sampling some yourself at the market's acclaimed raw fish restaurants.
Things to do in Jagalchi Fish Market
- Marvel at the staggering selection of fish and shellfish
- Haggle with vendors selling everything from octopus to sea urchins
- Order shrimp, fish eggs, and other ultra-fresh seafood at local eateries
- Try hoe, a Korean raw fish dish, for the quintessential Jagalchi experience
Gwangalli Beach
Boasting over a mile of golden sand, Gwangalli Beach offers plenty of space to spread out and unwind. As the sun sets, the area transforms into a nightlife hotspot. The main highlight? The Diamond Bridge is a glittering arched suspension bridge that puts on a spectacular LED light show each evening.
Things to do in Gwangalli Beach
- Relax on the spacious beach and test the waters
- Snap selfies with the Diamond Bridge at sunset
- Check out high-end fashion at the luxury department store Shinsegae Centum City
- Bar hop along the beachfront for drinks and dancing
Best Time to Visit Busan
Busan enjoys a mild maritime climate, providing ideal conditions to explore the city year-round. However, late spring through early fall are the most pleasant seasons. Summers can get humid, yet festivals ramp up, while the monsoon season from June to August brings heavier rainfall. For beach getaways, visit between July and August when ocean temperatures peak. Beat larger summer crowds by planning a May, June or September trip.
Travel Insurance for Busan
Busan offers something for all travellers, yet even the best-laid plans go awry. Protect your vacation and wallet by purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before jet-setting to Korea. Policies generally cover emergency medical expenses alongside trip cancellation, lost baggage, and trip delays.
For adventurous folks, add on exciting activity coverage when snorkelling, parasailing, or partaking in other water sports. When comparing plans, check claim limits, deductibles, and extraneous clauses before selecting insurance best suited to your trip's needs and budget.