Busan, South Korea’s vibrant second-largest city, is a stunning mix of gorgeous beaches, religious temples, cultural villages, and iconic K-drama spots. From its laid-back vibes to its authentic culture and scenic nature wonders, Busam will surely leave you enchanted. Where to go in this offbeat travel destination? Let us guide you through the best places to visit in Busan for your next adventure!  

This blog highlights the top Busan sightseeing locations, serving as your perfect Busan travel guide.   

What is the Best Time to Visit Busan?  

The best time to visit Busan is during the spring season, between March and May when the average temperature is around 13.3℃. This makes it pleasant to explore the beaches, roam around the city, visit religious and historical attractions, and enjoy the best of nature.   

From September to November, the autumn season is also a great time for Busan sightseeing. However, it’s important to stay updated on cyclone predictions before planning your travel.   

What are the Best Places to Visit in Busan?   

Now that you know when to visit Busan, let’s explore the top Busan tourist attractions you should check out during your trip.

Gamcheon Cultural Village

• A charming village where culture, art, and history collide. Pastel-colored houses form a maze, twisted alleys reveal a dark and painful history, and artworks transform the town into an animated city. What’s the catch? This picturesque spot, now a trending Busan tourist spot, has been decorated by the artistry of its own residents.

Things to do in Gamcheon Village:  

• Take an alley tour for experience-based Busan tourism.
• Visit the small museum and listen to the village’s story. 
• Create your own souvenir at the local shops. 
• Dress up in Hanboks (Korean attire) and pose throughout the village. 
• Snap pictures at the photo zone, where the little prince and the desert fox look over the village.

Hocheon Village

Tucked along the mountainside roads, this village is popular for its scenic K-drama spots and twinkling yellow lamps that light up the alleys at night. Are you a ‘Fight for My Way’ fan? If so, relive your memories at the iconic Namil Bar. Even if you’re not, you’ll be mesmerized by the artwork around the village.

Things to do in Hocheon Village:  

• Take in the romantic night view with glowed-up alleys and clear skies.
• Walk along the scenic mountainside roads.
• Try tteokbokki, soju, and beer at Namil Bar, just like the drama characters did.
• Click photos with props and scenes throughout the village.
• Enjoy a cup of coffee at Kkeuti.
• Climb down the ‘180 Stairs’ and look back up to admire the artistry.   

Bupyeong Kkangtong Market

Every foodie’s paradise, this is the first permanent night market in South Korea. With delicious aromas filling the alleys, live food preparations at multiple counters, and endless entertainment continuing until midnight, it’s one of best places to visit in Busan at night.

What to have?  

• Grilled whole pork belly
• Fish cake
• Tteokbokki
• Fried tofu pockets with glass noodles and vegetables in a hot broth
• Fried tofu stew with Multteok

Yongdusan Park

Home to the Busan Tower, the citizen’s bell, the flower clock, and huge trees that provide shade for walking, the park is one of the best places to go in Busan. 

Things to do:  

• Soak in the scenic views from the Busan tower.
• Visit the Theme Experience Center and explore six themes at “Black Wonderland in Busan.
• Stop by the souvenir shop to pick up a memorable keepsake. 

Jagalchi Market

Busan’s main traditional market is one of the best Busan tourist attractions. Live fish, fresh seafood including big octopuses, lobsters, white sharks, baby sharks, sunfish, large squids, get it all here at the largest fish market in Korea.

Things to do:  

• It’s simple! Come, see, and buy your favorite seafood.
• Stroll through the nearby Gukje Market and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market.  

Beomeosa Temple

Nestled at the foot of Geumjeongsan Mountain, this temple boasts a scenic valley, historical stone artifacts and carvings, and a pleasant atmosphere to unwind. It is historically significant, having nurtured many Buddhist monks.

Things to do:  

• Hike up to the temple.
• Visit Daeungjeon Hall to explore Buddha Triad Wooden Statues, ceiling, and paintings depicting Buddha’s life.
• Relax in the wisteria habitat.

SEALIFE Busan Aquarium

Dive into the underwater world at SEALIFE Aquarium. Take a sneak peek into marine life, immerse yourself in interactive experiences, or explore multiple exhibits. From Jackass penguins, sand tiger sharks, and Asian Small Clawed otters to harbor seals, find all kinds of exotic marine wildlife under one roof! 

Things to do:  

• Shark Zone: Hop into a submarine and watch sharks living in deep-sea caves. Get snapped with sharks at photo zones or learn about them through 360-degree digital interactive zones.
• Turtle Rescue Zone: Watch rescue activities in the zone and become a member. Treat sick turtles, give them a name, and send them back to the sea.
• Seahorse Kingdom: Discover a variety of seahorses, uncover their secrets, and get some expert tips on them.
• Sea at Night Zone: Immerse in world-class technology at the night zone and enjoy three different exhibitions theme – beach, mid-level sea and the deep sea!
• Immersive Experiences: Watch special staff feed sharks by hand, or feed penguins and otters yourself!   
• Glass Bottom Boat: Take a magical boat ride in the 3,000-ton water tank where you can watch and feed endless sea creatures.
• VR Zone: Get ready for a virtual reality experience as you explore majestic sea life with a fish helmet over your head.

Arte Museum Busan

Immerse yourself in media art exhibitions at the largest of the eight Arte museums in the world. With the first release of 16 exceptionally new works themed at ‘Eternal Nature,’ this is where your love for art begins!

Things to do:  

• Watch any innovative art exhibition of your choice.
• Don’t forget to try Arte Cafe, an incomparable dining experience.

For Cherry Blossom

• Who said cherry blossoms are all about Japan? Busan has some exceptional ones, too! If getting an Insta-worthy Cherry Blossom photo is on your bucket list, head to:

• Daejeo Eco Park
• Samnak Eco Park
• Maekdo Eco Park
• Haeundae Dalmajigil Road
• Namcheon-dong Cherry Blossom Street
• Dongdaesin-dong Cherry Blossom Street

Beaches

If there’s something you can’t miss in Busan, it’s visiting its gorgeous beaches. Pristine, serene, untouched, and heavenly- this is what Busan beaches look, sound, and feel like.

The best ones:

• Songdo: Don’t miss the Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge, a surreal experience where you walk between the ocean and the sky
• Dadaepo: Visit the popular ‘Fountain of Dreams’, the largest floor fountain in the world 
• Gwangalli Beach: Spend a beautiful evening with unforgettable night views, lively streets, staged performances, and multiple cafes. If you’re visiting during the day, try activities like paddleboarding, windsurfing, and more.
• Songjeong Beach: Surfers, paradise alert! This is your spot for the best surfing experience in Busan. After catching some waves, stroll along Jukdo Park and enjoy scenic sunset views from Songiljeong Pavilion.
• Haeundae Beach: One of the best places to visit in Busan, this spot attracts tourists year-round. Offering Haeundae Traditional Market, Bay 101 with exotic dining and bar services, and Dongbaekseom Island, it’s a deserved visit.

Water Sports

Is a tour to a seaside city even complete without water adventures? Here’s what Busan has in store:

• Nakdonggang River: Get ready for water slides including Peanut Boat, Pang Pang Boat, Big Mama Boat, Banana Boat, and more at Hwamyeong Water Leports Town. An Eco Tour Cruise is also a must-try.
• Dadaepo Marine Leisure Sports Centre: For some real water adventure, try Kiteboarding, SUP Paddle Board, Surfing, Wing Foil, and Wakeboarding.  

What are the K-Pop stars’ favorite places to visit in Busan?

Mandeok-dong

• The youngest member of BTS, Jungkook, hails from Mandeok-dong. This is where he spent his early childhood before he moved to Seoul. If you’re in Busan, why not take a walk through the alleys and schools where this star was raised? A Jungkook tour course includes the following spots:  

• Baekyang Elementary School: Where Jungkook attended school, developed his love for sports and dreamed of becoming a singer.
• Mandeok Lego Village: A photographer’s favorite, this area features symmetrically arranged alleys with colorful houses that resemble Lego blocks.
• Mandeok Duck Folk Village: Known for the delicious aromas of grilled marinated duck with fragrant chives, it’s a popular food alley in Busan. 
• Byeongpungam Seokbulsa Temple: Offering panoramic views of Mandeok-dong, the temple is the perfect escape from the city.

Geumjeong-gu-

• The BTS star, Jimin’s hometown is worth your attention! Often toured as a Jimin tour course, here’s what to cover in the area:  
• Hoedong Maru: Formerly known as Hoedong Elementary School, Jimin attended school there. In 2018, the school was transformed into a nutrition experience center and creative factory perfect for a kids’ getaway.   
• Dadaepo Beach: Known for its stunning sunset, Dadaepo Beach offers golden waves that meet the peaceful sea.    
• Sunset Fountain of Dreams: The heart of Dadaepo Beach, is an exceptional water show which is often accompanied by BTS’s music on special occasions, such as the group’s anniversaries. 

What are the Nearby Places to Visit in Busan?

• Gyeongju
• Often cited as “the museum without walls”, Gyeongju is a historical center with lots of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Distance from Busan: approximately 75 km 
• How to get there: Gyeongju can be easily reached from Busan via KTX (Korea Train Express) high-speed train, taxi, bus, or private cars.   

Places to Visit in Gyeongju:

• Bulguksa Temple  
• Seokguram Grotto  
• Yangdong Folk Village  
• Gyeongju Historic Areas

Yeongdo Island

• Popular for its scenic coastal walks, water adventures, and beautiful cafes, Yeongdo Island is one of the best nearby places to visit in Busan.   

Distance from Busan: Just 5 Km.  

How to get there: Private taxis and buses are easily available. 

Things to do in Yeongdo Island:

• Jodo Island
• Marine Adventure Park Yeongdo
• Taejongdae Jjamppong
• Taejongdae

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Conclusion

The list of best places to visit in Busan is truly endless! From the tranquility of its beaches, religious significance of Beomeosa Temple, to the vibrant energy of Gamcheon Cultural Village, and bustling markets and food alleys, Busan has something for every traveler. No matter where you visit for sightseeing in Busan, you’ll always find a reason to go back. So, hurry up and add Busan to your bucket list of 2025 adventures.

Best places to visit in busan FAQs

What is Busan famous for?

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is popular for its stunning coastlines, scenic beaches, fresh seafood, religious temples, K-drama hotspots, and laid-back vibes. 

What are the top 5 places to visit in Busan?

The best 5 places to go in Busan are:   
• Beomeosa Temple  
• Jagalchi Market   
• Beaches: Dadaepo, Songdo, Haeundae  
• SEALIFE Aquarium Busan   
• Arte Museum Busan   

What should one eat when in Busan?

Must-try foods in Busan are:  
• Jagalchi Seafood  
• Grilled marinated duck from   
• Hoe (raw fish)  
• Dwaeji Gukbap (pork soup)  
• Ssiat Hotteok (sweet pancake with seed)

How many days are enough for Busan?

Ideally, 3-4 days are sufficient for a tour of Busan. For those on a time crunch, the top attractions can be covered in 2 days.

What are the top things to do in Busan for a day?

To spend a day in Busan, one can:  
 
• Explore Gamcheon Culture Village.  
• Visit Beomeosa Temple.  
• Spend time at one of the beaches (preferably during sunset or late in the afternoon for water adventures).  
• Try seafood at authentic restaurants or Jagalchi Market.