The wind has no hands, and yet it shakes the trees.
Korean proverb
If you're planning to visit South Korea, don't forget to swing through the coastal city of Busan. It's an essential destination for any Korean traveller.
With its blend of modernity and tradition, this city offers a captivating experience for travellers from every corner. In this article, Superprof presents the Top Ten sights to see in Busan. From her beautiful beaches to iconic temples and winding through lively markets, we now lay bare Busan's best secrets. But first, a preview of our destination.
| Location | Admission |
| Gamcheon Village | Free, or $87-270 for a private tour. |
| Haeundae Beach | Free (paid amenities) |
| Temple Haedong Yonggungsa | Free |
| Temple Beomeosa | Free |
| Taejongdae Park | Free |
| Jagalchi Market | Free |
| BIFF Square | Free |
| Gwangalli Beach | Free |
| Gwangan Bridge | Free |
| United Nations Memorial Cemetery | Free |
Visit Busan: Gamcheon Village
Nicknamed "Busan's Machu Picchu", this high-altitude, colourful village offers a unique artistic experience. Narrow alleys, hemmed in by houses with painted façades, showcase open-air sculptures and other artworks. It's a riotous explosion of creativity and joy! Gamcheon, a former shantytown, has become an essential stop on every South Korean visitor's map!
How to Get to Gamcheon Village
You can ride public transportation to your feast of artistic delights. You can ride metro Line 1 to Toseongdong. And then, take exit #8 and find the S2 or the 2-2 bus. To make the most of your visit, be sure to stop by the Visitor Information Centre to pick up your map and learn about the latest installations.
Gamcheon Village Operating Hours
The village is open year-round; the shops typically remain open from 9 in the morning until 6 p.m.. Note that in the winter months, they may close one hour earlier.
How Much Does it Cost?
Access is free. However, if you'd like a private guided tour, you might spend between $87 to $270.
You can buy a village map to mark all the sites you visit. Or you can ask vendors to stamp your home-made 'passport' or list of places you compiled.
Busan: Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is one of the most popular seaside destinations in Busan. Located in the heart of the city, this strand attracts visitors on quests for relaxation and nautical adventures. You can enjoy a lazy day in the sun or discover the many restaurants and bars that front the beach. Stick around after sunset, though, because that's when artists set up to liven the beach up - much to beachgoers' delight!
Haeundae Beach is one of the most popular seaside destinations in Busan. Located in the heart of the city, this strand attracts visitors on quests for relaxation and nautical adventures. You can enjoy a lazy day in the sun or discover the many restaurants and bars that front the beach. Stick around after sunset, though, because that's when artists set up to liven the beach up - much to beachgoers' delight!
How to Get There
You have two ways to make this scene:
By metro: take line 2 and get off at the Haeundae station. Exit through portal 5 and walk for about 8 minutes.
By bus: buses 139, 307 et 1003 all go to the beach. Get off at the Haeundae Beach stop.
Operating Hours
Swimming is permitted from June to August, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m..
How Much Does it Cost?
Accessing the beach is free but you may consider a few amenities to make your beach day more memorable. You might rent a parasol for 10.000 won cash (about $11) or 8500 won if you pay by card. You might shower the sand and lotion off before you head to town for a mere 1000 won. You can store your valuables in a small locker for 1000 won; if you need more storage, consider a medium-sized (2000 won) or large (3000 won) cabinet.
The beach makes for ideal terrain for cultural events like the Busan International Film Festival or the Haeundae Lighting Festival during which the strand becomes a stage for light displays.
Busan: Stroll Through Taejongdae Park
Taejongdae Park is a real treat for nature lovers. Imposing cliffs, breathtaking panoramas and intertwining hiking trails make for the perfect outdoor escapade.
How to Get There
The best way to get there is to ride bus 88 or 101 from the Busan train station to the Taejongdae Cliff stop.
Operating Hours
The park is open from 4 a.m. (summer) or 5 a.m. (winter) until midnight.
How Much Does it Cost?
The park is free.
Temple Haedong Yonggungsa
This seaside Buddhist temple is famous for its spectacular views and serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore different halls and admire sculptures and ornaments all with the sea's soothing rhythm as a backdrop. Feast your eyes on golden and stone Buddhas and rock-carved zodiac symbols. Don't forget about the Daeungjeon Sanctuary!
How to Get There
You can reach the temple by public transportation. For instance, you may ride the metro line 2 to the Haeundae station or:
by taxi: ride in comfort to the temple
the bus: ride #181, getting off at the Yonggungsa Temple stop.
Operating Hours
The temple is open year-round, starting at 5 a.m. each day.
How Much Does it Cost?
The temple is free to enter; donations are appreciated.
A Busan Must-See: Beomeosa Temple
This historic temple offers a fascinating look into Korean Buddhist spirituality. Nestled in the mountains, the Beomeosa Temple is a peaceful sanctuary where you can imbue yourself with the religious atmosphere while taking in traditional architecture.
How to Get There
You can reach the temple riding public transportation. Ride metro line 1 to the Beomeosa Station. From there, signs will guide you to the temple.
Operating Hours
Beomeosa Temple is open year-round, from 8:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening.
How Much Does it Cost?
Beomeosa Temple does not charge an entry fee.
Visit Busan's Jagalchi Market
The Jagalchi market is South Korea's largest fish market. Explore stalls bursting with fish and other fresh treats from the sea. Discover the liveliness of the local fishmongers and catchers. Touring the Jagalchi fish market gives you the chance to sample from platters of the freshest seafood prepared according to traditional recipes. What a unique and delicious experience!
How to Get There
Here again, public transportation serves you well. Ride metro line 1 to the Jagalchi stop. Leave the station through exit 10 and join the crowds!
Operating Hours
The market is open from 5 in the morning until 10 at night. The earlier you get there, the fresher and more bountiful the catch. That goes without saying.
Don't forget to sample one of Busan's many specialities, sannakji. It consists of live octopus cut up into morsels.
How Much Does it Cost?
Access to the market is free.
BIFF Square
BIFF stands for Busan International Film Festival. The Square dedicated to it is an essential destination for all cinephiles, as well as those who love to shop. Boutiques, restaurants and theatres rim this iconic location to create an animated, entertaining atmosphere.
BIFF Square underwent renovations in 1996, ahead of hosting the first Busan International Film event. It received its new name after those upgrades.
How to Get There
You may ride metro line 1 and get off a Jagalchi station - as you would to get to the fish market. However, instead of exiting through passageway 10, find exit #7. BIFF Square is a three-minute walk from there.
Operating Hours
The square is open - no hours of operation, but the shops and restaurants keep varying hours. The Square is most lively at night.
How Much Does it Cost?
The Square costs nothing but how much you spend on food sampling and in shops depends on you.
Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli Beach, otherwise known as Gwangan Beach is another coastal gem to add to your list of places to visit in Busan. This picturesque strand is famous for its incomparable view of the Gwangan Bridge. This marvel of a structure is lit up at night, making the perfect backdrop for the restaurants and bars that line the seashore.
How to Get There
You can reach Gwangalli Beach via metro line 2, exiting at Gwangan station. From there, it's a short walk to the beach.
Operating Hours
The beach is always open!
How Much Does it Cost?
It costs nothing to enjoy the beach.
Besides strolling and other beach activities, every Saturday evening, you can join other spectators to watch the Gwangalli M Drone Show.
Gwangan Bridge
The Gwangan Bridge or Diamond Bridge, as it's also known, is much more than a part of Busan's transport infrastructure. It's a luminous work of art that adds a magic touch to the city's night scene. You mustn't miss this iconic site when you visit Busan!
How to Get There
You can get to Gwangan Bridge from anywhere in the city. You can get a splendid view of the bridge from Gwangalli Beach, as well as from several points along the coast. You can get there by riding metro line 2, exiting Gwangan station from portal 3 or 5.
Operating Hours
The bridge is accessible year-round. The Gwangan Bridge light show starts after sunset, sometime between 8-10 in the evening, depending on the season. The show lasts around five minutes.
How Much Does it Cost?
This bridge is yet another wonderful Busan site that's free to enjoy.
The United Nations Memorial Cemetery
Busan's United National Memorial Cemetery is shrouded in solemnity and respect. It pays homage to fallen combat soldiers around the world who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for peace. Nestled in quiet, this well-curated locale offers a space for reflection and commemoration.
How to Get There
Ride metro line 2 to Daeyeon station. You'll then have a nice 15-minute walk to reach the cemetery.
Operating Hours
Around 2000 soldiers from 16 countries rest in this cemetery, which covers 13 500 m².
The cemetery is open all year. From October to April, you may tour the ground between 9 in the morning and 5 in the evening. From May to September, the grounds stay open one hour longer.
How Much Does it Cost?
Touring the cemetery costs only an emotional investment.
Busan is replete with captivating places to explore. Each offers a different perspective on South Korea's singular beauty. Whether you're a beach lover or prefer tranquil nature scenes, Busan has something to offer you. Likewise if you're a history buff or prefer a cultural environment.
This dynamic city has an adventure for everyone. So plan your itinerary, pack your bags and launch yourself into an unforgettable experience in Busan!
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