9 Must-Explore Sites in the Port City of Busan

Besides the lively and vibrant capital Seoul, Busan is also an ideal destination for those visiting South Korea.

As the largest port city in the ginseng country, Busan attracts tourists from all directions with its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and numerous tree-lined streets. Moreover, Busan is a cultural and artistic hub with annual music festivals and film festivals.

1. Beomeosa Temple

Situated on the slopes of Geumjeongsan Mountain, Beomeosa is an ancient temple with a history of nearly 1,300 years. The temple was constructed by the monk Ui Sang during the reign of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty (around 678). Beomeosa houses many valuable cultural assets and relics such as the Three-story Pagoda and the Grand Hall (Daeungjeon).

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, every day of the week

2. Gwangalli Beach

Gwangalli Beach stretches for 1.4km, with a width of 64m, and is renowned for its fine sandy shores. Along the coastline, there are numerous restaurants specializing in traditional seafood dishes.

Nearby stands the gigantic Gwangan Bridge, exclusively for vehicular traffic. The bridge attracts the attention of many tourists with its lighting system capable of producing over 100,000 different colors.

3. Jagalchi Fish Market

Jagalchi Fish Market is dubbed the largest and most famous fish market in South Korea. During the visit, tourists also have the opportunity to taste fresh live fish right at the market.

Opening Hours: Daily, from 5 AM to 9 PM

4. Taejongdae Resort

Taejongdae is a natural park in Busan, renowned for its majestic cliffs overlooking the southern coast of Yeongdo-gu Island.

The park is named after King Taejong Mu Yeol, the 29th monarch of the Silla Dynasty. According to legend, King Taejong visited many places, but this was the spot where he often chose to practice archery.

Ticket Price: Adults – 1,500 won; Students – 1,000 won; Children – 600 won.

Opening Hours: 4 AM to 10 PM, every day of the week

5. Haeundae Beach

Haeundae, one of the most famous beaches in South Korea, is an unmissable destination when visiting Busan. The beach stretches along with numerous restaurants and bars scattered throughout, ready to serve every need of tourists.

6. Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa is situated on the northeast coast of Busan. The temple was constructed during the Goryeo Dynasty, around 1376.

Opening Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM

7. Changseondong Meokja Golmok

This narrow alley is always bustling with street-side eateries. Here, tourists can enjoy a myriad of delicious dishes such as Chungmu kimbab (a type of seaweed-wrapped rice), bibimbab (rice mixed with chili, vegetables, and beef), pajeon (a type of Korean pancake)…

8. Busan Aquarium

Busan Aquarium is located right at the entrance to Haeundae Beach. It is a gigantic aquarium with nearly 35,000 creatures ranging from fish and seaweed to reptiles. Among them, the most notable are penguins and piranhas. Visiting Busan Aquarium, tourists feel like they are wandering into a vast and magical ocean.

Ticket Prices: Adults (19 years old and above) – 19,000 won; Teenagers (13 – 18 years old) – 17,000 won; Children (3 – 12 years old) – 15,000 won.

Opening Hours:

– Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

– Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

9. Hur Shim Chung Spa

Hur Shim Chung is one of the oldest spas in South Korea. The spa features hot spring pools containing magnesium with temperatures around 55°C. Additionally, there are services such as strawberry milk baths, steam rooms, and outdoor swimming pools available here.

On the 3rd floor of Hur Shim Chung Spa is a relaxation area with a restaurant, beauty center, oxygen room, and snow rooms with temperatures of 81°C, 51°C, and 0°C.

Ticket Prices:

– Weekdays: 8,000 won

– Sundays and holidays: 10,000 won

Opening hours: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM, every day of the week.

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Information source: Explore Guide by Mytour