Busan feels like a breath of salty ocean air — slower than Seoul, softer around the edges, and full of moments that invite you to wander without a plan. With dramatic coastal walks, colorful hillside villages, vibrant markets, and some of the most beautiful cafés in South Korea, it’s a city that balances energy and ease effortlessly.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Busan, where to stay, my favorite cafés, easy day trips, and how to get around — all based on how we experienced the city ourselves. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or using Busan as a coastal escape during a longer Korea trip, this post will help you plan with intention while leaving room for spontaneity.
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Where to Stay in Busan
Park Hyatt Busan
We stayed at the Park Hyatt Busan, and it was the perfect base for exploring the city while still feeling calm and elevated. Overlooking the marina and Gwangan Bridge, the views alone are worth it — especially at night when the city lights reflect on the water.
The rooms are spacious, minimalist, and flooded with natural light, making it an ideal choice if you appreciate thoughtful design and quiet luxury. Its location also makes it easy to access Haeundae, Gwangalli, and coastal walks.
✨ If you’re looking for a refined stay that still feels connected to the city’s rhythm, this is it. Book here now.
Best Things to Do in Busan
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
One of the most breathtaking temples in South Korea, Haedong Yonggungsa sits dramatically along the coast rather than tucked into the mountains. We loved arriving early in the morning when the light was soft and the crowds were thin.
- Opening hours: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🌿 Practical Tip: Sunrise visits feel especially peaceful here.
Ride the Sky Capsule at Haeundae Blueline Park
The Sky Capsule ride between Mipo and Cheongsapo offers stunning coastal views — and yes, it’s as photogenic as it looks.
🌸 Insider Tip: Book in advance. We missed out because it sold out quickly. You can easily reserve tickets on Klook here.
Haewol Observatory
A scenic viewpoint perfect for a short stop if you’re exploring the Haeundae coastline. It’s peaceful, open, and great for photos without the crowds.
Haeundae Traditional Market
A lively local market filled with street food, snacks, and everyday Busan life. Wander without a plan and try whatever smells good.
Jagalchi Market
South Korea’s largest seafood market and one of Busan’s most iconic spots. Even if you’re not planning to eat here, it’s worth visiting to experience the city’s deep connection to the sea.
Haeundae Beach
Relaxed and expansive, Haeundae Beach is ideal for a slow morning walk or golden-hour stroll.
Gwangalli Beach (Afternoon or Evening)
Come later in the day when the Gwangan Bridge lights up — the atmosphere here feels romantic, social, and alive.
Huinnyeoul Culture Village
A quieter, more understated alternative to Gamcheon, with narrow alleys, sea views, and charming cafés tucked along the cliffs.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Colorful houses, winding staircases, and playful street art make this one of Busan’s most photographed neighborhoods. Go early to enjoy it before tour groups arrive.
Somang Stair Monorail & Dakbatgol Mural Village
An underrated area with local charm, murals, and elevated views over the city.
Igidae Coastal Trail & Oryukdo Skywalk
If you love walking, this stretch of coastline is unmissable. The Igidae trail connects rugged cliffs with panoramic ocean views, ending near the glass-bottom Oryukdo Skywalk.
Hwangnyeongsan Mountain Observatory
One of the best sunset and night views in Busan — especially magical when the city lights begin to glow. We went for sunrise, but next time we would love to go for sunset!
Best Cafés in Busan
Busan’s café scene deserves its own itinerary. Many cafés are perched along the coast, offering uninterrupted sea views that make you want to linger longer.
Some favorites:
- Ocean Breeze Café – watch the Sky Capsules pass by from this cafe
- Gelatorani – adorable window-service gelato
- Blue House on the Stairs – don’t miss the signature Blue House smoothie
- Suwol Gyeonghwa – a cozy tea house with thoughtful desserts
- Thrill on the Mug – creative, edgy café vibes
- Blue House Busan – coffee served via hot air balloon
- Chaseonchaek – gorgeous views from this cafe over Gwangalli Beach
- Liberta Cheongsapo – great lattes and pastries
✨ Busan cafés feel less rushed — perfect for slow mornings or golden-hour pauses.
Tours & Experiences You Can Book
We used Klook for activities in Busan and found it incredibly easy.
Recommended Experiences:
Day Trip to Gyeongju
If you have even one extra day in Busan, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Gyeongju. We booked this experience through Klook, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable days of our entire South Korea trip.
What made this tour so special is how much you get to see in just one day — without feeling overwhelmed. Gyeongju is often called “the museum without walls,” and this tour truly brings that idea to life by connecting history, culture, and atmosphere in a really thoughtful way.
Throughout the day, we visited some of Gyeongju’s most important and beautiful landmarks, including Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by serene mountain scenery, and Yangdong Folk Village, where traditional hanok houses offer a glimpse into Korea’s past and everyday life centuries ago.
The tour also takes you through the heart of Gyeongju’s history at Daereungwon Tomb Complex, home to ancient royal burial mounds, including Cheonmachong (the Heavenly Horse Tomb). Walking through this area felt surreal — you’re literally surrounded by history, yet it still feels calm and open.
One of our favorite stops was Hwangnidan-gil, a charming street filled with cafés, small boutiques, and traditional-style buildings. It’s the perfect place to slow down, grab a coffee, and soak in the local vibe before continuing on.
Later in the day, we visited Woljeonggyo Bridge, a beautifully reconstructed wooden bridge that feels especially magical, followed by Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, where reflections of historic architecture shimmer across the water — an unforgettable way to end the day.
🌸 Why we loved this Gyeongju tour:
- You see many of Gyeongju’s top sights in one seamless day
- Comfortable transportation from Busan
- A well-paced itinerary that never felt rushed
- A perfect mix of temples, villages, history, and scenic beauty
If you’re staying in Busan and want to experience a completely different side of South Korea — one rooted deeply in history and tradition — this day trip is absolutely worth it.
👉 Book the Gyeongju day tour here.
Spa Land (Shinsegae)
Spa Land is a must if you want to unwind after days of walking — clean, calming, and beautifully designed. Book the spa here.
Getting Around Busan
Getting around Busan was simple and stress-free.
- We primarily used public transportation (subways + buses)
- Ubers worked perfectly when we wanted convenience
- And we walked a lot, especially in neighborhoods like Haeundae and coastal areas
🌿 Practical Tip: Busan is very walkable by neighborhood — plan your days by area rather than crossing the city repeatedly.
What I Wore in Busan 🤍
For this trip, all of my outfits were from cocopina.com — effortless, feminine pieces that felt comfortable for walking while still looking polished in photos. Perfect for café hopping, coastal walks, and city exploring.
Final Thoughts
Busan surprised me in the best way. It’s not just a beach city or a port town — it’s layered, creative, and quietly captivating. From temple views above the sea to long coastal walks and slow café mornings, Busan invites you to travel at a gentler pace.
If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, don’t rush through Busan — let it unfold. Here are some other blog post about South Korea that might interest you: Seoul Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors and Jeju Island for First Time Visitors: The Ultimate Travel Guide