Busan is one of those cities I keep coming back to — and it never disappoints. Whether it’s beachside fireworks, ocean temples, or grilled sea creatures you’d never expect to like (spoiler: hagfish), this city has something for every vibe. After multiple trips, here are what I truly think are the best things to do in Busan — from iconic must-visits to experiences that hit different after sunset.
🔗 Things to Do in Busan – Quick Jump Guide
Planning a trip to Korea’s coastal gem? These are the must-do experiences in Busan, based on my multiple visits:
🎆 Busan Fireworks Festival at Gwangalli Beach
🔥 Try Hagfish on Haeundae Market Street
🛕 Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
🎨 Explore Gamcheon Culture Village
🎆 Busan Fireworks Festival (November) – Gwangalli Beach (광안리 해수욕장)
If you’re anywhere in Korea in November, the Busan Fireworks Festival is absolutely unmissable. Held at Gwangalli Beach, this isn’t just fireworks — it’s next-level pyrotechnic art. Picture 80,000 fireworks synchronized with music, reflections lighting up the ocean, and the iconic Gwangan Bridge glowing in the background. It’s jaw-dropping in the best way.
✨ Even if you miss the festival, Gwangalli Beach is still worth visiting. It has a laid-back local feel, cozy cafes, night views of the bridge, and fewer crowds than Haeundae.
📍 Location: Gwangalli Beach, Suyeong-gu, Busan
📅 When to go: Fireworks festival in early November; otherwise, sunset and night views are perfect year-round
💸 Price: Free (except yacht or café views)
Planning more of Korea? Don’t miss my Suncheon travel guide for nature escapes.
🏖️ Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장)
Busan’s most famous beach — and for good reason. Whether you’re lounging in summer sun, walking the newly renovated boardwalk, or grabbing seafood from a market stall, Haeundae Beach is where Busan’s seaside charm really comes alive. It can get touristy, but the energy is unbeatable.
💡 Tip: Early morning or golden hour walks here are chef’s kiss — the light, the breeze, the space? All perfect.
📍 Location: Haeundae-gu, Busan
🚇 Subway: Haeundae Station (Line 2), Exit 5
💸 Price: Free
After dark, looking for where the party’s at in the capital? Check my full Seoul nightlife guide for bars, clubs, and hidden drinking spots.
⛵ Yacht Tour – Night Sailing in Busan
This one surprised me — a night yacht tour along the Busan coastline was way cooler than I expected. Picture cruising past skyscrapers, the Gwangan Bridge lit up, and city lights dancing on the waves. It felt cinematic, especially with chill music and a drink in hand.
⏱️ Tours last about an hour and run from both Haeundae and Gwangalli areas. You can choose sunset or full-on nighttime — I recommend after dark for that extra glow.
📍 Look for tours departing near the Suyeong Marina
💸 Price: Around ₩30,000–₩40,000 per person
🐍 Eating Grilled Hagfish in Haeundae Market Street (해운대 전통시장)
Yes, hagfish. I was skeptical too — but trust me, it’s delicious. Grilled over charcoal and seasoned perfectly, it’s tender, smoky, and super satisfying. You’ll find it in the Haeundae Market Street, just a short walk from the beach.
Even if you’re not feeling adventurous, this area is full of street food options: tteokbokki, hotteok, fresh sashimi, and more.
📍 Location: 22-1 Gunam-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
🚇 Subway: Haeundae Station (Line 2), Exit 3
💸 Price: Around ₩20,000–₩30,000 for a generous portion
🛕 Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동 용궁사)
This is one of Korea’s most unique temples — perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the East Sea. Unlike most temples hidden in mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa offers ocean views, crashing waves, and a serene coastal energy. Sunrise here? Unreal.
💡 Don’t miss the 108-step path and the golden Buddha statues scattered around the site.
📍 Location: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan
🚇 Subway: Take a taxi or bus from Jangsan Station (Line 2)
💸 Price: Free
🎨 Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을)
Busan’s hillside Gamcheon Culture Village is a colorful maze of murals, cafés, and photo ops. Originally a hillside community for refugees during the Korean War, it’s now transformed into a creative hub full of local art and history.
There’s a bit of uphill walking, but every turn is Insta-worthy — painted walls, tiny galleries, and rooftop views of the city and sea.
📍 Location: 203 Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
🚇 Subway: Toseong Station (Line 1), Exit 6 → Bus or taxi uphill
💸 Price: Free to enter
🚠 Songdo Cable Car – Sky Cruise With Coastal Views
One of the best ways to take in Busan’s natural beauty is from above — and the Songdo Marine Cable Car delivers. It stretches from Songdo Beach to Amnam Park, giving you sweeping views of cliffs, beaches, and city skylines. Some cabins even have transparent floors if you’re feeling brave.
🌅 Try to go at sunset for extra drama.w
📍 Location: 171 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan
🚇 Subway: Jagalchi Station (Line 1), then taxi or bus
💸 Price: ₩15,000–₩20,000 round trip
Final Thoughts
These are, in my opinion, the best things to do in Busan — curated over multiple trips and unforgettable memories. From temple cliffs to hagfish BBQ, yacht tours to fireworks that rival any NYE show, Busan delivers again and again.
Got a favorite Busan spot I missed? Drop a comment or DM me on Instagram — always down to explore something new.
