Welcome to Busan, my friends.

Busan is the second largest city in South Korea, situated on the southeastern coast of the country.

It’s an incredible place with lots of diversity. You’ve got city, sea, mountains. Great things to do and to eat. What more could you want?

That seems like enough of an introduction. Let’s get to the good stuff.

Here are the top 8 things to do in Busan. In no particular order, although I’m pretty obvious about my favorites.

1- Gamcheon Culture Village

I was hesitant about this one at first- it’s listed as the number one attraction in Busan in many articles, which for me often signals “do not go to this place”.

From what I read, it seemed kitschy and kind of fake. 

But then I went there. And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.

While Gamcheon culture village is touristy, it is very tastefully done and quite charming.

It’s essentially an old impoverished Busan village on a hillside that was gentrified in an effort to make it a tourist attraction.

Nowadays, the structure of the village remains the same- narrow, steep staircases winding through small dwellings- but the village has been transformed by artists, with the buildings painted in bright colors and murals around every corner.

And while the main road by the entrance may be filled with tourists, wander down some staircases and it’ll be quite empty- you’ll be able to see the locals going about their daily lives.

I wonder if they’re happy or quietly fuming about the touristification of their village.

I’d assume the latter.

2- Haeundae Beach and Traditional Market

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae beach is likely the most popular beach in the entirety of Korea.

At least South Korea. Not sure about the North, although for some reason I can’t really picture the Northerners as a beach going society. I’m open to being corrected by some NK locals happening to read this.

Because obviously, any North Koreans who have finally managed to escape the internet firewall will head straight to The Bold Passport. 

The beach can get real crowded in the summer. It’s not entirely my scene, but it is a scene, and certainly worth checking out.

In the offseason it has a more relaxing vibe. You can also just stroll along the boardwalk, there’s usually something going on. When I was there, they were preparing for the annual Busan “sand festival” and carving insane works of art into massive piles of sand.

Haeundae Traditional Market

If you need a break from the beach, head a couple minutes inland to the Haeundae Market.

It’s one decently long and narrow road, offering a lot of traditional Korean street food.

There’s a lot, but one thing you have to try is a Hotteok from the place at corner at the east end of the market (the less busy side). It should be obvious- there’s generally a pretty long line.

Treat yourself to a nice Hotteok or two (or three, if you’re feeling scandalous).

Also, I think they’re closed on Mondays.

So don’t go on a Monday.

3- Igidae Coastal Walk

Igidae is located about halfway between central Busan and the Haeundae beach area.

The coastal walk goes around a large outlet into the sea, stretching for nearly five kilometers.

When you begin the walk, you’ll be in the thick of Busan- but a few minutes in, you’ve left the city behind and are surrounded by sea, rock, and greenery.

That’s what makes Busan so special for me- the city itself is great, but it’s places like Igidae that provide stunning nature in the middle of a bustling city that bring Busan to the next level. 

4- Central Busan (Markets!)

I spent my first couple of days in Busan near the Haeundae beach area. There was some fun stuff there, as we’ve discussed- but the center of the city is so much better.

This is the best place to base yourself while you’re in Busan. Centrally located, with plenty to do at your doorstep and easy access to the bus and subway to take you anywhere in the city. 

But that’s not the point of this article. What is there to do here, you ask? 

It’s mainly the markets.

Head to Bupyeong Kkangtong Market for local foods. Kimchis, Korean BBQ, sweets.

Then head across the road to Gukje Market, which instead specializes in fabrics, clothing and jewellery.

And though it’s technically not a “market”, Biff Square lights up at night with tons of street food stands.

Give them a visit!

5- Jagalchi Fish Market

So I’m a pretty big fan of fish.

In all respects. Observing them, for one, with their beautifully diverse colors, shapes and sizes.

I also enjoy cooking and eating them. 

Which I mention for the purpose of saying that I never feel much for the fish when I visit a market. I’m generally at ease with the reality of the food chain. 

But the amount of fish at Jagalchi market was downright astounding, and in my estimation so unnecessary.

The market is a massive seven story building that is nothing but fish. Stand after stand of fish and other sea creatures, many of whom that you’ve likely never seen before.

This continues on the outside as well.

While I have my questions as to the quantity of the fish present (what do they do with all the leftover?), I can’t deny that the experience is quite cool.

If you just want to observe, the first floor will do the trick. 

If you’d like to partake in the eating, head to the upper floors. You’ll never have fish more fresh.

But a fair warning that it is quite expensive. Better to go with a friend (or a few), as the portions are generally meant to be shared.

6- Head to Yeongdo Island- my favorite area in Busan!

Bongnaesan Mountain

Yeongdo island might be- all in all- my favorite area in Busan.

Bondaesan is a mountain in the middle of the island, and the top gives maybe the best view from any spot that I’ve seen in Busan.

The hike isn’t too bad. It shouldn’t take more than an hour, even at a slow pace. 

It’s also quite feasible to walk here from center city- in total it should take under 2 hours. 

You really get a sense of just how large and sprawling Busan is from the top of Bongnaesan.

Namhang Market

Namhang market, which is located near the base of Bongnaesan, is my favorite market in the city.

I didn’t find out about Namhang market online. I stumbled across it on my way back from Bongnaesan.

So why is it my favorite market in the city? A combination of a few factors.

First off, it just feels more authentic. You can tell it’s a local crowd. As I mentioned, you won’t see much about it online.

It’s also quite large and diverse in product. It offers pretty much everything the famous center city markets offer. 

All for a fraction of the price. Pretty much anything you can get in the touristy markets you can get at Namhang for half the price. 

It’s a beautiful thing.

7- Seunghaksan- great views of Busan

Seunghaksan is another of my favorite hikes, along with Bongnaesan. That being said, it’s quite different.

There’s no one specific “hike” here. It’s a massive area west of center city with an endless amount of trails and multiple peaks to get to.

But whichever way you go, it’s really wonderful.

If you start at the entrance near Dong-A University, it generally takes a little over an hour to reach one of the peaks- and the view is absolutely stunning. You’ll see what I mean in the photo below.

I’ll soon be writing a post detailing where exactly to hike at Seunghaksan. Until then, just download AllTrails and forge your own path!

8- Lotte Roof- beautiful for sunset

At golden hour, head up to the roof of the Lotte Department Store in the center of the city. 

Or maybe get there a little earlier if you want to check out the mall (they call it a department store- it’s a mall). It’s massive and there’s a lot going on.

The roof is completely free, huge, and has a panoramic view.

And the best part is, there’s basically no one there. At least when I’ve gone.

I’d go to the top and just stroll around the massive, empty roof with my headphones in watching the sky burst into color every which way over the city.

The vibes don’t get much better. 

Overrated activities in Busan

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a very popular attraction in Busan. You’ll read about it in most articles on the city.

It’s located right on the sea, adding to the appeal.

I’m not much of a temple person myself, but the idea of a temple built on the rocks right over the sea sounded pretty cool.

I was disappointed.

The temple itself is nice, I guess. But the absolute hordes of people there and touristy vibe just dragged down the whole experience. 

Hey, maybe you end up there on a quieter day than I did. But with the time it took to get to the temple, I really don’t know if it’s worth finding out.

Also, I must admit that the swastikas never cease to throw me off. And it doesn’t help much when it’s surrounded by Nazi Red. See below.

Really inconsiderate of the Nazis to steal the symbol from the Buddhists and proceed to utterly defile it. Couldn’t they have just picked a rhombus or something?

Oryukdo Skywalk

The Oryukdo Skywalk is located at the end (or beginning) of the Igidae Coastal Walk.

It’s a platform with a floor made of glass extending into the sea.

Which sounds cool in principle, but perhaps not in execution.

There’s a whole production, where they have you throw bags over your shoes so as not to disturb the glass.

Which you’d correctly then expect to have a sheen as clear as my bank account after this trip- but alas no, it does not. 

A couple tourists seemed to be enjoying themselves. I specifically recall one older lady who was grabbing tight to the railing and clutching her heart as though someone had tried to replace her bingo night with Zumba.

But for me- and, what seemed like the wide majority- the skywalk invoked about as much fear as a chihuahua in a princess dress. 

The views are impressive, but definitely underwhelming if you’ve just done the coastal walk. 

If you’re starting or ending the coastal walk, come check it out- it’s free- but don’t come just for it. 

Happy Busan-ing!