In the Southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, a bustling harbor city awaits you for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you are looking for a nice and quiet escape or want to explore the vibrant South Korean culture, Busan has it all covered! Blooming with towering high-rises that are home to three and a half million people, the “city of tomorrow” is a popular travel destination in the world.
A city that is known for its modern outlook, Busan is also home to sanctifying temples, serene beaches, and sprawling traditional markets that offer a joyful experience for visitors. There is more to love about the second-largest city in South Korea other than its exotic tourist attractions. With the brimming delicious restaurants that serve mouth-watering seafood along with the myriads of outdoor activities, Busan is the perfect holiday spot to enjoy a highly spirited vacation.
If you plan to travel to South Korea then Busan is one of the must-visit places for a joyful experience. Here are some best things to do in Busan.
Experience the Panoramic Night View of Busan
What may seem like a wall of faceless buildings during the daytime glimmers with illuminating lights when the curtains of the night come down. Surrounded by mountains, the city of Busan has several hiking trails such as the summit of the Jangsan that lead to a spectacular panoramic night view of the cityscape. The cold breeze that passes through during the hike sets the mood for a chilling night with your loved ones under the Busan city lights.
Visiting the majestic Busan tower is one of the best things to do in Busan to enjoy the incredible view from its observational deck. Don’t miss the chance to take a private night tour through the suburbs of Busan, the city transforms into an entirely different world during the nighttime with its stunning skylines.
Hop on a Sightseeing Cruise
Discover the beauty of iconic sights in Busan such as Gwangan bridge, Gwangalli, Haeundae, Igidae, etc from the ocean. Taking a tour on a sightseeing cruise ship from the Mipo or Haeundae ferry docks to sail past numerous coastal sights is one of the best things to do in Busan. Hop on a yacht to enjoy the seaside landscape by sailing through the cool ocean breeze in the vast horizons of the Busan coast.
Sailing through the Blue waters under the blue sky to witness the waves crash against the unique rock formations of the coast might have been the most exciting part of this tour if not for the enchanting night tour. The dazzling nightscape that casts upon the ocean landscape of Busan makes up a marvelous visual to enjoy a delightful night.
Enjoy a Joyful City Tour
Walk, ride, or sail! Taking a city tour to experience the city from up close is truly one of the best things to do in Busan. The second largest city in South Korea is a marvel of both man-made and natural wonders. Famed for its modern attractions, Busan is abundant with billion-dollar towers, sparking new hotels and spas. Along with the seamless infrastructure, the city is the perfect holiday destination for a joyful ride.
Nowhere else will you get the freedom and comfort to choose your own route, ride, and professional guide to stroll around the city. Blessed with a warm tropical climate the city is best suited for customized private city tours. Hit the road of this thriving urban landscape to explore its busy alleyways to experience a wholesome South Korean adventure.
Explore the Sanctifying Temples
Famed for its modern architecture and technological prowess, the bustling city of Busan is also home to the flourishing Buddhist heritage in South Korea. Haedong Yonggungsa Buddhist temple located along the rocky seashores of the Busan coast is one of the iconic religious monuments in the world. Indulge yourself in the spiritual ambiance of these ancient marvels that stand testament to the grandeur of Korean culture and craftsmanship.
Haeinsa temple one of three jewel temples in Korea and Beomeosa temple are some of the living monuments in Busan that hold a great history. Enjoy the timeless moments in these crumbling holy shrines where the seekers of enlightenment are welcomed with a purifying experience. Taking a spiritual tour along these divine shrines is one of the best things to do in Busan.
Walk through the Cultural Heritage of Busan
The blending of the contemporary world with the rich cultural heritage of the past in Busan is unparalleled anywhere else in South Korea. Every nook and corner of the city flaunts the high colors of its vibrant local culture. Being home to many international art events and film festivals, the city has some spectacular tourist hotspots to relish South Korean culture. The largest contemporary art space in the city and the modern movie district at BIFF square are some of the exotic places to visit in Busan.
But the grand attraction of the cultural face in Busan is the flamboyant Gamcheon culture village. Branded as the “Machu Picchu of Busan ” for its staircase-fashioned foothills, the village is charmingly decorated with murals and sculptures. Visiting this picturesque land of heaven is truly one of the best things to do in Busan.
Shopping at the Traditional Market
Whether it’s memorable souvenirs or mouth-watering local street foods, the traditional markets in Busan can fill your heart with joy. Some of the largest traditional markets in entire South Korea thrive in this very city. And at the heart of it is the Gukje and Jagalchi market where all spectrum of shopping is waiting to be explored. If you are in search of the best things to do in Busan then you might not wanna miss this great experience.
Jagalchi Market is Korea’s largest seafood market and each alleyway is crowded with stalls that serve authentic local dishes. Whereas on the other hand, the Gukje market sprawls across a large area connecting other small markets such as Kkangtong and Bupyeong. Take home a lifetime’s worth of memories from these lively traditional markets in Busan.
Take scenic walks on the beach
Busan, the dynamic harbor city is built right on the seafront. Making the fine sand beaches with mesmerizing views a quintessential part of the city’s character. Busan adorns with spectacular sunshine beaches in its treasure trove, such as the Haeundae beach, where bars and clubs line are decorated on either side of street arrays for the party fanatics. And for the calm and quiet ones, listening to the sound of waves whirling on the sublime Dadeopa beach might be one of the best things to do in Busan.
The tranquil beaches in Busan have a variety of water sports and activities to relish for the ones in high spirits looking for adventures. Stretching 365 meters long from the Songdo Beach area and overhanging on top of Turtle Island, Songdo Skywalk is one of the most popular destinations.
Enjoy Delicious Busan Food
Colors, culture, and cuisines– the popular eateries shimmering across the alleyways of Busan will appeal to everyone regardless of whichever part of the world they come from. Whether it’s the Busan special fish cakes or the sweet pancakes, roaming the streets of Busan is a delightful experience to enjoy the delicious Korean street food served with the love and warmth of its people.
Due to the booming seafood trade in the city, it is no wonder that Busan is home to some savoring seafood dishes. Haeundae market Nampodong street neighborhood and the BIFF square are among the most sought-after street food hotspot in the city. Treating oneself with a flavoring feast of Busan’s street food is surely one of the best things to do in Busan to wind up an awesome trip that will always cherish and warm your heart throughout the rest of your life.
