Busan is one of those places that surprised us.
While Seoul has the energy of a massive capital city, Busan felt different. It has beaches, mountains, traditional markets, colorful villages, temples, cafés, and a slower coastal atmosphere that makes it easy to enjoy the city at your own pace.
During our trip to South Korea, we explored different parts of Busan and discovered that you don’t always need to spend a lot of money to enjoy the city.
From walking along the beach and exploring traditional markets to watching the sunset from the mountains, here are 20 things you can do in Busan, South Korea.
For this trip we stayed in Nampo Area. Our hotel was K-Guesthouse Premium.
1. Walk Along Songdo Beach
Songdo Beach is one of the tourist attractions in Busan, especially among locals. Since the early 1900s, people have been flocking here from different parts of South Korea. In fact, Songdo is known as Korea’s first public beach, having opened in July 1913.
We arrived at Songdo Beach at night after visiting another attraction, but that didn't stop me from being amazed at how developed and clean the place was.
At first, I was surprised by how fine the sand was. I actually wondered if the beach was man-made rather than natural. To answer that question, it's both a yes and a no. Songdo is a natural coastline, but the beach has been developed, restored, and enhanced over the years to create a better beach experience for visitors.
There is also an interesting set of statues near the end of Songdo Beach, close to the cable car station. You'll find a turtle and a half-woman, half-dragon figure representing a local legend.
The story tells of a man who rescued the daughter of a Sea King while she was fighting a sea monster. The two eventually fell in love, but unfortunately, fate had other plans for them. I won't tell you the whole story here so you can discover it yourself when you visit Busan.
I'll just say that there is a local belief that couples who visit the place will have lasting love.
If you have more time in Busan, I recommend staying here for a couple of hours to relax and just breathe.
This was one of the first attractions we visited in Busan. While walking along the Cloud Trail, I told my wife that I actually envied the people who live there. Imagine having access to a beautiful beach, the sea, mountains, walking paths, and well-developed public spaces right in your own city.
I think having this kind of open space, combined with good infrastructure, can make a real difference in people's quality of life. Sometimes, you don't need anything complicated—a place where you can walk, breathe fresh air, watch the sea, and simply slow down can already mean a lot.
And perhaps that's what I liked most about Songdo Beach. It wasn't just another tourist attraction for us. For a moment, it made me imagine what it would be like to actually live in Busan.
📍 Location: Songdo Beach, Busan
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
⏱️ Recommended Time: 60–120 minutes
🚇 How to Get There: From Busan Station, take Metro Line 1 to Jagalchi Station. From Exit 2, walk to the Chungmu-dong Junction bus stop and take Bus 26, 30, 71, or 96. Get off at Songdo Beach, which is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop.
2. Ride the Songdo Cable Car Across the Bay
The Songdo Cable Car was one of the reasons we became interested in visiting Busan. Imagine riding a cable car but instead of mountains and rice fields, below you is the sea! Isn't that amazing? It was our first time experiencing a cable car ride over the sea, so the Songdo Cable Car was a must-do for us in Busan.
The Songdo Cable Car was one of the experiences we decided to spend money on. In fact, it was one of the few attractions we paid for, and the cost per person was equivalent to the price of two meals. Lol! We decided to splurge on this experience by choosing the cable car with a glass floor, so we could fully appreciate the view. The view was more 360 degrees! Through the windows, we could see the mountains, the beach, and the city, while the glass floor gave us a view of the sea below.
Looking down at the water while the cable car crossed the bay was just surreal! We thought at first, it will scare us because of the heights. But no! It was actually an amazing experience.
One thing that made it special was the timing. We never thought we’d make it in time for sunset, but after running all the way to the station to get our tickets, we did. Luckily, we arrived just in time.
I forgot to take more photos because I was completely immersed in the moment. Sometimes, the best memories aren’t the ones you record—they’re the ones you truly experience.
Sunsets really do hit differently. This was one of those rare moments that reminded me the journey can be even more beautiful than the destination.
On the other side is Songdo Skypark. At the time of our visit, the theme of the exhibition was the Little Prince. I am not sure if these were permanent or temporary but no matter what, my wife loved it!
📍 Location: Songdo, Busan
💰 Cost: ₩24,000 per adult (round trip)
⏱️ Duration: 8–10 minutes
🎟️ Ticket: Songdo Bay Station
3. Collect Stamps at Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village is probably one of the most visited attractions in Busan.
From Nampo, we simply took a bus to get to Gamcheon Culture Village. The village is built on the hills, and you'll notice that the roads become steeper and narrower as you get closer to your destination. Then you'll know you're there when you start seeing cafés and tourists gathering around the corners, each looking for their own unique photo.
As for us, we wanted to find out what we could actually see and experience aside, of course, from the usual colorful houses and the famous Little Prince statue overlooking the community.
We visited the tourism office and asked what we could do around the village. They sell a map of the community that can serve as your guide as you stroll through its streets and alleys.
What made us buy the map was the opportunity to visit the important spots around Gamcheon and collect stamps along the way.
Lana loves collecting stamps. In Japan, she even had a notebook dedicated to collecting Eki Stamps from train stations. So when we found out that Gamcheon had its own stamp-collecting activity, we immediately knew we had to try it.
It turned out to be a really good activity to do in Gamcheon Culture Village because you won't be limited to the usual tourist activities like taking pictures and café hopping. Of course, we did all of those things too, but having the map as our guide encouraged us to explore more of the community.
It also gave us a chance to discover hidden alleys and attractions that we probably would have missed if we simply followed the main tourist path.
We ended up completing all 12 stamps, and we were so glad we did the activity because it gave us a reason to explore almost the entire village.
As we went from one stamp location to another, we also learned more about Gamcheon's history.
Gamcheon was originally a hillside settlement that became home to many refugees during and after the Korean War. Busan became an important refuge during the war, and people from different parts of the Korean Peninsula came to the city to escape the conflict and look for safety and opportunities.
Life in Gamcheon was not easy. The community was built along steep hillsides, with narrow alleys and tightly packed houses. As South Korea's economy developed and living conditions improved elsewhere, the population of the village gradually declined.
Gamcheon eventually faced the possibility of becoming a declining neighborhood.
Then came its transformation.
In the early 2000s, a community revitalization project brought artists, residents, and the local government together to breathe new life into the neighborhood. Houses were painted in bright colors, murals and artworks were added, and previously overlooked spaces were transformed.
It worked.
Today, people no longer come to Gamcheon because they are looking for refuge or work. They come to appreciate the colorful houses, art, narrow alleys, cafés, viewpoints, and the history of the community.
And for us, collecting those 12 stamps was a fun way to discover all of it.
📍 Location: Gamcheon Culture Village
💰 Entrance Fee: Free and ₩2,000 if you will avail the map with stamp collection
⏱️ Recommended Time: [2–3 hours]
📸 Don’t Miss: Haneul Maru Observatory, they will give you a free postcards
4. Explore Jagalchi Market and Check Out the Seafood
Jagalchi Market is just right in front of our hotel in Busan. It’s a massive complex with hundreds of vendors selling different kinds of seafood. This isn’t surprising, considering Busan’s location along the Korea Strait, the body of water that separates South Korea and Japan. With Busan’s long history as a major port and fishing city, seafood is definitely a big part of the local culture.
If you’re someone who loves seafood, Jagalchi Market is one place you shouldn’t miss in Busan.
While the place has a strong seafood smell, the market itself is surprisingly spotless and well-organized. As soon as you enter, the vendors greet you with a smile and hand you something like a menu, showing the different seafood options available.
They have a system where you choose and buy your seafood from the vendors, pay an additional cooking fee, and then have it prepared for you right inside the market. It’s a great way to experience some of Busan’s freshest seafood while getting a feel for the lively atmosphere of Jagalchi Market.
We did not try the seafood during our visit because our agenda was simply to check out the market and explore the portside area of Busan. Seafood is also a big part of our culture here in the Philippines, so we weren’t really that keen on trying it during this trip.
We’ll definitely consider trying it when we visit Busan again, especially since Jagalchi Market is known for its fresh seafood and unique market experience.
📍 Location: Jagalchi Market
💰 Cost: Free to explore; food is extra
⏱️ Recommended Time: 30 Minutes if you will not eat there
5. Take a Quick Hike Around Yongdusan Park
There is a park in Busan where you can actually take an escalator to get there—and yes, that is pretty cool! Yongdusan Park is located in the heart of Nampo and is an easy stop after exploring nearby markets and shopping streets.
For me, Yongdusan Park is a nice reminder that sometimes, a little escape from the city’s hustle is just a short walk away.
📍 Location: Yongdusan Park, Nampo Area
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
⏱️ Recommended Time: 30–60 minutes
6. Learn Busan’s History at the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum
The Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum has two buildings that visitors can explore. One serves as a library and study area for locals and visitors, while the larger building is dedicated to telling the story of Busan and how the city played an important role in South Korea’s industrialization.
The museum is filled with exhibits that tell not only the story of Busan but also reflect the struggles, changes, and development of South Korea as a whole.
What impacted me the most was learning about Busan’s role during the Korean War. As one of the few areas in South Korea that remained under the control of the South Korean government and its allies during much of the war, Busan became a refuge for people fleeing the conflict. Thousands of refugees arrived in the city, creating communities that would become part of Busan’s history.
Busan’s location and its important port also played a major role in the city’s development. Its connection to international trade helped make it an important economic center, both during and after the war.
If you want to understand the struggles, resilience, and transformation of Busan and South Korea, I highly recommend spending some time in this museum. It gives you a much deeper appreciation of the city beyond its beaches, markets, and modern attractions.
📍 Location: Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
⏱️ Recommended Time: 1–2 hours
7. Browse Books at Bosu Book Street
Vintage books, magazines, children's books, manga, and many more—you can find all kinds of reading materials along Bosu Book Street. Most of the books are pre-loved, but for a bookworm, I guess that won't be a problem!
Walking through Bosu Book Street felt like discovering a different side of Busan. Unlike the busy shopping areas and tourist attractions around Nampo, this little street has a quieter and more nostalgic atmosphere. Bookstores line both sides of the narrow alley, with shelves and stacks of books spilling out into the street.
It is located near Gukje Market and the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum, making it easy to include in your itinerary when exploring the area.
Bosu-dong also has an interesting connection to Busan's history. During the Korean War in the 1950s, Busan became a major refuge for people fleeing the conflict. Many refugees settled in different parts of the city, including the Bosu-dong area.
The book street itself grew from this period. Books that were left behind, brought by refugees, or traded among the community eventually became part of the secondhand book market that developed here.
Today, Bosu Book Street is more than just a place to browse old books. It is a small reminder of how ordinary places in Busan can carry stories from the city's past.
For us, it was a nice little stop while exploring the area around Gukje Market—a place where you can slow down, browse through old books, and see a quieter side of Busan.
📍 Location: Bosu Book Street
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
📚 Must Try: Browse the secondhand bookstores and look for interesting vintage books, magazines, and manga.
8. Eat Korean Street Food at Gukje Market
South Korea is known for its street food, so no trip would be complete without visiting a local market. Night markets are good too, but these usually cater more to tourists and may charge higher prices. A local market, on the other hand, gives you both the local vibe and culture, as well as the authentic taste and price of the food and goods.
Gukje Market gave us plenty of options. It is basically a local market with wet and dry goods, traditional South Korean eateries, and stalls selling clothes and other items. There are also a lot of restaurants around the market offering seafood and Korean barbecue. The market is conveniently located next to the Nampo area, where hotels, public transportation, and BIFF Square are all within easy reach.
During one of our night walks around Nampo, we decided to simply go where our feet would lead us and where our eyes would entice us. We saw an alley filled with food stalls under a high-ceilinged roof, similar to the local markets we had seen in Seoul.
We were amazed by the discovery. It wasn't part of our itinerary at all, but unfortunately, we were already too full to eat. There were also quite a lot of people that night, so we decided to skip it and come back before leaving Busan.
And we did.
On our next visits—yes, visits, because it was just a 10-minute walk from our hotel—we finally tried one of the traditional Korean eateries. They offered scallion pancakes, tteokbokki, fish cakes, and a lot more. Each order cost around ₩5,000, which felt like a reasonable market price.
They also served free soup made from the fish cake broth, which would be perfect if you're visiting during winter or the colder months. The ajummas were all so nice to us, excitedly waving at our camera and greeting us with genuine smiles.
On our last night in Busan, we decided to have Korean barbecue at one of the restaurants around Gukje Market.
It wasn't the unlimited pork barbecue we had in Seoul, but the serving was already more than enough for the two of us. The set we ordered cost ₩32,000 and came with unlimited side dishes, including their really good kimchi.
The pork was superb, but what I liked the most was the service.
The restaurant was being run by a family, and they were all incredibly nice to us. They kept checking on us to see if we needed a refill or had questions about how to eat a particular side dish. The mother even taught us how to properly eat Korean barbecue.
It was such a simple experience, but it became one of those moments from our Busan trip that I know I will always remember.
📍 Location: Gukje Market
💰 Cost: Around ₩5,000 for market snacks and ₩32,000 for the Korean barbecue set.
⏱️ Recommended Time: 60–120 minutes
9. Chill, Eat and Shop Around BIFF Square
Our hotel in Busan was located in the Nampo area, just a short walk from BIFF Square, so we found ourselves exploring this area almost every day.
BIFF Square is an open-air shopping and entertainment area and one of the liveliest places to explore around Nampo. BIFF stands for Busan International Film Festival, and around the area, you'll find markers and handprints of actors, directors, and other film personalities who have participated in the festival.
But even outside the festival season, BIFF Square still draws plenty of people who simply want to chill, eat, shop, and explore the area. There are boutique stores, street food stalls, restaurants, coffee shops, cosmetics stores, and plenty of places to stop and people-watch.
And people-watching was actually one of the things we enjoyed the most.
Well, that and our nightly visits to Daiso! LOL.
Daiso is a multi-story store where you can find almost everything you can think of—from household items and travel essentials to cute little things that make great souvenirs. We were able to buy presents to bring back home as well as a few things that we needed for our own home. It eventually became part of our nightly routine whenever we were around Nampo.
We also tried one of the tent restaurants or street-side eateries in the area. I'm not actually sure if it was still officially part of BIFF Square, but it was just around the same area. When we saw it, we knew right away that we had to try it.
We ordered tteokbokki with fish cakes covered in a thick, red sauce and two glasses of super-cold beer. It was simple, but that's exactly what made the experience memorable. Sitting in a tent eatery, enjoying hot and spicy Korean street food with an ice-cold beer, felt like such a local experience.
For us, this is something you shouldn't miss—not just in Busan, but in South Korea in general.
The best travel experiences aren't the ones you carefully plan. They're the ones you discover while simply walking around with nowhere else to be.
📍 Location: BIFF Square
💰 Estimated Spending: ₩5,000 to ₩10,000 depending on what you will eat and buy
🍴 Must Try: Tteokbokki, fish cakes, and a cold beer at a tent eatery. Daiso shopping.
10. Watch the Sunset at Hwangnyeongsan Beacon
Hwangnyeongsan Beacon is accessible, but you need a bit of stamina to reach the top and enjoy the view of Busan. If you want to avoid a long hike, take the subway to Geumnyeonsan or City Hall Station. From the station, you can take a taxi to Hwangnyeongsan Beacon, which is around a 10–15-minute ride.
The taxi will drop you off at the parking lot, but you will still need to hike up from there. This is probably the nearest point an Uber can take you.
There is a cheaper option, though. Naver Maps will show you a bus route from City Hall, but that route will add considerably more hiking time. So, unless you're in the mood for some physical activity, I'd recommend taking a taxi.
Whatever mode of transportation you choose, I would say that going up to Hwangnyeongsan Beacon is worth the time and energy. It’s probably one of the best places to watch the sunset in Busan, with a view of so many things from above—the mountains, the sea, the cityscape, the bridge, and the sky slowly painted orange by the setting sun.
When we arrived at Hwangnyeongsan Beacon, there were already a few Gen Zs taking pictures. We were lucky enough to grab a spot that was perfect for watching the sunset. We sat on one of the benches, feeling the cold wind as the sun prepared to end the day.
More people started coming as the sunset approached, but there was still enough space for everyone to enjoy the place and the view. Thank God we visited on a weekday.
As the sun sets, it feels like the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and be grateful that we were still able to travel, explore, and experience places like this.
📍 Location: Hwangnyeongsan
💰 Cost: Free / transportation cost ₩5,000–₩6,000 one way
🌅 Best Time: Sunset to Night Time
11. Watch the Waves at Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is probably the beach most people associate with Busan, and seeing it in person was an awesome experience.
The 1.5-kilometer stretch of white sand is already an attraction in itself. The sand is so fine that walking barefoot along the shore feels therapeutic and relaxing.
Haeundae is especially popular during summer when people come to enjoy the beach and swim. But even during the colder months, people still flock to the area. During our visit in winter, there were still plenty of people, especially in the afternoon when visitors started gathering to watch the sunset.
There are benches under the trees where you can simply sit and watch the people, the sunset, and the waves. For us, it was a time to rest and just savor the moment. The sound of the waves, together with the laughter of kids playing near the shore, made the whole experience even more relaxing.
Before sunset, you can also see buskers preparing along the beach, adding a little more life to the already lively atmosphere.
Haeundae Beach is one of those spots in Busan that you should never miss when visiting this coastal city. You don't need to do anything special—just sit down, watch the waves, and enjoy the moment.
📍 Location: Haeundae Beach
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
⏱️ Recommended Time: 1–2 hours
12. Eat Street Food in Haeundae Traditional Market
Just a short walk from Haeundae Beach is the Haeundae Traditional Market, where you can taste various Korean street foods and browse local goods. The market is just a short stretch of stalls and restaurants, but there are plenty to see—and, of course, plenty to eat!
One thing we noticed during our trip was that street food in Busan felt more affordable than in Seoul, especially when we wanted to try several different snacks without spending too much.
🍴 What We Tried:
Hotteok - ₩5,000
Grilled Squid - ₩15,000–₩20,000
Grilled/Roasted Marshmallow - ₩12,000
We walked the entire stretch of the market first before deciding what to eat. At the end of the street, we found a Hotteok stall where the staff were constantly making fresh batches. I don't know the name of the store because the signage was in Korean, but from what we could see, it had been featured on local TV networks. Maybe that was one of the reasons for the long queue—or maybe it was simply because the hotteok was really good!
The hotteok was steaming hot, not too sweet, and packed with flavor. Waiting in line in 1°C weather was definitely worth it.
Along the stretch of stalls selling different Korean foods, almost half seemed to be selling grilled squid. The smell was so inviting that we couldn't resist getting a portion. There were plenty to choose from, with different sizes, prices, dips, and flavors.
It was surprisingly good—much better than I expected! But one serving was already enough for two people, especially if you're planning to try other food in the market.
Lastly, we couldn't resist the grilled marshmallow, which we had seen all over social media. The marshmallow is grilled right in front of you, sometimes with an almost Iron Man-like hand holding the torch or skewer. And who wouldn't love s'mores with ice cream inside? Haha!
It felt like a childhood treat, but this time, we were enjoying it as adults who were still a little childlike at heart.
💰 Average Budget: ₩15,000-₩30,000
13. Walk the Blueline Coast from Mipo to Cheongsapo
We wanted to try the iconic Sky Capsule in Busan. Colorful capsules gliding beside the mountain while overlooking the sea, with the entire sky painted by the sunset—who wouldn't want that experience?
Because of its popularity, amplified by social media, getting a ticket as a walk-in can be difficult.
The usual thing to do when you secure a ticket is to take the Sky Capsule from Mipo Station (Near Haeundae Beach) to Cheongsapo Station. The from Cheongsapo, you can either take the Beach Train back to Mipo Station or continue exploring the area.
For us, neither the capsule nor the train was available! LOL.
But here's Plan B!
You don't necessarily have to ride the Sky Capsule or the Beach Train to enjoy this beautiful stretch of Busan's coastline. You can simply walk from Mipo to Cheongsapo.
Walking allows you to enjoy the sea breeze, take photos as the train and colorful capsules pass by, and stop at some of the observatories along the way. Yes, the walking trail runs right beside the railway and below the sky capsule, so you get to see the capsules and train up close. You can also take a short detour down to some pebble beaches and explore parts of the coast that you might otherwise miss when you're riding.
For us, the walk became more than just a backup plan. It allowed us to discover little places along the way, sit and enjoy the view, take pictures, explore the beach, and simply enjoy each other's company.
Our entire walk took around one hour because we stopped several times to sit, take pictures, explore, and check out the observatories. If you walk continuously without stopping, you can finish the stretch much faster.
Not doing the usual tourist route because you did not get a ticket can lead you to an even better experience!
📍 Route: Mipo → Cheongsapo
💰 Walking Cost: Free
⏱️ Walking Time: 1–2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop
🚶 Difficulty: Easy; mostly flat walking trail
14. Check Out the Cheongsapo Twin Lighthouses
I had never seen two lighthouses in one place before. When I saw the Cheongsapo Twin Lighthouses on social media and read more about them, I knew we had to check them out and explore the area.
You can visit the Cheongsapo Twin Lighthouses after walking along the coast from Mipo or after taking the Sky Capsule to Cheongsapo.
Before heading to the lighthouses, you might want to make a quick stop at the railway crossing facing the sea, just outside Cheongsapo Station. Wait for the train to pass and you'll get a beautiful shot of the train crossing the road with the sea in the background.
There was nothing particularly spectacular about the train crossing itself, but seeing the train pass by with the ocean and sunset in the background was such a nice moment. It reminded me of the famous Slam Dunk scene in Kamakura, Japan.
Once you've got your photo or video of the passing train, you can continue toward the twin lighthouses. The walk takes only around 3–5 minutes, and you won't have a hard time finding them because the red and white lighthouses are already visible from the crossing.
I highly recommend exploring this area around sunset, for obvious reasons. The surroundings become incredibly picturesque as the sun goes down, and the cooler afternoon weather also makes walking around much more comfortable.
The twin lighthouses stand at the ends of two man-made breakwaters, with the red lighthouse being the more accessible and commonly visited one. From the red lighthouse, you can also see the white lighthouse across the water.
They're functional lighthouses that help guide vessels and local fishing boats, but their contrasting red and white colors, along with their unique twin-lighthouse setting, make them a distinctive landmark in Cheongsapo.
And while standing there, you can't help but admire the topography of Busan. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, and as the sun sets, the buildings on the hills become silhouettes against the evening sky.
From the lighthouse, you can also see the coastal observatory stretching from the hillside toward the sea.
But one of my favorite views during our visit wasn't even the lighthouse itself. I loved seeing the blue boats docked along the water, with Cheongsapo Station and the mountains covered with buildings in the background. With the afternoon light hitting everything just right, the whole scene looked like a painting.
It's the simple views like this that stay with you long after the trip.
📍 Location: Cheongsapo
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
⏱️ Recommended Time: 30 minutes
15. Watch the Waves Crash at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
“The most beautiful temple.”
This is how Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is often described, and after visiting it, I could understand why.
This temple is unlike many of the temples we’ve visited because of its beautiful location beside the sea. Instead of being surrounded by mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa sits dramatically along the coastline, overlooking the rocky shores. I think this is what makes it so unique.
While praying or strolling around the temple grounds, you can hear the waves crashing against the rocks below. It feels like continuous music playing in the background while people pray and explore the temple.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is located in the far northeastern part of Busan, so getting there can take some time, especially if your accommodation is in the Nampo area.
We took the bus from Nampo to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and it took us around an hour to get there, without any major traffic jams. Along the way, we got to see a different side of Busan—from modern skyscrapers to rows of identical apartment buildings.
When we arrived at the bus stop, we still had to walk for around 15 minutes, including an uphill section, before reaching the temple.
But once we finally saw the temple and the coastline, the long journey felt worth it.
📍 Location: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
⏱️ Recommended Time: 1–2 hours
16. Drink Coffee at Huinnyeoul Culture Village
One of the many places in Busan where Korean War refugees settled in the 1950s is Huinnyeoul, located southwest of Nampo. Like other refugee settlements, the community is built along the steep hills of Busan, with narrow alleys winding between the houses.
Like Gamcheon, the residents and civil society worked together to transform the community into a destination not just for foreign tourists, but also for Koreans. Today, it is known as Huinnyeoul Culture Village, where visitors can explore the community while getting a glimpse of how people lived and thrived through the years.
The village is now dotted with cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, and even boutique stores selling clothes.
From Nampo, we took just one bus to Huinnyeoul Culture Village. When we got off the bus, we had no idea that something amazing was waiting just behind the establishments lining the street.
We went down the stairs and were welcomed by a beautiful view of the sea, with a bridge connecting the Huinnyeoul area to Songdo in the distance. In front of us was a mix of nature and the modern structures of Busan.
We walked through the narrow alleys and passed by local houses, making sure to explore the area respectfully since this is still a residential community. Many of the houses facing the sea have been converted into cafés, taking full advantage of their million-dollar views.
There are also several spots where you can simply sit, stare at the sea, and take in the contrast between the blue waters and the towering structures of Busan.
Along the way, we found graffiti, murals, and several photo spots that added more character to the village. Toward the end of the walk, we came across a tunnel that appeared to be for pedestrians, although it was closed when we visited. I couldn't confirm where it led, so check locally if you plan to explore that route.
After all that walking, we found the perfect excuse to slow down: coffee.
We chose Yeoul Book and Coffee, a cozy café overlooking the sea. Sitting there with a cup of coffee while looking out at the coastline was probably one of the best ways to end our walk around Huinnyeoul.
☕ Café: Yeoul Book and Coffee
💰 Coffee: ₩4,000–₩6,500
📍 Location: Huinnyeoul Culture Village
17. Watch Yeongdo Bridge Open from Yurari Square
One of the landmarks we came across while exploring the area around Jagalchi Market was Yeongdo Bridge. We visited at night, so we didn't get to see the bridge rise, but seeing it illuminated against the night sky was still a memorable experience.
Yeongdo Bridge, also known as Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, connects Yeongdo Island to the central Busan in the mainland. It is more than just a bridge connecting two parts of the city. It has played an important role in Busan's history, particularly during the Korean War when Busan became a refuge for thousands of displaced people.
Beside the bridge is Yurari Square, a small waterfront space where we stopped to explore and take in the surroundings. The square also has sculptures and displays that tell stories connected to the refugees who came to Busan during the war.
As we walked around the area, we could also see the spot where the bridge connects the mainland to Yeongdo. It was interesting to stand there and imagine how different this place must have looked decades ago, when people came here hoping to find family members they had been separated from.
What makes Yeongdo Bridge even more interesting is that it is a drawbridge. The bridge was originally opened in 1934 and became Korea's first bascule bridge. After its lifting mechanism stopped operating for decades, the bridge was restored and the lifting tradition resumed in 2013.
The bridge is generally raised on Saturdays at 2:00 PM, allowing visitors to watch this piece of Busan's history in action. Schedules can change for special events or due to weather, so check the latest local notice before visiting.
We didn't get to experience the bridge opening ourselves, but walking around Yurari Square at night and seeing Yeongdo Bridge lit up gave us a different perspective of this historic part of Busan.
You don't need to see a landmark in action to appreciate it. Knowing the stories that happened around it makes the place much more meaningful.
📍 Location: Yurari Square / Yeongdo Bridge
💰 Cost: Free
⏰ Best Time: Evening for the illuminated bridge; Saturday at 2:00 PM if you want to see the bridge open
18. Shop for Local Goods at Lotte Mart
Exploring markets and supermarkets is a form of cultural immersion. Although globalization has made many products available in different parts of the world, you can still find local goods and food items that tell you something about the culture of a city or country.
This is one of the reasons why we always make time for a grocery visit whenever we travel, and Busan was no exception!
While exploring the Nampo area, we spotted a big Lotte Mart calling out to us! Haha! We decided to dedicate one afternoon to exploring the supermarket and buying local goods and produce.
In all honesty, some of the grocery items were already familiar to us, thanks to the popularity of Korean products in other countries. We still picked up a few goodies to bring home, but we also focused on local produce, such as big, juicy strawberries, and ready-to-eat food like kimchi and fried chicken.
One thing we love about visiting supermarkets abroad is that they are not just places to shop for souvenirs. They are also great spots to discover local food and find affordable ready-to-eat meals. If you're lucky, you might even score discounted items near closing time, as some supermarkets mark down selected products to sell them before the day ends.
So, if you're visiting Busan, consider adding a supermarket stop to your itinerary. You might be surprised by what you discover!
📍 Location: Lotte Mart branch Gwangbok
🛍️ What We Bought: Gifts, local produce, and ready-to-eat food
19. Try Different Korean Coffee Chains
Koreans really love their coffee. Cafés seem to be everywhere. There is almost always a place where you can stop for a quick cup of coffee.
Since I am a coffee drinker and my wife loves hanging out in cafés, we decided to make our own little challenge during our trip: try different Korean coffee chains and see which one we liked best.
We ended up trying five popular coffee chains: Compose Coffee, Mega Coffee, Ediya Coffee, Hollys Coffee, and A Twosome Place. To make our little comparison fair, I ordered the same thing at every café—an iced Americano.
Each chain had something different to offer. Compose Coffee stood out for me because of its affordable price and the balance of bitterness and sweetness in its coffee. Mega Coffee was another affordable and convenient option, while Ediya had a stronger coffee taste and a more comfortable café setup.
Hollys Coffee had a more familiar café atmosphere, while A Twosome Place stood out for its larger space and its selection of drinks, pastries, and desserts.
After trying all five, Compose Coffee was my personal favorite, followed by A Twosome Place, Hollys Coffee, Ediya Coffee, and Mega Coffee.
We didn't do this coffee challenge in one go. We tried them on different days, usually after spending the day exploring Busan. It became one of those simple experiences that made our trip feel more like everyday life in Korea.
I'll be sharing a more detailed comparison of these five Korean coffee chains—including the prices, café experience, what we liked, and my personal ranking—in a separate post.
20. Explore Busan Station
Busan Station is your gateway to Busan if you are coming to this coastal city by train. The station is a massive transportation hub that connects Busan to different parts of South Korea. It is also connected to the city's public transportation system, including buses and local trains.
Inside the station, there are cafés, restaurants, and a lot of shops, so you can easily grab something to eat or drink while waiting for your train.
What I liked most about the station is that it is located in front of the port. When you walk toward the back of the building, you will be greeted by an ocean view. From there, you can see different parts of Busan and its impressive structures, which will make you realize that this is truly an economic powerhouse.
Fortunately, we arrived early at the station to catch our train to Seoul. Because we had some time to spare, I was able to witness the sunrise from the station.
It was a simple moment, but it became one of my favorite memories of Busan.
Busan Station wasn't simply a transportation hub for us. It became a destination itself.
📍 Location: Busan Station
💰 Entrance Fee: Free to explore
After spending seven days in Busan, we realized that the city offers a little bit of everything.
I like how Busan gave us a glimpse of everyday life in South Korea. Beyond the famous attractions, we saw people going to work, students hanging out with friends, families enjoying the beach, locals eating at small restaurants, and people simply going about their day.
And maybe that's what made Busan special for us.
If you're planning your own trip, you don't necessarily have to do all 20 things on this list. Pick the experiences that match your travel style, group them by location, and give yourself enough time to actually enjoy each place.
For us, Busan wasn't just another stop in South Korea. It was a city we enjoyed one walk, one meal, and one cup of coffee at a time.
You may watch all our Busan Travel Blogs here.
