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Busan

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At a glance

Region
Busan
Population
3.3 million
Best time to go
April to June, September to November
Main airport
Busan Gimhae International (PUS)
Coordinates
35.18°N, 129.08°E

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Overview

Busan, South Korea's second city and biggest port, is squeezed between green mountains and the sea on the country's south-east tip. Its neighbourhoods tumble down hillsides to busy harbours and long sandy beaches.

It feels looser and more down-to-earth than Seoul. Expect seafood fresh from the market, temples on clifftops and summer evenings on the beach, all linked by an easy metro.

Things to see

  • Gamcheon Culture Village
    Photo: Bl00dnFl4mes, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Gamcheon Culture Village

    A hillside of brightly painted houses and small art installations, with sweeping views of the port.

  • Haedong Yonggungsa
    Photo: 박혜민, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Haedong Yonggungsa

    A Buddhist temple set dramatically on the rocks at the water's edge, best visited early in the morning.

  • Jagalchi Fish Market
    Photo: Mobius6, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Jagalchi Fish Market

    Korea's largest fish market; pick your seafood downstairs and have it cooked for you upstairs.

  • Haeundae Beach
    Photo: Brit in Seoul, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Haeundae Beach

    The city's most famous beach, backed by skyscrapers and packed in July and August.

  • Beomeosa
    Photo: 부산광역시, 부산관광공사, KOGL Type 1

    Beomeosa

    An ancient mountain temple on the slopes of Geumjeongsan, with forest trails leading up to the fortress walls.

Things to do

  • Gwangalli at night
    Photo: Glabb, Public domain

    Gwangalli at night

    Sit on Gwangalli beach with fried chicken and a beer as the Gwangan Bridge lights up.

  • Busan International Film Festival
    Photo: Arielaortizb, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Busan International Film Festival

    Asia's leading film festival takes over the city each October, with open-air screenings.

    Find tours
  • Eat dwaeji gukbap
    Photo: http://blog.daum.net/wjlee4284 사이팔사], CC BY 2.0 kr

    Eat dwaeji gukbap

    Busan's signature pork and rice soup is cheap, warming and served in dedicated restaurants across the city.

  • Taejongdae
    Photo: *intacto, CC BY 2.0

    Taejongdae

    Walk the cliffs and pine forest of this rocky headland on Yeongdo island.

Where to stay

  • Haeundae

    Beachfront hotels and lots of restaurants; good for a summer trip.

    Hotels in Haeundae

  • Seomyeon

    Central and well connected, with plenty of shopping and nightlife.

    Hotels in Seomyeon

  • Nampo-dong

    Close to Jagalchi, the old port and Gamcheon, with good mid-range hotels.

    Hotels in Nampo-dong

Getting around

The metro covers most sights and accepts the T-money card. Buses and taxis fill the gaps for coastal temples.

The light rail and metro link Gimhae airport to the city in under an hour, and KTX trains from Seoul take around two and a half hours.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant, with warm days and clear skies. July and August are hot, humid and busy on the beaches, and October brings the film festival.

Plan your trip to Busan

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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