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Busan Travel Guide
Discover Busan: South Korea’s Seaside Gem
By Eddie Johnson on December 2, 2025
Busan is the kind of city that surprises you in a special way. One minute you’re stepping off the train, and the next you’re standing between skyscrapers, mountains, and beaches wondering how a place can pack in so much energy and calm at the same time. From fresh seafood to waterfront strolls, temples tucked into cliffs, and neon-lit nights, Busan feels both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.
What to See in Busan
Haeundae Beach
If there’s one place that captures Busan’s coastal vibe, it’s Haeundae Beach. Mornings start quietly here with sunrise watchers and joggers, but the area quickly comes alive with beachgoers, cafés setting out patio tables, and festivals popping up throughout the year. It’s the kind of beach where you can swim, stroll, grab a snack, and easily spend the whole day without realizing it.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon feels like stepping into a real-life postcard. This hillside neighborhood is packed with colorful homes, murals, and cafés tucked into corners you’ll only find by wandering around. It’s fun to follow the narrow alleyways, get a little lost, and suddenly stumble onto a lookout with an amazing view. Get ready for some great photo opportunities.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of those sights where you stop and take in the view with complete amazement. It’s rare to find a temple perched right on the edge of the ocean, and the sound of the waves crashing below makes it even more special. The paths wind past statues, lanterns, and ocean viewpoints, and if you come at sunrise, you’ll see the whole place glow.
Things to Do in Busan
Walk the Blue Line Park Coastal Trail
If you want scenic views without a strenuous hike, the Blue Line Park trail is perfect. It hugs the coastline between Haeundae and Cheongsapo, giving you wide-open ocean views, cliffs, and plenty of breezy spots to stop for photos. The path is smooth and easy, so you can just relax, take your time, and enjoy the sound of the waves. It’s especially nice in the late afternoon when the light hits the water just right.
Ride the Blue line Park Sky Capsule
The Sky Capsule is like stepping into a tiny, moving beach cabin with a view. These small pods glide along the coast at a relaxed pace, giving you uninterrupted ocean scenery the whole way. The colors, the gentle ride, and the slow movement make it less of a thrill ride and more of a charming, coastal cruise—simple, fun, and very Busan.
Walk the Promenade at Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli has a vibrant, energetic vibe that sets it apart from Haeundae. The beachfront buzzes with cafés, bars, and restaurants, and the area really comes alive once the sun goes down. The star of the show is the illuminated Gwangan Bridge—its shifting colors reflecting on the water make the whole scene feel electric. Grab a drink, stroll along the sand, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that keeps people out well into the night.
Jeonpo Cafe Street: A Must-Visit for Coffee Lovers
If you’re even a little bit obsessed with coffee, Jeonpo Cafe Street in Busan needs to be on your list. This once-sleepy neighborhood has transformed into a creative hub filled with indie cafés, micro-roasteries, and stylish little hideaways that make it easy to spend an entire afternoon sipping your way through the streets.
Start by checking out Brooks, a café known for its pastries and a warm, cozy vibe—perfect for easing into the day. For something with a modern vibe, Hytte Roastery brings a Scandinavian-inspired touch to its cafe and highlights locally roasted coffee that is smooth and balanced.
If you like big windows and people-watching, Strut Coffee offers an airy, modern space with reliably good brews. Nearby, Lie Down Coffee Roasters roasts its beans in-house, giving the place that irresistible aroma that pulls you inside before you even realize it.
What makes Jeonpo so great is that each café feels completely different—yet all share the same creative spirit. Whether you’re a serious coffee nerd or just love exploring unique neighborhoods, Jeonpo Cafe Street is one of those places where every corner invites you to slow down, wander, and discover a new favorite cup.
Where to Eat (& Drink) in Busan
Brooks. Address: South Korea, Busan, Busanjin District, Seojeon-ro 10beon-gil, 28 오기빌딩 1F
Doldalg. Address: South Korea, Busan, Suyeong-gu, Gwangnam-ro, 97 1층 돌닭
Galmegi Brewing Haeundae. Address: 9 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 265beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Haeundae Myeongpum Hotteok. Address: 38 Jungdong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Hytte Roastery. Address: South Korea, Busan, Busanjin District, Dongseong-ro, 59 2층
Jagalchi Market. Address: 52 Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Jeonpo Cafe Street. Address: 92 Dongcheon-ro, Busanjin District, Busan, South Korea
Lie Down Coffee Roasters. Address: 21 Dongseong-ro, Busanjin District, Busan, South Korea
Obanjang. Address: 20 Gunam-ro 24beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Strut Coffee. Address: 28 Dongseong-ro 39beon-gil, Busanjin District, Busan, South Korea
Yoogane Haeundae. Address: 20 Gunam-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Where to Stay in Busan
The Westin Josun Busan. Address: South Korea, Busan, 67 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae
Things to do in Busan
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Blue Line Park
Blue Line Park
Blue Line Park
Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village
BUSAN X the SKY
Haeundae Beach
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Brooks Cafe
Haeundae Traditional Market
Olive Young
Haeundae Myeongpum Hotteok