8 Top Things to Do in Busan for First-time Visitors: Must-see Places

Planning a trip to South Korea? While Seoul is usually the first stop for many travelers, Busan deserves a top spot on your itinerary, especially if you’re craving ocean views, street food, and a slower pace of city life. As South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan combines the best of both worlds: a relaxed beachside vibe and vibrant cultural scenes. This is my third time visiting South Korea, and this time, I am visiting Busan for 4 days, and I’m so excited to share with you some of the top things to do in Busan, South Korea!

Whether you’re watching the waves crash at Haeundae Beach, strolling through mural-covered alleyways in Gamcheon Culture Village, or hopping on a scenic sky capsule at Blue Line Park, this city is full of unique experiences that make it feel worlds apart from the capital.

Thus, I listed some of the must-see places in Busan, along with must-know travel tips, directions from Seoul, helpful FAQs, and everything in between!

Table of Contents

Essential Travel Guides and Tips

Use a T-money or Cashbee card: These reloadable cards work across subways, buses, and even some convenience stores.
Download KakaoMap or Naver Map: Google Maps doesn’t function well in Korea. These local apps are much more reliable.
Stay near Haeundae or Seomyeon: Haeundae is perfect for beach lovers, while Seomyeon is centrally located and great for food and nightlife.
Be ready to walk: Hilly neighborhoods and villages often require comfortable footwear and a bit of uphill climbing, especially if you’re visiting Gamcheon Culture Village and Huiinyeol Culture Village.
Start your day early: Popular spots like Blue Line Park and Gamcheon Culture Village tend to get crowded by late morning.
Have some cash on hand: While cards are widely accepted, small vendors and traditional markets often prefer cash.
If you haven’t applied for a South Korean tourist visa yet, make sure to apply for it 2-3 months before your flight. Here’s an easy guide on how to apply for a South Korean tourist visa for Filipinos.

How to get from Seoul to Busan?

KTX (High-Speed Train)

Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Departure: Seoul Station
Arrival: Busan Station
Fast, comfortable, and direct

Express Bus

Duration: 4.5 to 5 hours
Departure: Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Terminal
Arrival: Busan Central Bus Terminal (Nopo)
Budget-friendly with frequent departures

Domestic Flight

Duration: 1-hour flight + transfers
Airports: Gimpo Airport (Seoul) to Gimhae Airport (Busan)
Good for travelers near the airport or connecting to other destinations

Must-See Places in Busan, South Korea

Haeundae Beach

Haeundae is easily the most famous beach in Busan and for good reason. With soft sand, wide shorelines, and a lively boardwalk lined with cafés, restaurants, and street food stalls, it’s the perfect spot to kick off your experience.

Nearest Station: Haeundae Station, Exit 5

Sky Capsule at Blue Line Park

This is indeed one of the most unique things to do in Busan is taking a ride on the Sky Capsule at Blue Line Park. The colorful, two-person capsules glide along the coast between Mipo and Cheongsapo, offering panoramic ocean views the whole way.

Tip: Book in advance through the official Blue Line Park website or Klook, especially on weekends.

Huinnyeol Culture Village

Did you know that this village used to be a home to refugees during the Korean War? Furthermore, Huinnyeol Culture Village was also used to be a poor coastal village but eventually turned into a cultural and artistic village in 2011. It is less crowded than Gamcheon but just as charming. Huinnyeol Culture Village is a peaceful coastal neighborhood filled with cute cafes, ocean viewpoints, and photogenic alleyways. It’s a great spot for a quiet morning or afternoon stroll.

Nearest Station: Jagalchi Station + local village bus

Gamcheon Culture Village

This colorful hillside village is one of Busan’s most iconic destinations. This was once a modest refugee neighborhood, but it has transformed into an open-air art gallery filled with murals, quirky sculptures, and local artisan shops. It is now often called as “Santorini of Korea”.

Nearest Station: Toseong Station, Exit 6 + village shuttle or walk uphill

Gukje Market

No Busan itinerary is complete without a visit to Gukje Market, one of Korea’s oldest and largest traditional markets. You’ll find everything from vintage clothing and souvenirs to Busan street food like ssiat hotteok (seed-filled pancakes) and odeng (fishcake skewers).

Nearest Station: Jagalchi Station, Exit 7

Songdo Beach

If you’re looking to escape the crowds of Haeundae, Songdo Beach is a more relaxed coastal destination just minutes from central Busan. The area is less commercialized, making it a perfect place for sunset views and chill beach walks.

Nearest Station: Busan Station + local bus to Songdo Beach

Songdo Skywalk

Stretching over the ocean, the Songdo Skywalk is a curved glass-bottom walkway that lets you stroll above the waves. It’s scenic, peaceful, and great for families or solo travelers who want to enjoy a new perspective of Busan’s coastline.

Bonus: You can also take the Songdo Marine Cable Car nearby for a bird’s eye view of the area.

Gyeongju

Only two hours away from Busan, a day trip to Gyeongju is definitely a must! Gyeongju is the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. From here, you can explore historical treasures like Bulguksa Temple, the royal tombs at Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia, and many more. You can visit this as your side trip when you’re in Busan. This has become one of the highlights of my 4-day Busan trip!

Gyeongju is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to in South Korea, and not to mention the fact that this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where to stay in Busan?

I’ve been to Busan twice, and here are of the accommodations to consider when in Busan based on experience.

Kimchi Busan Downtown Guesthouse
One Way Guesthouse Busan
Deokseong Minbak

Must-try Food in Busan

Mil-myeon (cold wheat noodles)
Eomuk (Busan-style fishcake)
Ssiat Hotteok (sweet pancake with seeds)
Fresh seafood from Jagalchi Market

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Busan safe for solo travelers?

Yes. Busan is safe for solo travelers, including women. But still be aware of the general precautions and stay alert in crowded areas.

Do locals speak English in Busan?

English is spoken at most tourist sites and hotels, but less so in markets or residential areas. Apps like Papago or Google Translate can help bridge the gap.

Busan is the kind of place that makes you slow down and take it all in, whether you’re gazing out over the sea from a sky capsule, walking through colorful villages, or snacking your way through a bustling street market.

For first-time visitors, it’s the perfect introduction to South Korea’s coastal culture and charm. Busan is such a gem! I will surely come back again!