Busan by Area: Must-Visit Places from Someone Who's Visited Dozens of Times
A First-Time Visitor's Guide to Busan: Exploring Korea's Second City by Area
Welcome to Korea!
If this is your first time visiting South Korea, chances are you've arrived through Incheon International Airport and are currently exploring Seoul.
And honestly, Seoul is a city that could keep you busy for weeks. Even though I live near Seoul, I still haven't visited every neighborhood the city has to offer.
But today, I'd like to introduce another destination that is easy to reach from Seoul while offering a completely different atmosphere: Busan, South Korea's second-largest city.
Why Am I Recommending Busan?
There are countless places in Korea worth visiting, so why am I starting this travel series with Busan?
First, I know the city well.
Although Busan isn't my hometown, my mother's family is from Busan, and I've been traveling there regularly for many years.
Because of that, I've experienced Busan both as a tourist destination and as a place where local life unfolds every day. I hope to share both sides of the city throughout this series.
Second, Busan is more popular than ever.
In recent years, I've noticed a dramatic increase in international visitors whenever I visit Busan.
This guide is especially for travelers who:
Have already spent time in Seoul and want to explore another Korean city.
Are staying in Korea for an extended period.
Want to experience a different side of the country beyond the capital.
Many international travelers have already discovered Busan.
Maybe it's time for you to see what all the excitement is about, too.
Watching Busan Change Over the Years
I've been visiting Busan long enough to witness many different versions of the city.
I remember the days when Haeundae Beach was so crowded that people jokingly said there were "more people than water."
I also remember visiting Nampo-dong during the COVID era, when countless shops had closed and storefronts were covered with rental signs.
Only a handful of long-established restaurants remained. Small boutiques and cafés constantly changed tenants, and many Korean cosmetics stores disappeared entirely.
Back then, the area felt surprisingly quiet. Not only were tourists scarce, but even local young people seemed to be spending their time elsewhere.
There were also growing concerns about Busan's future. Young residents were moving to Seoul, while older neighborhoods were being replaced with clusters of high-rise apartment buildings. Some critics even argued that the city's development was losing its identity.
But today, the atmosphere feels completely different.
On weekends and national holidays, it's often difficult to get train tickets between Seoul and Busan.
Even on weekday afternoons, when locals are at work or school, Nampo-dong is lively again.
The waterfronts are filled with people walking, jogging, and enjoying the sea breeze.
Years ago, I mostly encountered visitors from Japan and China. Now I see travelers from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Europe, North America, and many other regions.
There have even been moments when I looked around and felt like I was the only Korean tourist in sight.
During long holiday weekends, visitors arrive from all over Korea as well. The subway can become so crowded that finding a seat is nearly impossible.
Busan may not be my hometown, but after watching these changes for so many years, I feel a special affection for the city.
And that's why I'd love for more travelers to discover Busan's unique charm.
How This Busan Series Will Work
Starting with this article, I'll divide Busan into several travel regions and explain how each area can be connected into a practical itinerary.
Most of my recommendations will be based around subway stations.
Busan's subway system is easy to use, and almost every station is connected to local bus routes. In reality, you can reach nearly any attraction using public transportation.
Personally, I enjoy walking and often explore entire neighborhoods without transferring to buses at all.
That's why this series will focus on destinations that are easy to access from major subway stations.
Busan at a Glance: Five Travel Areas
For simplicity, I'll divide Busan into five major regions:
Northern Busan – Temples, mountains, and hot springs
Eastern Busan – Famous beaches and coastal scenery
Central Busan – Modern shopping districts and youth culture
Old Town Busan – Historic downtown neighborhoods and traditional markets
Southwestern Busan – Quiet beaches, wetlands, and beautiful sunsets
Let's take a quick look at each area.
Northern Busan
Temples, Mountains & Hot Springs
1. Beomeosa Temple
Founded in 678 during the Silla Kingdom, Beomeosa is one of Korea's most important historic Buddhist temples and sits on the slopes of Geumjeongsan Mountain.
2. Oncheonjang
Busan's famous hot spring district, home to numerous bathhouses including Hurshimchung Spa. You'll also find the flagship location of Busan's beloved coffee brand, Momos Coffee.
Eastern Busan
Beaches, Coastal Walks & Ocean Views
1. Haeundae Beach
The most famous beach in Busan and arguably one of the most iconic beaches in South Korea.
Nearby attractions include:
Dongbaekseom Island
The Bay 101
Dalmaji Hill
Hae-ridan-gil
2. Gwangalli Beach
A vibrant beach district lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Many visitors come here to relax with a drink while enjoying spectacular views of Gwangan Bridge.
3. Centum City
Perfect for rainy days.
This area features one of the world's largest shopping complexes, including Shinsegae Centum City, Shinsegae Department Store, and Lotte Department Store.
4. Beyond the City Center
If you have extra time, consider visiting:
Songjeong Beach
Ilgwang Beach
Haedong Yonggungsa(Temple)
These destinations offer a quieter side of Busan's coastline.
Central Busan
Youth Culture, Cafés & City Life
1. Seomyeon
If Nampo-dong was Busan's first-generation downtown, Seomyeon became its second.
As educational institutes, businesses, and transportation connections expanded, Seomyeon evolved into one of Busan's busiest urban centers.
2. Jeonpo
Located right next to Seomyeon, Jeonpo transformed from an industrial neighborhood into one of Busan's trendiest districts.
Today it's known for:
Stylish cafés
Brunch restaurants
Independent boutiques
Interior design shops
3. Hwangnyeongsan Mountain
One of the best viewpoints in Busan.
From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline, mountains, bridges, and coastline all at once.
4. Mangmi
A rising neighborhood centered around Mangmi-dan-gil, where unique cafés, local shops, and outdoor food spaces have begun to flourish.
Old Town Busan
Historic Streets, Markets & Local Character
1. Choryang
The hillside behind Busan Station is home to several photogenic stairways and alleyways that have become popular on social media.
2. Nampo-dong
One of Busan's most walkable districts.
Highlights include:
Gwangbok-ro
BIFF Square
International Market
Kkangtong Market
Bosu-dong Book Street
Countless food alleys and side streets
3. Yeongdo
Cross Yeongdo Bridge and you'll find one of Busan's most distinctive island districts.
Must-see spots include:
Taejongdae
Huinnyeoul Culture Village
Street food areas along the waterfront
4. Jagalchi Market
Korea's most famous seafood market.
If you'd like to try Korean-style raw fish (hoe) rather than Japanese sashimi, this is the place to do it.
5. Gamcheon Culture Village
Colorful houses climb the steep mountainside, creating one of Busan's most recognizable landscapes.
It's also a fascinating place to learn about the city's history and transformation.
Southwestern Busan
Nature, Wetlands & Sunset Views
1. Bunechia & Eulsukdo
Nicknamed "Bunechia" because some visitors feel the waterways resemble Venice, this area offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the city's busiest districts.
2. Dadaepo Beach
Located near the western end of Subway Line 1, Dadaepo is known for having some of the most beautiful sunsets in Busan.
If you're looking for a quieter beach experience, this is one of my favorite places in the city.
What's Next?
In the upcoming articles, I'll introduce each region in much greater detail.
I'll share photographs taken during both the daytime and nighttime, recommend places I've personally eaten at, and provide practical transportation tips to help you build your own Busan itinerary.
I hope this Busan series helps first-time visitors discover not only where to go, but also how to connect different neighborhoods into a memorable trip.
See you in the next chapter of our Busan journey!
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