10 Best Places Where Locals Love to Go in Busan

Busan's iconic Haeundae Beach is the country’s most popular summer vacation destination, drawing visitors from all over South Korea and beyond. The wide, sandy beach has calm waters that average about 1 meter deep, making it ideal for summer bathing. The beach frequently hosts festivals and events, giving it a lively atmosphere year-round.

Beyond the beach is a stylish, modern district with high-class hotels, modern cafes, and entertainment venues. Spend a day at the Busan Aquarium or view contemporary pieces at the Busan Museum of Art. Dining ranges from upscale international restaurants to food trucks serving homestyle fare.

Gwangalli Beach is more low-key than some of Busan's other beaches; this is where the city locals come to relax. Tiki umbrellas poke out of the golden sand, and it's common to hear the sound of live music floating across the beach. Sip on a cocktail at one of the many beachside restaurants and watch the sunset over the water.

The curved coastline makes for excellent city views in the evening hours, with the reflection of the lights shimmering on the water. The Gwangan Bridge, which stretches out directly in front of the beach, is illuminated nightly, and passing boats often shoot off fireworks.

Opened in 1913, Songdo Beach was South Korea's first public beach. It's close to central Busan and known for its glass cable cars which glide over the water between Songnim Park and Amnam Park, offering exhilarating views of the sea. Another way to get over the sea without getting into it is the Sky Walk, an elevated walkway that extends out to little Turtle Island.

For the divers out there, this rare beach has a diving platform installed several meters offshore so you can practice your swan. Quiet and calm, Songdo is popular with families because of its great amenities and nostalgic charm.

Far from the city center, Dadaepo Beach is favored by locals looking to avoid the tourist crowds. The beach’s spacious white sands and warm, shallow water make it a great place to bring the kids. Build your castles of sand, lay out the beach blanket, and enjoy a surfside picnic. Lifeguards here keep a close eye on anyone wading in a bit too far.

Don’t miss Dadaepo’s Sunset Fountain of Dreams: the massive fountain puts on a dazzling show of music-synchronized water and light in the warmer months. Combine your beach day with a visit to Morundae Peninsula, just adjacent to it, where winding forest paths lead to cliffside views.

Igidae Waterfront Park is an idyllic spot for a peaceful seaside stroll. Located in Yongho-dong, it’s the starting point of Haparang-gil, a 478-mile coastal hiking trail. The section of the trail in Igidae Park is beloved by locals, a hidden gem that brings city-dwellers close to both the mountains and the ocean. 

On the wooded sections of the trails, you’re surrounded by greenery and a chorus of birdsong. The coastal walkway and the Oryukdo Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge which extends out over the water, offer stunning views of the city and the endless sea.

Taejongdae Resort Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Busan. It's ideal for those looking for a break from the city hustle, as you can easily spend an entire day exploring the park. Put on your hiking shoes or board the hop-on-hop-off train that stops at points of interest around the park. 

Lush forests, views of the Korea Strait, and a cliff-top lighthouse are a few of the park’s highlights. Visit the observation deck on a clear day to see as far as Japan’s Tsushima Island. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head down to the beach where local divers serve freshly caught octopus and flounder. 

Gamecheon has long been home to refugees who took shelter in Busan during the Korean War. In recent years it was transformed through the Village Art Project, a city-funded initiative in which students, residents, and artists redecorated the neighborhood and gave it the colorful façade it’s famous for today. 

The pastel-painted hillside village is a joy to explore, with countless alleyways to turn down and vibrant murals adorning its buildings. Cafes and shops celebrate the neighborhood’s heritage with crafts, souvenirs, and snacks. Don’t be surprised if you see the Little Prince and his furry companion at every turn; they’re something like a mascot of this cheerful community. 

Gukje Market, within walking distance from the Jagalchi Station, is Busan’s largest traditional market, located in the central district of Jung-gu. Established in the 1950s, this bustling marketplace features hundreds of vendors selling everything from clothes and fresh produce to handicrafts and industrial goods.

The narrow alleys are filled with enticing street food aromas, making it a haven for foodies eager to sample local delicacies like sweet hotteok pancakes and seaweed rice rolls called chungmu-style gimbap. Don't miss the multicultural night market, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and unique nighttime experience, drawing even more visitors than during the day.

Nestled on Dunchi Island, Samnak Ecological Park is a place where Busan residents come for relaxation and recreation in all seasons. Walking paths thread through the riverside greenspaces and locals can be seen playing baseball and soccer in the many sports fields. A haven for migratory birds, a wide variety of species can be spotted in the park throughout the year. 

The park’s wide-open spaces make it a popular festival venue. The Busan Rock Festival sets up its stages here each summer, and the park hosts several festivals celebrating its many flowering trees and plants, including a popular Cherry Blossom Festival. 

Bosu-dong Book Street is a narrow alleyway filled with secondhand booksellers. Located just adjacent to the sprawling Gukje Market, this historic alley has been a vital part of the city’s culture since the Korean War. After the war, there was a surge in demand for knowledge and entertainment, and a cluster of bookstores popped up to meet it. 

Although most of what you’ll find will be in Korean, the alley is still worth a visit for its atmosphere. Shops have books piled floor-to-ceiling, spilling out into the street, from dusty volumes to new comic books. This corner of the city hasn’t lost its charm and is frequented by the young and old alike.