Busan Unveiled: Our guide to the best attractions in Busan, South Korea

Sarah Khan 30 Oct 2017

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Gamcheon Cultural Village
Now, this is one spot definitely made for the 'gram. The vibrant pastel-coloured Gamcheon Culture Village is a former slum, characterised by a mish-mash of multi-hued houses built in in a staircase-like fashion on the foothills of a coastal mountain. Often nicknamed the "Macchu Picchu of South Korea", its alleyways are interlaced with homes and plenty of culture: sink your teeth into its array of art galleries, tiny cafes, shops and sculptures.

How to get here: Alight at Toseong station and board bus 2 or 2-2 to the village at the top of the hill.

203 Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
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Haeundae Beach
Fancy yourself a beautiful Busan sunrise? Head down to Haeundae Beach, arguably Busan's most famous beach that gets especially busy during its summer months. Its scenic waterfront is scattered with affluent properties and apartment complexes. To get the most tranquil, crowd-free experience in the beach, catch it during sunrise.

How to get here: Alight at Haeundae station

Haeundae-gu, Busan
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Gwangandaegyo Bridge
The Gwangandaegyo Bridge, which stretches over 7.4km from Namcheon-dong to Centum City, is the longest bi-level bridge over the ocean in Korea. The bridge is the best place for stunning, sweeping views of Busan's attractions, including Oryukdo Island, Gwangalli Beach, Hwangnyeongsan Mountain and more. Every evening, the bridge comes to life with an arresting LED lighting exhibition that vary across with its seasons. Thankfully, the bridge isn't overly crowded with tourists, so you'll find that you're able to enjoy a peaceful evening stroll to yourself.

How to get here: Alight at Jun-dong station and walk to the observation platform at Dalmaji-gil Road.
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Yongdusan Park
The Yongdusan Park is where you'll find the iconic Busan Tower, which offers visitors a stunning panoramic view of the city. The park is also home to 70 species of tress and the statue of Yi Sun-sin, Korea's 16-century naval hero - all within its sprawling 69,000 square metres of urban greenery.

How to get here: Alight at Nampo-dong station

37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, 48950, Busan
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Seokbulsa Temple
Seokbulsa Temple is one of Busan's lesser known temples - but mind you, this is a hidden cultural gem worth visiting. Unlike the Beomeosa or Samgwangsa Temples, it is less easy to get to and also less traveled to. Also known as the 'Stone Buddha Temple', it boasts of beautiful views and imposing, intricate stone carvings. As such, it comes as no surprise that the Seokbulsa Temple is the favourite spot of many tourists and locals alike. Do note that the hike up to the temple may prove to be challenging for less-experienced hikers, so we recommend taking a taxi instead if walks exceeding 15 minutes wear you out.

How to get here: Alight at Oncheonjang station and ride the Geumgang Park Cable Car (8000 won for return tickets) to the top of the mountain, followed by a short hike to the temple.
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Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli Beach is another beach in Busan worth a visit. Popular among the locals, weekends on the beach are teeming with various cultural and musical events, regularly drawing a youthful crowd. That Gwangalli Beach is the choice spot in Busan for a great party is unsurprising; nestled inside a a cove with the the magnificent, brightly-lit Gwangandaego Bridge nearby, it truly makes for an atmospheric vibe.

How to get here: Take the subway at Busan Station (Busan Subway Line 1) and alight off at Gwangan Station (Busan Subway Line 2). The beach is a 5-minute walk away.
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Beomeosa Temple
Founded as early as 678 by Buddhist monk UiSang, Beomeosa Temple is Busan's chief temple. The beautiful temple sits on the edge of Mount Geumjeongsan, one of Busan's most famous mountains, within the city in Geumjeong. The temple's original structure was destroyed during the Japanese Invasion in 1592, before being completely rebuilt in 1713 with the current temple structure we see today. The peak travelling period here is in May, when the surrounding wisteria woods are in full bloom. Interesting fact: at approximately SGD90, the temple even allows for visitors to enroll in its 2D1N 'temple stay' programme to immerse in the Korean Buddhist monastic life.

How to get here: Alight at Beomeosa station and take bus 90 to the temple entrance.
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Haedong Yonggungsa
The Haedong Yonggungsa Temple sits on the coast of the north-eastern region of Busan. What sets this temple apart from other temples in Korea is that it's situated along a shoreline, unlike other temples which are typically located amidst the mountains. Come nightfall, the temple becomes spectacularly aglow with beautifully-lit lanterns. The best time to visit is during April - with the cherry blossoms in lush, full bloom, it'll make for an arresting visual feast for your eyes.

How to get here: Alight at Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 7. Board Bus 181 and get off at Yonggungsa Temple Bus Stop.

We’ve got you covered on the best things to do in this beautiful South Korean port city!

The beautiful port town of Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city, following Seoul. Bursting with rugged mountains, beaches, hot springs, a flourishing arts scene and scrumptious seafood, Busan has something for all tastes. Once regarded as the more underrated destination within South Korea (relative to Seoul, at least), you can’t deny that Busan is slowly gaining traction as a popular tourist destination.

It is here you’ll find the beautiful coastal Haedong Yonggung Temple and the Gamcheon Cultural Village. Nicknamed the “Macchu Picchu of South Korea”, the latter is a former slum turned cultural hub teeming with vibrant, pastel-coloured houses and cultural spots like art galleries and cafes that pepper its notoriously winding streets.

For more absolutely beautiful, must-visit attractions in this port city, browse the gallery above! P.S. Just remember to bring along your appetite for adventure.

Sarah Khan

Photos: Getty Images

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