It's already been six months since I traveled to Busan, and during the last few months, I received a lot of messages from you guys asking me about the attraction places to go, what are the important sights in the city, and also what are the must eats in Busan.
I remember the last time I went to Busan was about 3 years ago.
It was a very nice trip with my girl friends; though it was just a 2D1N stay in Busan with a basic overview of the city, but the city left me with a very positive impression and since then I always wanted to go back again.
This time, I brought my parents, especially my dad who never been to South Korea before.
I'm hoping to give my dad a good memory and impression about South Korea, so I decided to bring him to Busan instead of Seoul.
I think Busan is relatively easy to get around, people are friendly, and the city is not as crowded as Seoul yet pretty good for a relaxing holiday.
We traveled 5D4N in Busan, and I decided to put down a list of things to do and places to go in Busan for you guys, hopefully the post will be helpful for you if you're planning to go there.
Let's cut all the craps, and get it started!
#1 Oryukdo Skywalk
Oryukdo Skywalk is built on Seungdumal, a border between the East and South Sea.
With a theme "walking over the sky", the skywalk is a walking path with transparent glass stretches out on top of the cliff.
The construction was completed in 2012, with the 15 meter hourseshoe shaped glass walkway and has been built over a 35 meter high cliff.
The entire bridge is made of glass, so you can watch the waves hit against the cliffs from under you.
You can clearly see the Oryukdo islands when you overlooking from the skywalk.
I always like taking a deep breath right in front of the ocean while listening to the ocean waves, it just makes me feel relaxed.
I always like taking a deep breath right in front of the ocean while listening to the ocean waves, it just makes me feel relaxed.
Anyway, The admission to the skywalk is free of charge, with the shoe covers provided.
But, there is a limit to the number of visitors to enter the skywalk at one time, and also the quantity shoe covers is limited too.
So, just wait for other people to finish before your turn. :)
The overall walk is pretty short.
I would said you can finish the walk in just 15 minutes, but depends how much times you want to stay there for seeing the view and taking pictures. :)So, just wait for other people to finish before your turn. :)
Other than walking on the sky bridge, the surrounding is also very nice to wander around since it is located by the ocean.
All in all, I think Oryukdo Skywalk gives a nice view over the ocean and mountain, and also I think it's quite a nice experience walking on the glass bridge to see the sea under your feet.
Oryukdo Skywalk
Add: 137, Oryukdo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 607 6395
Tel: +82 51 607 6395
Opening hours: Daily 9am - 6pm
Admission: Free
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 1 (Busan Station) → Exit 10 → Take bus 27 near to exit 10 → Get off at Oryukdo Sk View Humun (Backgate) Bus Stop (25 stops) → Walk ahead about 275m to reach
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 1 (Busan Station) → Exit 10 → Take bus 27 near to exit 10 → Get off at Oryukdo Sk View Humun (Backgate) Bus Stop (25 stops) → Walk ahead about 275m to reach
#2 Gamcheon Cultural Village
Gamcheon Cultural Village is one of the most famous tourist destination you should visit while in Busan.
Though this is my second time visiting the culture village, I seriously don't mind to go back again for my third and fourth time, and ever fifth time. #lol
Gamcheon Cultural Village is on the mountainside. so you can see a lot of lego-like houses when you climb up to the hill.
Make sure you wear a comfortable shoes if you are planning to visit there because the place required a little bit of up and down walking.
Make sure you wear a comfortable shoes if you are planning to visit there because the place required a little bit of up and down walking.
The village is Busan's most colourful and artistic spot and that's why the place is crowded everyday with tourists from all over the world.
One of the popular spot to take picture at the village is the Little Prince Statue situated at Hanuel-Maru Observation Deck.
I didn't get to snap a picture with Little Prince for this time because the queue was crazy long.
Anyway, if you didn't get a picture with Little Prince, the observation deck is worth to go as you can get an overall view from up here.
It was really so beautiful and peaceful!
There are many alleys, staircases, hidden corners, artsy shops, unique cafes, and lots of houses with colourful murals on the walls to explore.
So, do take your time to wander around the village, walk up the hills and find nice photo spot to take pictures.
Though I've been there for the second times, but this is still my favourite attraction in Busan.
I've shared more travel experience at Gamcheon Cultural Village in my previous blog post during my first time visit in Busan.
Feel free to visit HERE if you would like to know more about this must-visit attraction place in Busan.
Gamcheon Cultural Village
Add: 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 291 1444
Opening hours: Open all year round
Admission: Free
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 1 (Toseong Station) → Exit 6 → Take local bus Saha 1-1, Seogu 2 or Seogu 2-2 to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop
Website: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1998211
Jagalchi Market is the best local market in Busan to visit.
It's my very first time visiting temple in Korea, and I was totally impressed with it.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan.
It's not located inside the city; so the whole journey was pretty long, which took us about one hour plus, almost two hours by taking subway to reach the final destination.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple has more than 600 years of history in Korea.
The reason that the temple is famous for visitors is because Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a rare find since it is situated along the shore line, while most of the temples in Korea are located in the mountains.
I was so unexpectedly with the dramatic ocean scenery, it's sooooo beautiful!
There are many stone statues around the temple, such as the 12 zodiac that stood in a straight line position, with a kind of soldiers position, almost look like they are protecting the temple.
Besides, you'll also see different types of Buddhas in this temple, like a Shrine and Golden Fat Smiling Buddha right beside the main sanctuary, a Seawater great Goddess Buddha of Mercy at the top of the temple, and also statue of dragons and little monks too.
It's such a huge place, so be prepared to walk a lot around the temple, so many staircases for going up and climbing down.
Some sections inside the temple is still under construction and not able to access, but I think the whole complex is already big enough where you can easily spend half day here.
The place is very crowded with locals as well as the tourists, so it's better to choose weekdays for visiting, otherwise, there will be lots of photobombs in your pictures. :)
But honestly, this is the place that should really pay a visit in Busan!
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Add: 86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Tel: +82 51 722 7744
Opening hours: 5am - 7pm, open all year round
Admission fees: Free
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 2 (Haeundae Station) → Exit 7→ Take Bus 181 → Get off at Yonggungsa Temple Bus Stop
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264404
If you were asked me how many days to stay in Busan, I would said 5D4N is just nice, as you can spare some free times for shopping around.
Trust me, shopping in Korea is seriously a heaven, and things are not as pricey as you think.
But, if you want to explore more places like Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae Beach, or even a day trip to Gyeongju, you probably can skip shopping or extend one more day so that you have more time to look around and relax (I do not like my holiday to be so rushed).
Lastly, thanks for reading my today's post.
I hope this post gives you good ideas about Busan and also wishing you a pleasant journey in Busan!
See you soon on my next post! xoxo
One of the popular spot to take picture at the village is the Little Prince Statue situated at Hanuel-Maru Observation Deck.
I didn't get to snap a picture with Little Prince for this time because the queue was crazy long.
Anyway, if you didn't get a picture with Little Prince, the observation deck is worth to go as you can get an overall view from up here.
It was really so beautiful and peaceful!
There are many alleys, staircases, hidden corners, artsy shops, unique cafes, and lots of houses with colourful murals on the walls to explore.
So, do take your time to wander around the village, walk up the hills and find nice photo spot to take pictures.
Though I've been there for the second times, but this is still my favourite attraction in Busan.
I've shared more travel experience at Gamcheon Cultural Village in my previous blog post during my first time visit in Busan.
Feel free to visit HERE if you would like to know more about this must-visit attraction place in Busan.
Gamcheon Cultural Village
Add: 203, Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 291 1444
Opening hours: Open all year round
Admission: Free
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 1 (Toseong Station) → Exit 6 → Take local bus Saha 1-1, Seogu 2 or Seogu 2-2 to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop
Website: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1998211
#3 Jagalchi Market
Jagalchi Market is the best local market in Busan to visit.
The market also known as Korean's largest seafood market, selling both live and dried seafood.
No matter if you are a seafood lovers not, this is another must-visit highlight in Busan.
You can see many shops and stalls along the road side of the market selling different types of seafood such as live fish, abalone, mackerel, sea squirts, whale meat, octopus and many more.
I've never seen such big octopus in my live before! #lol
And most of the people who selling the seafood are women, who are middle-aged or married woman, so locals usually refer the vendors here as "Jagalchi Ajumma". :)
Another interesting part about the market is trying the live octopus inside the wet market.
There are many stalls selling same dishes such as octopus, oyster, cockles, shellfish etc, so we just simply pick one to try it.
I've tried the live octopus when I came here for the first time, and surprisingly I pretty enjoyed it much.
We ordered a small octopus @ 10,000 won which is about RM37 for sharing.
The vendor provides disposable cutleries, small side dishes, wasabi, and water together with the dishes we ordered.
I can't really explain the taste and texture of the octopus, but if you have the chance, you should go and try it, at least one piece in your life time.
It's really a very interesting experience you've ever had at other places.
However, be cautious if you have sensitive stomach because the octopus is raw without cooking.
So, do not take too much if you know your stomach is sensitive, otherwise you won't be able to enjoy your trip in Busan. :)
So, do not take too much if you know your stomach is sensitive, otherwise you won't be able to enjoy your trip in Busan. :)
Anyway, I've also blogged about Jagalchi Market in a separated post with more dishes I had tried during my first time visit, feel free to read it HERE if you want to know more. :)
Jagalchi Market
Add: 52, Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 2 1330 / +82 713 8000
Opening hours: Daily 5am - 10pm (closed first and third Tuesday of every month)
Admission: Free
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 1 (Jagalchi Station) → Exit 10 → Turn right onto Jagalchi 3(sam)-gill Street → Walk for 5 minutes → Turn left to arrive at Jagalchi Market
Admission: Free
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 1 (Jagalchi Station) → Exit 10 → Turn right onto Jagalchi 3(sam)-gill Street → Walk for 5 minutes → Turn left to arrive at Jagalchi Market
#4 BIFF Square
BIFF Square gets its name from the Busan International Film Festival.
It used to be the place where Korean celebrated their achievements in the film industry.
Therefore, while walking at the BIFF Square, you will found lots of palm prints of the famous film directors and movie celebrities on the ground along the 428-meter long street of BIFF Square.
The place now has grown into a more complex area, featuring not only movie theaters, but also shops and cafes, and restaurants.
If you been to Seoul before, this place is just like the Myeongdong Street.
Yet, I prefer to shop at BIFF Square compare to Myeongdong, because I find here has much more things to shop, ranging from clothes, bags, accessories, shoes etc; while in Myeongdong street, most of the shops are selling cosmetics and skincare products.
Also, I find the things here are not very expensive though it is one of the tourist places, I can get a hoodie sweater, starting from 10,000 won, which is about RM37 only.
Besides shopping at BIFF Square, there are lots of stalls and food vendors selling Korean street food too, such as Korean fish cake, kimbap, topokki, Korean fried mando (dumplings), twist ice-cream and many more.
Well, you can easily get the fish cake with radish soup in Malaysia, but fish cake with spicy kimchi broth is only available in Korea. :)
BIFF Sqaure has a very good atmosphere, very crowded but very worthwhile place to visit, either you are a shopping fanatics or food hunter, you're gonna love it!
Indeed, BIFF Square is in located at the same neighbourhood as the Jagalchi Market, so you can actually plan your itinerary to these both places on the same day.
BIFF Square
Add: 4, Nampo-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 253 8523
Opening hours: all year round
Admission: Free
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 1 (Jagalchi Station) → Exit 7→ 5 minutes walk from the station → Walk straight and turn left
#5 Busan Tower and Yongdusan Park
I've never visited Seoul Tower before even though I've already went to Seoul for 3 times. #lol
But, for the Busan Tower, this is already my second time.
The place is situated at the same location as BIFF Square, so, it's very easy to access to Busan Tower if you are already at the BIFF Square.
Busan Tower is a symbol of Busan that stands proudly 69 meter above sea level at a height of 120 meter.
The top of the tower is modeled after the baldaquin of Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju.
I would suggest you to visit here before the sky gets dark, otherwise it's not easy to capture good pictures, especially if you want to go up to the Busan Tower.
Well, though this is my second time being here, I still didn't go up and explore the Busan Tower, hopefully for the next time again. :)
Yongdusan Park is where Busan Tower is located.
The park is an open space where the iconic Busan Tower stands.
It's actually a very nice park to walk around, especially if you visit during Spring or Fall season; I'm so happy that my dad enjoyed it here.
At Yongdusan Park, there are also some sights to see such as locks of love, dragon figure, Korean traditional bell, artificial waterfall, museum of world folk instruments etc.
You can check out more details about Busan Tower and Yongdusan Park on my previous post at HERE, I think that would give you more ideas about the place.
Busan Tower & Yongdusan Park
Add: 37-55, Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 661 9393 / 4
Opening hours: Open all year round (10am - 11pm if you want to go up to the tower)
Admission: Free
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 1 (Nampo Station) → Exit 7 → Walk for approximately 5 minutes to reach the destination
#6 Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
It's my very first time visiting temple in Korea, and I was totally impressed with it.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan.
It's not located inside the city; so the whole journey was pretty long, which took us about one hour plus, almost two hours by taking subway to reach the final destination.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple has more than 600 years of history in Korea.
The reason that the temple is famous for visitors is because Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a rare find since it is situated along the shore line, while most of the temples in Korea are located in the mountains.
I was so unexpectedly with the dramatic ocean scenery, it's sooooo beautiful!
There are many stone statues around the temple, such as the 12 zodiac that stood in a straight line position, with a kind of soldiers position, almost look like they are protecting the temple.
Besides, you'll also see different types of Buddhas in this temple, like a Shrine and Golden Fat Smiling Buddha right beside the main sanctuary, a Seawater great Goddess Buddha of Mercy at the top of the temple, and also statue of dragons and little monks too.
It's such a huge place, so be prepared to walk a lot around the temple, so many staircases for going up and climbing down.
Some sections inside the temple is still under construction and not able to access, but I think the whole complex is already big enough where you can easily spend half day here.
The place is very crowded with locals as well as the tourists, so it's better to choose weekdays for visiting, otherwise, there will be lots of photobombs in your pictures. :)
But honestly, this is the place that should really pay a visit in Busan!
Btw, if you have extra time after visiting the temple, you can also go to Lotte Premium Outlets to do some shopping.
This outlet located just about 15 minutes walking distance from the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
I actually don't really like to shop at those premium outlets, but since my sister insisted that we should go for a short walk, so I would just followed.
I think shopping at BIFF Square and the underground shopping centers would be more fun for me! #hehe
Add: 86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Tel: +82 51 722 7744
Opening hours: 5am - 7pm, open all year round
Admission fees: Free
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 2 (Haeundae Station) → Exit 7→ Take Bus 181 → Get off at Yonggungsa Temple Bus Stop
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264404
#7 Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center
MUST go for the shopping kaki! :)
One of my favourite shopping spots in Korea is their underground shopping center.
One of my favourite shopping spots in Korea is their underground shopping center.
From skincare and cosmetics brands, to clothing and accessories, you will definitely guaranteed a whirlwind of a shopping experience over there.
In Busan, Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center is my top favourite underground shopping area.
As I was so busy shopping and buying, so I didn't capture good pictures about the shopping area; btw underground shopping center is really a good shopping place to find most of the trendy things, like clothing, bags, shoes, and acceories with good quality at affordable prices.
We went there almost everyday because it's just about 20 minutes walking distance from the hotel we stayed.
I will blog about where I stay in Busan on my next post, so do stay tuned ya!
Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center
Add: 737, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 713 8261
Opening hours: Daily 10am - 10pm (closed on the second Tuesday of the month)
Admisssion: Free
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 1, 2 (Seomyeon Station) → Exit 12 → The shopping Center is connected to the sation
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=2021670
In Busan, Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center is my top favourite underground shopping area.
As I was so busy shopping and buying, so I didn't capture good pictures about the shopping area; btw underground shopping center is really a good shopping place to find most of the trendy things, like clothing, bags, shoes, and acceories with good quality at affordable prices.
We went there almost everyday because it's just about 20 minutes walking distance from the hotel we stayed.
I will blog about where I stay in Busan on my next post, so do stay tuned ya!
Seomyeon Underground Shopping Center
Add: 737, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Tel: +82 51 713 8261
Opening hours: Daily 10am - 10pm (closed on the second Tuesday of the month)
Admisssion: Free
How to get there: Busan Subway Line 1, 2 (Seomyeon Station) → Exit 12 → The shopping Center is connected to the sation
Website: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=2021670
#8 Must-Eat Dwaeji Gukbap
Dwaeji Gukbap is a Busan specialty dish.
It is a pork-based soup and rich dish which is perfect for cold or rainy days.
This dish is relatively a rare find in Seoul, but only in Busan.
It looks like just a simple soup dish with hearty pork bits and rice, yet the pork bone soup is super rich in flavour.
We all enjoyed it so much!
If you visit Busan, you should also be there to experience the rich taste of the pork broth, it's really so delicious!!!
#9 Must-Eat Bossam
I've talked about Bossam in my previous travel post in Seoul, if you missed that out, you can check out the post at HERE.
Seriously, Bossam is one of the must eat in Korea.
I think I didn't really see a lot of restaurants in Seoul offering Bossam, but I saw many restaurants in Busan have Bossam on their menus.
Seriously, Bossam is one of the must eat in Korea.
I think I didn't really see a lot of restaurants in Seoul offering Bossam, but I saw many restaurants in Busan have Bossam on their menus.
So, I think without a doubt, this dish must be worth a try if you visit Busan.
Bossam is a pork dish in Korean cuisine.
It usually consists of belly pork that is boiled in spices and thinly sliced.
For some people, it's just like the Korean BBQ meat that we usually have, just that Bossam are steamed meats, apparently more healthier. #lol
For some people, it's just like the Korean BBQ meat that we usually have, just that Bossam are steamed meats, apparently more healthier. #lol
The meat is also wrapped with lettuce, and served with side dishes such as spicy radish salad, sliced raw garlic, salted shrimp, kimchi etc.
This is really my top favourite Korean food now!
#10 Must-Eat Hotteok
Hotteok is a popular street food in Busan.
I'm not sure if you can find this kind of hotteok in other city such as Seoul, because my Korean friend actually told me this is a kind of food in Busan only.
Hotteok is something like a deep fried doughnuts or pancake that filled with sugary ingredients such as nuts, sun flower seeds, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
People usually eat Hotteok during winter season because it's hot.
There are many stalls selling Hotteok at BIFF Square.
So, don't miss it out! It's so delicious!
My family, especially my parents they really love it.
We actually went to BIFF Square 2 times, just to get the Hotteok before we left. :)
Trust me, shopping in Korea is seriously a heaven, and things are not as pricey as you think.
But, if you want to explore more places like Gwangalli Beach, Haeundae Beach, or even a day trip to Gyeongju, you probably can skip shopping or extend one more day so that you have more time to look around and relax (I do not like my holiday to be so rushed).
Lastly, thanks for reading my today's post.
I hope this post gives you good ideas about Busan and also wishing you a pleasant journey in Busan!
See you soon on my next post! xoxo
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