Busan by the Sea: Top Attractions You Can’t Miss in 2025

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I go to Busan a lot and I always find something I haven’t done, seen, or eaten before. That’s the beauty of this city—no matter how often you visit, there’s always another alley to wander, another stunning cafe to discover, or another trail that offers a spectacular view of the sea. It’s this mix of salty air and mountain backdrops that makes Busan as magical as it gets.

Table of Contents

• Bosu-dong Book Alley
• Haeundae Market
• Lalafolie Busan
• Dongbaekseom Lighthouse and Coastal Trail
• Princess Hwagok
• Chinatown and Street Murals
• Sailing the Bay at Night
• Hwangnyeongsan Observatory
• Oryukdo Skywalk
• Somang Stairs Monorail
• Spa Land Centum City
• Taejongdae Lighthouse and Trails
• UN Memorial Cemetery
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Bosu-dong Book Alley

Bosu-dong Book Alley winds through Jung-gu with rows and rows of secondhand shops stacked high with Korean and foreign books. I’m not gonna lie– it’s not easy finding a treasure there. But I don’t mind. The hunt is the point. I love how a burst of lively Korean conversation mixes with the rustle of old pages. The Jenga-like walls of books tower around me. Their fragile balance makes me move carefully, knowing that pulling one book could topple the whole stack.

Entry is free, but the book alley rarely lets anyone leave empty-handed. More than 50 shops typically open from 10:00 until evening, with a few closing on Sundays. Google Maps.

Haeundae Market

Yes, go to Haeundae beach, explore the walking street, the amazing cafes, shop for socks, and visit the state-of-the-art aquarium. But the air in Haeundae Market, filled with sizzling seafood pancakes, skewered meat, and fresh fruit juices, has to be on your itinerary too. There is no entrance fee, and dishes usually cost around a few thousand won. Most stalls open by late morning and stay lively until evening. Google Maps.

Lalafolie Busan

I love K-beauty products. Unlike our products, Korean products are very natural and perfect for dark skin. Lalafolie is a highly popular cosmetics store in Nampo, where you can find many of your favorite brands at discounted prices. Just be careful of the bleaching agents found in some. Google Maps.

Dongbaekseom Lighthouse and Coastal Trail

Don’t forget your sneakers so you can hike the 30-minute trail that weaves around Dongbaekseom Island. And if you plan your visit right, you’ll be shaded by camellias and pine trees. The lighthouse stands at the edge, looking out toward the horizon, while the trail’s viewpoints frame Gwangan Bridge and the Busan skyline in the distance. Entry is free, and the paths are open year-round. Google Maps.

Princess Hwagok

On the rocks by Haeundae Beach rests the Siren of the Sea, a mermaid statue inspired by local legend. The bronze figure looks out across the water, drawing photographers at sunrise and sunset. The statue is free to visit at any hour. Google Maps.

Chinatown and Street Murals

Across from Busan Station, Shanghai Street bursts with color. Arched bright red gates, muraled walls, and hanging lanterns create a lively backdrop for your Instagram feed. Cafes and dumpling shops line the alleys, making it as flavorful as it is photogenic. Entry is free, and the murals can be enjoyed at any time. Google Maps.

Sailing the Bay at Night

Night cruises depart from The Bay 101, another IG hotspot, circling Marine City and Gwangan Bridge while city lights shimmer on the waves. All the boats light fireworks to brighten the night sky on weekends. Tickets range from 25,000–50,000 KRW depending on the vessel. Google Maps.

Hwangnyeongsan Observatory

Pro tip: Look for the highest point when visiting a new city to get a sense of the lay of the land. High above the city, Hwangnyeongsan Observatory offers the best sunset view in Busan. As the light fades, the skyline glows and bridges sparkle across the bay. Admission is free, and a café at the summit stays open until late. Google Maps.

Oryukdo Skywalk

Glass panels extend over the crashing surf at Oryukdo Skywalk. Visitors wear shoe covers before stepping onto the platform, suspended above waves that pound the cliffs below. Open daily from morning to early evening, admission is free. Google Maps.

Somang Stairs Monorail

The Somang Stairs Monorail climbs the hillside of Gamcheon. The short ride saves a steep walk, lasting only six minutes but offering views of colorful rooftops. Residents, the elderly, and pregnant women receive priority boarding. The ride is free, operating from morning through early evening. Google Maps.

Spa Land Centum City

Inside Shinsegae Centum City, Spa Land spreads across multiple floors with thermal baths, saunas, and nap lounges. Admission costs about 17,000 KRW on weekdays and 20,000 KRW on weekends for a four-hour visit. Open daily from morning until late evening. Google Maps.

Taejongdae Lighthouse and Trails

At the edge of Yeongdo, Taejongdae unfolds with rugged cliffs, forest paths, and sweeping sea views. The Danube train loops visitors past lighthouses, observatories, and a shop offering coffee and ice cream. Entry to the park is free, with the train costing about 4,000 KRW. Stop by the cafe for great views of the cliffs below. Hours shift seasonally, and the service closes on Mondays. Google Maps.

UN Memorial Cemetery

South of downtown lies the UN Memorial Cemetery, where manicured lawns honor soldiers from multiple nations. Walking paths lead past monuments and plaques, creating space for reflection within the busy city. Admission is free, with gates open daily during daylight hours. Google Maps.

Busan thrives on contrasts—markets beside beaches, lighthouses beside skyscrapers, quiet cemeteries beside neon-lit streets. The city rewards curiosity, inviting both glances and slow pauses in equal measure.

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