As you know, I am a full-time traveler, opting for a slow approach that allows me to truly immerse myself in each destination. Between my periods of work and exploration, I am fortunate to discover places where I temporarily settle down.
Beyond the purely tourist aspect, my goal is to fully experience each location by meeting the locals and discovering the culture authentically.
Thus, the places I share with you here are the result of my own explorations in Busan, based on my own moments spent in the city. I have therefore created a realistic estimate of the must-see places in Busan if you only have 2 or 3 days there.
Gamcheon culture village
On the coastal hills of Busan lies Gamcheon Culture Village, a true visual delight where every street corner reveals a profusion of colors and artistic inspiration. Stepping off the bus feels like entering a world of brightly colored cubical houses, resembling a living painting where colorful notes and creative touches unfold at every step.
Once a refugee district during the Korean War, Gamcheon was transformed into a place of art and history in 2009. The walls are now canvases for vibrant murals and original sculptures, inviting a walk through the winding alleys and past stories. Hidden treasures of the village reveal the daily lives of its residents.
The symbolic presence of the Little Prince, embodying creativity and reflection, adds a poetic touch to this artistic ensemble.
Let yourself be guided by the unique atmosphere of the village, explore its alleys, and discover its hidden treasures.
Songdo Cable Car
Songdo Cable Car in Busan offers an unforgettable experience: imagine gliding over crystal-clear waters, feet dangling, while gazing at breathtaking panoramas.
Despite my fear of heights, I opted for the transparent cabin, and I did not regret it! The ten-minute journey was full of emotions, but once accustomed, I was amazed by the beauty of the landscape: Busan on one side, majestic mountains on the other.
This experience combines adrenaline, natural beauty, and unforgettable moments, promising everyone, whether solo, with family, or with friends, a magical time above the waves of Busan.
Exploring the Haeundae Coast: The Beach Train and the Sky Capsule
Haeundae Blueline Park in Busan offers a unique experience along the beautiful Haeundae coast. Inaugurated in 2017, this park houses two flagship attractions: the Beach Train and the Sky Capsule.
The Beach Train allows visitors to travel along Haeundae Beach, offering a picturesque way to explore the surroundings. The Sky Capsule, introduced in 2018, provides an even more immersive experience by allowing passengers to admire the coastal landscapes from an altitude of 7 to 10 meters.
My personal experience began at Songjeong Station, where I boarded the Beach Train, enjoying scenic views of the beach and sea. After a stop at Daritdol Station to visit the Skywalk, I enjoyed the colorful ascent of the Sky Capsule, offering magnificent views of the vegetable gardens and city skyline.
Read the full article on the Beach Train and Sky Capsule here.
Haedong Yonggungsa temple, spiritual treasure of Busan
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan promises a captivating adventure blending history, spirituality, and breathtaking ocean views.
Upon arrival, I was amazed by the enchanting atmosphere and panoramic views offered by the temple, adorned with statues and gardens filled with generosity. Exploring the temple’s treasures, from imposing statues to the well-fed Buddha, every architectural detail brought me closer to a profound understanding of its significance.
Diving into the Vibrant Heart of Jagalchi Fish Market
Jagalchi Market, located in Busan, offers a vibrant and immersive experience at the heart of South Korea’s maritime culture. As soon as you step into this bustling market, you are enveloped by the sights, sounds, and smells of the sea.
The energetic atmosphere is palpable as vendors expertly display their fresh catches, from impressive stacks of fish to eels wriggling in saltwater tanks. With each stall offering a unique selection of seafood, the market becomes a sensory delight, where every shout and gleam of fish pulls you deeper into its maritime world.
Exploring Busan’s Markets: An Immersive Adventure
In the area of Busan where Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, Gukje Market, and Bosu Book Street are located, the markets are adjacent to each other, offering an immersive shopping experience.
At Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, one dives into the lively atmosphere of a typical Korean market. It offers everything from spices to fruits and vegetables, clothing, and more. The stalls are brimming with culinary specialties, including smoked fish, and the covered atmosphere makes it a perfect destination even on rainy days. The vendors, primarily elderly women, add a quaint touch, and the aisles are filled with treasures, from stars to spices, fish cakes, and exotic fruits. The smell of smoked fish mingles with that of chili on the kimchi stalls, creating a captivating olfactory symphony.
Across the road, Gukje Market offers a semi-covered experience focused more on shops. It has a variety of products, from bags to clothing and kitchen accessories. This market evokes the idea of a wholesaler, ideal for those looking to set up their “home sweet home” in Busan.
Finally, Bosu Book Street, just nearby, offers a striking contrast with its alleys filled with second-hand bookstores and literary curiosities. For book lovers, it is a fascinating place to get lost among shelves filled with literary treasures, mostly in Korean.
The Buddhist Lantern Festival
It is an annual celebration that lights up the city streets with vibrant colors and twinkling lanterns in honor of Buddha’s birthday. Every year in May, this festival offers a vivid immersion into Buddhist spirituality and Korean culture. Through parades, ceremonies, and performances, festival-goers are transported into a world of light, meditation, and festivities.
With traditional costumes, religious ceremonies, and a grand parade illuminated by lanterns, this event embodies the spirit of Korean culture and offers an unforgettable experience for all who participate.
Read the full article on the Buddhist Lantern Festival here.
Hwangnyeongsan observatory: Panoramic view of Busan with a magical nighttime touch
Perched atop Hwangnyeongsan Hill, Hwangnyeongsan Observatory offers a stunning view of the port city of Busan and its picturesque surroundings. This observatory provides visitors with a spectacular panoramic perspective, where gleaming skyscrapers merge with the marine horizon and green mountains in the background.
Whether by day with the city’s bright lights or by night with its magical twinkling, each moment spent at the observatory offers an unforgettable visual experience. In addition to its breathtaking view, Hwangnyeongsan Observatory often hosts cultural exhibitions and special events, adding an extra dimension to this iconic Busan tourist experience. Whether for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, or curious explorers, a visit to Hwangnyeongsan Observatory promises to enchant all senses and leave lasting memories of Busan’s beauty.
Spa Land: relaxation and wellness in Busan
Nestled in the bustling Centum City district, this thermal complex is a true haven of peace, offering one of the most luxurious spa experiences in all of South Korea, at an incredibly affordable price.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by an atmosphere of serenity, with modern facilities and elegantly designed spaces. The entry fee, at only KR₩ 23,000, gave me access to a full range of thermal baths, saunas, and relaxation areas.
I tried everything. The hot (and cold) baths with their soothing virtues, naked as a jaybird, and then the different saunas. Each had different features. There was one resembling Roman saunas, another using electromagnetic energy, and another relaxing with sound, in meditation mode… Each with its unique ambiance, deep relaxation guaranteed.
Of course, Busan is full of other places to discover. Sometimes, it’s enough to let yourself be carried by the lively streets, wandering aimlessly, to uncover hidden gems and live authentic experiences.
So, whether you are eager for adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery, Busan promises to meet all your expectations. Let yourself be swept up by the bustling rhythm of this ever-evolving city and get ready to be surprised at every corner.
