Busan
South Korea · East Asia
South Korea's second city and largest port, on the south-east tip of the peninsula, with a beach district of towers and a growing MICHELIN Guide scene.
Why visit
Why visit Busan
Go for the sea. Seoul is a palace-and-skyline city; Busan is a harbour city with beaches in the middle of it, hillside neighbourhoods built by refugees, a temple on a cliff above the water and a market where fish is sold and eaten the same hour. The Busan International Film Festival, first held in 1996, has become one of Asia’s most significant annual festivals and gives the city a cultural calendar.
It is also changing quickly at the top end, with a new generation of towers in Haeundae and a dining scene still finding its shape.
Explore
What to see
Haeundae is known for its wide sandy beach, resorts and hot springs; nearby Songjeong and Gwangalli are the other main beaches, and Gwangalli is the second most popular after Haeundae. Gamcheon Culture Village is a district of colourful houses built up a mountainside above the port. Jagalchi Market is a large fish market that took shape after the Korean War and is known for fresh sashimi.
Haedong Yonggungsa, about 50 minutes by car north-east of the city, is one of Korea’s three major Kannon holy sites and stands where the sea meets the temple grounds. Beomeosa is one of Busan’s three major temples, known for its medieval architecture, sculpture and stone lanterns.
Closer to the centre, Taejongdae offers sea views from a cliff observation deck and lighthouse, and BIFF Square in Nampo-dong is the film-festival street, known for hotteok. The Songdo Marine Cable Car spans 1.62 kilometres between Songdo Beach and Amnam Park. The UN Memorial Cemetery, outside the city, honours United Nations soldiers who died in the Korean War.
Hotels
Where to stay in Busan
Haeundae is the natural base for a beach and city stay. Signiel Busan opened in 2020 as the second hotel under Signiel, the top-tier brand of Lotte Hotels and Resorts, after Signiel Seoul. It occupies the 3rd to 19th floors of the LCT Landmark Tower in the Haeundae LCT development, with 260 rooms, each with a balcony and a sea view, interiors by HBA on a blue-sea theme, an outdoor infinity pool and a spa.
Dining
Where to eat in Busan
Before you go
Practical information
Best time to visit
Haeundae’s beach has summer events, and the other sights can be visited through the year. Check the weather and festival dates for your trip, and the current notices for the cable car and the temples.
Getting around
The city is long and spread along the coast, and the main sights are separated by 30 to 50 minutes by car: Taejongdae is about 30 minutes from Nampo-dong across the Yeongdo Bridge, and Haedong Yonggungsa about 50 minutes north-east. Plan each day around one area, Haeundae, Nampo-dong or the temples, and check the operators for current transport options.
Practical notes
Michelin ratings, cable-car operation and temple access change from year to year, so confirm them with official sources.
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