See and Do in Busan

As the second biggest city in the country, Busan is one of South Korea's most popular destinations. With a rich history and a growing international cultural presence, Busan offers plenty to see and do throughout the city that caters to its locals, visitors and expat community.

Recommended attractions in Busan

Gamcheon Culture Village

For a memorable mix of art and the outdoors, expats can travel to Gamcheon Culture Village. This neighbourhood was originally formed by houses built into a mountainside, which have been restored and repainted to become one of Busan’s most picturesque views. While exploring the steep streets and twisting alleys, visitors can find brightly painted murals, sculptures, and cafés in this artists’ haven.

Busan Museum of Art

Busan is home to plenty of art galleries and museums that are situated throughout the city, the largest of which is the Busan Museum of Art near Centum City. The museum showcases art from both Korean and international artists, and hosts featured exhibitions throughout the year.

Dream Theatre

In 2019, Busan opened the Dream Theatre, its first mega-scale theatre to host touring musical productions. In addition to theatrical productions in Korean, the Dream Theatre has also hosted international English productions.

Busan Museum of Contemporary Art

Situated in Hadan is the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, a must-visit attractions for all art lovers. This museum opened in 2018 and is Korea’s first public museum to focus on contemporary art.

Geumjeong Mountain Temples 

The Geumjeong Mountain is dotted with prominent historical sites, including some fascinating ancient temples. Visitors can either hike or take a cable car up to the mountain trails. Once there, they’ll see the gates, walls, and watchtowers of Geumjeong Fortress, and on the eastern end of the mountain is Beomeosa, the largest Buddhist temple in Busan.

United Nations Memorial Cemetery

This park honours UN soldiers from 21 countries who were killed in the Korean War. There are monuments throughout the park dedicated to many of the nations and their citizens who fought in the conflict. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Busan Museum featuring historical pieces from Busan and the surrounding province. 

Busan Citizen Park

At around 500,000 square meters, Busan Citizens Park is the largest in Busan. Formerly an American military base, the prime real estate near the downtown area of Seomyeon was given back to the Busan city government in 2006. The city converted the land into a spacious park with five themes and 29 attractions scattered around its many walking paths.

Haedong Youngungsa

One of the most unique temples in Busan is Haedong Youngungsa, known as the 'Temple by the Sea'. Just a little east of Haeundae and Songjeong Beaches, the temple is one of the few in Korea that’s on the coast, making it popular with sightseers.  

Taejongdae Resort Park

Busan’s most notable coastal park is Taejongdae Resort Park. On the southern tip of Yeongdo Island, the park features views of evergreen trees, seaside cliffs, and rocky beaches. The lighthouse observatory offers some of the best views of the coastline. On a clear day, observers can even see Japan’s Tsushima Island.