10 Must-Visit Places in Busan – Easy Self Guided Travel Without a Tour

One of the most popular travel destinations in South Korea is Busan, the country’s largest port city and the second-largest city after Seoul. Recognized as South Korea’s rising travel hotspot, Busan has become a must-visit check-in destination for travelers thanks to its diverse attractions. From stunning beaches and breathtaking viewpoints to vibrant shopping and food markets, Busan offers something for every traveler. Plus, with pleasant weather year-round, it's the perfect place for a relaxing getaway.

Today, Gother is sharing a complete travel guide to Busan, featuring the best check-in spots, food destinations, shopping areas, and Instagram-worthy locations—along with easy transportation tips so you can explore Busan on your own without needing a tour package. Ready to go? Pack your bags and fly to Busan for an unforgettable adventure!

เกาหลีใต้ให้มาเที่ยวกี่ครั้งก็ไม่เบื่อ! คำพูดนี้คงไม่เกินจริงสินะ! โดยเฉพาะการได้มาเที่ยว ปูซาน (Busan) เพราะที่นี่มีสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวมากมาย หลากหลายสไตล์ เดินทางไปยังที่เที่ยวต่าง ๆ ก็สะดวก สามารถขึ้นรถเมล์ หรือนั่งรถไฟฟ้าใต้ดินไปยังที่เที่ยวนั้น ๆ ทำให้นักท่องเที่ยวสามารถมาเที่ยวปูซานด้วยตัวเองได้ง่าย ๆ มาดูกันสิว่าที่เที่ยวที่เราจะมาแจกพิกัดจะมีที่ไหนกันบ้าง ปักหมุด! ตามเราไปเที่ยวกันเลย

Start your Busan adventure with a spiritual visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of South Korea’s most stunning Buddhist temples. Located on the cliffs of Haeundae Beach, this temple is famous for its breathtaking ocean views and sunrise spots, making it a top destination for watching the first sunrise of the year on New Year's Day. Founded between 1351-1374 by Monk Naong Seon, an advisor to King Gongmin of the Goryeo Dynasty, the temple was later restored in the 1970s. With its sacred atmosphere and scenic location, it is the perfect place to pray for good fortune and enjoy a peaceful sunrise in the morning. One of the best times to visit is April, when the cherry blossoms bloom, turning the temple grounds into a magical landscape. This makes it one of Busan’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots.
       • Best Time to Visit: Open year-round, but for cherry blossoms, visit in April
     • Location: 86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
     • Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LiF38knGp6K1geb28

How to Get There
     • Subway: Take the Haeundae Line to Haeundae Station (Exit 7) → Transfer to Bus No. 181 → Get off at Yonggungsa Temple Stop
     • Bus: Take Bus No. 1003 → Get off at Songjeong 2 Humansia Stop

 

2. Busan Gamcheon Culture Village

If you love colorful and artsy destinations, then Busan Gamcheon Culture Village is a place you can’t miss! This charming hillside village is filled with pastel-colored houses, arranged in a terraced, stair-like layout, offering stunning panoramic views of Busan. It’s one of the most famous viewpoints in the city, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Gamcheon Culture Village is often called "The Santorini of Korea" because of its brightly colored houses and picturesque setting. On clear, sunny days, the village looks even more vibrant, creating the perfect backdrop for photos. Beyond its scenic beauty, there’s so much to do here! You can rent adorable school uniforms and walk around the village in style, take photos at various street art installations, and explore the hidden artistic gems scattered along the streets, walls, and alleyways giving the area a unique street art vibe.

One of the highlights is meeting The Little Prince and his fox, characters from the classic French novel "The Little Prince", sitting on a viewpoint overlooking the village. You’ll also find souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants along the way, making your visit even more enjoyable. If you visit Gamcheon Culture Village, you’ll never run out of things to do!

     • Best Time to Visit: September – May (for the best weather and clear views)
     • Location: 203 Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
     • Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iedfafj77cS5wybP7
     • How to Get There Subway: Take the subway to Toseong Station (Exit 6) → Transfer to Bus Seogu 2, Seogu 2-2, or Sahagu 1-1 → Get off at Gamcheon Elementary School Stop

 

3. Sky Capsule Haeundae Blue Line Park

If you're exploring Busan on your own, one place you absolutely can’t miss is the Sky Capsule at Haeundae Blue Line Park. This super popular attraction has quickly become one of Busan’s most iconic landmarks, thanks to its adorable, colorful mini trains that provide a scenic ride along the coastline. The Sky Capsule comes in four bright colors—yellow, green, blue, and red—and has a cute, compact, box-like design. Inside, each capsule is air-conditioned with large glass windows, offering panoramic views of Busan. Each car can accommodate up to four people, making it perfect for a fun ride with friends, family, or a special date!

The capsule moves slowly along the coast, giving passengers a chance to fully take in Busan’s breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, lighthouses, and the famous Haeundae Beach. It’s truly one of the best ways to experience Busan’s beauty, so if you visit without trying this attraction, you’re definitely missing out!

     • Best Time to Visit: Open year-round
     • Location: Haeundae-gu, Cheongsapo-ro, Busan, South Korea
     • Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zjAWQwomyUjKeN8W6
     • How to Get There Subway: Take the subway to Jungdong Station (Exit 7) → Walk about 800 meters to Mipo Station, the boarding point for the Sky Capsule at Haeundae Blue Line Park.

 

4. Songdo Sky Park

For those who want to take in breathtaking aerial views of Busan, Songdo Sky Park is the perfect place to visit! This iconic bridge extends 396 meters from the coastline into the deep blue sea, with a 2.3-meter-wide pathway designed to resemble a dragon winding through the ocean. It is located at Songdo Beach, South Korea’s first-ever public beach, offering stunning, uninterrupted views of Busan’s coastline.

The scenic walking path starts over the crystal-clear waters of Songdo Marine Cable Car, passes through Songdo Turtle Island, and ends at Songdo Beach. Strolling along this bridge, feeling the ocean breeze, and capturing Instagram-worthy moments make for an unforgettable experience. If you're exploring Busan on your own, this is one place you definitely shouldn’t miss!

     • Best Time to Visit: Summer season (June – August) for the best ocean views and warm weather
     • Location: 181 Amnamgongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, South Korea
     • Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/scHV4vo6pwXWUQCQ8
     • How to Get There Subway: Take the subway to Jagalchi Station

5. Busan Tower

If you visit Busan but don’t check in at Busan Tower, have you really been to Busan? This iconic landmark is one of the best high-altitude viewpoints in the city, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of both the cityscape and the sea. Located inside Yongdusan Park, a large public park on a hillside in the heart of Busan, the area provides a peaceful and scenic atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stroll with plenty of beautiful photo spots.

Standing 120 meters high, Busan Tower offers a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the city, including Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Busandaegyo Bridge, Busan Port, Jagalchi Market, Namhang Bridge, and Oryukdo Island. After enjoying the view, visitors can easily walk to Nampo-dong, a popular shopping and entertainment district in Busan.

     • Best Time to Visit: Open year-round
     • Location: 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
     • Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TMaNEjbWpwcVpcrPA
     • How to Get There Subway: Take the subway to Nampo Station (Exit 7) → Walk approximately 10 minutes to Busan Tower
 

6.Songdo Beach

Songdo Beach holds the title of South Korea’s first public beach and remains one of the most popular seaside destinations in Busan. Originally developed during the Japanese colonial era, the area was transformed into a luxury seaside retreat, with Japanese-built villas, hotels, and leisure facilities. Over time, extensive environmental and landscape improvements have made Songdo Beach a beautiful, clean, and relaxing getaway.

With its soft sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and refreshing ocean breeze, Songdo Beach is the perfect spot for a scenic stroll or a relaxing day by the sea. Thanks to its stunning coastal views and historical significance, it has become one of Busan’s must-visit landmarks for travelers.

     • Best Time to Visit: Summer season (June – August) for the best beach experience
     • Location:  Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Kore
     • Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xHuDV27QH5oU4iTv9
     • How to Get There Subway: Take the subway to Jagalchi Station

7. The Bay 101

If you're traveling to Busan in 2025 and want to follow in the footsteps of your favorite K-drama scenes, then The Bay 101 is a must-visit location! Featured in the popular series "Now, We Are Breaking Up", starring Song Hye-kyo and Jang Ki-yong, this spot is famous for its breathtaking night views, with illuminated skyscrapers reflecting off the harbor, creating an incredibly picturesque scene. For photography lovers, this place is a dream come true. The high-rise buildings, beautifully lit at night, mirror perfectly in the water below, making for stunning Instagram-worthy shots.

Aside from being a scenic destination, The Bay 101 is also a Community Mall offering various water activities, including speed boats, jet skis, banana boats, sailboats, luxury cruises, and yacht rentals at the Yatch Club. If you prefer a more relaxed evening, there are restaurants, cafés, and an outdoor beer garden, making it an ideal place to enjoy a drink while admiring the dazzling cityscape.

     • Best Time to Visit: Winter season (December – February) for the clearest night views
     • Location:  52 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
     • Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Kos236pujeGqtNL9
     • How to Get There Subway: 

8. Jangnim Harbor

Want to experience a European-style waterfront without leaving South Korea? Then Jangnim Harbor is the place to go! Known as the "Venice of Busan," this charming harbor has become a hotspot for photography lovers, offering colorful, picturesque scenery that makes you feel like you're strolling through a European port town.

Once just a fishing dock for small boats, Jangnim Harbor has been revitalized with vibrant pastel colors and artistic murals, turning it into one of Busan’s newest check-in spots. The pastel-colored container offices, rented by local fishermen for storing fishing gear, add to the harbor’s unique aesthetic, making it a must-visit location for stunning travel photos.

Beyond its visual appeal, visitors can also immerse themselves in local life, explore the fishing village, and enjoy fresh seafood or delicious local delicacies. Whether you love photography or food, this hidden gem in Busan is well worth the visit!

     • Best Time to Visit: Open year-round
     • Location:  1082-1 Jangnim-dong, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
     • Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ws2Ve5Yrd3aBreh86
     • How to Get There

9. Nampodong Shopping Street

For shopaholics exploring Busan, Nampodong Shopping Street is a must-visit destination! As the largest shopping street in Busan, it offers an extensive selection of fashion items, including clothing, cosmetics, and branded goods, along with trendy cafés and restaurants that are especially popular among Busan’s youth. The bustling atmosphere of Nampodong rivals Myeongdong in Seoul, earning it the nickname "Myeongdong of Busan." One of its highlights is the iconic metal sculptures, symbolizing the Nampo-Dong district. Additionally, Nampodong is closely tied to the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), making it a hub for cinemas and theaters. The area also features Star Street, a special walkway with handprints of famous film stars, celebrating Busan’s deep-rooted connection to the film industry.

     • Best Time to Visit: September – May for the best shopping experience
     • Location: Jung-gu, Gudeok-ro, Busan, South Korea
     • Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nx1woUdsqCdKM9Br9
     • How to Get There Subway: Take the subway to Nampo-dong Station Exit 1 or Exit 3 to access Nampodong Shopping Street

 

10. Haeundae Traditional Market

No trip to Busan is complete without visiting Haeundae Traditional Market, located just a short walk from Haeundae Beach. This bustling market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a huge variety of delicious street food, fresh and dried seafood, and local delicacies. If you love trying authentic Korean snacks, this is the perfect place to taste Busan’s specialties. Beyond its amazing food scene, the market is also a great spot for shopping, with affordable fashion items, trendy shoes, and stylish accessories. Whether you're looking for delicious eats or budget-friendly shopping, Haeundae Traditional Market has it all!

One of the best things about this market is that it stays open from early morning until midnight, so you’ll never have to worry about finding something to eat in Busan. Just bring your appetite and get ready to feast!

     • Best Time to Visit: September – May for the best food experience
     • Location: 22-1 Gunam-ro 41beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
     • Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MT2MKofqVdjdRfqaA
     • How to Get There Subway: Subway: Take the subway to Haeundae Station (Exit 3) → Walk 350 meters along Gunam-ro to reach the market

 

One of the most frequently asked questions by travelers planning a trip to Busan is, "When is the best time to visit?" The truth is, Busan is a year-round destination! Each season has its own unique charm, offering different travel experiences depending on the weather. Busan has four distinct seasons, and each comes with must-visit attractions that shine in their own way.

 

Spring (March – May) – The Cherry Blossom Wonderland

Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Busan, with cool and refreshing weather, making it a perfect time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Temperatures range between 9 - 18°C, offering a pleasant atmosphere for strolling around the city. One of the highlights of spring in Busan is the blooming cherry blossoms, which cover the city in stunning shades of pink. Whether you're exploring parks, temples, or scenic roads, you'll be surrounded by vibrant, fresh nature. This season attracts both locals and tourists, creating a lively and festive vibe across Busan.

     • Pros: Cool and romantic weather, making it ideal for couples and travelers who love nature
     • Things to Keep in Mind: Light rain showers may occur on some days
     • Recommended Places to Visit in Spring:

Summer in Busan (June – August)

If you think Thailand is hot, wait until you experience Busan in the summer! With temperatures ranging from 22 - 38°C, Busan’s summers can feel just as intense as tropical climates, especially in August, which is the hottest month. The heat gradually subsides by early September, but occasional heavy rain and typhoons may occur, so bringing an umbrella or raincoat is a good idea.

Despite the heat, Busan's beaches come alive in summer, making it the best time for water activities, beach relaxation, and outdoor fun. The city is bustling with festivals, lively events, and vibrant nightlife, making it a great season for partygoers and adventure seekers.

     • Pros: Cheaper flights and accommodation compared to peak seasons Bustling beach scenes with fun water activities and festivals
     • Things to Keep in Mind: Hot and humid weather – be prepared for the heat!
     • Recommended Places to Visit in Summer:

Autumn in Busan (September – November)

Autumn in Busan is one of the most beautiful and enchanting seasons, as the weather starts to cool down with temperatures ranging from 15 - 25°C. During this time, the lush green landscapes transform into breathtaking shades of orange, yellow, and red, making the city look incredibly picturesque and romantic—just as charming as spring’s cherry blossoms. For travelers who love crisp, refreshing weather and scenic natural beauty, this is the perfect season to visit. It’s also a great time for hiking, sightseeing, and photography, as the autumn leaves create a stunning backdrop across Busan’s mountains, parks, and temples.
       • Pros: Cool and comfortable weather – perfect for outdoor exploration Romantic atmosphere with breathtaking fall foliage
     • Things to Keep in Mind: Occasional rain showers on some days
     • Recommended Places to Visit in Summer:

Winter in Busan (December – February)

For those who want to experience cold weather and play in the snow, winter is the perfect season to visit Busan. From December to February, the city reaches its coldest temperatures, averaging between 0 - 10°C, creating a chilly and cozy atmosphere.

Since temperatures can drop significantly, it’s essential to pack warm clothing, including thick coats, scarves, and gloves, to stay comfortable while exploring. Winter in Busan is also the time for exciting seasonal activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, which are popular among locals and tourists alike.

     • Pros: Peaceful and less crowded atmosphere compared to other seasons Festive Christmas markets and winter events
     • Things to Keep in Mind: Extremely cold temperatures, so proper winter gear is necessary
     • Recommended Places to Visit in Summer: