2026 Busan Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#2026 New Year's Greetings The Songdo Marine Cable Car is a marine sightseeing cable car located at 171 Songdo Beach-ro, Seo-gu, Busan. It travels over the sea for approximately 1.6 kilometers from Songdo Base Station to Songdo Skypark in Amnam Park. Its highest point is approximately 86 meters, and the ride offers panoramic views of the Busan coast, Songdo Beach, and the cliffs of Amnam Park. The ride takes about 15 minutes, making it a comfortable ride, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery. Operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM in winter, extended to 9:00 PM in spring and fall, and until 10:00 PM in the peak summer season.

#2026NewYear The Haeundae Beach Train is a seven-station round-trip train that begins at Mipo Station and ends at Songjeong Station. It is operated by Haeundae Blue Line and opened on October 7, 2020. The line is 4.8 kilometers long, has a single-track system, and trains have a top speed of 20 km/h. The Haeundae Beach Train is a tourist train that utilizes the former Donghae Nambu Line Mipo Railroad site. The Beach Train, which runs alongside the ocean, is popular with both Koreans and foreigners, even on weekdays, so it's recommended to reserve tickets in advance.

#2026 New Year's Greeting At the entrance to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, you'll find a famous Busan fish cake restaurant frequented by celebrities. Busan Fish Cake, touted by celebrity Hong Seok-cheon and visited by Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong, is renowned for its skewered fish cakes made with over 90% fish meat. These long, plump fish cakes are fresh and lightly flavored, making them a perfect meal replacement. On the way out of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, I stopped by a Busan fish cake restaurant. There was a long line, but I didn't have to wait long to get my fish cake.

#2026 New Year's Greetings Busan Station opened in 1908 with the opening of the Choryang-Busan Station section, and the temporary Busan Station in Jungang-dong was built on April 1, 1908. The Jungang-dong Busan Station was completed in October 1910. The current station was further expanded and renovated in September 2003 to coincide with the opening of the Gyeongbu High Speed ​​Railway. In 2019, Busan Station Plaza was reborn as the Busan Eurasia Platform, symbolizing the future of railways, extending beyond the Korean Peninsula and into the world. Busan Station is the main station in Busan and serves as the terminus for all trains on the Gyeongbu Line and the Gyeongbu High Speed ​​Railway. Currently, it operates express and local trains to Seoul, Daejeon, and Daegu, as well as the Namdo Ocean Train to Mokpo Station.

#2026 New Year's Greetings Songjeong Beach is a beach with no off-season, and is bustling with surfers both in summer and winter. With its soft sand, gentle slope, and shallow waters, Songjeong Beach is a popular family vacation destination, perfect for families and children. Raw fish restaurants line the coast, and at the end of the coast, Gwangeo-gol, a foodie street has been created, offering a variety of culinary delights. Many events are held here every year, including the Daeboreum Seaweed Festival, the Songjeong Beach Festival, and the Songjeong Jukdo Cultural Festival.

#2026New Year's Greetings If you're in Busan, Moon Toast, a toast specialty shop specializing in delicious mozzarella cheese, is located right in front of Songjeong Beach. Moon Toast's menu is surprisingly diverse, with options ranging from the basic Moon Toast to mozzarella cheese, spicy cheese, sweet potato cheese, and shrimp. When ordering, simply write your desired dish on a Post-it note and include your name or nickname. Even though there was a long line, they systematically prepared several toasts at once, so we were able to quickly receive our toasts and drinks. As for the taste, it was excellent, and I understand why people line up to order them.

#2026New Year's Greetings The Songdo Marine Cable Car's Sky Harbor Observatory is decorated with a theme inspired by the Little Prince, a favorite among children. If you're traveling to Busan with children, it's a great idea to take the Songdo Marine Cable Car and then visit the Sky Harbor Observatory. The Little Prince is popular with both children and adults, attracting many families with children on trips here, as well as couples on dates. From the Sky Harbor Observatory, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Busan sea and Yeongdo Island in the distance. The observatory features various photo zones, and many Koreans and foreigners enjoy taking pictures and enjoying their trip to Busan.

Haedong Yonggungsa, often regarded as the most beautiful temple in Korea, is said to grant one wish to those who visit. When I visited, it was a cold winter weekday, yet the temple was bustling with both local and international tourists. Many people were bowing and praying, while others were writing their wishes on roof tiles they had purchased. Unlike most temples, which are located in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa is situated by the seaside, offering stunning views and a unique charm. It is also a popular spot in Busan for watching the sunrise, attracting many visitors who come to enjoy the dawn. Haedong Yonggungsa combines breathtaking coastal scenery with ocean views, making it a place where you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the coastal trail while listening to the sound of waves.

In early spring 2026, the dreamy cruise ship "Spectrum of the Seas" will officially launch its brand-new itineraries from January to March 🚢! Whether you want to relax at sea, explore Korean cities for food and fun, or visit the healing coasts of Jeju Island, these trips will cure your indecisiveness 👇 📅 Departure Dates & Itinerary Details from January to March • January 16 (3-Day Short Cruise) Hong Kong → At Sea → Hong Kong 🌊 No need to travel far! Enjoy 3 days of top-notch cruise facilities: ziplining, pool parties, and gourmet dining all in one. Perfect for those who want a "lazy vacation." • January 28 / February 6 / February 14 (5-Day International Cruise) Shanghai → Busan → Shanghai With departures before and after Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day, these itineraries are ideal! Experience Busan's Jagalchi Market with fresh seafood and the coffee aroma of Gwangalli Beach, paired with a leisurely 5-day schedule to fully immerse yourself in the city's charm. • February 18 / March 4 / March 13 (5-Day Healing Cruise) Shanghai → Jeju Island → Shanghai 🏖️ Looking for a touch of Korean serenity? Jeju Island's Seongsan Ilchulbong and the blue skies and white walls of Seopjikoji are perfect for a 5-day trip combining natural attractions and food streets. • February 27 (6-Day In-Depth Cruise) Shanghai → Overnight in Incheon → Shanghai 🥢 An itinerary with an overnight stay in Incheon is so thoughtful! Spend the day exploring Seoul's Myeongdong and the night at Hongdae Night Market. Two consecutive days of Korean city life are perfect for travelers who prefer "slow travel." • March 8 (6-Day Dual City Cruise) Shanghai → Busan → Jeju Island → Shanghai ✨ Check off two Korean destinations in one trip! Start with Busan's bustling harbor and then head to Jeju Island's healing coast. A fulfilling yet relaxed 6-day itinerary, making it a great early spring value choice. • March 17 (5-Day City Cruise) Shanghai → Incheon → Shanghai Incheon in late March is still a great place to explore! Enjoy Chuncheon spicy stir-fried chicken and Incheon's marinated raw crab, paired with city sightseeing for a short trip full of happiness.

The Jeonpo area is filled with charming cafés, each with its own unique concept! This time, I was craving a delicious strawberry cake and found a café that even someone like me, who doesn't speak Korean, could visit alone. I was captivated by the beautiful cross-section of the strawberries, and the fluffy, moist sponge cake paired with the light whipped cream was just to my taste. It was absolutely delicious. The interior is spaciously arranged, making it a comfortable and relaxing spot even for solo visitors. Signature items: - Apt Coffee - Strawberry Whipped Cream Cake - Citrus Lemon Cake 🍋 ▪️apt coffee Address: 207-28, Jeonpo-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan Phone: 0507-1495-9926 Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Category: Café

Seomyeon / BUSAN Seomyeon, the youth district of Busan, is where I discovered a retro-style and delicious Samgyeopsal spot! The staff wearing trendy 'Halmoni vests' (Korean grandma vests) added a quirky touch 😂😂. Samgyeopsal grilled on a Korean pot lid is crispy, juicy, and even more flavorful✨. Unfortunately, the skin-on pork was sold out, so I could only try the regular Samgyeopsal 😭. I highly recommend the skin-on version! 🫶🏻. Having Myeongyi Namul (wild garlic leaves) was a personal highlight! Also, the Pa Jori (green onion salad) with egg was a new and unique experience 😳. With various dipping sauces, the flavors never got boring 👏🏼. It's a great place to enjoy the local Korean vibe, highly recommended✨. ▼Old Mansion Seomyeon Jeonpo Branch 📍687-18 Jeonpo-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan ⏰am10:30-pm11 BT:pm3-pm5 If you found this helpful, please press ˗ˏˋ Like ˎˊ˗ to support me♡(•ө•). Thank you! I also share lots of travel information, so come check it out~~~ Instagram: ar.9d

#DomesticTravel 🔸Lotte Premium Outlet Dongbusan Branch ✔️Location: 147 Gijanghaean-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan The Dongbusan Outlet is a great date spot in Busan. It's accessible by subway, making it ideal for backpackers, and the spacious parking lot makes it easy to drive. The expansive grounds and exotic architecture make for a fun time just exploring. The park features well-designed photo zones and both indoor and outdoor spaces, making it perfect for indoor dates on cold days. #BusanTravel #Indoors #GreatAtmosphere #Couples #DateCourse #WalkingTravel #HotPlace

Liberta Cheongsapo Branch is a three-story cafe offering a refreshing ocean view. Through the large windows, you can enjoy the expansive view of Cheongsapo Beach, making you feel like you're on vacation the moment you sit down. ☺️ It's perfect for sipping coffee while gazing at the sea or taking beautiful photos, making it a recommended stop on your Cheongsapo trip. 🤍 📍Liberta Cheongsapo Branch

☕️ Casa Busano: A truly million-dollar cafe with a view of the Gwangalli Bridge! ✨ It's so beautiful, you'd be missing out big time if you went to Busan and didn't check in here! Casa Busano This popular cafe is located right by Gwangalli Beach and has a mood that's a perfect 10/10 ✨ You can sip coffee while enjoying a 180-degree view of the bridge. The morning light is stunning, making for amazing photos. Or, for those who love nightlife, it transforms into a bar at night, perfect for hanging out all night long. The vibes are spot-on! 🍸🌊 Highlight you must try: 📸 Check-in spot: The shop's front window! Take a selfie with the bridge against the blue sea as a backdrop. It's incredibly beautiful! 🍦 Recommended menu: Padua Bar 4,500 won, very delicious. 📍 Casa Busano (Gwangalli Beach) ⏰ Open: Daily 8:30 AM - 2:00 AM (last order 1:00 AM) 🚗 Location: Gwangalli Beach, Busan #CasaBusano #BusanCafe #BusanCafe #TravelTalk #TravelKorea

🌊🍣 3 Days in Busan: Eating, Walking, and Enjoying the Ocean 🍣🌊 A short but fulfilling 3-day trip to Busan ✍️ 📍 DAY 1 Arrival in Busan → Stroll at Haeundae Beach Starting the trip with a view of the ocean 🌊 Dinner at Tonshow 🐷 Crispy tonkatsu filled with juicy flavor… A must-try taste when in Busan 🤍 📍 DAY 2 Gwangalli → Gamcheon Culture Village Fully experiencing the charming alleys of Busan 🎨 Lunch at Tokyo Bapsang 🍱 A beautifully arranged meal that delights both the eyes and the palate A perfect moment of relaxation during the trip ✨ Evening stroll with a view of the illuminated Gwangandaegyo Bridge 🌉 📍 DAY 3 Café Tour ☕ Enjoying a leisurely brunch Bidding farewell to Busan with a heart full of memories 👋

If you only plan to spend three days in Busan, then make the most of the coastline. From the sea breeze at Gwangalli Beach to the colorful railway at Sky Capsule, the panoramic views from the Songdo Cable Car, and finally, a stroll through the alleyways of Nampo-dong to enjoy a hot sweet rice cake. This itinerary condenses everything—sea views, delicious food, a relaxed pace, and must-see attractions—perfect for first-time visitors or travelers who simply want a comfortable vacation. --- DAY 1｜Arrival · Check-in · Shopping at Department Stores Arrived in Busan → Purchase Busan Pass → Hotel Check-in + Top up WOWPASS Lunch: Lee Jae-mo Pizza 🍕 Afternoon: Shopping spree at Shinsegae Department Store (Centum City) Dinner: Simple meal at a convenience store --- DAY 2｜Gwangalli Beach · Sky Capsule · Night View Morning: Headed to Gwangalli Beach 🌊, and visited Olive Young. Lunch: Local pork soup rice 🍲 Afternoon: Relaxed at Hotel1 Café Highlights: 🚋 Sky Capsule → Cheongsapo, perfect for photos! 🚃 Coastal Train return trip One last stroll along the beach, super chill! Dinner: Mizanwang BBQ 🍖 → Osulloc Matcha Ice Cream 🍵 → Receive Gwangan Bridge Night View 🌉 --- DAY 3｜Ropeway · Songdo Cable Car · Nampo-dong Morning challenge: Busan Skyline Luge, super exhilarating speed! Lunch: casual snacks nearby. Take the Songdo Sea Cable Car 🚡 → Stop at Café Ocean View for a sea view and coffee. Evening: Return to the city center, dinner: Nampo-dong Chicken Soup 🍲 Finally: Explore Nampo-dong Walking Street + eat BIFF (sweet rice cakes). Perfect Ending --- DAY 4｜Heading to Seoul 🚄 🎯 Recommended for whom? ✔ For those who want to see the sea and take beautiful photos ✔ For those who want to experience a one-day sea tour combining Sky Capsule and Songdo Cable Car ✔ For travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and a less rushed itinerary #SkyCapsule #GwangalliBeach #SongdoCableCar #BusanTrip #Busan #GwangalliBeach #Busan3DayTrip #Busan #BusanAttractions #SongdoSeaCableCar #NampodongFood #BusanTravelGuide #BusanSeaviewRoute #KoreaTravelGuide #BusanSongdoCableCar #HiddenGreekCafe #BusanSkyCapsuleTravelRailway #CoastalRailway #MizanKingSaltBBQ #BusanGwangalliBeach #LeeJaeMoPizzaBusan #BusanNampodong #BusanRopeway #BusanPass #BiffPlaza

#WinterTravel #BusanTravel 📍 Haeundae Beach Road, Haeundae-gu, Busan / A representative night festival that brightens up winter nights ✨🌙 The Haeundae Light Festival truly comes alive after the sun sets. As lights come on one by one along the streets, a completely different scene unfolds. It's a reason to slow down. The light sculptures blend together discreetly, making for a leisurely stroll. While there are plenty of photographers, the wide streets keep things from feeling crowded. Walking in the winter night breeze, you'll feel as if you've discovered a different side of Busan. It's a truly welcome festival that lets you experience the season without having to venture far. It's a great stop for a nighttime stroll in Busan during the winter.

✨Some useful tips if you are visiting for the first time. My friend and I arrived at the cable car station and bought our tickets directly from the self-service kiosk. There are two main options. One is a regular cabin, and the other has a transparent floor so you can see the sea below your feet. If this is your first time and you are not afraid of heights, the glass-floor cabin is worth trying. We accidentally chose the regular one, but it was still comfortable and enjoyable. The cable cars are clean and spacious, and you usually share the cabin with other passengers. The ride itself is not very long, but it is enough time to enjoy the sea views and take photos. We bought a round-trip ticket, which I recommend, because once you reach the other side, there is a small shopping and walking area where you can explore, take pictures, and rest before returning. To get here, the easiest way is by public transportation. Take the subway to Jagalchi Station or Nampo Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi heading toward Songdo Beach. The cable car station is located near Songdo Beach, and it is well marked on Google Maps and Kakao Maps. Taxis are also affordable in Busan and convenient if you are traveling with friends. For the best experience, I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds. Sunny weather is ideal. In winter, it is still enjoyable on a clear day if you dress warmly, since it can be windy. I do not recommend visiting on very cloudy or dark gray days because the views are less impressive. Night rides are beautiful for city lights, but photos usually turn out better during the daytime. Overall, it was a pleasant experience with great views, and it is a good activity to include in a Busan itinerary, especially if you enjoy scenic spots and relaxed sightseeing.

🔸Daniel Truth Perfume House Busan ✔️Location: 18, Seojeon-ro 58beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan ✔️Hours: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Fri-Sat 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM Daniel Truth Perfume House is a unique perfume pop-up store in Busan. The first floor features various photo zones and a goods zone, while the second floor offers one-day classes. With an exterior and interior reminiscent of a European hotel, it exudes an exotic vibe. There are also events and experiences like free photo booths. If you're interested in fragrances, this is a highly recommended event.

🔸Etté Objet ✔️Location: 1st Floor, 29-1 Dongseong-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan ✔️Hours: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Closed on Mondays Etté Objet is a long-standing staple among Jeonpo accessory shops. The shop spans two floors, offering a spacious area with a wide variety of items. Its attic-like aesthetic and charming exterior are beautifully designed. The shop features unique accessories perfect for gifting, focusing on living and interior products. With its cozy year-end atmosphere, it’s a delightful indoor date spot in Busan, even just for browsing.

#DomesticTravel 🔸SmallCity ✔️Location: 11 Seojeon-ro 58beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan ✔️Hours: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Closed Mondays SmallCity is a Seomyeon prop shop brimming with an exotic ambiance, reminiscent of a trip to Japan. Despite its small size, it's filled with vibrantly colored props, making browsing a breeze. Shirt-shaped pouches are a popular item, and it's a must-visit for kidults who love stationery and fancy goods. Enjoy some indoor window shopping during the cold winter! #Exotic #BusanTravel #JapaneseSensibility #Indoors #PropShop #CozyAtmosphere #Seomyeon #JeonpoCafeStreet

#hellochristmas Experience the sensation of floating above the sea at Gwanganli Hotel 1. This 2025-updated landmark is famous for its "Full Ocean View" rooms, where floor-to-ceiling windows eliminate the boundary between your bed and the East Sea. The environment is minimalist and pure, designed to highlight the majestic Gwangan Bridge that sits directly outside your window. From the marble-clad interiors to the crisp white linens, every element of the hotel is curated to amplify the natural light and the deep blue of the water. It is a visual sanctuary that offers the most intimate connection to Gwangalli’s coastal beauty available in Busan.

Located between Nampo-dong Station and Jagalchi Station. It's within walking distance from both. Right next to BIFF Square and DAISO. There were food stalls below the hotel, and everyone seemed to be enjoying their meals. Lotte Mart is also within walking distance. The main street is also close by, so even if your luggage gets too full, you can easily store it. The hotel is spotlessly clean, and they provide everything from toothbrushes to skincare products. I used my own toothbrush, so I can't say how it feels, lol. I stayed in both summer and winter, and the air conditioning and shower temperature were perfect. The hotel front desk also booked a taxi for me, so I was able to enjoy shopping and the food stalls right up until my departure, making the most of my time. If you're looking for a cheap, clean, and convenient hotel, I highly recommend it.

Everyone, you absolutely must visit Busan!! You can see the beautiful ocean at Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Sajik! You won't regret it! Busan's subway system isn't complicated, so you can get around by subway or bus! There's no need to rent a car! And get off at Jeonpo Station and buy some bread! There are so many delicious bakeries in Jeonpo!! !!! It's the best! Enjoy it! Please leave a comment before you go! #TravelPlan #Busan #DomesticTravel #BusanTravel #BusanHotPlaces #BusanDate #BusanTravelItinerary #Haeundae #Gwangalli #GwangalliBeach #GwanganBridge #GwangalliTravel #Jeonpo

Sharing a transparent cost breakdown from my recent 5-day trip to Seoul & Busan, in case it helps with your planning. ✈️ Flights • Kuala Lumpur ⇄ Seoul: RM900 🏨 Accommodation (4 nights): RM510 • Seoul: Let’s Stay Sinchon (~RM150 per person/night) • Busan: Soyu Hotel (~RM60 per person/night) • Both hotels are close to public transport and very convenient for sightseeing. 📱🚇 LG U+ Tour Pass: RM135 • Includes unlimited mobile data SIM card 5-day nationwide public transport pass (subway & buses) 🚄 Train (Seoul ⇄ Busan): RM300 🚌 DMZ Day Tour: RM210 🎟️ Attractions • Gyeongbokgung Palace: RM8.50 (free entry if wearing a hanbok) • Namsan Cable Car (one way): RM45 • Haeundae Sky Capsule (one way): RM60 • Bukchon Hanok Village: Free 🍜 Food: RM1000 (5 days) • We didn’t hold back on food and tried a wide variety of local dishes. ℹ️ Notes • All costs are calculated per person (shared by 2 people) • Prices may vary depending on season and availability Hope this helps anyone planning a similar trip to Korea! #travel #seoul #busan

Hello! Today, I’d like to introduce the "Busan University (Pusandae)" area in Busan, South Korea☺️ Busan University is a highly prestigious national university, but... the surrounding area is an amazing place to hang out!✨ Accessible via Busan Metro Line 1 or... thanks to its university-town vibe, there are plenty of bus stops, making it easy to get there from anywhere!🚌 With numerous cafes and restaurants, you might get a glimpse into the lives of Korean youth today...👀 There are also plenty of clothing stores, so you can enjoy yourself all day long♫ Here are a few recommended spots: "A cozy café where you can enjoy coffee at your leisure" ☕️📍구디너프 good enough 21 Geumjeong-ro 52beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 11:30–22:00 (subject to change) "A place to enjoy craft burgers" 🍔📍크레딧버거 credit burger 1F, 15 Jangjeon-ro 12beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 11:30–20:00 (subject to change) Travelogue

If you're visiting Busan, make sure to get the Busan Pass. For our trip, there were three of us, and we used Uber for transportation throughout. The total transportation cost for our 5-day, 4-night trip was 3,992 TWD. This location is best accessed by taxi 🚕 for convenience. Every display in the exhibition is filled with intricate details and thoughtfulness. Each presentation takes you to a different world, as if you're traveling through a time machine to experience various lives in different places. If you're in Busan, you must come and experience this! You definitely won't be disappointed.

Day 1: We started by taking a taxi to the first spot, and then walked to the other places. 1️⃣ Having Moment (My favorite spot during this Busan trip) This is my favorite coffee shop in Busan. I highly recommend their Ice Cream Latte and Black Sesame Cream Latte. 2️⃣ Molly's The ice cream here has a futuristic vibe, but I found it just okay. Worth a visit to check it out. 3️⃣ Damagada A seaside general store with affordable items and a great shopping experience. 4️⃣ Footbath Cafe View A footbath cafe with a sea view, perfect for relaxing. The package includes a drink, and the sunset view is particularly stunning. 5️⃣ Thrill on the Mug The seaside coffee shop I was most looking forward to. If the weather is good, you can see the sunset, which is truly beautiful. Day 2: We took a slight detour to capture the capsule train. 1️⃣ Liberta (My third favorite spot during this Busan trip) A three-story blue-themed seaside coffee shop. Their coffee and croissants are excellent. 2️⃣ Capsule Train (WeePo to CheongSaPo) Getting off the train feels like arriving at a mini Kamakura. 3️⃣ Simmian Walk a bit to the left front, and you'll reach a garden-like area that's a popular photo spot. 4️⃣ Caffeine Charger Here, you can enjoy the beautiful view of Gwangalli Bridge and even catch fireworks. 5️⃣ Yacht G We took the latest boat ride, but the fireworks were brief, so we didn’t capture much. I recommend taking the 8:00 PM ride to see multiple yachts setting off fireworks.