Busan has so many places worth visiting. Perhaps too many if you are only visiting for a day or two…However, during my recent trip to Busan I was able to visit 5 incredible places in just one day! Enjoy the stories of my one amazing day in Busan.
We stayed in a guesthouse in Haeundae, a very popular tourist location in Busan. Furthermore, it is well-connected to stunning spots like Dongbaek Island. Located on the west end of Haeundae beach, Dongbaek Island is an enchanting seaside garden of camellias. There’s a walking trail, a statue, and an observatory in the area. Additionally, it is also site of the modern style Nurimaru (meaning “world summit”) APEC House. You will have the perfect view of Busan coast from here, complete with the iconic Gwangan Bridge in the distance.
Dongbaek Island
Address: 67 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Directions: Dongbaek Station (Subway Line 2) Exit 1. Walk straight, towards the coast, following signs for Dongbaek Island.
After spending about 2 hours on Dongbaek Island, our next destination was Songdo Beach. Songdo Beach was the first ever public beach in Korea. The clean sand, clear water and nearby seafood restaurants make it the ideal location on a warm day. Moreover, when you’re finished paddling in the ocean, you can visit the cloud and sky walks or take a ride in the cable car.
Address: 100, Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan
Songdo Beach Address: 50 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan Operating Hours: 6:00am - 11:00pm Directions: Take bus no. 7, 26, 30, 71 or 96 to Songdo Beach stop.
Our next stop was Gamcheon Culture Village. Known as the “Machu Picchu of Korea”, the coloured tin roofs and wall art has attracted travellers from near and far. The village also pays tribute to the globally loved story of the Little Prince; be sure to take your photo with him before you go! Gamcheon is indeed an animated place where history, culture and art come together.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Address: 203 Gamnae 2-ro, Saha-gu, Busan
Operating Hours (most facilities): 9:00am - 6:00pm Mar - Oct, 9:00am - 5:00pm Nov - Feb
Directions: Toseong Station (Subway Line 1) Exit 6. Walk straight to Pusan University Medical Center bus stop outside GS25. Take bus no. Seogu2, Seogu2-2 or Sahagu1-1 to Gamjeong Elementary School.Gamcheon Village stop.
From Gamcheon on to another beautiful location: Oryukdo Haemaji Park and skywalk. Oryukdo is one of the most visited destinations in Busan because of its gorgeous scenery. Here you’ll find another skywalk, offering a breath-taking view of 5+ nearby islands. The park is filled with pretty flowers just waiting to feature in the perfect Instagram photo.
Oryukdo Haemaji Park
Address: 137 Oryukdo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan
Directions: Take bus no. 24, 27, 131 or Namgu2 to Oryukdo Skywalk stop.
Our last stop is Gwangalli Beach, which is — without a doubt — the best place to spend your evening. We had our dinner in a pasta restaurant around the area and spent the rest of the night at the beach. The beach is full of LED lights that brighten up the night. From here, I also witnessed the perfect view of the popular Gwangan Bridge at night.
Gwangalli Beach
Address: 219 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
Directions: Geumnyeonsan Station (Subway Line 2) Exit 1. Turn around and take the first left, walk straight until you reach the beach.
These places aren’t all close by to each other, so you will probably be pretty tired by the end of the day! Nonetheless, you won’t regret seeing these incredible places when you take the memories back with you. Strangely, I felt energised by the trip once I arrived back home. I hope you enjoy your trip to Busan!
Note: Although this is a One Day Itinerary, if you are coming from Seoul, it is advised that you stay overnight in Busan in order to allow for travel time.