Busan is one of South Korea’s most rewarding cities and it doesn’t need a packed itinerary to leave an impression. These three stops cover a few of the best spots in the city.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Most Buddhist temples in Korea sit in the mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa sits right on the coast, built into the cliffs with the sea beneath it. Get there early before the tour buses arrive and take your time walking the grounds. There’s a tradition of writing out a wish or prayer and hanging it up at the temple, worth doing before you leave.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon is Busan’s hillside neighbourhood, painted in bright colours and covered in murals, street art and small galleries. It’s steep in parts and the laneways can get busy, but an afternoon wandering through it is time well spent. Pick up a map at the entrance and follow the trail markers to catch the best installations without backtracking.
Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli is one of Busan’s most popular beaches, but the sand isn’t really the point. The waterfront strip of bars and restaurants is where you want to be, especially in the evening when the Gwangan Bridge lights up across the water. Grab a seat somewhere with a view and stay as long as you like.
How to Make the Most of These Three
Hit the temple first thing in the morning, spend the middle of the day in Gamcheon while the light is good for photos, then wind down the evening at Gwangalli. It’s a natural flow and covers three very different sides of the city.
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