19 Free (and Cheap!) Things to Do in Busan, South Korea
Hey friends! We have created a short list of things to do that we really enjoyed doing during our month's stay in Busan! Busan is full of nightlife, great foods, deep-rooted Korean culture, and beautiful beaches. Busan can be pretty expensive if you are constantly going out, but these activities will give you cheap (mostly free!) alternatives!
Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장) - the most popular beach here in all of South Korea! Luxury hotels and resorts are swarmed. Busy all the time. Metro Line 2 Haeundae Station
Gwangalli Beach (광안리 해수욕장) - This beautiful beach has a stunning night view along the Gwangan Bridge that stretches across the ocean. You can see many buskers, adorable cafes, and packed restaurants. Metro Line 2 Gwanan Station, Exit 3 & 5
Busan Fireworks Festival (부산 불꽃놀이 축제) - Every November, Asia’s largest fireworks festival is held at Gwangalli Beach. More than 1 million visitors attend from all over the world. Sarah has been to this festival twice, every year the festival theme changes, and is an absolute must-see for those in Busan. Metro Line 2 Gwanan Station
BEXCO (벡스코) - a HUGE exhibition and convention center. International and local events and conferences are held here. Check their website to see what events are happening! Early admission tickets are typically free and if you miss early admission tickets, they are usually no more than 10,000 KRW ($7.50 USD). Metro Line 2 BEXCO Station. We were able to attend the Cafe Week while there!
Oryukdo Skywalk (오륙도 스카이워크) - A transparent U-shaped pathway that gives visitors the feeling of walking in the air! Metro Line 2 Kyungsung University/ Pukyong National University Station > Transfer to Bus 24,271, or 131 > Oryukdo Skywalk bus stop
UN Memorial Cemetery (UN 기념공원) - If you are into history, cemeteries, and memorials, this one is for you. This park is a cemetery established in 1951 by the United Nations for burying the UN soldiers who fought in the Korean War. It is the only ‘UN Memorial Park’ in the entire world where more than 2,300 bodies from 11 countries are buried here. Metro Line 2 Daeyeon Station
Igidae Park (이기대 도시자연 공원) - A true local park in Busan. The beautiful coastal walk gives you a different view of Gwangan Bridge. A lot of local runners recommend this place to us as well! Metro Line 2 Kyungsung University/ Pukyong National University Station > Transfer to Bus 20,22,27,39, or 131 > Get off at Igidae Entrance Bus Stop.
Shinsegae Centum City (신세계 센텀시티) - This shopping center is not just any shopping center. The Shinsegae Department Store is registered in the Guinness World Record as the largest department store in the world! Not only does it have shopping, but an indoor ice rink, Spa Land, theaters, and food shops! Metro Line 2 Centum City Station.
Dongbaekseom/ Dongbaek Island (동백섬) - This island really is not a true island (it is connected to the land). The area consists of beautiful camellia and pine trees. Metro Line 2 Dongbaek Station
Marine City (마린시티) - This place is known to have the highest skyscraper view in South Korea. It is a great spot to get city photography done and see a vibrant night view of Haeundae. Metro Line 2 Dongbaek Station
Dalmaji-gil Road - This is a favorite road for driving as the road is full of cherry blossom trees during spring. Along the road, there are beautiful cafes and art galleries as well. This road has been selected as one of the eight magnificent scenes in South Korea.
Yonggusa Temple (해동 용구사 ) - Many tourists visit this temple due to the wonderful motto this place has. “If you pray with all your heart, one wish will surely come true.” It is free to enter and you won’t want to miss the beautiful landscape this place has to offer. Metro Line 1 Haeundae Station, Transfer to bus 181
Busan Citizens Park (부산 시민 공원) - This is a park that welcomes both locals and tourists. Metro Line 1 Bujeon Station, Exit 7
Jagalchi Market (자갈치 시장) - Fish! Fish! Fish! A huge fish market along the ports, You can buy fresh fish, and there are also some food stalls that offer lunch and dinner with fried fish and premade fish stew. This was one of our favorite spots to explore! Metro Line 1 Jagalchi Station.
Gukje Market (국제 시장) - Literally everything from clothing to food. You will get it at the Gukje Market. This market has been famous for showing up in several Korean dramas and films. Metro Line 1 Jagalchi Station
Gamcheon Cultural Village (감천 문화 마을) - This village has been famous for a long time. Colorful houses, terraced, the best thing to do is to explore all the little alleyways of the village. The main areas can be packed during peak season! No metro lines come to this area!
White Cultural Village (흰여울 문화 마을) - In our opinion, it is way better than Gamcheon Cultural Village. The view from the cafes are way better, less touristy, and there is way more to explore. Metro Line 1 Nampo Station Exit 6, Transfer to Bus: 6, 9, 82, 85, 7, 71, or 508.
BIFF Hall - Where the Busan International Film Festival is held every year. Beautiful outdoor film theater with an indoor screening area as well. Lots of famous actresses and actors walk across this stage during the BIFF.
40 Step Culture Street/ Café Street (40계단길) - If you want to see a bunch of locals and get a coffee and people watch, this is the place. A bunch of great cafés to choose from if you would like a great cup of coffee as well! It almost feels like you went back in time! Truly a local experience! Metro Line 1 Jungang Station Exit 11
