As South Korea’s second-largest city and one of its most important port destinations, Busan blends seaside scenery with urban culture, creating a travel experience that feels relaxed, flavorful and full of local character.
From famous beaches and fresh seafood to cliffside temples and vibrant cultural districts, here are 10 things Busan is famous for and what makes each one worth experiencing.
1. Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is one of the top things Busan is known for, drawing travelers with its wide stretch of sand, city skyline and easy access to restaurants, cafés and hotels. It is the beach many people picture first when they think of Busan, especially during summer when the shoreline fills with umbrellas, swimmers and families enjoying the waterfront.
2. Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge
Gwangalli Beach is another waterfront landmark Busan is known for, especially at night when Gwangan Bridge lights up across the water. The beach has a younger, more local feel than Haeundae, with cafés, bars, restaurants and casual seafood spots lining the shore.
3. Jagalchi Fish Market
Jagalchi Fish Market is one of the most famous places in Busan for experiencing the city’s seafood culture. Located near the port, it is filled with stalls selling fresh fish, shellfish, octopus, crab and other seafood brought in from nearby waters. For travelers, it offers an energetic look at Busan’s identity as a working coastal city.
4. Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village is one of the most colorful attractions Busan is known for, with hillside homes, bright murals, narrow alleys and sweeping views over the city. Often called the “Machu Picchu of Busan,” the village has transformed into a creative district filled with public art, small galleries, cafés and photo spots.
5. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of Busan’s most striking landmarks, set along rocky cliffs beside the sea. Unlike many Korean temples tucked into mountains, this temple faces the ocean, giving it a dramatic setting where waves, stone paths and temple architecture come together beautifully.
6. Coastal Views and Ocean Walks
Busan is known for its coastline, where ocean views appear from beaches, cliffs, parks, trails and scenic rail routes. Travelers can explore places like Igidae Coastal Walk, Taejongdae Resort Park and Haeundae Blueline Park, each offering a different perspective on the city’s relationship with the sea.
7. Fresh Seafood and Local Food
Busan’s food scene is one of the best ways to understand what the city is known for beyond its beaches and skyline. Local dishes include dwaeji gukbap, a comforting pork and rice soup; milmyeon, a chilled wheat noodle dish; ssiat hotteok, a sweet seed-filled pancake; and eomuk, or Korean fish cake, which is especially popular in Busan.
8. BIFF Square and Movie Culture
BIFF Square is a lively district Busan is famous for, reflecting the city’s connection to film, entertainment and street food. Named for the Busan International Film Festival, the area celebrates the city’s role as one of Asia’s major film destinations. Visitors can see handprints from actors and directors, explore nearby shops and snack their way through one of the city’s most popular pedestrian districts.
9. Mountain Scenery
Busan is known for more than its coast. The city is also surrounded by mountains, giving travelers easy access to hiking trails, lookout points and peaceful green spaces. Geumjeongsan Mountain is one of the best-known hiking areas, offering trails, forested paths and views over the city. The mountain is also home to Beomeosa Temple, one of Busan’s most important Buddhist sites.
10. Port City Energy
Busan’s identity as a port city shapes nearly everything the destination is known for, from its seafood markets and maritime history to its international outlook and waterfront neighborhoods. As one of South Korea’s major gateways to the sea, Busan has long been connected to trade, travel and cultural exchange.
What is Busan Known For?
Busan is known for Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market, Gamcheon Culture Village, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, coastal views, local seafood, BIFF Square, mountain scenery and its lively port city atmosphere. It is one of South Korea’s most exciting destinations for travelers who want beach culture, fresh food, scenic landscapes and authentic city energy in one place. Whether you are drawn by the ocean, the markets, the temples or the skyline, Busan offers a vibrant introduction to South Korea’s coastal side.
