Busan is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a variety of attractions and experiences for travelers. Whether you are interested in culture, history, nature, or cuisine, you will find something to suit your taste in Busan. In this blog post, I will share with you how to spend a perfect day in Busan, South Korea, and make the most of your time there.
Morning: Visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and the Haeundae Beach
Start your day by visiting the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which is one of the most scenic and unique temples in Korea. It is located on the coast of the East Sea and offers a stunning view of the ocean and the sunrise. You can admire the architecture and the statues of the temple, as well as enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the sound of the waves. The temple is open from 5 a.m. to sunset, and admission is free.
After visiting the temple, head to the Haeundae Beach, which is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Korea. You can relax on the sandy beach, swim in the clear water, or try some water sports such as surfing, jet skiing, or banana boating. You can also walk along the Haeundae Dalmaji-gil Road, which is a scenic road that connects Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach. You can see some art galleries, cafes, and restaurants along the way.
Afternoon: Explore the Gamcheon Culture Village and the Jagalchi Market
For lunch, you can try some of the local specialties of Busan, such as dwaeji gukbap (pork soup with rice), milmyeon (cold wheat noodles), or ssiat hotteok (sweet pancake with seeds). You can find many restaurants and street food stalls around the beach area or the city center.
After lunch, you can explore the Gamcheon Culture Village, which is a colorful and artistic village that was once a poor slum area. The village was transformed into a cultural hub by local artists and residents who painted the houses and walls with bright colors and murals. You can walk around the village and see some of the artworks, museums, galleries, and cafes. You can also take some Instagram-worthy photos at some of the famous spots, such as the Little Prince statue, the Fish Stairs, or the Haneul Maru Observatory.
Next, you can visit the Jagalchi Market, which is the largest seafood market in Korea. You can see a variety of fresh and live seafood on display, such as fish, octopus, crab, shrimp, squid, and more. You can also buy some seafood and have it cooked on the spot at one of the nearby restaurants or stalls. You can enjoy your seafood feast with some soju (Korean liquor) or makgeolli (rice wine).
Evening: Enjoy the Night View at Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge
To end your day in Busan, you can enjoy the night view at Gwangalli Beach and Gwangan Bridge. Gwangalli Beach is another beautiful beach in Busan that offers a great view of the Gwangan Bridge, which is a 7.4-kilometer-long bridge that connects Haeundae-gu and Suyeong-gu. The bridge is illuminated with colorful lights at night and creates a spectacular sight. You can walk along the beach or sit on one of the benches and admire the view.
You can also enjoy some nightlife at Gwangalli Beach, as there are many bars, clubs, cafes, and restaurants nearby. You can have a drink or a snack while listening to some live music or watching some street performances. You can also join one of the night tours that will take you around Busan by bus or boat.