Things to Do in Busan 2025: Best Beaches, Eats, Culture & Hidden Gems

In Part 1 of our Busan blog series, we covered the best neighborhoods to live, study, and stay in Korea’s coastal capital including housing options, university areas, and local cost-of-living tips.

Now in Part 2, we’re diving into what truly makes Busan one of South Korea’s most livable and exciting cities. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or staying long term, this guide breaks down the top things to do in Busan in 2025, from iconic beaches and historic sites to vibrant food scenes, local festivals, and hidden gems.

Things to Do in Busan (2025): Beaches, Culture & Experiences:

Busan offers a rare mix of coast, city, and culture, all in one place. You can walk through a centuries-old temple in the morning, sip coffee on the beach by noon, and spend your night dancing under neon lights. For newcomers, it’s the perfect city to explore and settle into quickly.

Top Beaches in Busan:

Haeundae Beach

Busan’s most famous beach delivers a full coastal experience. Ride the colorful Haeundae Blueline Park Sky Capsule, walk the scenic Dongbaekseom Island trails, or catch beach festivals like the Sand Sculpture Contest and the Polar Bear Swim. Water sports like jet skiing and parasailing are also available in summer.

Gwangalli Beach

A favorite for locals, travelers, couples, and digital nomads alike, Gwangalli Beach offers relaxed vibes by day and a glowing city backdrop by night. Enjoy beachfront cafés and panoramic views of Gwangan Bridge. Every Saturday, a free drone light show lights up the ocean, and in autumn, the Busan Fireworks Festival fills the sky with color.

Songdo Beach

Songdo brings coastal drama in the best way. Hop on the Songdo Marine Cable Car for panoramic views or take a walk along the glass-floored Songdo Skywalk that curves over the sea. It’s less crowded than Haeundae but just as memorable.

Dadaepo Beach

A quieter beach with room to breathe. Known for its wide shorelines, dramatic sunsets, and the Sunset Fountain of Dream show, Dadaepo is where you go to slow down and recharge. It’s especially beautiful in the evenings when the sky and water light up together.

Cultural & Historic Highlights:

• Gamcheon Culture Village: Hillside lanes filled with murals, small galleries, and indie cafés.
• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: A rare seaside Buddhist temple built dramatically into coastal cliffs
• UN Memorial Cemetery & Busan Museum: Places that reflect Busan’s role in modern Korean and international history.

Outdoor & Nightlife Favorites:

• Igidae Coastal Walk: Oceanfront trails with panoramic sea views and peaceful cliffs
• Geumjeongsan Fortress Trail: A forested mountain path leading to ancient fortress walls and panoramic city views.
• Taejongdae Resort Park: Forest train, lighthouse cliffs, and ocean vistas
• Ahopsan Bamboo Forest: Serene bamboo paths featured in historical K-dramas
• Oncheoncheon Stream Walk:  Urban stream lined with cherry blossoms in spring and street art year-round
• Gwangalli After Dark: Bonfires, live music, bars, and beach gatherings
• Seomyeon & Nampo-dong: Street fashion, night markets, food stalls, and all-night cafés

Signature Festivals in Busan:

Busan’s festivals transform its beaches and streets into global stages. No matter when you arrive, there’s a good chance you’ll catch one of these events lighting up the city.

• Busan International Film Festival (BIFF): October’s biggest event, held in Haeundae and Centum City.
• Busan Sea Festival: Held in August, enjoy concerts, markets, and beach games.
• Busan Fireworks Festival: Massive firework displays over Gwangalli Beach in the fall.

Looking for a place near Busan’s beaches and best local eats? EnkoStay connects you with rentals near the sand, seafood stalls, and café culture. Click below to explore listings, and don’t forget to tap the house icon on the search page to get a personalized recommendation list from our Match Help Team.

Where to Eat & Drink in Busan

Busan offers more than just beautiful beaches and skyline views, it’s also a thriving culinary destination. From must-try street eats to cozy cafés, here’s what you won’t want to miss:

Local Must-Try Dishes

• Mil-myeon (밀면): Cold wheat noodles in light broth, perfect beachside lunch
• Dwaeji Gukbap (돼지국밥): Pork-rice soup, Busan’s signature comfort dish.
• Ssiat Hotteok (씨앗호떡): Seed-filled pancake snack found at BIFF Square
• Fresh seafood: Jagalchi Fish Market offers live octopus, grilled clams, and more

Top-Rated Cafés in Busan

• Chasunchaek (차선책): Minimalist café near Gwangalli for handmade desserts and peace
• CUP&CUP: Rooftop coffee spot with panoramic Gwangan Bridge views
• CHEEKYPIE (치키파이): Homey café offering savory meat pies and buttery crusts near the coast

Hungry for more?
Explore Busan’s street food markets, top dishes, and night eats in our Ultimate Busan Food Guide

Trending in Busan (2025):

• Haeundae Mipo Rail Bike: Ride along the ocean on a scenic coastal rail bike. Newly upgraded in 2025 with LED tunnels and sea-breeze selfie zones.
• Busan X the Sky (Haeundae LCT Tower): South Korea’s highest observatory. Perfect for panoramic night views or coffee at 100+ floors up.
• Busan Air Cruise 2.0: The Songdo cable car reopened with new glass-bottom cars and augmented reality screens for real-time storytelling.
• Seongsu Village pop-ups (in Seomyeon): Seoul’s trendy village vibe is now in Busan. Temporary cafés, markets, and fashion brands are drawing in Gen Z travelers.
• Dadaepo Drone Shows: A new weekend light + music drone show launched in 2025, with synchronized sunset visuals.

Looking to experience Busan without the hassle of planning it all yourself?
Part 3 of our Busan blog series is coming soon, featuring curated 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day itineraries for students, digital nomads, and travelers. Whether you're here for a quick visit or a longer stay, these easy-to-follow guides will map out the perfect mix of food, culture, and adventure, all with local insight.