While Seoul is undoubtedly the most popular travel destination in South Korea, I for one am madly in love with the southern city of Busan! After all, this travel gem features a plethora of unique experiences that make it just as appealing as any other destination in the country!
Busan is famous for its stunning array of beaches and coastal vistas, along with more fresh seafood than one could ever ask for! Beyond that, Busan is known for its uniquely-recognizable accent and the warm hospitality of its locals.
Check out what else this city is known and famous for!
Table of Contents
1. The biggest port city in South Korea
One of the things Busan is famous for is simply its geography and the importance of its location.
Located in the southernmost tip of the Korean Peninsula, Busan is the biggest port city in South Korea, and the fifth largest port in the world, home to many global businesses and a wide range of industries like shipbuilding and tourism.
What’s more, thanks to its advantageous location, Busan is a significant gateway and port for maritime trade in the region!
The port also offers some of the best views of the city, especially at night. Taking a romantic evening cruise is a great way to see nighttime views of Haeundae Beach, Gwangan Bridge, the unique scenery of Igidae Park, and more.
2. Beautiful beaches
If you’re an avid traveler like me, you might be wondering, what is Busan famous for when it comes to it being a tourist destination?
Well, being a port city, Busan is unsurprisingly known for being home to some of the most alluring beaches in South Korea, with many of them doubling up as the city’s most popular tourist hot spots. In fact, going to the beach is one of the top things to do in Busan!
In particular, Haeundae Beach is well-known for its pristine ocean views, soft, golden sand, and deep blue waters. As Busan’s most famous beach, the area is often crowded, with throngs of visitors, both local and foreign, who flock to the beach to enjoy water sports, laze on the beach, and dine at the beachfront eateries.
Apart from Haeundae Beach, another popular beach that Busan is famous for is Gwangalli Beach.
What makes this location different is that rather than being just another sun-kissed location, Gwangalli Beach is actually more popular for romantic evening strolls! After all, it features mesmerizing night views of the Gwangan Bridge, one of the city’s iconic landmarks (we’ll get to that!).
Also read: 12 Best Beaches on Jeju Island That Are Totally Worth Visiting
3. Breathtaking coastal scenery
Another thing that Busan is famous for, apart from its alluring beaches, is its mesmerizing coastal scenery that lies tucked away in the mountains and hills.
One of the city’s most famous attractions is Taejongdae (pictured above), a beautiful seaside park that hugs the cliffed coast of Busan’s southeastern tip. The area features a therapeutic hiking trail and multiple viewing platforms from which you can admire the surrounding ocean scenery.
My tip is to get a ticket for the Taejongdae Danubi Train at the entrance which you can hop on and off at several locations along the trail. Better yet, join a Busan city tour that includes Taejongdae Danubi Train tickets.
Another famous Busan attraction that will make you fall in love with the city’s coastal vistas is the Oryukdo Skywalk (above), an exciting glass-bottomed walkway that protrudes out into the ocean. If you’re not too afraid of heights, I daresay it’s one of the highlights of any trip to Busan!
There’s also Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a postcard-worthy seaside temple that comes with a stunning oceanfront view! You can visit both Orkyukdo Skywalk and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple along with other scenic destinations in Busan with this ancient-meets-modern guided tour that includes a delicious traditional lunch.
4. The second-longest bridge in South Korea
Remember our earlier mention of Gwangan Bridge? Despite not being one of the mainstream “must-visit” locations in Busan, it’s actually one of the architectural landmarks that Busan is famous for.
In fact, you’ve probably seen the bridge before without even knowing it — either in promotional videos of Busan or on postcards, fridge magnets, and t-shirts being sold in souvenir shops in the city!
After all, as mentioned earlier, this suspension bridge is one of Busan’s most iconic night views, thanks to the bedazzling lights that cover the bridge at night. What’s more, Gwangan Bridge is the second-longest bridge in South Korea and represents an important piece of the city’s history — it was completed in 2002 in conjunction with the Asian Games being hosted in Busan!
5. Delicious seafood
Personally, when I think of Busan, what I remember most vividly is that pipping hot bowl of seafood porridge I enjoyed on my first morning in the city. I’m sure you can already guess where I’m going with this! Indeed, Busan is famous for having some of the best seafood in South Korea, thanks to its coastal location!
To punctuate how fresh the seafood in Busan is, sliced raw fish (Saengseonhoe) and ganjang gejang (soy-marinated raw crabs) are two of the most popular seafood dishes among both locals and tourists!
If you’re not one for raw seafood, you can instead enjoy other unique local seafood delicacies like bongkuk, which is a clear puffer fish soup; or haemultang, a hearty and spicy seafood stew that offers a savory kick. I personally prefer the latter but hey, to each their own!
Also read: Korean Food Facts: 40 Interesting Facts About Korean Cuisine
6. Jagalchi Market
Speaking of seafood, Busan is famous for being home to Jagalchi Market, the biggest seafood market in South Korea! When you visit this bustling market, you’ll see vendors selling fresh and dried seafood.
One interesting thing that you’ll notice when you visit this market is that most of the vendors here are middle-aged women, called the Jagalchi ahjumma. Most of the stalls are found along the shore and even along the road leading into the main market complex.
There’s also an adjoining area where you can fill your tummy with mouthwatering seafood dishes. It was here where I had that aforementioned porridge!
7. Traditional street food
If you’re one of the unfortunate few who’s allergic to seafood, don’t fret, because apart from a mouthwatering love affair with seafood, Busan is also famous for delectable (and affordable!) street food!
While much of the street food in Busan can be found pretty much everywhere else in South Korea, you can still find some unique local delicacies for which the city is best known for.
For example, there’s milmyeon, a spicy wheat noodles dish that originated in Busan, or ssiat hotteok, a Busanite twist to traditional Korean pancakes, where a variety of seeds and nuts are added for extra crunch!
You also can’t go wrong with Busan-style fish cake (eomuk), which are chewier than regular ones in Seoul. For something a little more comforting, try dwaeji gukbap, a pork and rice soup that is said to have originated in Busan during the 1950s!
The best place to hunt for street food in Busan? The famous Gukje Market, of course!
8. Gamcheon Culture Village
One of the most popular attractions that Busan is known for is the Gamcheon Culture Village, an iconic hillside area that’s known for its colorful house, whimsical alleyways, and myriad creative art installations. Such is the beauty of the village that it’s actually been featured as a filming location for several Korean dramas and even reality shows like Running Man.
Looking at the kaleidoscopic colors of the village now, you’ll be surprised to learn that, prior to 2009, Gamcheon Culture Village was nothing more than an uninspiring shantytown. These days, however, the area is almost always swarming with visitors keen to explore its colorful and labyrinthine streets.
I remember when I first visited the village myself. I was instantly swept away by the vibrant art and the romantic ambiance, punctuated by the quirky sculptures that are an ode to local folklore and culture!
9. Beomeosa Temple
Another one of Busan’s famous attractions is Beomeosa Temple, a serene Buddhist complex found amidst the scenic landscapes of Busan. Not only is it one of Busan’s most treasured cultural attractions, but it is also one of South Korea’s most historically-significant temples!
This temple, for which Busan is famous for, was founded back in 678 AD and, despite undergoing several rounds of refurbishment and rebuilding, has survived the test of time, housing centuries of Korean history within its four walls. Today, Beomeosa Temple is a revered pilgrimage site for devotees and a must-visit attraction for travelers.
What makes Beomeosa Temple stands out visually is the intricate architectural design of its gateways, halls, and pagodas. Combine that with the alluring natural beauty that surrounds the complex, and what you have is a postcard-worthy view that leaves most, if not all, visitors speechless!
10. The world’s largest department store
If one were to ask the question, “what is Busan known for”, I’m pretty sure “shopping” isn’t going to be the number one answer. After all, when it comes to retail therapy in South Korea, most people often think of the bustling streets of Myeongdong in Seoul.
That said, did you know that Busan is home to the largest department store in the world? Built in 2009, the Shinsegae Centum City Department Store spans 3.16 million ft² and houses 18 floors featuring a plethora of different boutiques, eateries, shops, and more. There’s even a beauty spa, a roof garden, and a golf driving range!
11. Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)
For movie-goers, Busan is famous for hosting the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), one of the most prestigious events of its kind in Asia. Held in October every year, the festival celebrates the film industry in Asia, introducing new films and up-and-coming directors to moviegoers during the vibrant, week-long event.
Due to the nature of the event and where it is held (in BIFF Square at Nampo-dong, a bustling district popular for shopping and street food), the event attracts plenty of young adults, which only adds to the fun atmosphere!
12. Busan dialect (Busan Satoori)
For those who frequently watch Korean dramas or variety shows (guilty as charged), you’re probably aware that Busan is known for its distinct dialect or satoori. In essence, this is akin to the charming Southern drawl of the USA, but in Korean!
Most Busan locals speak this dialect, known for its more relaxed and almost melodic accent that makes it sound like a more colorful version of standard Korean. Certain words are pronounced differently, and some even use different vocabulary altogether. The distinctive tell of Busan satoori is the rising tone at the end of most sentences.
Perhaps it is because of its unique dialect that Busan is known for having some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in South Korea. And, having been to Busan myself, I can confirm that it is exactly the case!
13. An undying passion for baseball
If New York is the home of baseball in America, then Busan is the South Korean equivalent of the Big Apple! Busan is famous for its passionate baseball culture, a hub for fervent fans of the sport to gather and watch some exciting games.
The team to support in Busan is undoubtedly the local Lotte Giants, interestingly one of the country’s most fabled professional baseball teams! Catching a game at the Sajik Baseball Stadium where the Giants play their home games is an experience you won’t soon forget!
Away from the professional game, Busan is also known for its youth outreach programs when it comes to baseball, with numerous academies in the city helping young athletes hone their skills. It’s no wonder Busan has helped produced many of South Korea’s biggest baseball talents!
14. Gong Yoo and other Korean drama actors
Apart from its popular southern charm and beautiful coastal sights, Busan is also famous for producing some of the most beloved Korean drama actors in the industry!
Among all the Korean actors from Busan, arguably the most famous one is Gong Yoo, who starred in well-known dramas like Goblin and Squid Game, and was the star of the popular zombie movie, Train to Busan (how fitting!).
Other notable actors that Busan is famous for include Kim Jung-hyun, of Clash Landing On You fame, Lee Joon-gi, and Nam Joo Hyuk, all of whom are household names in South Korea!
15. BTS Jimin and other famous K-Pop idols
Aside from popular Korean drama actors, Busan is also known for being the birthplace of many popular Korean Pop idols both past and present.
Arguably the most famous K-Pop idols from Busan are Jimin and Jungkook, both of whom are members of the popular boy band, BTS, one of the K-Pop groups that South Korea is famous for!
In fact, Jimin’s family owns and operates MAGNATE, a chic but homey cafe tucked away along Jinnam-ro. Despite its less-than-mainstream location, the cafe receives plenty of visitors, most of them ARMYs (BTS fandom)!
Other famous Busan K-Pop idols include Kang Daniel, Sandara Park, Jung Eunji, and the late Choi Sulli.
Conclusion
And there you have it: 15 (and more) things Busan is known and famous for! Be honest, some of the things listed above caught you off guard, didn’t they? Having been to Busan myself, I can’t do the city justice with just my words because it’s full of unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the country. So if you’ve yet to visit Busan, this is your sign to start making plans!
Want to learn more about what makes other popular destinations famous? Check out our other entries in this series including Switzerland, Japan, and Iceland!
