Busan Travel Hacks: 5 Must-Visit Spots That Locals Will Recommend!
I recently was in South Korea this September and I had the amazing opportunity to explore some areas that are outside the beaten path, but still were pretty accessible. Forget the standard, crowded tourist loops. That's the advantage of traveling with a local at your side. My girlfriend grew up here and personally curated a list of spots that reveal a truly different Busan than what’s printed in guidebooks. This definitive list covers everything from hidden coastal trails to neighborhood gems. If you want to experience Busan like a local and step off the beaten path, this is the guide for you. The following five spots are not in any particular order, but they are all must-visits.
Oryukdo Skywalk & Igidae Coastal Walk
This location offers a beautiful view of the sea and even lets you walk above it! It is easily accessible by bus and is around 30 minutes from Busan Station.
The Oryukdo Skywalk is the perfect place to start your visit. Extending 15 meters out over a 35-meter-high coastal cliff, this U-shaped glass bridge offers a heart-pounding, panoramic view of the coastline and the famous Oryukdo Islands. Fun fact: The name Oryukdo literally means "five-six islands" because, depending on the tide and the angle of view, they sometimes look like five islands and sometimes six! Walking across the transparent glass floor is a thrilling experience. it truly feels like you're hovering over the ocean waves below.
Once you’ve had your fill of the dizzying views from the Skywalk, it’s time to truly dive into Busan’s natural beauty by taking on the Igidae Coastal Walk. This winding, 4.7km trail goes right along the coast, offering stunning vantage points that showcase the rugged cliffs and the endless blue of the ocean. This trail is a local favorite because it typically is not too busy unless it's a major Korean holiday. As you hike, you'll pass beautiful hidden coves, rock formations, and dense pockets of pine forest. It’s an immersive experience that provides a great balance to the city bustle.
I would highly suggest bringing water and a change of clothes for this adventure. Not only is the hike a decent workout, plan for about 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace, but there is a fantastic little rocky beach to swim in along the trail. Taking a refreshing dip in the clear, cool ocean halfway through your hike is the ultimate reward, especially on a warm September day!
Dadaepo Beach at Sunset
If you're willing to venture a little further from central Busan, your reward is the most breathtaking sunset in the city. Dadaepo Beach is unique because it perfectly overlooks the mountains to the west and the vast sea to the south, creating a spectacular canvas of colors as the day ends.
What truly sets this beach apart are the shallow sandbars that extend far out into the water. This unique tidal landscape allows you to walk hundreds of feet out into the gentle water and feel like you’re exploring a natural tide pool. It’s the perfect place to soak your feet and capture stunning, expansive photographs with the reflections of the sky stretching across the wet sand. While you unfortunately cannot swim past the designated buoys (which are quite close to shore), the beach is vast and offers plenty of space for walking, photography, and simple relaxation.
The only downside, as mentioned, is its distance from the central city. However, the travel time is easily justified, especially if you plan your visit to coincide with the famous Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams. This spectacular, multi-colored musical fountain show—one of the largest in the world—runs nightly from April to October and is an absolute must-see. Finishing a relaxing evening stroll with a mesmerizing light and water display makes the journey out to Dadaepo an unforgettable part of your Busan itinerary. I would strongly advise planning your trip to arrive well before the golden hour to enjoy the unique sandbars, and stay for the full sunset and the subsequent fountain show!
Take the Beach Train from Mipo to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
This route offers a perfect blend of seaside views, relaxation, and cultural exploration, making it a wonderful way to spend a half-day in Busan. I would recommend getting to the Mipo Station in the late morning to begin your adventure.
The highlight of the journey is the Busan Green Railway, which offers two unique experiences: the cute, forward-facing Sky Capsule and the classic Beach Train. I suggest hopping aboard the classic Beach Train and riding it all the way to Songjeong Station. This vibrant, scenic railway runs right along the coastline, treating you to continuous, unparalleled views of the ocean, the shoreline, and the iconic Haeundae skyscrapers shrinking into the distance. It’s a photographer's dream!
Once you arrive at Songjeong, you have two great options: you can take a relaxing walk along the much calmer Songjeong Beach, a local favorite for surfing and sunbathing, or take a short bus ride or taxi directly to the final destination: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
This temple is arguably the most stunning in all of Korea. Unlike almost every other major Buddhist temple, which are typically tucked into the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa is situated dramatically on the rocky coastline. This allows it to boast absolutely stunning views of the ocean, and the sight of its colorful pagodas and statues against the backdrop of crashing waves is truly unforgettable. The temple complex is beautiful and includes various Buddhist displays, statues, and a three-story pagoda that offers the best photo opportunities. It is the perfect, peaceful conclusion to your seaside rail journey.
Songdo Cable Cars & Songdo Sky Park
For the best "local beach vibe" in Busan, I would highly recommend spending time here instead of the more tourist-heavy Haeundae or Gwangalli. Songdo Beach has a fantastic atmosphere, offering a perfect blend of modern seaside attractions and a more relaxed feel.
The centerpiece of the area is the Songdo Marine Cable Car, also known as the Busan Air Cruise. The ride soars 86 meters above the water, spanning 1.62 kilometers from Songnim Park across Songdo Beach to Amnam Park. It's a truly spectacular way to view the ocean, the city, and the restored coastline. The cable car offers two options: the standard Air Cruise (regular floor) and the thrilling Crystal Cruise (glass floor). We opted for the standard at night, as the glass floor's unique perspective is best appreciated during the day when you can clearly see the waves crashing directly beneath your feet! However, riding the cable car at night is still an awesome experience, providing an unforgettable view of the sparkling Namhang Bridge and the city lights.
At the other side of the bay, you'll find the Songdo Sky Park, which is the perfect destination to explore after your aerial journey. This is where the cable car's upper station is located. The park offers an array of themed fun, including quirky photo zones (like the Little Prince installations and the massive Dino Adventure zone) and several beautiful observation decks. From here, you can also easily access the gorgeous Songdo Coastal Trail at Amnam Park, a tranquil path that winds along the forested cliffs.
Pro-Tip: Make sure to check the weather forecast before you go! While the cable cars are perfectly safe, if it's a particularly windy day, the ride can definitely be a thrilling (or scary, depending on your perspective!) experience as the cabin sways over the sea. The blend of a beautiful, laid-back beach, the exciting sky cable car, and the scenic park makes this a must-do spot for a full afternoon!
Go to a Lotte Giants Game in Sajik
If you haven't been to a baseball game in Korea, it's not just a sport, it's a completely different cultural experience entirely. A Lotte Giants home game at Sajik Baseball Stadium is essentially a massive, three-hour rock concert with baseball happening in the background! The Lotte Giants do pretty well in the Korean league each year, and the games can be quite intense, especially when their passionate fanbase, often affectionately known as "Busan Seagulls" (after the city bird), gets going. Baseball games are typically played from March through September. What makes this a must-do local experience is the unique fan culture. Every single player has a personalized fight song, complete with intricate chants and choreography, that the entire crowd sings along to whenever they step up to the plate. If you sit in the main cheering section (usually behind the first-base side, near the cheerleading platform), the energy is through the roof, and the cheerleaders and captain will lead you through every move. The local tradition is to grab a big box of Korean fried chicken (Chimaek) and beer from a nearby vendor before entering, as you can bring your own food and drinks into the stadium. The most unique and hilarious tradition is the famous "Azura Culture" ritual. During the break between the 7th and 8th innings, fans will pull out orange plastic Lotte shopping bags, inflate them, and tie them on their heads, sometimes to look like Mickey Mouse ears, while singing the team's victory song. It’s pure, joyful chaos and something you absolutely have to participate in! You don't even have to be a baseball fan to enjoy the game. The electric atmosphere, the contagious enthusiasm, and the sheer spectacle of the crowd make this a core part of experiencing Busan's vibrant, passionate spirit. Going to a KBO game is definitely one of the most authentic experiences you can experience while in Busan! These five spots are the authentic heart of Busan. Have you visited any? Let me know your own local favorites in the comments below!
