Coastlines, Culture & City Views in Busan

Panoramic view of Busan from above

Arriving in Busan by cruise ship gave me the chance to see South Korea’s second-largest city from both sea level and high above. Busan (부산 – Pronounced [Boo-sahn]) is a place where tradition and modern life blend easily, from vibrant markets to quiet mountain temples.

Known for its status as Korea’s busiest port, the city has long been a gateway for trade, culture, and tourism. It’s a coastal destination with plenty of variety, cliffside shrines, buzzing shopping streets, and panoramic towers all within easy reach.

Even on short visits, Busan leaves a strong impression. There’s a rhythm to the city that rewards wandering and pausing alike.

In 2023, I joined a cruise excursion that started at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the few in Korea built right on the coast. The setting was incredible, waves crashing below steep stone steps, incense drifting through pine trees, and dragon carvings lining the stairway. I walked through the Zodiac Garden, spotted my sign, and enjoyed the quiet overlook at Sirangdae before continuing on.

Next, we made a scenic stop at Dongbaekseom (Dongbaek Island), where the trail hugged the coastline with peaceful views and sea breezes. Then it was on to Yongdusan Park, right in the heart of the city. While I didn’t have time to visit the top of Busan Tower that day, the park itself was a great place for photos and people-watching. We ended at the sprawling Busan Fish Market, where live seafood in tanks and stalls full of squid, crab, and shellfish made for an unforgettable final stop.

In 2025, I returned to explore on my own. Most of my time was spent wandering around the Gwangbok-ro and Nampo-dong neighborhoods, with stops at BIFF Square and Film Memorial Street. These areas were filled with color, street food, and quirky photo ops like the “Let’s Shake Hands” statue. I made it back to Yongdusan Park and finally rode up to the top of Busan Tower for a sweeping view of the harbor and densely packed cityscape. It felt like the perfect way to see how much ground I had covered, and how much more there is to explore.

If You Have More Time…

  • Gamcheon Culture Village – A hillside maze of pastel homes, murals, and local art studios. Perfect for photos and a slow afternoon stroll.
  • Jagalchi Market – Korea’s largest seafood market, offering open-air stalls, live fish tanks, and upstairs eateries where you can try sashimi fresh off the hook.
  • Gwangalli Beach – A more laid-back alternative to Haeundae, with great views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge at night.
  • Beomeosa Temple – A mountainside temple that contrasts beautifully with Busan’s urban sprawl and offers peaceful walking trails.
  • Lotte Department Store Observation Deck – Free panoramic views from one of the city’s tallest buildings, plus great shopping below.
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