Lifestyle in Busan

On Korea’s southeastern coast, Busan takes full advantage of its mountain-fringed setting while providing all the amenities of modern urban living to its more than 3.3 million residents.

Shopping in Busan

Busan’s most complete shopping experience can be found in Nampo-dong, which is just a few subway stops away from Busan’s KTX bullet train station and international ferry port. The streets are filled with shops featuring the trendiest brands from Korea and abroad. Shoppers looking for bargain products can spend hours in the Nampo Underground Mall, which features more traditional mom-and-pop stores.

For one of Busan’s more unique experiences, it’s just a short walk to Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, where many go to try the fresh fare on offer. Fashionistas seeking trendy offerings in Busan should look no further than Gwangbok-ro Fashion Street in Jung-gu. This fashion hub is home to plenty of shops selling hip clothing and is considered a tourist attraction.

Shopping in Busan extends to Centum City, an urban development area that has become a hub of the city’s commerce and tourism. The centrepiece of Centum City is Shinsegae Department Store, which holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest department store. In addition to its fashion shopping complex, grocery shop and food courts, Shinsegae also has a luxury spa, an ice skating rink and other cultural centres that host activities for both adults and kids.

For more general shopping, there are a variety of options for different shoppers. Western products can be found at Costco and other larger chain stores like Emart and Homeplus. The more discerning shopper can find deals for their fresh grocery shopping among the many outdoor markets scattered throughout the city.

Nightlife and entertainment in Busan

The nightlife and entertainment available in Busan clubs centre around Haeundae Beach, an attractive spot for both Koreans and expats, day or night. During the day, visitors can rent a parasol to relax on this popular beach or explore the array of sea life at SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium and its efforts towards rehabilitation and conservation of the underwater world. At night, one can hop between Haeundae’s many clubs, bars, and restaurants catering to both Korean and Western tastes. Haeundae is also home to Paradise Casino, one of Busan’s foreigner-only casinos.

Offering a similar atmosphere with smaller crowds and lower prices is Gwangalli Beach. While this beach isn’t as popular for swimming during the day as Busan’s other beaches, it offers a view of Gwangan Bridge (also known as Diamond Bridge), which you may recognise from the 2018 film Black Panther. Whether it’s a restaurant, bar, or coffee shop, there are many places from which to see the iconic view of the lit-up bridge against the night horizon. Gwangalli is also the location of the Busan Fireworks Festival. A million people fill the beach each year to see the hour-long fireworks show that incorporates the notable bridge.

At the heart of the city is Seomyeon, Busan’s downtown area. At the junction of Subway Lines 1 and 2, Seomyeon mixes a variety of traditional bars and restaurants with modern shops and clubs. One can wander the many side streets, finding whatever suits their tastes, whether it be a dance club or street-side food carts.

Outdoor activities and sports in Busan

With mountains, coastlines and everything in between, Busan has no shortage of outdoor activities. Hiking is one of the most popular activities for young and old in Busan, with countless paths that wind around Jangsan, Geumyeongsan, and other mountains. Coastal hiking trails can also be found in Igidae and Taejeongdae.

Busan’s beaches give residents access to many water sports. People can often be seen surfing, kayaking and jet-skiing at Haeundae and Gwangalli Beaches. Expats without a surfboard or kayak can also find rentals at these beaches.

Expats can easily find pickup games of beach volleyball or basketball around the city. The city also has clubs for sports such as Ultimate Frisbee and Gaelic football.

For those who enjoy being a spectator, attending a Lotte Giants baseball game and being among Busan’s famously energetic fans is a memorable experience. There are also opportunities to see professional football and basketball, among other sports.

See and do in Busan

As the second-biggest city in the country, Busan is one of South Korea’s most popular destinations and offers plenty to see and do throughout the city. Below are some of the best things to see and do in Busan.

Gamcheon Culture Village

For a memorable mix of art and the outdoors, expats can travel to Gamcheon Culture Village. This neighbourhood was initially formed by houses built into a mountainside, which have been restored and repainted to become one of Busan’s most picturesque views. While exploring the steep streets and twisting alleys, visitors can find brightly painted murals, sculptures, and cafés in this artists’ haven.

Busan Museum of Art

Busan is home to plenty of art galleries and museums, the largest of which is the Busan Museum of Art near Centum City. The museum showcases art from both Korean and international artists and hosts featured exhibitions throughout the year.

Dream Theatre

In 2019, Busan opened the Dream Theatre, its first mega-scale theatre to host touring international and local musical productions.

Geumjeong Mountain Temples

Geumjeongsan Mountain is dotted with prominent historical sites, including some fascinating ancient temples. Visitors can either hike or take a cable car up to the mountain trails. Once there, they’ll see the gates, walls, and watchtowers of Geumjeong Fortress. Beomeosa, one of Busan’s most significant Buddhist temples, is on the eastern end of the mountain.

United Nations Memorial Cemetery

This park honours UN soldiers from 21 countries who fought in the Korean War. The cemetery currently maintains 2,300 graves from 11 nations, with monuments throughout the park dedicated to many of the countries and their citizens who fought in the conflict.

Busan Citizen Park

At around 133 acres (540,000 sq m), Busan Citizen Park is the largest in the city. Formerly Camp Hialeah, an American military base, the land was returned to Busan’s government in 2006 and redeveloped into a spacious park with 29 attractions scattered around its many walking paths. The park officially opened in 2014.

What’s on in Busan

Busan’s beaches draw the crowds, but the city pulses with cultural energy year-round through festivals, creative events and shows. Below is just a small sample of the best events in Busan.

First Sunrise Viewing (January)

One of the most significant Korean traditions is to ring in the New Year by watching the first sunrise. Busan has a few options for those hoping to join the early morning festivities. Two of the most popular venues for this are the Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches. Events usually include cheer performances, New Year’s greetings and an air show. There are also vendors selling tteokguk (rice-cake soup), which is traditionally eaten to celebrate the New Year in the hopes of bringing good fortune.

Busan International Short Film Festival (April)

This was the first short film festival to appear in Korea. In the beginning, only Korean films were screened during the festival, but by 2010, the festival had become an international affair and began accepting films from across the world. The festival aims to introduce outstanding short films and inspire up-and-coming producers and filmmakers.

Joseon Tongsinsa Festival (May)

This festival symbolises the peaceful cultural exchange between South Korea and Japan. Expats can learn more about the history of South Korea and Japan through street performances, cultural exchange performances, and a peace procession.

Dureraum Saturday Outdoor Concert (May to September)

This is an outdoor music festival that takes place every Saturday at Busan’s Cinema Centre. This event is free of charge and is a fantastic way to support local musicians.

Busan Fireworks Festival (Autumn)

One of Busan’s most popular events, the Fireworks Festival draws more than a million visitors each year. The festival takes place along Gwangalli Beach, and programmes include cultural events, laser light shows and colourful firework displays.

Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree Festival (November to February)

The annual winter light festival (formerly the Busan Christmas Tree Cultural Festival) is held in the streets of Gwangbok-ro in the Jung-gu district. Families will be mesmerised by grand LED light displays, a giant Christmas tree, street performances and much more.