Korea takes the crown as one of Singaporeans’ top travel destinations, and we completely understand why. I’m sure many of us are repeat travellers by now, so even if this isn’t your first time visiting Korea’s 2nd-largest city, here are some non-touristy things to do in Busan that will make your return trip worth it.
The current exchange rate is S$1 = ~₩1,039 as of 18th November 2024.
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Image credit: @jang_photo_lim_pd via Instagram
The best time to visit Busan is anywhere from March to May. It marks the start of the spring season, and temperatures are chilly without being unbearingly cold, around 15°C-20°C. Cherry blossoms in Korea also bloom around this time, and you’ll spot scenic views along the streets.
August to November is also another great period to visit. It’s when the weather starts to cool down after the summer heat, and tourists can enjoy more beach and outdoor activities.
Winter in Busan starts in late November and ends in early March, and temperatures can plummet to the negatives. So, unless you’re looking to experience freezing weather, this period isn’t the best time to visit. Due to the harsh conditions, outdoor activities also tend to become limited.
Due to national security regulations, Google Maps isn’t the best option when travelling in Busan or Korea in general. Prior to your visit, download Kakao Maps (App Store | Google Play) or Naver Maps (App Store | Google Play). These apps are what the locals use instead, so take note that you might face difficulties locating places in English.
Popular spots can be found easily with English translations, but for remote locations, try translating the name on Google and pasting it into the search bar.
Image credit: Kelly Lai
Moving around Busan is relatively easy with their subway. There are 5 main lines, and the train stations are extensive and easy to access. Local bus services are available for places not along the metro line. You can purchase a Tmoney or Cashbee transportation card in convenience stores like 7-Eleven, GS25, and Emart. These stores usually offer top-up services too.
It’s also quite easy to book a taxi in Busan. Just note that Korea primarily uses Kakao T (App Store | Google Play) instead of Grab for their transport services.
If you’d prefer travelling at your own pace, car rental services are available on Klook as well, from S$56.45/day. You’ll have to be over 21 years old to rent a car, and the documents required are your international driving permit, your home country’s driving licence, and your passport.
The photo booth trend is extremely popular in Korea, so you’ll find well-decorated and themed studios peppered along the streets of shopping districts. Busan Flipbook Studio offers a similar experience, but instead of a 4-shot photo strip, you’ll receive a real-time flipbook.
Located in Gamcheon Cultural Village, all you have to do is act out an 8-second clip and it’ll be captured into a personalised souvenir for you and your loved ones. There are also tons of costumes and props to choose from and if you’re awkward with poses, you can browse some flipbook examples in the shop for inspiration.
The entire process takes 10-15 minutes, and prices are ₩15,000/book or ₩10,000 if you purchase 2 books or more.
As its name suggests, Bosu Book Street is a haven for bookworms and history geeks. It’s a rustic and lively street packed with shelf-filled bookstores. The area was established during the Korean War when Busan became a temporary capital.
You can browse through second-hand books at the shops. They’re mostly Korean titles, but if you look harder, you may find occasional English ones. Some stores also have designated sections for tourists.
Image credit: @ptkeggut via Instagram
Thrill-seekers looking for an activity other than roller coasters can visit Skyline Luge Busan for a go-kart-like experience. The attraction is next to Lotte World, and packages start from ₩28,000/adult.
Take the Skyride up to the starting point and admire the views of the adventure park. There are 4 tracks to choose from, so you can challenge your friends to see who’s the first to zoom down the 2.4km trails. You can also strap yourself on the Hyfly, a 300m-long zipline that flies you across panoramic sea views.
Wang Mimi Oraksil is a 2-storey game arcade that operates 24 hours daily. It’s a great late-night activity if your hotel is around the Haeundae area. The arcade has a vintage anime concept, giving off old-school vibes when inside.
The first level sees rows of claw machines. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to try your luck at a Labubu here, but there’s still a huge range of cute rewards, from animal keychains to Gudetama plushies. For your more typical arcade games, head to the second level, where you’ll find punching machines, basketball, and dance booths.
Image credit: @_rebecca_ong_ via Instagram
If you aren’t in a hurry to visit all the attractions, why not spend a chill afternoon at the SPA LAND Centum City? It’s similar to a jjimjilbang AKA Korean bathhouse, a staple in the local culture.
At ₩23,000/adult for 4 hours, the 2-storey spa offers 18 hot springs and 13 themed sauna rooms for visitors to R&R. For those feeling peckish, there’s also a snack bar where you can redeem a free sweet rice drink or have a full meal of ramen. It doesn’t end there, as you can end your day shopping at Shinsegae Centum City, also the world’s largest department store.
Image credit: Paragliding Korea
Adrenaline junkies, it’s time to go big or go home at Tandem Paragliding. Don’t worry; there’s no need for Tom Cruise’s MI level of stunt expertise to experience soaring through the skies. Here, you’ll be safe and sound as you’re flying in tandem with a licensed professional.
Your journey starts with a 35-minute train ride from Busan Station to Singyeongju Station. You’ll be picked up and driven to the takeoff point from there. They offer 3 packages (from ₩120,000) with varying airtime and video clips of your flight. You can check out Paragliding In Korea for more deets.
Image credit: @baeseohyunnn via Instagram
K-pop fans, I’m sure you’ve seen videos of idols pitching at baseball games. For the uninitiated, baseball is one of the most popular sports in the country. How cool would it be to experience one of Korea’s top sporting events?
Home to the Busan-based team Lotte Giants, the Sajik Baseball Stadium is where you can catch one of their matches. Tickets are affordable from ₩6,400/pax, which you can purchase directly at the stadium. The baseball season typically happens between March and September, with matches played multiple times weekly. You can check the KBO schedule for upcoming games during your travel period.
Nicknamed the Santorini of Busan, the Huinnyeol Cultural Village is quieter and less touristy than the famous Gamcheon Cultural Village. The coastal walkway is right beside open waters, and you can enjoy a stroll while stopping to pose with the street murals.
Spend the afternoon exploring the village’s 14 alleys. Have a cuppa at one of the many cosy cafes, or wander into some artsy workshops, bookstores, or independent souvenir shops.
Image credit: @sungyeunok via Instagram
Channel your inner James Bond at Busanjin Shooting Range. Apart from using live ammunition, there’s also a wide variety of pistols for players to choose from, with options suitable for both beginners and competitive shooters.
First-timers can get a feel of the 9mm pistols as they are said to be lighter and easier to control when firing. You’re allowed 10 shots for ₩40,000, and a bulletproof vest and earplugs are provided on-site for your safety. Pick a round score or a human-shaped target, and start practising dem shooting skills.
Museum 1 is the first and largest media-specialised modern art museum in Korea. The exhibition currently on showcase runs from now until 31st August 2025. Titled MYTH: The Beginning Story, the concept introduces the essence of humanity. The artworks are created by 18 contemporary artists from 5 different countries.
Visitors to the museum can admire over 100 unique forms of art, from original media pieces through an 8,000-inch LED space, to sculptures and ceramics. Entry tickets can be purchased via Klook for S$13.80/adult.
Long-time Running Man fans can now experience the variety show IRL at Running Man Busan. It’s a themed playground for adults, and you’ll be tasked with completing challenges within an hour.
Tickets can be purchased on-site or via Klook for S$15.69/adult. Players can pick their desired difficulty level from easy, normal, or hard, and the aim is to collect as many ‘R points’ as possible out of 100. There are 15+ physical games to conquer, including a ball pit and mirror maze. Once finished, participants will receive a completion badge and certificate.
If your Busan trip falls on the weekends, it’s the perfect opportunity to catch a stunning light performance by the beach. The Gwangalli Drone Show is Korea’s first and largest permanent drone light show. Held every Saturday night, the large-scale event can be viewed anywhere from the beach.
Each show lasts around 10 minutes, and audiences can look forward to different themes each week, such as Sea Exploration and Proposals. There are also special themes during festive seasons like Christmas and New Year’s Day. Show times are 8pm and 10pm during Summer (March-September), and 7pm and 9pm during Winter (October-February).
You can’t say you’ve been to Korea if you didn’t visit their street markets. Gukje Market, one of Korea’s most prominent street markets, is packed with culture. It’s a less touristy spot compared to Haeundae Traditional Market, with many locals flocking here to purchase their daily groceries and household goods.
Wander along the alley, and you’ll find store owners selling street food, banchan, and fresh produce. To round up the experience, dine at one of the stalls selling tteokbokki and sundae, a type of blood sausage popular amongst the locals. For dessert, grab a warm hotteok to-go; this sweet pancake is filled with gooey cinnamon sugar and nuts.
Image adapted from: Laiwang via Lemon8
The Yeongdo Haenyeo Village got its name from ‘Haenyeo’, a term for female divers in the province of Jeju. They’re known for their ability to harvest sea life from the ocean without using breathing equipment. Talk about insane lung capacities.
A must-try while you’re here is the unique and fresh seafood, such as the Sea Squirt (₩10,000), Sea Cucumber (₩20,000), and Sea Urchin Roe (₩10,000). Do not worry if you’re not feeling adventurous; safer options like kimbap and ramen are available too. You can also purchase a couple of bottles of beer and soju, just like in the K-dramas, to compliment your beachside dinner.
Tucked away at a corner of Haeundae’s busy streets, Namaste Haeundae is where you can take a break from the world of Korean food with a taste of authentic Indian flavours. It’s also a Halal-friendly restaurant, which can be a tad harder to spot when travelling in Korea.
The extensive menu itself will leave you spoilt for choice. Try the Chicken Tikka Masala (₩15,000) and Paneer Butter Masala (₩15,000) for curries. The Lamb Tikka (₩17,000) is another best-seller, best enjoyed alongside some naan: Garlic Naan (₩3,000) and Cheese Naan (₩6,000).
Image credit: @jeneeats via Instagram
You know the food will be good when a restaurant only has one item on the menu. Guekdong Doeji Gukbap is one such, serving a Busan’s speciality dish: gukbap, a simple yet hearty bowl of pork soup.
Like most other Korean restaurants, you’ll enjoy free-flow banchan before the main dish. Customers can choose the cuts of meat in the soup. There’s the Pork and Rice Soup (₩10,000), Intestines and Rice Soup (₩10,000), or you can get a mix of both. They also served Boiled Pork Belly (₩33,000) as a side.
Image credit: @rovin.museum_kim via Instagram
Robin Antique Cafe is an American-themed diner that looks straight out of an old Western film. It offers tons of photo ops for the ‘gram, from the bright, pastel cars parked out front to the antique Coca-Cola posters inside.
The cafe serves, you guessed it, Western cuisine. Like a true American diner, there are milkshakes, ice cream, and sodas. For hot meals, you can expect pizzas and hotdogs, such as the Basil Rucola Pizza (₩26,000) and Chili Hotdog Set (₩13,000).
Image credit: @elcarnitas_taco via Instagram
Located near Gwangalli Beach, El Carnitas is a Mexican restaurant serving legit Mexican and Tex-Mex fare. The place also has an outdoor seating area that faces the beach, where diners can enjoy the sea breeze alongside their meals.
Order yourself some classics, starting with the Carnitas Tacos (₩9,900/2pc). The Fajita Salad (₩16,900) is another favourite, and there are also vegetarian options like the Avocado Quesadillas (₩12,900).
Image credit: @nnk_xox via Instagram
We all know that Koreans love their alcohol, so you can’t miss out on a good tipple while you’re here. Instead of soju and canned beers, head over to Galmegi Brewing Nampo, a humble bar that serves Busan-made craft beers on tap.
If you’re unsure what suits your tastebuds, the bar offers sampler sets (from ₩15,000) with 4 glasses of 200ml draft beers for customers to try. Some interesting ones are the Campfire Amber (₩7,000) with caramel notes and the Hae Hazy IPA (₩8,000), a fruity option. Bar snacks are also available, so you can enjoy your pint with pizzas or light snacks.
Suwol Gyeonghwa is a quaint cafe where tradition meets modernity. The minimal and simplistic hanok-style interior makes this a great place to enjoy a chill afternoon tea time. The space is blessed with natural light streaming in from the windows that overlook the sea.
You can also expect traditional Korean desserts and tea from their menu. The Dalbodre Box (₩13,000) is one of their best-sellers. It’s served in a box with five sweet treats, including a pollack roe cream financier, rice cakes, and monakas, which are mochi sandwiches with sweet fillings in the middle.
Image credit: @nitasaoinsta via Instagram
If you plan to travel to Busan straight, Jeju Air offers direct flights to Gimhae International Airport from S$407.
Alternatively, if you’re spending time in Seoul beforehand, you can take a flight to Korea, then hop aboard the KTX train towards Busan, zombie-free. Scoot, SIA, and Korean Air are some airlines that fly directly to Incheon International Airport. From there, it’s a 2.5-hour train ride between Seoul and Busan Station. You can purchase your train tickets via Klook at S$57.49/adult above 13 and S$28.75/child between 6-12 years old.
For a faster journey, you can also take a 1-hour domestic flight from Seoul to Busan with T’way Air or Korean Air from ₩72,700.
It’s time to show this bustling city some love, especially if you’d like an alternative to travelling around Seoul. From fresh seafood to quaint cafes, there’s so much you can do during a 3-4 day trip to Busan, even if this isn’t your first visit.
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Cover image adapted from: @museum1_official & @swgh_official via Instagram, Laiwang via Lemon8
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