Busan in 3 Days: Culture, Coastlines, and Contemporary Wonders

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by Aiden

March 29, 2024 · 2 min read

Busan 3 Days Itinerary

Embark on a captivating 3-day journey through Busan, South Korea's dynamic coastal city. Day 1 immerses you in the colorful artistry of Gamcheon Culture Village, a picturesque hillside community known for its beautiful murals and quaint alleys. Spend your day wandering through this living art gallery before heading to Yongdusan Park, an urban oasis offering serene walks and panoramic city views. Day 2 is a blend of modern marvels and seaside relaxation, starting with the architectural elegance of Nurimaru APEC House. Continue your day with a touch of luxury at The Bay 101, indulging in yacht views and a chic atmosphere. Haeundae Beach awaits to provide you with sun, sand, and sea, followed by an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium. Your final day is a mix of leisure and exploration, beginning with retail therapy at the world's largest department store, Shinsegae Centum City. Then, soak in the coastal charm at Busan Gwanganli Beach and marvel at the grandeur of Gwangan Bridge. Conclude your trip with a visit to the serene Cheongsapo and the spiritual serenity of Haedong Yonggung Temple, a sacred site offering peace and picturesque ocean views. This 3-day itinerary ensures a memorable experience of Busan's cultural depth and contemporary allure.

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Day 1: Exploring the Artistic Charm of Busan

1

Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan

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Kickstart your Busan adventure with a visit to the enchanting Gamcheon Culture Village, a canvas of vibrant murals and quirky art installations that adorn the steep hills of this coastal city. Often referred to as the 'Machu Picchu of Busan,' this picturesque neighborhood offers a full day of exploration through its labyrinth of narrow alleys, each turn revealing a new splash of color and creativity. The village's artistic flair is complemented by its panoramic views of the sea, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Attraction Info

  • 200 Gamnae 1(il)-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
  • Open from 9:00am-6:00pm

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2

Yongdusan Park

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After immersing yourself in the artistic vibes of Gamcheon Culture Village, take a leisurely hour to unwind at Yongdusan Park. Nestled in the heart of Busan, this urban oasis provides a tranquil escape with lush greenery, walking paths, and the iconic Busan Tower. The park's elevated position offers a serene vantage point to gaze upon the city's bustling streets and harbor, allowing you to reflect on the day's adventures while surrounded by nature and history.

Attraction Info

  • 37-55 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open 24 hours
4.5/52 Reviews
4.5/5Excellent2 Reviews
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Day 2: Busan's Coastal Charms and Architectural Wonders

1

Nurimaru APEC House

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Kickstart your second day in Busan with a visit to the Nurimaru APEC House, a beacon of modern architecture set against the city's natural beauty. Nestled on Dongbaekseom Island, this elegant venue played host to the APEC summit and now stands as a symbol of global economic cooperation. Spend an hour exploring its sophisticated design and the surrounding scenic views, a perfect blend of man-made and natural splendor.

Attraction Info

  • 116 Dongbaek-ro, U 1(il)-dong, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open on Tue-Sun,9:00am-5:00pm

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2

The Bay 101

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Continue your coastal journey to The Bay 101, located just a stone's throw from the Nurimaru APEC House. This trendy spot is not only a haven for yacht and sailboat enthusiasts but also a bustling hub for nightlife and dining. With an hour to soak in the maritime atmosphere, you'll enjoy the panoramic views of the marina, making it a picture-perfect moment against the backdrop of Busan's skyline.

Attraction Info

  • 52 Dongbaek-ro, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-10:00pm
13 min,0.66 km
3

Haeundae Beach

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No visit to Busan would be complete without feeling the sand between your toes at Haeundae Beach, the city's most famous stretch of shoreline. Spend three leisurely hours basking in the sun, indulging in beach activities, or simply strolling along the coast. With its vibrant atmosphere and the nearby aquarium, Haeundae Beach offers a refreshing escape into Busan's seaside culture.

Attraction Info

  • Haeundae Beach, Busan, South Korea
  • Suggested tour duration: 3 hour
  • Open 24 hours
4 min,0.22 km
4

SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium

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Conclude your day's adventure with an underwater escapade at the SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, situated right at the heart of Haeundae Beach. Dive into a world of marine wonders and spend a few hours marveling at the diverse aquatic life. From the mysterious depths of the ocean to the colorful coral reefs, the aquarium is an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages, promising a memorable finale to your day.

Attraction Info

  • 266, Haeundae Beach-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
  • Open from 03/28-03/29,10:00am-7:00pm;Open from 04/01-04/05,10:00am-7:00pm;Open from 04/08-04/09,10:00am-7:00pm;Open from 04/11-04/12,10:00am-7:00pm;Open from 04/15-04/19,10:00am-7:00pm;Open from 04/22-04/26,10:00am-7:00pm;Open from 04/29-04/30,10:00am-7:00pm;Open from 03/30-03/31,10:00am-8:00pm;Open from 04/06-04/07,10:00am-8:00pm;Open 10:00am-8:00pm on 04/10;Open from 04/13-04/14,10:00am-8:00pm;Open from 04/20-04/21,10:00am-8:00pm;Open from 04/27-04/28,10:00am-8:00pm
4.5/5122 Reviews
4.5/5Excellent122 Reviews
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Day 3: Unwind and Explore - Busan's Modern Marvels and Scenic Splendors

1

Shinsegae Dept. Store Centum City

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Begin your final day in Busan with a refreshing visit to Shinsegae Centum City, the world's largest department store. Immerse yourself in luxury as you explore multiple floors of retail heaven. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in the ultimate relaxation at the spa and steam rooms, a perfect way to rejuvenate before continuing your day's adventure.

Attraction Info

  • 35 Centumnam-daero, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open on Fri-Sun,10:30am-8:30pm;Open on Mon-Thu,10:30am-8:00pm

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2

Busan Gwanganli Beach

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Next, let the sea breeze guide you to the picturesque Busan Gwanganli Beach. Stroll along the sandy shores and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this popular spot. Take in the stunning views of the ocean, and if you're feeling adventurous, dip your toes in the water or partake in the beach's lively activities.

Attraction Info

  • 釜山广域市水营区广安海滨路219
  • Suggested tour duration: 2 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-6:00pm
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3

Gwangan Bridge

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As the sun begins to dip, make your way to the iconic Gwangan Bridge. Marvel at this engineering masterpiece stretching across the horizon. The bridge is especially captivating at night when it's illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a magical experience you won't forget.

Attraction Info

  • Busan, South Korea
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open 24 hours
9 min,5.68 km
4

Cheongsapo

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Continue your coastal journey to Cheongsapo, an enchanting area known for its aquarium. Here, you'll get up close with marine life and learn about the diverse underwater world of Busan. The aquarium visit offers a tranquil escape and a chance to witness the beauty of aquatic creatures.

Attraction Info

  • Jung-dong, Busan, South Korea
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours

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5

Haedong Yonggung Temple

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Conclude your Busan itinerary with a serene visit to Haedong Yonggung Temple. This majestic temple, set against the backdrop of the ocean, provides a peaceful retreat and a chance to reflect on your travels. The stunning architecture and the sound of waves create a harmonious blend of nature and spirituality.

Attraction Info

  • 86, Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open from 5:00am-7:30pm

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Top Things to Do in Busan-2024

TOP 1
Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan
Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan
4.7/5 · 690 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,051 review
Highlights:
Gamcheon Culture Village has preserved the historical traces of modern Busan. In order to maintain this feature, artists and local residents have joined hands to create village art. Walking through Gamcheon Culture Village, you can see the colorful murals. From the observatory, you can see the sea not far from there. In art stores. You can also enjoy and purchase some delicate small gifts.
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TOP 2
Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach
4.7/5 · 1,127 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,475 review
Highlights:
Haeundae is synonymous with the Korean seaside and the pride of Busan. Haeundae Beach is wide. The sand and shell fragments of the beach have been weathered and become fine and smooth, the sea water is clear, and the waves are very calm. Because Haeundae has good conditions for enjoying sea bathing, and there are many delicious restaurants and hotels nearby, it is warmly sought after by people.
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TOP 3
BUSAN X the SKY
BUSAN X the SKY
4.5/5 · 133 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 11 review
Highlights:

'BUSAN It is the largest observatory in Korea. Ex the Sky in Busan, including 'X the Lounge', which provides a comfortable relaxation space, 'X the Photo', which records special memories against the backdrop of the sea above, and 'X the Gift', a souvenir shop where you can keep your memories for a long time. We provide specialized services.


△ Standing on the observation deck, you can enjoy the vast sea view of Haeundae, one of the eight scenic spots in Korea, and the magnificent city view of Busan.


△ The Sky Cruise elevator runs at high speed from the 1st floor to the 100th floor, allowing you to enjoy a dreamy and dynamic moment. You can experience soaring in the sky in a hot air balloon when going up, and explore the dreamy deep sea when going down.


△ Under the Shocking Bridge, overlooking the white beach and sea of Haeundae, feel the thrill of excitement!


△ Through large-scale high-tech media, Busan’s colorful scenery and sea scenes can be seen in a dynamic form.


△ Don’t miss the wonderful art performance that combines real scenes and images at Sky X Show!

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TOP 4
Haedong Yonggung Temple
Haedong Yonggung Temple
4.7/5 · 296 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 2,341 review
Highlights:
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is located on the east coast of Busan. It is a temple located by the sea in South Korea. The surrounding scenery is very beautiful. Longgong Temple was founded in 1376 by Lan Weng, the teacher of King Gongmin. The temple is surrounded by mountains and sea with beautiful scenery. There are sea water Guanyin, Daxiong Hall, Dragon King Hall, Cave Fa Hall, four lions and three-story stone pagoda. The Daxiong Hall was rebuilt in 1970. The surface of the building was painted with Danqing, which has witnessed the ups and downs of history over the years. On the right side of the Daxiong Hall is a peculiarly styled cave hall, and on the front is a three-story stone pagoda with four lions. Each floor of the stone pagoda has 4 lions representing joy, anger and sorrow, so it is called "four lions". The more special scenery of Longgong Temple is the 108th step and Sunrise Rock. From the entrance of Longgong Temple, you need to go down 108 steps to reach the temple, and Sunrise Rock is located in the middle of 108 steps. Standing on the rock can listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the rock wall and enjoy the spectacular view of the sunrise. Every New Year, many people come here to make wishes in the face of the sunrise. In the fourth month of the lunar calendar, cherry blossoms at the entrance of Longgong Temple are prosperous. On the birthday of Sakyamuni, the temple was decorated with electric lights, presenting a fantastically beautiful night view.
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TOP 5
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium
SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium
4.6/5 · 413 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 723 review
Highlights:
  • Busan SEA LIFE Aquarium: Learn more about more than 250 species of marine life
  • Stroll through the 180-degree undersea glass tunnel and experience the fun of swimming with marine life
  • Brickman Wonders Of The World LEGO World Cities Tour: Explore more than 50 landmark buildings created by LEGO


SEA LIFE Busan has a total of 8 exhibition areas, including 250 and 10,000 species of marine life, and provides vivid marine ecosystem activities through shark transparent boats, VR experience areas, etc.


△ Sea Life Busan features many captivating underwater world such as the Sea Turtle Rescue Team for experiential activities or the Sea at night zone which uses world-class digital technology. The aquarium’s multiple exhibits are sure to delight everyone.


△ Don't miss the realistic deep SEA-nema show, the cute penguin feeding performance, or the thrilling shark feeding performance!


△ Amazing place for kids to enjoy and learn. There are variety of SEALIFE to explore!


△ Discover a world built with LEGO® bricks. Explore over 50 famous landmarks and artworks from all over the globe in Brickman Wonders of the World

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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Busan 3 Days Itinerary