5 Best Beaches in Busan

Haeundae is one of the most popular beaches in Korea, attracting some 10 million vacationers every summer. Located in the city centre, it is easy to reach, and its shallow water allows people of all ages to enjoy sea bathing. The white sandy beach stretches over 1.8 km in length with a width of 50 m, accommodating many people at once. With an average depth of around 1 m, a moderate level of waves, and a small tidal range, it is generally safe to enjoy sea bathing at Haeundae.

Modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels surrounding the coastline gives the beach an urban vibe. The wonderful nightscape is another charm the beach holds. Food stalls, traditional markets, and cultural performances and festivals also add to the unique dynamism of Haeundae, which will fascinate you whenever you visit.

Gwangalli Beach is famous for its stunning night view created by the harmony of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, an iconic landmark of Busan, and the sea. Along with Haeundae, Gwangalli is one of Busan's representative beaches. To fully appreciate the beauty of the beach, it is recommended to visit at night for its fantastic nightscape. At night when the lights turn on Gwangandaegyo Bridge, a picturesque view emerges above the dark blue sea that ripples with the reflections of jewel-like lights.

Around Gwanglli, there are many unique cafes and restaurants that serve raw fish and other various foods. Many of these cafes and restaurants command stunning views of the sea, so you can enjoy a beautiful seascape and tasty foods at the same time. The nearby Hoe Town is also worth visiting. You can choose tasty fresh seasonal seafood to be eaten on the spot. Make your trip extra special by trying some ocean sports such as power boating, banana boat riding, and windsurfing.

Dadaepo is a beach with a unique charm where you can explore the beautiful nature of Busan and appreciate the sunsets. While Haeundae and Gwangalli are located in the city centre, Dadaepo is a secluded beach where you can leisurely walk along the coast and admire the natural ecology. Formed by sediment from the Nakdonggang River, Dadaepo has a wide sandy beach that feels very soft under your feet. There is also a tidal flat inhabited by conches, crabs, and clams, providing children with an ecological experience.

The seaside park and eco trails that have been recently created add to the diversity of the beach. At the entrance to the beach, there is a wide plaza, where a seaside park begins with the “the Sunset Fountain of Dreams.” The colourful fountain show takes place at night from late April to October. A walk along the wooden decks of Gowooni Ecological Trail is another activity you must not miss, as it provides an opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of Dadaepo Wetland and appreciate the famous sunset.

Songjeong, called the surfers' paradise, is one of Busan's representative beaches along with Gwangalli and Haeundae. Going down Dalmaji-gil street after passing Haeundae, Songjeong Beach appears before your eyes. With its shallow water and gentle slope, it is an ideal vacation destination for families. As Songjeong is located to the east of Haeundae, the sun rises earlier here attracting many people to the beach the first day of each year.

Songjeong beach is where surfing culture started in Korea and it still attracts many surfers all year round. With the constant high waves and shallow water, this is the place where anyone―from beginners to advanced surfers―can enjoy surfing. In addition, the surfing section has been recently expanded from within 160 m to 270 m, which makes the beach more preferred by surfers. If you want to try surfing, it is strongly recommended to visit Songjeong. The beach is equipped with facilities for renting and storing surfing equipment. Lessons are also available for beginners.

Songdo Beach, the first public beach to open in Korea in 1913, is dubbed the “Naples of the East” for its exotic atmosphere. Continuous maintenance work has transformed Songdo into the beautiful beach that it is today, a tourist attraction visited by more than 5 million vacationers annually.

In particular, the once famous Songdo Gureumdari (suspension bridge) has been recently restored and opened as “Songdo Yonggungdari.” During the day, the bridge presents a superb view of the coast, and at night, it creates a beautiful night view, illuminated by fascinating lights. The Songdo Marine Cable Car operating from Songnim Park to Amnam Park is another attraction you must not miss. This cable car lets you appreciate the view of the vast sea and oddly shaped cliffs through its transparent floor. The arrival station of the cable car is connected to the entrance to Songdo Sky Park. The park features various interesting attractions including Dino Adventure with realistic dinosaur models and the Sky Harbour Observatory where you can make time capsules.