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Planning a trip to Busan? You’re in the right place!
We fell in love with this vibrant coastal city the moment we stepped off the train. From colorful hillside villages to bustling markets, pristine beaches to steaming hot springs, Busan offers a little bit of everything we adore about South Korea.
You can spend your days soaking in cultural history, tasting incredible street food, or simply enjoying the sea breeze and sunshine along the waterfront. We’ve explored the city from sunrise hikes to dazzling night views and rounded up the tours and activities that stood out the most.
Get ready, your Busan adventure starts here!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Busan was this private city tour! We loved not having to figure out directions ourselves and just enjoying the history and colorful art scene with our guide.
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Busan, South Korea
- 1. Explore the UNESCO city of Gyeongju on a guided day trip
- 2. Customize your perfect day in Busan with a private guide
- 3. Step back in time on the Old Korea Thousand History Tour
- 4. See Busan at night with a cruise and hillside views
- 5. Discover Busan’s hidden gems on a private tour
- 6. Enjoy the freshest seafood on a tour of Jagalchi Market
- 7. Capture the beauty of Busan on a night photoshoot tour
- 8. Cook like a local in a hands-on Korean cooking class
- 9. Escape to a floral paradise on an Oedo Island day tour
- 10. Hike mountain trails and taste traditional rice wine
- Where to Stay in Busan, South Korea
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Busan, South Korea
1. Explore the UNESCO city of Gyeongju on a guided day trip
- Duration: 10–12 hours
- Time: Times vary from 9 am–10:50 am, depending on the season
- Highlights: Explore the UNESCO city of Gyeongju, visit Bulguksa Temple, Anapji Pond, Woljeonggyo Bridge, and Yangdong Village, travel in comfort with round-trip transport from central Busan
- Inclusions: A professional guide, round-trip transport, all admission fees
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 430+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We think every trip to Busan deserves at least one day steeped in history, and Gyeongju is the perfect place for it. Known as the “museum without walls,” it’s packed with treasures from Korea’s ancient Silla dynasty that you simply can’t see anywhere else. This full-day tour made it so easy for us to take in the city’s most iconic sights without the stress of planning.
We started our day in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach that whisked us straight from Busan into the heart of Gyeongju. Bulguksa Temple was our first stop—the intricate carvings and peaceful courtyards left us in awe. At Anapji Pond, we lingered by the water, imagining what it must have looked like in its royal glory.
Walking across Woljeonggyo Bridge felt like stepping into a painting, while wandering through Yangdong Village gave us a glimpse of daily life in a traditional Korean settlement. Having all the entrance fees included meant we could just focus on soaking in the experience.
If you’re drawn to history, architecture, or simply want to see a more traditional side of Korea, this tour is the perfect way to do it. You’ll leave Gyeongju with a deeper appreciation for the country’s cultural heritage and a camera full of beautiful memories.
Read the glowing reviews and secure this sightseeing tour here!
2. Customize your perfect day in Busan with a private guide
- Duration: 4–8 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 7 am–3 pm
- Highlights: Visit Busan’s top sights in one day, enjoy a private chauffeured vehicle with hotel, port, or airport pickup, explore Gamcheon Culture Village, temples, markets, or Songdo cable car
- Inclusions: Round-trip transport, your local and professional guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 970+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Sometimes the best way to see a city is on your own terms, and that’s exactly why we booked this private tour of Busan. Having the flexibility to create our own itinerary meant we could focus on the sights that excited us most, without being tied to a fixed schedule. We went for the 8-hour version, but there’s also a 4-hour option if you’re short on time.
Our day started with a warm welcome from our English-speaking driver, who whisked us off in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle. First stop was the stunning Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched on a rocky coastline with waves crashing below.
From there, we wandered the colorful alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village, every corner bursting with murals and quirky art. Lunch was at a local spot our guide recommended, and it ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip. In the afternoon, we strolled along Haeundae Blueline Park, took in the ocean views from Dongbaek Island, and capped the day with a ride on the Songdo Cable Car for panoramic views of the city.
The beauty of this tour is how personal it feels! We never felt rushed, and every stop reflected what we wanted from our Busan experience. There’s a reason this tour is so highly rated—check out HUNDREDS of five-star reviews here!
See the best of the city and book our FAVORITE Busan tour here!
3. Step back in time on the Old Korea Thousand History Tour
- Duration: 12 hours
- Time: 10 am to 11 am (depending on meeting point)
- Highlights: Visit Bulguksa Temple, Gyochon Village, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Hwangridan-gil, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and Woljeonggyo Bridge, with round-trip transport from Busan and all admission fees included
- Inclusions: Round-trip transfers, all admission fees, professional tour guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 480+ reviews here!)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We think Gyeongju is one of the most captivating places in South Korea, and this full-day tour gave us a chance to explore it in depth without worrying about transport or logistics. Packed with history, beautiful architecture, and cultural treasures, it felt like stepping straight into the pages of Korea’s past. This experience took us to the city’s most iconic sites with ease and comfort.
Our guide, Erica, was a big part of what made the day so special. She shared fascinating stories about the Silla dynasty, pointed out details we might have missed, and kept the group’s energy high without ever making us feel rushed. We began at the majestic Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO site where ancient stonework meets peaceful gardens.
From there, we wandered through Gyochon Village, a collection of traditional hanok houses that made us feel like time had slowed down. At the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, we stood in awe of the grassy mounds that hold the remains of kings and queens from the Silla era. Hwangridan-gil offered a change of pace, with retro shopfronts and cosy cafés that still kept their 1960s charm.
Later, we admired the reflection of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond at golden hour before ending with the illuminated beauty of Woljeonggyo Bridge. This tour is ideal if you want a rich yet relaxed look into Korea’s ancient capital, with every detail, including entrance fees, taken care of for you!
Read 420+ 5-star reviews and reserve this full-day tour here!
4. See Busan at night with a cruise and hillside views
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 6:30 pm, 7 pm, 7:30 pm
- Highlights: Enjoy a night cruise with fireworks, panoramic views from Mt. Hwangnyeongsan, and illuminated landmarks like Busan Cinema Centre, with all admissions and round-trip hotel transport included
- Inclusions: Round-trip hotel transport, professional photographer guide, skip-the-line access to attractions
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 110+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We’d seen Busan by day, but nothing prepared us for how magical it looks at night. The reflections on the water, the glow of the skyline, and the energy in the air made this one of our favorite evenings in the city. This guided night tour took us to the best viewing spots on land and sea, complete with a spectacular fireworks display.
Our guide, Steve, met us at our hotel and immediately made the evening feel easy and relaxed. We started at Suyeongman Bay Yachting Center, where we boarded a night cruise. Watching the city lights drift past, then bursting into color with the fireworks, felt like something out of a movie.
Next, Steve drove us up to Mt. Hwangnyeongsan Observatory for panoramic views of Busan twinkling below, a real “wow” moment. We ended the night at the Busan Cinema Centre, its futuristic roof lit in shifting colors, before Steve dropped us back at our hotel.
It’s a perfect choice if you want to experience the romance and vibrancy of Busan after dark without worrying about logistics.
For sparkling skyline views—book this adventure here!
Related Read: After your night tour, make sure you have a great hotel! Our guide on where to stay in Busan can help you find one!
5. Discover Busan’s hidden gems on a private tour
- Duration: 4–8 hours
- Time: Multiple times between 7 am and 1 pm
- Highlights: Discover Ahopsan Forest, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Bupyeong Market, and more on a flexible private tour with hotel pickup, coastal scenery, and a customizable itinerary
- Inclusions: Private and round-trip transport, professional guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Having the freedom to explore a city at your own pace can make all the difference, and this private hidden gems tour delivered exactly that. It felt like having a friend in Busan who knew all the best spots, from peaceful forests to bustling markets, and could tailor the day around what we wanted most.
We started with the serene Ahopsan Forest, where bamboo and ancient trees created a quiet escape from the city. At Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched dramatically on the coastline, we listened to the waves crash below while admiring the temple’s intricate details.
Our guide kept the day flowing smoothly, weaving in short photo stops at iconic places like Gwangan Bridge before leading us into the sensory overload of Bupyeong Market. Here, we tried everything from kimchi cucumbers to fresh seafood, following her lead to the best stalls.
Later, we wandered through the colorful lanes of Gamcheon Culture Village and ended with a breezy walk across the Songdo Yonggung Cloud Bridge, suspended above the sparkling sea.
If you want a day that blends iconic sights with off-the-beaten-path treasures, this private tour is hard to beat. And if you still need convincing, just check out the glowing five-star reviews here to find out why this private tour is ranked among the best in Busan!
Plan your perfect Busan day and book this flexible tour here!
6. Enjoy the freshest seafood on a tour of Jagalchi Market
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 8 am, 10 am, 5 pm, and 7 pm (depending on option selected)
- Highlights: Visit Jagalchi Fish Market, choose fresh seafood like octopus, scallops, and sashimi, then enjoy a home-style meal with lessons on making clam soup, plus insights into Korean food and drinking culture
- Inclusions: Local guide, bottled water, all cooking equipment, tastings
- Rating: 5 stars (check 70+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
Busan is famous for its seafood, and this half-day experience let us dive right into the heart of it, quite literally in some cases. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a hands-on introduction to Korea’s seafood culture, from market to table.
Our guide met us at the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, where stall after stall was piled high with everything from wriggling octopus to glistening scallops. We got to touch, handle, and choose exactly what we wanted for dinner, learning along the way about local favorites like rock fish sashimi and flounder, as well as seasonal specialties such as yellowtail in winter.
From there, we walked to our host’s home, where the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming from the moment we stepped inside.
Watching our meal come together was a highlight in itself. We learned how to make a fragrant clam soup with a rich, savory Asian sauce, and sampled a feast of steamed scallops, stir-fried shellfish, sashimi, and even raw small octopus for the brave among us. Between bites, we chatted about Korean food and drinking traditions, making the evening feel as much like a cultural exchange as it was a dinner.
If you want to experience Busan’s seafood scene like a true local, this tour is an absolute must.
Taste, learn, and feast—book this seafood adventure today!
7. Capture the beauty of Busan on a night photoshoot tour
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 7 pm
- Highlights: Capture Busan’s night beauty at Gamcheon Culture Village, Nuribaragi Observatory, Cheonghak Waterside Park, and Hwangnyeongsan Mountain with a small group and a professional photographer
- Inclusions: Transportation from meeting point, five edited pictures with professional camera equipment, photo items, and props
- Rating: 5 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
There’s something extra magical about Busan at night, and this small group photography tour let us experience it while coming home with professional-quality photos to remember it by. It felt more like an evening out with friends than a formal tour, with our guide doubling as a talented photographer and storyteller.
We began at Gamcheon Culture Village, where the colorful hillside houses took on a softer, dreamlike glow under the streetlights. Our guide knew all the best angles and even brought props to make the photos more fun and personal.
At Nuribaragi Observatory, we looked out over Busanhang Port, Busan Tower, and Yeongdodaegyo Bridge shimmering in the moonlight, while at Cheonghak Waterside Park, the ever-changing lights of Busan Harbor Bridge created a completely different atmosphere.
The final stop at Hwangnyeongsan Mountain gave us sweeping, 360-degree views of the city lights, stretching as far as the eye could see. Between locations, we shared stories with fellow travelers, picked up little-known facts about the city, and laughed a lot, making the evening as much about connection as photography.
If you want to enjoy Busan’s night views and have stunning images to take home, this tour is worth every moment!
Secure your spot on this small-group photography tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
8. Cook like a local in a hands-on Korean cooking class
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Prepare Korean dishes like bibimbap, seaweed soup, and pancakes in a small-group class, wear a traditional apron, learn Joseon-era cooking traditions, then enjoy your creations with dessert at a traditional dining table
- Inclusions: Local guide, all dishes, coffee/tea
- Rating: 5 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Few experiences connect you to a place like learning to cook its food, and this 3-hour cooking class gave us a genuine taste of Korean culinary tradition. Held in the heart of Haeundae, it blended hands-on learning, cultural history, and plenty of delicious moments.
Our instructor, Min, greeted us warmly with a welcome drink and the offer to wear a traditional apron once worn by palace chefs. She had a wonderful way of making everyone feel at ease, whether you were an experienced cook or holding a knife the wrong way up.
We began by tasting Korea’s essential sauces before moving on to our own cooking stations. Min guided us through making bibimbap, seaweed soup, and crispy Korean pancakes, offering helpful tips and sharing stories from the Joseon dynasty as we worked.
When our dishes were ready, we sat down at a traditional bapsang table, though chairs were available for those who preferred, and enjoyed the meal we had created, followed by tea and a light Korean dessert. The class ended with a participation certificate and plenty of laughs as we posed for photos with our new friends.
If you want to take a piece of Korean culture home with you, this class is the perfect mix of learning, eating, and fun.
Savor this tasty Busan experience and book this cooking lesson here!
9. Escape to a floral paradise on an Oedo Island day tour
- Duration: 13 hours
- Time: 7 am to 8 am, depending on pickup location (dates vary)
- Highlights: Visit Oedo Island’s botanical gardens, enjoy scenic ferry rides, see coastal views at Haegeumgang, stroll Windy Hill, and ride the Geoje Panorama Cable Car, with round-trip travel and entry fees included
- Inclusions: Round-trip transport, professional guide, ferry ticket, cable car ticket, Oedo Island entrance ticket
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Sometimes you just need a day surrounded by beauty, and Oedo Island delivers it in every direction. Once a remote rocky outcrop, it’s now a stunning botanical garden set in the middle of Hallyeohaesang National Park, and this full-day tour made getting there effortless.
We left Busan by air-conditioned coach, then boarded a ferry that offered panoramic views of the coastline and the striking rock formations of Haegeumgang along the way.
Arriving at Oedo Botania felt like stepping into another world. Immaculately landscaped terraces, vibrant flowerbeds, and sweeping ocean views unfolded at every turn, with photo opportunities you’ll want to linger over. From perfectly sculpted gardens to the deep blue sea stretching out beyond the cliffs, it was hard to know where to look first.
After exploring the island, we visited Windy Hill, a grassy slope with a working windmill and drama-worthy sea views, literally, since it’s been featured in several Korean TV shows. The final highlight was the Geoje Panorama Cable Car, gliding high above the island with postcard-perfect views of green hills, turquoise waters, and the charming coastal town below.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic escape from the city, this day trip is pure joy from start to finish!
Swap city buzz for sea breezes and book this adventure here!
10. Hike mountain trails and taste traditional rice wine
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Hike Busan’s highest mountain with a local, discover hidden villages, enjoy sweeping views, and relax with authentic Korean rice wine (Makgeolli)
- Inclusions: Local guide, all tastings
- Rating: 5 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We wanted to see a side of Busan that most tourists miss, and this hiking and rice wine experience turned out to be one of the most authentic afternoons of our trip. It combined the beauty of the mountains with the warmth of local hospitality in a way we’ll never forget. This 4.5-hour guided adventure took us high above the city, into hidden villages, and straight into the heart of Busan’s weekend culture.
Our guide met us at Oncheonjang Station, and after a quick bus ride, we were on the trail to Busan’s highest peak. The climb was steady but not too challenging, with plenty of breaks to take in the sweeping views and snap photos.
Along the way, we passed quiet forest paths and tucked-away homes, the kind of places you’d never find without a local leading the way. Reaching a small mountain village felt like stepping into a different pace of life.
There, we settled into an old-style street stall, or “Pocha,” and shared a bottle of fresh, locally made Makgeolli with a spread of banchan (side dishes). The conversation flowed as easily as the rice wine, and it truly felt like being welcomed into someone’s weekend routine.
If you’re looking for fresh air, good company, and a taste of Busan’s more social side, this tour is an easy choice!
Get free 24-hour cancellation when you book this epic hike here!
Related Read: For a deeper dive into planning your trip, check out our detailed 3-day Busan itinerary here! It’s packed with tours, food, and local tips!
Where to Stay in Busan, South Korea
Now that you know the best things to do in Busan, it’s time to figure out where to stay. The city has everything from world-class luxury hotels to modern mid-range picks and budget-friendly options—without breaking the bank.
But here’s the thing: hotels in Busan book up quickly, so if you see availability for your travel dates, you’ll want to snag it right away. We’ve sorted through the best options for every budget and travel style, so you can find the stay that’s just right for you. Let’s check them out!
The Westin Josun Busan – $$$
Located right on the edge of Haeundae Beach, The Westin Josun Busan offers stunning ocean views and direct beach access. The rooms are spacious and modern, and the hotel features amenities like an indoor pool, spa, and several on-site restaurants. It’s also within walking distance of Dongbaek Island and the Haeundae Blueline Park, making it an ideal base for sightseeing and relaxing.
Rooms start around $600 USD per night, and you can check availability online here.
NewCZ Centum Hotel – $$
Located near Seomyeon in the heart of Busan’s shopping and nightlife scene, NewCZ Centum Hotel offers cozy apartment-style stays at an excellent value. The rooms are stylish, quiet, and well-equipped, making it a great option if you want to be close to cafes, restaurants, and public transport. We’ve stayed here multiple times and can’t recommend it enough!
Rooms start around $400 USD per night, and you can check the availability online here.
Gwangalli-Planet16 – $
Gwangalli-Planet16 is a modern, high-rise hotel located just steps from Gwangalli Beach, offering unbeatable views of the Gwangan Bridge, especially when it lights up at night. The rooms are clean, bright, and minimalist in style, with many featuring panoramic ocean views. It’s a fantastic choice if you want a beachfront stay with easy access to cafes, bars, and the coastal promenade without breaking the bank.
Rooms start around $175 USD per night, and you can check the availability online here.
For more options, see all the best hotels in Busan on Booking.com here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Busan has a way of pulling you in—whether you’re wandering its colorful hillside villages, breathing in the ocean air at Haeundae, or exploring a tucked-away mountain village. We hope this guide helps you plan a trip that’s as fun, flavorful, and unforgettable as this lively coastal city deserves to be.
We’ve spent a lot of time exploring Busan and beyond, and South Korea keeps surprising us with new adventures every visit. If you’re planning a bigger trip through the country, be sure to check out our other South Korea blogs here, packed with local tips, favorite tours, and hidden gems. And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, we think you’ll love these guides just as much:
Where to Stay on Jeju Island, South Korea: 6 Best Areas & Hotels
10 Best Things to do in Seoul, South Korea
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Jeju, South Korea: The Best 3-Day Itinerary