Busan is South Korea’s second largest city. It is absolutely amazing and should not be skipped! The whole atmosphere in Busan is more laidback and relaxed compared to Seoul. We also love Busan’s views thanks to the ocean and beautiful surrounding mountains.
You can reach Busan from Seoul in just over 2 hours by riding on the KTX train. We went to Busan right after visiting Jeonju and arrived there using the intercity bus instead.
During our two weeks South Korea trip, we went to Busan for 3 days. So here is how we spent our 3 days in Busan with kids:
Haedong Yonggusa temple
This picturesque temple is a must visit in Busan. It takes just over 30 minutes to get here from Busan city centre. We recommend visiting early in the morning to help you experience the peaceful and serenity of the temple. Haedong Yonggusa temple’s oceanside setting is very pretty. It is the most beautiful temple in Korea – says the sign above the entrance!
Haeundae sky capsule
Go on this cute 30 minute capsule ride as you admire Busan’s coastline. It’s quite unique and the views are nice, young kids will enjoy it. You NEED to book your tickets online in advance (they get sold out). Buy either a one way or return ticket.
If you’re planning to only do a one way ride, we suggest taking the Cheongsapo to Mipo station direction. The wait line is much shorter! Mipo station is by far the busier station.
You can plan your day by visiting Haedong Yonggusa temple in the morning then catch a taxi to Cheongsapo station for the sky capsule ride afterwards. While waiting for your sky capsule ride there are a few nice oceanside cafes for you to relax in.
Gamcheon cultural village
As the most visited tourist attraction in Busan, we suggest getting here early. Like 9am latest early! There are a lot of group tours and cruise liner day visitors here. Gamcheon village isn’t that big, and you will appreciate enjoy it better without the heavy crowd. Take your time visiting Gamcheon’s small shops as the souvenirs are quite unique.
Views of Gamcheon cultural village is best seen from just outside the village. Go to cafes like the Coffee it house for amazing views. And the Ajuma running the cafe is very sweet!
FREE birds eye view of Busan city skyline
Save some $ by skipping the paid entrance to Busan Tower and head to Lotte Department Store Gwangbok instead. The observation (more like a giant rooftop) deck located on the 13th floor is free for all visitors. There are various lookout points, a cafe, even dog exercise area! Don’t’ miss the lifting of the Yeongdo Daegyo bridge at 2pm.
While at Lotte department store you can also see the 10 minutes indoor musical water fountain show that runs hourly from 11am. Visitors (especially kids) can’t get enough of it, staff working at the department stop seem to be sick of watching it a million times.
Seafood feast at Jagalchi Market
This is Korea’s largest (multi-level!) fish and seafood market. You can purchase them as take away or you can get them prepared for dine in. We visited during opening day of the annual Busan Jagalchi Festival! It was super busy. Our boys loved seeing all the exotic seafood here. Even though we didn’t eat here, we were impressed with the selection and how clean the whole market is.
Jagalchi is right across the street from Lotte Department Store Gwangbok
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market
This covered food market is home to many local cuisines. As it opens early – and is right opposite the hotel we’re staying, we came here for a hearty breakfast of tteokbokki and fish cake noodle soups (Yes Koreans eat BIG breakfasts). And for dinner we tried the pork gukbap from Miryangjip (which was featured on Netflix series “A Nation of Broth”).
Shopping at Gwangbokro culture & fashion street
Busan’s largest shopping street is very happening! So many affordable shops line up this street; from fashion wear, make up, stationary and randoms shops selling toys. On the weekends you can catch local performances here as well. Think K-pop wannabes, breakdancers and older ladies line dancing.
Cable car Songdo bay station
A famous destination for local families as the Sky park at the top has a great family friendly observation deck, an outdoor playground and dinosaur animatronics! Plenty of street food stalls too. You can also explore the hiking trails up there and visit the Songdo Yonggung suspension cloud bridge.
Haeundae beach
This is Korea’s most popular beach! Stroll along this beach and let the kids have some outdoor fun. For parents, there are plenty of cafes for your caffeine (ice americano) fix.
Santorini of Busan
Walk along the trail of Hynyeoul Munhwa Maul culture village. It has picturesque ocean views, Instagramable murals and many cool cafes (we stopped by n Cafe Aether). Not our favourite place to visit, looks better in the photos, but still worth a quick stop.
Shinsegae Centumcity
Need a break from sightseeing? This massive shopping complex is registered in the Guinness World Records largest shopping complex in the world 2009. It has hundreds of shops, an ice rink, movie theatre, golf range and the famous spa land where you can experience Jjimjilbang Korean bath house.
ACCOMMODATION
There is certainly no shortage of family friendly accommodation options is Busan. Catering to all budgets, there are plenty of family friendly hotels. We chose to stay at GnB Hotel – positioned right across Bupyeong Kkangtong Market. There were restaurant streets nearby, within walking distance to Gwangbokro shopping street, Lotte Department Store Gwangbok and Jagalchi Market.
For other places we have visited, checkout our website’s travel Destinations section. We buy our travel essentials online via Ebay
