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As South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan offers modernity with a rich tradition, making it an exciting tourist destination. Known to most, Busan is famous for its picturesque beaches and is easily accessible by public transport system. If you would like to experience the best of Busan while on a budget, there are many attractions you can do while keeping your pocket-friendly. Through this guide, you will find the top 10 free attractions in Busan you must visit!
What are the top 10 free attractions in Busan?
1. Haeundae beach (해운대 해수욕장)
Haeundae Beach is one of Korea’s most famous and popular beaches and boasts a wide stretch of golden sand with clear blue waters. High-rise hotels, cafes, and restaurants stand as a backdrop for the beach, creating a vibrant urban atmosphere against the natural beauty of the sea.
While visiting the beach and enjoying free-spirited time is free, they come with a fee if you wish to enjoy water sports. More information about activities and beach closure periods can be found here.
If you love slow walks and enjoy nature, the Haeundae Walking Trail is perfect for you! It features a well-maintained scenic coastal walking path where you can go for leisure strolls, jogging, or even cycling in some sections. Most importantly, it is one of the top free attractions in Busan, so be sure to add this to your itinerary when you visit Busan!
Closest subway station: Haeundae station (해운대역) on line 2
2. Jagalchi fish market (자갈치 시장)
Known as Korea’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi Fish Market offers an impressive array of seafood and you can surely expect fresh catches since it is near fishing ports. Don’t miss trying dishes like raw fish and live octopus!
With Jagalchi fish market being one of the top free attractions in Busan, you can simply immerse yourself in the local bustling market life. Nonetheless, if you wish to try the best seafood dishes here in Jagalchi, this place will not disappoint. Furthermore, despite being a fish market, there are other varieties of goods like sauces, dried goods, and local delights that you can buy home as souvenirs.
Closest subway station: Jagalchi station (자갈치역) on line 1
3. Busan Modern History Museum (부산 근현대 역사관)
We can’t miss out on the Busan Modern History Museum as one of the top free attractions in Busan! The museum is located in a well-preserved building that reflects styles from the early 20th century and showcases significant events like the Japanese occupation, the Korean War, and the city’s rapid modernisation.
Entry to the museum is free so visitors can learn about the city’s history through free exhibits and interactive displays. If you would like to dive deeper into the rich history of Busan, there are guided tours and workshops to provide insights into various aspects of Busan’s history and culture.
Closest subway station: Jungang station (중앙역) on line 1
4. Taejongdae Resort Park (태종대 유원지)
Taejongdae Resort Park is an amazing natural destination located on the southern coast of Busan. The park boasts breathtaking coastal views and lush landscapes where you can spend a lively time outdoors and enjoy nature.
To fully experience the beauty of Taejongdae Resort Park, it also features well-maintained walking paths and hiking trails that wind through beautiful forests and along the rugged coastline. Another one of the top free attractions in Busan is the Taejongdae Lighthouse, which is a prominent landmark within the park itself.
As entry to the park is free, it makes it an affordable destination for nature lovers where you get to enjoy the coastal cliffs and hiking trails with breathtaking views.
Closest subway station: Nampo station (남포역) on line 1 and then switch to bus 8, 30, or 113
5. Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을)
Widely known as the Machu Picchu of Korea, Gamcheon Culture Village is definitely one of the top free attractions in Busan you must not miss! The village is famous for its steep paths and streets filled with unique murals. Its colorful houses and rich cultural history are an adventure itself, with surprises around every corner.
The village also features many charming cafés and souvenir shops that offer refreshments and locally made crafts, allowing visitors to take a piece of Gamcheon home.
The best thing about the village? There is no entrance fee to explore around! So be sure to make your way to the village for a delightful experience, and it will surely be one of your most memorable spots.
Closest subway station: Toseong station (토성역) on line 1, followed by a walk
6. Beomeosa Temple (범어사)
Let us tell you why Beomeosa Temple makes it to our list of the top 10 free attractions in Busan. First of all, entry is free so visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings without any cost. Beomeosa Temple is a tranquil Buddhist temple founded during the Silla Dynasty. To date, the temple is steeped in history and has served as an important site for Buddhist practice in Korea for centuries.
The temple showcases beautifully crafted buildings, adorned with intricate paintings and carvings that depict Buddhist symbols and teachings. There are also traditional stone pagodas and Buddha statues contributing to the temple’s spiritual ambiance.
Nestled at the foot of Geumjeongsan Mountain, the temple offers a serene environment for meditation and reflection, making it an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is also surrounded by mountains and nature, providing opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.
If you would like to spend more time in a serene environment, they also offer Temple Stay Programs (charge for a fee) for a more immersive experience in monastic life, meditation, and spiritual teachings. Nonetheless, if you just want to take a short visit during your trip, we highly recommend listing this as one of your top free attractions in Busan to visit!
Closest subway station: Nopo station (노포역) on line 1, followed by a short bus ride (bus 90)
7. Nampo-dong (남포동)
Nampo-dong is a lively and dynamic district that features shopping and dining streets. Lined with various shops and cafes, the district caters to all tastes and budgets. You will find that the area is compact and walkable, allowing visitors to explore its many attractions on foot and most importantly, it is free!
Nampo-dong is also easily accessible via subway or bus, making it a perfect spot for leisure shopping walks or to immerse yourself in the local culture. If you love exploring unique boutique shops or local delights, this is one of the top 10 free attractions in Busan you must visit.
Closest subway station: Nampo station (남포역) on line 1
8. BIFF Square (부산국제영화제 광장)
BIFF Square, an abbreviation for Busan International Film Festival Square, is a vibrant cultural hub located in the heart of Busan, near the Nampo-dong area. When you are done exploring the vibrant streets of Nampo-dong, you can make your way to BIFF Square for another unique experience.
Did you know that BIFF Square is the main venue for the annual Busan International Film Festival? Which is also one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals! The square also features handprints of famous Korean and international filmmakers, scattered around the ground.
Access to BIFF Square is free throughout the year and is centrally located, making it convenient for visitors to explore the area. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or simply looking to soak in the local culture, BIFF Square is one of the top 10 free attractions in Busan you must not miss!
Closest subway station: Nampo station (남포역) on line 1
9. Yongdusan Park (용두산 공원)
Home to Busan Tower, Yongdusan Park is a destination you can’t miss in Busan. The Busan tower stands 120 meters tall and offers stunning panoramic views of Busan’s skyline and the surrounding mountains. The park also features beautiful gardens and walking paths making it a great spot for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying the outdoors.
The park is also home to the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a revered figure in Korean history. Entrance to the park and its amenities is free, allowing everyone to enjoy its beauty without any cost.
Whether you’re looking to take in the stunning scenery, explore historical monuments, or simply relax in a tranquil setting, Yongdusan Park is a wonderful place to visit!
Closest subway station: Nampo station (남포역) on line 1
10. Oryukdo Skywalk (오륙도 스카이워크)
Last on our list of the top 10 free attractions in Busan is Oryukdo Skywalk! You can expect a clear glass path that extends 35 meters out over the cliff, allowing visitors to see directly beneath their feet while providing thrilling and unparalleled views of the ocean.
The area around Oryukdo Skywalk includes walking trails, so visitors can stroll while taking in the views, and capturing memorable photos at the same time.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just want to relax and take in the scenery, Oryukdo Skywalk provides a free unforgettable experience in Busan!
Closest subway station: Kyungsung Univ. Pukyong Nat’l Univ. station (경성대·부경대역) on line 2, followed by a bus ride (bus 24, 27 or 13)
We hope that through this guide, you will be able to enjoy the top 10 free attractions in Busan! If you are keen in studying Korean in Busan, we partner with prestigious schools like Silla University and Kyungsung University! Contact us about living and studying in Korea and remember to follow the Go! Go! Hanguk blog for more content.
