Busan's Best Oceanfront Activities
- Maria DiCicco
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
While the bustling port of Busan offers cruise passengers a nice day out for shopping and city street snacks, I found that Busan also offers an incredible coastal atmosphere.
To supremely enjoy the area landscape, I've gathered up some of the best oceanfront activities in Busan from seafood havens, scenic train and cable car rides, and other fun surprises.
Indulge in fresh shucked oysters, clams grilled over a charcoal grill at your own table, and stunning sea views perfect for the Busan traveler.
Let's dive in!
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Incredible Sea Views and Scenic Vistas in Busan
Wander the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
While there are about a bajillion Haedong Yonggungsa Temple tours that pair a visit with many other Busan attractions, the general admission for the temple is actually free.
Go first thing in the morning to avoid tour crowds, with some people even favoring to go at sunrise.
When you arrive, expect a decent amount of stairs. My kid is long out of her stroller, but we faced this issue at many temples in Japan when she was little and it was a struggle. I often travel with my parents too, and I know older knees just don't love stairs, so take note!
You can also expect a touristy thoroughfare on the way into the temple - shops, kiosks, food stalls, etc. Personally, I love the kitsch. Others there for serenity may find it off color. You do you.
Snap some photos, wander, and move on to the next great adventure along the coast road!
Ride On the Songdo Marine Cable Car
A rather inexpensive ride, the Songdo cable car is a cheap and relaxing way to see the whole of Busan from the air. It connects riders between Songdo Sky Park and Songdo Bay Station for a quick 10-15 minute scenic ride.
Just for Fun
When I was researching the map view for the cable car, I randomly stumbled upon the Foot Bath Cafe View on the other side on the bay. Could be worth a foot soak overlooking the water. Why not?
Take the Mipo Ferry
Take the Mipo Ferry at the Haeundae Mipo Terminal for a fun experience feeding seagulls shrimp crackers. It takes about an hour round trip. No need to buy tickets in advance.
Stay at the Westin Josun Busan - Right on Haeundae Beach
Enjoy sea views and endless beachfront right in front of your hotel at The Westin Josun Busan. It's an affordable 39,000 Marriott Points a night, but it also won't break the bank if you pay out of pocket.
Go to Gwangalli Beach for Nighttime Views
Head to Gwangalli Beach in the evening to see light shows illuminate the Gwangan Diamond Bridge, or stay for date night vibes at the oceanfront beer halls and eateries. Night tours often include other Busan sites as part of the fun.
Treat Yourself to DIY Beachfront BBQ and Glamping
When I saw this place on Instagram, I was instantly intrigued. The Moving Caravan Hotel is a small campground with retro campervans for overnight stays offering seaviews and DIY beachfront barbecues.
Visitors can also book on their site for 'lunch camping' without the overnight stay, where you get to cook up a KBBQ feast in one of their A-frame teepee picnic areas. It's a total vibe and a must do for influencers and Instagram queens.
Enjoy the Haeundae Sky Capsule & Beach Train
This adorable little box car train runs between the Haeundae Market area at Mipo down through the clam joints at Cheongsapo operating like a scenic overwater metro train.
It's 'sister train' as we'll call it, the Haeundae Blueline Park Beach Train, goes a little further to Songjeong Station, but it doesn't quite reach the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. You'll want to grab alternative transportation for that.
If you take the sky capsule, plan on a semi-private or private car (they seat up to 4 people per car), and about a 30 minute ride each way.
The sky capsule is a super fun way to go from the beach area and market down to the Cheongsapo seafood restaurants - a perfect day out on the waterfront.
A few things to note:
The sky capsule stops running a little after sunset.
Tickets should be booked in advance on the direct website or on Klook, which is an English-friendly popular booking platform for Asian tours.
In peak months, tickets DO sell out. Ticket sales are released in four week slots, so start looking for your date and time about 4-6 weeks out from travel.
Tickets are timed, and sunset rides are popular. Take note!
The beach train and sky capsule are different. Book the 'package' for a one way trip on each.
Pro Tip: Take the sky capsule to dinner from Mipo to Cheongsapo and walk back if you can't catch the final Beach Train for the night. The Busan Green Railway is a safe wooden boardwalk that follows the same 2KM track as the train. You'll get to walk off your dinner, enjoy the evening views of the ocean and skyline, and it's only about 30-45 minutes to stroll back to the beach area.
Visit the Daritdol Skywalk and Lighthouse
Giggle at the see through pier and take in some sweet views at the glass-bottomed Daritdol Skywalk, also in Cheongsapo.
The Best Seafood Experiences in Busan
Check Out the Cheongsapo Grilled Clam Restaurants
As part of this grand plan (sky capsule + seafood dinner in Cheongsapo), you've got to plan ahead for a stellar seafood dinner at one of the oceanfront eateries.
These places specialize in platters of jogae-gui mo-eum (grilled clams set), scallops, and other shell fish - perfect for grilling atop a charcoal flame at your table. In the cooler months definitely tack on some seafood ramyeon to round out the experience.
Hot ticket restaurants include Doheenae, which has a very Florida-vibe familiar atmosphere, Suminine, which has a more authentic, almost industrial vibe, and Jogae View, which offers a sleek and polished environment.
Visit Jagalchi Market
To see the source of all the seafood, head over to Jagalchi Fish Market. The busy market is close to myriads of other great shopping and traditional market options (see more about the market experiences here), but Jagalchi in particular is famous for being South Korea's largest seafood market. So there's that.
Definitely make time to walk around and visit while you are in Busan.
Don't Leave Without Trying Jjukkumi
Want to challenge your taste buds? Try the octopus and brisket dish served on a piping hot stone plate and watch your dinner wriggle to its eventual resting place in your stomach.
I didn't try this myself, but on my parent's last visit to Busan, they gave it a go and loved it! They compared it to pulpo in Spain, and many folks ended the dish with rice for a soccarat style crunchy finish.
Take the Drive to the Busan Oyster Villages on Gadeokdo Island or Geoje Island
Drive over the bridge about an hour or so to this island near Busan, famous for its oysters between November and February. You can take this (totally expensive) Busan Oyster Village Tour, or seek out the adventure on your own.
Go to The Oyster Place for a full set of oyster dishes or get an oyster pancake called guljeon. Remember to go in season to see the shuckers and fishermen at work!
As an aside: This article was written with knowledge of Busan from previous visits, and research on an upcoming visit. Look forward to more first hand insights and photos in March 2027!
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