Located on the southeastern coast of South Korea, along the Korea Strait, Busan is one-part coastal retreat, one-part bustling metropolis—and all ripe for discovery. As your Seabourn ship arrives in port, you’ll be welcomed by rolling hills, charming neighborhoods, youthful energy, and a rich history. Not sure where to head first? Whether you’re just exploring for the day or you have the luxury of time thanks to an overnight stay in Busan, here are a few must-try experiences, both well-known and off the beaten path.

Gamcheon Culture Village

Arguably Busan’s most famous attraction, the Gamcheon Culture Village is a vibrant wonderland of art and activity. Originally a small village where people fled for safety during the Korean War, this humble hillside neighborhood has been remade into a living arts experience full of creativity and community. Wander its narrow alleyways and winding pathways to see colorful houses, murals, unique art installations, and quirky cafes and shops.

Traveler tip: At one of the three entrances to the village, pick up a stamp collection booklet and turn your visit into a scavenger hunt. The booklet guides you through the village’s best landmarks and rewards you with stamps when you find each location.

Haedong Younggungsa Temple

Perched on a beautiful rocky cliff overlooking the water, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is perhaps Busan’s most recognizable spiritual space. While most temples in Korea are in the mountains, this one embraces the beauty of the ocean. Take an hour or so to wander the grounds and marvel at the colorful pagodas, intricate details, and sense of peace that emanates. As you explore, keep an eye out for 12 Zodiac animal statues, each representing a year of the lunar calendar.

Traveler tip: Purchase a candle, light it and make a silent wish while placing it alongside the candles of other visitors.

Bupqeong Kkangtong Market

There’s no better way to get a feel for daily life and the culinary traditions of a destination than to visit a local market. Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, called Tin Can Market because it's where rations were delivered during the Korean War, is one of Busan’s most dynamic and historic marketplaces. Visit during the day to see the everyday hustle and bustle or stop by after night falls when the market comes alive with aromatic street food, neon signs, and a festive vibe.

Traveler tip: The market is best known for street food and snacks, making it the perfect place to sample multiple items. Be sure to bring cash—most vendors don’t accept cards and paying with cash will make it easy to hop between stalls and sample lots of local dishes.

Haeundae Sky Capsule

When you think of a monorail, “whimsical” might not be the first word that comes to mind—but then you haven’t ridden the Haeundae Sky Capsule yet. Hop aboard a retro-style monorail car, day or evening, and take a leisurely two-kilometer, 30-minute ride along the coast. The cars are impossibly cute and perfectly private, seating groups of up to 4. Sit back, relax, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures.

Traveler tip: While you can depart from either Mipo or Cheongsapo Station, starting at Mipo gives you the best ocean views.

Gwangalli Beach

While Gwangalli Beach’s beautiful views and small waves make it perfect for daytime beachcombing and splashing around, it’s so much more than somewhere to sink your toes in the sand. It’s also the place to be when the sun goes down. The Gwangan Bridge puts on a colorful, hourly light show in the evenings and local musicians set up shop along the beach each night for impromptu performances. Keep your eye out for the illuminated art installations (they’re the perfect place for a surfside selfie).

Traveler tip: Leave enough time to explore the neighborhood around the beach. You’ll find over 300 restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Ahopsan Forest

Busan is a city of 3.4 million people, so sometimes it’s nice to get out of town and into the beauty of nature. Located in the hills right outside of Busan, Ahopsan Forest is a 128-acre bamboo forest with over 20 types of native bamboo and many other types of foliage. You’ll feel a world away from the busy city as you feel the cool mountain air, walk shaded trails, and see the sunlight streaming through the canopy.

Traveler tip: If you’re a fan of Korean dramas, keep your eyes peeled. The Ahopsan Forest has been used as a filming location for multiple Korean dramas, including The King: Eternal Monarch and Moon Lovers.

Jagalchi Fish Market

With an enviable oceanfront location, Busan is a seafood lover’s paradise. Marvel at the bounty of the sea at Jagalchi Fish Market, the biggest fish market in the country. Wander the aisles until you find just what you’re looking for—flounder, mackerel, rockfish, sea bass, clams, crab, and oysters are all commonly on display. Vendors will prepare it raw on the spot, or you can have it cooked at one of the restaurants located just upstairs.

Traveler tip: Many stalls at the market are run by women, known as “Jagalchi Ajumma.” They’re known for their strong voices, no-nonsense attitude, and serious negotiation skills. Meeting them is an invaluable part of your market experience.

Dongbaek Island

Despite its name, Dongbaek Island is actually a can’t-miss peninsula for nature lovers and photographers, located within the city limits. Its coastal trail, made up of a raised wooden deck, is a peaceful walking path that offers views of Haeundae Beach and Gwangan Bridge—so don’t forget your camera! The circular trail offers a walking path through the woods or stop by the Lighthouse Observatory for panoramic ocean views.

Traveler tip: Between December and June, Dongbaek Island is awash in color, thanks to an abundance of camellia flowers. In fact, “Dongbaek” is the Korean word for camellia.

Shinsegae Centum City

Ready to shop ‘til you drop? Shinsegae Centum City is so much more than a shopping mall. It’s an experience. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest department store in the world, this massive destination is a sprawling complex full of luxury boutiques, well known clothing stores, restaurants, an ice rink, golf driving range, movie theater, and even a rooftop garden. An afternoon here is a great way to get a glimpse of modern Korean life.

Traveler tip: Once you’re all done shopping, indulge in a treatment at the on-site day spa, called Spaland. While they have treatments from all over the world, you’ll want to visit the jjimjilbang, a traditional Korean bathhouse and sauna.

Bosu Dong Book Street

Calling all bookworms. Before you depart to your next destination, swing by Bosu Dong Book Street and pick up something to read on your way to your next port of call—you'll find books in many languages. North of the busy BIFF Square, this tiny alleyway is bursting with tempting stops for book lovers, including used bookstores, comic book shops, magazine stalls, and small shops with collectibles.

Traveler tip: Embrace the slower pace of life in this little corner of Busan, where books are often piled from floor to ceiling. Purchase a title, find a quiet table at a local cafe, and get lost in your new book.

On an ultra-luxury Seabourn cruise, you’ll be front-and-center for everything Busan has to offer. Immerse yourself in the history, traditions, cultures, and flavors during your time in port—some of our departures even feature overnight stays, giving you more time to find your favorite corner of this dynamic city.